search
  • 10 Urban Flood Adaptation Strategies Towards a Flood-Resilient India

    The Urban flood is posing significant challenges to human settlements worldwide. The impact of the urban flood can be catastrophic in urban areas due to increasing population density and extensive infrastructure. As climate change intensifies, the frequency and severity of urban floods also increase. India witnessed several catastrophic urban floods in the 21st century.

    Over the past two decades, there has been a dramatic expansion of the built-up area of Indian cities. Recent developments are emerging in low-lying areas due to soaring prices and a lack of available land in the city centre. Encroachment of wetlands, lakes, and rivers obstructs excess water drainage, resulting in waterlogging. Urban heat islands are increasing the temperature, causing an increase in rainfall.

    In short, poor drainage maintenance is just a minor reason. Unplanned developments are the elephant in the room that requires immediate mitigation. Let us explore how and why the urban flood impacts the country. Thus, let us explore two cases of urban floods caused by poor urban planning to understand the impact of the urban flood in India.

    Read through to find 10 strategies for flood resilience in the urban context of India.

    Urban Floods of India: The Case of Delhi Floods 2023

    Delhi has always pioneered urban planning, which inspires cities across the nation. Despite such intensive planning, floods loomed into the capital city in 2023. The prime cause of the floods was unplanned development and ignorance of the land profile and hydrological studies. The ring roads choke the water flow, and Delhi plans for a third ring road despite detailed studies done by the National Capital Region Planning Board decades ago. Tunnels and flyovers developing in low-lying areas are increasing by the day. Thus, the planning is inert and conservative and needs to evolve sustainably. 

    Urban Floods of India: The Case of Chennai Floods 2015

    The Chennai Floods (2015) became the year’s most expensive natural disaster, with a loss of over 50,000 crore rupees. Even though there was heavy rainfall in the area, the blame still falls on rapid urbanisation. Due to the absence of green infrastructure, there is no buffer to stop the floods. The artificial lakes and grey infrastructure were not sufficient to prevent flooding. Despite the rescue team starting within a day, more than 500 people died, 50,000 damaged homes, and relocation of over 1.8 million people. Thus, Chennai Floods were a lesson for future urban planning in the country.

    10 Practical Urban Flood Resilience Strategies

    1. Adoption of Bioretention Systems

    Bioretentions are landscape features adapted to provide a channel for stormwater runoff and onsite storage. They effectively remove sediment and heavy metals from water bodies. Bioretentions take up less space and can be easily plugged into an urban area. In addition, it also provides green aesthetics to an otherwise grey land. There are three kinds of bioretentions:

    a) Basins or Rain gardens: At the time of floods, the pooled water will travel either into the ground or an underdrain through a filter bed. They do not have any conveyance features.

    b) Bioswales: Broad and shallow vegetated channels designed to redirect and store runoff. It provides stormwater pretreatment to remove coarse and medium sediments.

    c) Street Trees: Street tree pits collect water from nearby impermeable areas. These require considerable depth between the inlet and outlet for root growth.

    2. Incorporate Blue Roofs

    Looking down on a green skyscraper rooftop in The Loop, downtown Chicago.

    Blue roofs are similar to vegetated roofs that can hold precipitation and discharge in a controlled manner through a vertical outlet after a flood or storm. The design of a blue roof can hold up to 8 inches of precipitation. It allows water to evaporate before discharging. Blue roofs allow redirecting water slowly to another green infrastructure like a bioretention system or a stormwater sewer.

    3. Install Permeable Pavements

    Permeable pavements and pavers have void spaces to allow easy flow through and temporary storage in an underground stone base. The retained water can be then discharged into the soil or through an underdrain. Installing these pavers can greatly reduce runoff peak volume, while effectively removing heavy metals, oils, and grease.

    4. Plan for Underground Storage Systems and Receptacles

    Underground storage tanks detain runoff through underground cables, which slowly release the water. Installing storage tanks does not take up much space and can be built beneath roads and parking lots. The design of underground tanks allows storage of large volumes of runoff, thus having great potential to reduce the impact of flooding and peak discharge. Underground receptacles can be of various types:

    a) Culverts: A structure that channels water past a barrier or underground waterway.

    b) Engineered stormwater detention vaults: A subterranean vault designed to control runoff on a developed urban street.

    c) Perforated pipes: Pipes with small holes to allow the absorption and dissipation of water below the ground.

