Urban flooding is the term used to describe the flooding of land or property within a constructed environment, especially in locations that are more densely inhabited (like cities), as a result of excessive rainfall that exceeds the capacity of drainage systems. Urban flooding, in contrast to country floods (heavy rain over flat or low-lying terrain), is a result of both increased precipitation and unplanned urbanisation (catchments).
Causes Of Urban Flooding:
Encroachment on drainage channels; unplanned tourism; climate change; Unplanned release of water from dams; Illegal mining
Impact Of Urban Flooding:
Loss of life and property; Negative impact on Ecosystem; Negative impact on Human and Animal Health; Negative Psychological impact.
Climate Change Impact On Costal India Cities:
Cropland turning unfit for production; Rise in sea level; Species Extinction; Chronic water scarcity; Increase in incidences of extreme events; Loss of biodiversity; Urban Heat Island.
Climate Smart Cities Assessment And Its Impact:
To inculcate a Climate-Sensitive Approach to Urban Planning and Development, the Climate Smart Cities Assessment framework, for 100 smart cities, was launched by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.
The framework has 28 diverse indicators, across 5 categories namely (i) Energy and Green Buildings, (ii) Urban Planning, Green Cover & Biodiversity, (iii) Mobility and Air Quality, (iv) Water Management and (v) Waste Management.
Sustainable Cities India Program:
The National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA) and the World Economic Forum have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to work together on a jointly developed "Sustainable Cities India programme."
It aims to create an enabling environment for cities to generate decarbonization solutions across the energy, transport and built environment sectors.