Understanding City Floods

By : Ramachandran H , Kalaiarasan A

Page No: 10-25

Abstract
This study with empirical evidence attempts to illustrate the factors causing floods in Chennai, Tamil Nadu during December 2015 and January 2016. The factors that caused such large scale floods are not unique to Chennai, but apply to most city floods, whether in Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad or other large cities. The study, thus, argues, beside the unprecedented rain, encroachment of river beds and water bodies as the main factors that contribute to the floods. The study further maps the processes such as the regulatory changes in town planning and zoning violations that led such encroachment. The authors point out that many states have no regulations relating to construction activities along the river courses. The study also offers policy measures both preventive and curative to deal with city floods in India.

Authors :
Ramachandran H : Professor, Institute for Studies in Industrial Development, New Delhi
Kalaiarasan A : Assistant Professor, ,Institute for Studies in Industrial Development, New Delhi.
 

DOI: https://doi.org/10.32381/ATNAGI.2018.38.01.2