Mains Practice Questions

Approach:

• Introduce the answer by briefing about the rising urbanisation and disaster issues related to it
• Give key arguments to how Disaster Risk is increased due to Unplanned Urbanization
• Suggest Measures to Promote Sustainable Urbanization and Reduce Disaster Risk
• Conclude suitably

Introduction:

In India, urbanization has grown rapidly over the last few decades, with more than 34% of the population now living in cities. However, this unplanned urbanization has led to significant vulnerabilities, increasing disaster risks.

• Rather than being merely the result of natural hazards, many disasters in India are exacerbated by poor urban planning, infrastructure deficits, and environmental degradation, which make urban areas more susceptible to extreme weather events, floods, and other natural calamities.

Body:

Increased Disaster Risk Due to Unplanned Urbanization:

• Urban Heat Island Effect and Extreme Heatwaves: Unplanned urbanization in cities like Delhi has significantly worsened the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect, where built-up areas become significantly hotter than their rural surroundings.
  • For instance, in 2024, Delhi recorded a scorching 49.9°C, and the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) reported a rise in heatwave days from 2000–2020.
• Flooding and Drainage System Collapse: Unplanned urban sprawl leads to impermeable surfaces (paved roads, concrete buildings), preventing the natural absorption of rainwater.
  • The heavy urbanization of flood-prone areas, combined with climate change-induced extreme rainfall, has made urban areas like Bengaluru and Chennai highly susceptible to recurring flood events.
• Coastal Vulnerability and Sea-Level Rise: Cities along India's extensive coastline, such as Mumbai and Kochi, face rising risks from sea-level rise, coastal erosion, and saltwater intrusion.
  • Unchecked urban expansion along these areas has led to the destruction of mangroves, which serve as natural barriers against storm surges and erosion.
  • The 2019 Cyclone Vayu and Cyclone Biparjoy in 2023 displaced thousands, causing significant infrastructure damage.
    • The coastal zone is further threatened by unsustainable port expansion and sand mining, which weaken the natural defences against storm surges.
• Water Scarcity and Droughts: Unplanned urbanization exacerbates water scarcity in cities. Over-extraction of groundwater, coupled with pollution and poor water management systems, has led to water stress in cities like Chennai and Bengaluru.
  • Over-reliance on groundwater has caused declining water tables (especially in Punjab) and put enormous stress on water supply systems, leading to shortages during the dry season.
• Risk of Earthquakes in Seismic Zones: Many urban areas, especially in northeast India and Himalayan states, are located in seismic zones prone to earthquakes.
  • However, unplanned and informal construction in these areas, without adherence to building codes, increases the risk of large-scale devastation during seismic events.
  • For example, in Sikkim, where the 2023 glacial lake burst resulted in massive flooding and loss of life, informal urbanization on fragile lands compounded the damage.
• Environmental Stress and Resource Management Challenges: Urban centers in India are also facing mounting environmental stresses, including pollution, waste mismanagement, and inadequate waste disposal systems, which have compounded the effects of climate change-induced disasters.
  • Cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata face chronic air and water pollution, which significantly affects public health during disasters like heatwaves and flooding.
    • The absence of green infrastructure and pollution control measures exacerbates these challenges.

Measures to Promote Sustainable Urbanization and Reduce Disaster Risk:

• Integrated Urban Planning and Zoning Regulations:
  • Sustainable land use policies should prioritize resilient urban infrastructure and protect ecologically sensitive zones, such as floodplains, coastal areas, and steep slopes.
  • Zoning regulations should prevent construction in high-risk areas (e.g., flood-prone regions, earthquake zones).
• Green Infrastructure and Urban Ecosystem Services:
  • Increasing green cover by promoting urban forests, parks, and green rooftops can significantly mitigate the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect and reduce temperatures in cities, thereby lowering the impact of heatwaves.
  • Rainwater harvesting, wetland restoration, and the creation of urban water bodies can enhance stormwater management, reducing the risk of urban flooding caused by poor drainage.
  • Encourage the use of permeable materials for roads and pavements to allow better water absorption and reduce waterlogging.
• Climate-Resilient Infrastructure and Building Design:
  • Disaster-resistant construction standards must be incorporated into building designs. Urban areas should adopt climate-resilient materials to withstand extreme weather events like floods, heatwaves, and cyclones.
  • Investing in resilient infrastructure such as elevated roads, flood barriers, and stormwater drains designed to handle intense rainfall events can mitigate flood risk in urban areas.
• Sustainable Mobility and Reducing Carbon Footprint:
  • Promoting public transport and non-motorized transportation (walking, cycling) can reduce the urban carbon footprint and air pollution, a critical factor during heatwaves.
  • Encouraging electric vehicles and car-free zones can reduce air pollution and contribute to cleaner, healthier cities.
  • Smart traffic management and reduced vehicular congestion also play a role in reducing urban stress and enhancing overall resilience.
• Efficient Waste Management and Pollution Control:
  • Waste segregation and composting should be incentivized at the household and community level to reduce the burden on landfills, which are often a source of contamination and fire hazards.
  • Circular economy principles must be adopted to ensure waste minimization and resource efficiency, reducing environmental degradation.

Conclusion:

As John F. Kennedy once said, “The time to repair the roof is when the sun is shining.” India must invest in sustainable urban planning, disaster-resilient infrastructure, and environmental management to mitigate the increasing risks and protect its growing urban populations from the looming threat of natural disasters.