Battling the Deluge: Delhi Needs Better Flood Management

As per the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), floods are one of the most fatal disasters in India. Human-induced climate change and unusual variations in long-term weather patterns have led to deadly phenomena in recent years, such as flash floods.

Every monsoon, urban areas across India face the relentless menace of flash floods. Cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, and Kolkata are not immune to this catastrophic phenomenon. In Delhi NCR, the torrential downpour during the first two months of the monsoon has already claimed many lives and caused damage worth millions.

In a heart-wrenching incident in Delhi’s Ghazipur, a young woman and her son lost their lives due to flash flooding. Just a week earlier, three civil service aspirants tragically drowned in a basement in Delhi’s Rajendra Nagar area. These incidents have sparked widespread outrage over the city’s disaster preparedness, civic management, and the need for climate-resilient infrastructure.

An eyewitness, who wished to remain anonymous, described the horror near the coaching institute in the following words,

“As the rainwater began to rise, it swiftly inundated the streets, turning them into rivers. The situation grew dire in a matter of minutes, with water gushing into buildings, shops, and other establishments.” The floodwaters quickly filled the basement, trapping the students inside. Panic spread, and by the time rescue teams arrived, three young lives had been lost.

Similarly, in Ghazipur, a woman and her son drowned after falling into a drain shows the poor drainage system.

City’s Poor Infrastructure

These tragic incidents have ignited a public outcry over Delhi’s inadequate infrastructure, lack of disaster preparedness, and poor civic management.

Residents have accused the civic authorities of apathy. They argue that the city has become overcrowded, and instead of finding new spaces for establishments like coaching institutes, basements and dilapidated properties are being used illegally for commercial purposes.

Following the tragedy, the Delhi Municipal Corporation sealed numerous basements and properties across the city, revealing widespread non-compliance with guidelines for basement utilization. However, these quick-fix solutions are insufficient to combat disasters of this magnitude.

Delhi’s Flash Flood Vulnerability

A draft report by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) highlights Delhi as one of the world’s fastest-growing cities. The city’s population surged from 14 million in 2001 to 16 million in 2011, making it one of India’s most densely populated areas. By 2030, Delhi is projected to become the world’s second-largest city, with a population expected to reach 37 million.

The population boom exerts immense pressure on civic services and infrastructure, including water supply, sanitation, waste management, housing, healthcare, and education. Seasonal monsoons often lead to flash floods, exacerbating these challenges. Unauthorized construction and rapid population growth have worsened drainage problems, raising concerns about sustainable development and the quality of life for residents.

The NDMA has noted that Delhi has experienced numerous floods in the past due to the Yamuna and Najafgarh Drain systems. The Yamuna River has crossed its danger level 25 times in the past 33 years. Significant floods occurred in 1924, 1947, 1976, 1978, 1988, and 1995, with the most severe in September 1978 and 1988.

As per Delhi Disaster Management Authority, Delhi Environment Status Report: The WWF for Nature-India report (1995) emphasized that since 1978, the flood threat to Delhi has increased. Local flooding has become more frequent, with urban areas characterized by impervious surfaces like roads and pavements. The loss of green spaces has led to high surface water run-off, causing flash floods even after moderate rainfall. The river’s high levels further contribute to waterlogging, taking days to manage.

Need for Urgent Intervention

The recent flash floods and tragic deaths highlight the urgent need for improved civic management and environmental preparedness. Delhi’s inadequate drainage infrastructure, urban sprawl, illegal construction, and encroachment on natural water bodies have all contributed to the crisis.

These incidents underscore the necessity for immediate and stringent action by the authorities to prevent such tragedies. Ensuring the safety and well-being of residents requires proactive measures, better infrastructure, and effective governance. The administration must address these critical issues to restore faith and protect the lives of Delhi’s residents.

In addition to the infrastructural issues, political tussles have significantly hindered governance in the national capital. Delhi’s governance structure, which involves both an elected government and a Centre-appointed Lieutenant Governor, often leads to conflicts that stall essential work.

Recently, Delhi Government Minister Saurabh Bhardwaj acknowledged that the de-silting work had not been executed properly. He blamed the Lieutenant Governor for failing to take action against corrupt officers responsible for the shoddy work.

This dual governance system frequently leads to impasses over policy issues. The elected government often claims that its efforts are hindered due to a lack of support from the Lieutenant Governor. Such conflicts highlight the broader issue of governance inefficiency in the capital.

It is crucial to grant greater autonomy to the elected government to ensure smooth functioning. Enhanced coordination between the elected representatives and the Lieutenant Governor’s office is essential. Only then can responsibilities be clearly defined, and the various government bodies involved in Delhi’s governance can work efficiently to combat such disasters.