Why are urban floods a recurrent feature in India ? Discuss the main causes of urban floods and measures taken by the Government(s) for urban flood control.
In short
Urban floods recur in India because rapid urbanisation, encroached water bodies, outdated and waste-blocked drains and fragmented governance meet more intense rainfall. Government measures include NDMA's 2008 urban flood guidelines, the Urban Flood Risk Management Programme, Smart Cities flood monitoring and AMRUT 2.0 lake rejuvenation.
Model answer
Ghissu Editorial · Verified 4 Oct 2026 · 265 words
Fragmented Governance
Urban flood management suffers from overlapping roles among municipal, state, and central agencies, causing coordination gaps; Andhra Pradesh’s 123 ULBs face solid waste management issues with only 4 sanitary landfills operational (2022).
Policy Framework
NDMA’s 2008 National Guidelines on Urban Floods recognize urban floods as distinct and emphasize preparedness; the Smart Cities Mission and UFRMP support flood risk assessment and infrastructure upgrades.
Encroachment and Drainage Deficits
Unplanned construction in floodplains, especially in Visakhapatnam and Andhra Pradesh cities, blocks natural drainage; outdated drainage systems fail during intense rainfall.
Limited Green Infrastructure
Despite Water-Sensitive Urban Design recommendations, adoption remains low, reducing stormwater absorption capacity.
AMRUT 2.0
Rejuvenation of urban lakes, tanks and green spaces restores natural storage that absorbs stormwater.
Monsoon Action Plans
Cities are urged to develop localized flood preparedness using spatial rainfall data, but many Andhra Pradesh cities lack comprehensive risk atlases.
Integrated Water Management
Enforce drainage master plans with green infrastructure to enhance resilience.
Strengthen Local Bodies
Empower ULBs with resources to improve waste management and drainage maintenance.
Technology Use
Expand urban watershed modelling and real-time flood monitoring for proactive response.
Community Engagement
Promote awareness and sustainable land use in vulnerable areas.
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Question from the official APPSC Group-I Mains 2017 paper. Answer written by Ghissu's engine and checked against our editorial standards. Found an error? Tell us and we correct it within 48 hours.