New Delhi: India plans to invest nearly $300 million over the next two years to enhance water bodies and build drainage systems in seven major cities, including Mumbai, Chennai, and Bengaluru. This initiative aims to address flood risks and improve water conservation, a government official disclosed on Wednesday, according to Reuters
Frequent and often deadly flooding during the monsoon season has plagued Indian cities, exacerbated by rapid urbanization that has led to the loss of city lakes and blocked drains. This problem is compounded by severe water shortages, particularly in Delhi and Bengaluru, where water storage capacity has significantly diminished.
In June, Moody’s warned that India’s growing water stress could impact its economic growth, which is projected to be 7.2% for the April-March fiscal year—the highest among major economies.
The federal government’s $298 million expenditure represents the first targeted flood control effort focusing on water bodies. This plan, recently approved, will also include the installation of early-warning systems, according to Krishna S. Vatsa, a member of the National Disaster Management Authority.
“It could become one of the most significant approaches to flood mitigation in the cities,” Vatsa said in an interview. “While storm water drainage is crucial, it must be complemented by nature-based solutions, such as enhancing the capacity of rivers and lakes to manage rainfall.”
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The allocation includes 5 billion rupees ($60 million) each for Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata, and 2.5 billion rupees ($30 million) each for Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Pune. Delhi was excluded from this allocation due to the selection criteria based on flood frequency and associated losses, Vatsa explained.
He emphasized the need for long-term strategies to cope with the increasing volume of rainfall. On July 8, Mumbai experienced over 300 mm (11.8 inches) of rain in just six hours, highlighting the urgency of investing in robust flood management systems.
“Whenever a city receives 100 mm of rainfall, flooding is almost inevitable,” Vatsa said. “Continuous investment and effective governance are essential to mitigate these issues.”