    5. Plant a Stormwater Tree Trench

    Stormwater Tree Trench consists of a row of trees connected to an underground infiltration system. There is visually no difference compared to any planted tree. But below ground level, the trench on which the tree sits has multiple layers of gravel and soil, which filters and stores runoff. It provides good water quality and reduction in runoff and requires fewer maintenance as compared to bioretentions.

    6. Vegetated Forebay

    Vegetated or Sediment Forebays with an aquatic bench (vegetation barriers) are pools or settling basins designed near the inflow points of existing detention ponds, bioswales, wetlands, infiltration basins etc. It traps sediments and allows it to settle before reaching these tanks. It can enhance water quality, reduce maintenance efforts and also removes dissolved substances from runoff like phosphorus.

    7. Utilise Extended Detention Wetlands

    Extended Detention Wetlands can enhance existing wetlands in urban areas as a tool to create a natural barrier from floods and be a part of its preservation. It reduces the risk of flood and improves water quality alongside ecological benefits. While a regular wetland can store floodwater and release gradually, extended detention wetlands allow water to stay in the wetlands for an extended period of time. This method can increase storage time for floodwater and improve water quality.

    8. Build Flood Barriers

    Flood barriers such as levees, seawalls, and dikes can protect buildings near the waterfront. Levees are natural embankments formed from continuous accumulation of alluvium. Floodproofing and barrier systems like TrapBag are low cost and can protect property and life from flash floods, storms, mudslides, etc.

    9. Create Engineered Logjams

    Logjams were a primitive technique for blocking rivers using a cluster of logs. Engineered logjams are a nature-based solution that works on a similar mechanism. Wood can act as a flow barrier and deflect the flow of water away from the protected area. It can also nurture biotic habitats and build biological communities. ELJ provides shade, thus limiting direct heat from the sun, which can cause rain in the area.

    10. Removal of Unwanted Dams

    Dams can have serious environmental impacts if not built properly. It can stop water from reaching certain regions, leading to drought and heat. It also obstructs fish and wildlife migration, leading to the endangerment of many species. Although dam elimination can be a complex task, removing unwanted impoundments can improve the quality of water by allowing free flow. Natural flow increases dissolved oxygen and natural sedimentation. It also prevents the heating of water due to its free movement.

    The main aim of flood-resilient planning is to minimise the impacts of the urban flood on buildings and communities by adopting innovative strategies and technologies to enhance the resistance, adaptability, and recovery of structures in flood-prone areas. Since we know the current issue, why wait for the impact and damage to happen to spark change? By implementing a combination of these measures, urban areas can enhance their resilience to floods, reduce property damage, and ensure the safety of residents during extreme rainfall events. Since we, as architects and planners, can influence change, shouldn’t we anticipate the outcome and start exploring mitigation strategies for the urban flood?

    Text By: Gopika Pramod

    Marble House: 25 Classic Indian Marble Design Ideas

    Marble house designs in the Indian context constantly change and upgrade with time but never go out of style. Marble a timeless and versatile material, finds its application in various settings ranging from flooring to ornamentation. If you are looking for marble house ideas to add a touch of quality and luxury to your home, […]

    Read More

    Small Bathroom Layouts: How to Maximize Space and Style

    In small bathroom layouts, every square inch counts. Without a thoughtful plan, a small space can quickly become cluttered, making it feel even more cramped. The right bathroom layout not only enhances functionality in interiors but also creates a sense of openness. Think about it—how frustrating is it to move around a bathroom where the […]

    Read More

    TV Unit Design In Bedroom: 15 Stunning Ideas For Indian Homes

    Creating a TV unit design in bedroom requires the right balance of functionality, optimization, and aesthetics to enhance the space. Apart from cots and wardrobes, TV units in a bedroom play a pivotal role in captivating an individual’s attention. Keeping in mind, the design theme and concept of your home, the TV unit design in […]

    Read More

    An Indian Retreat Nestled Amidst The Vast Paddy Fields Exudes Quiet Grace and Rustic Elegance | UNBOX

    In the serene countryside of Vaiyampatti, an Indian retreat nestled amidst the vast expanse of paddy fields stands a humbly placed farmhouse exuding quiet grace and rustic elegance. It is a perfect setting, reminiscent of William Wordsworth’s “Solitary Reaper”. Editor’s Note: “Inspired by the timeless charm of Nalukettu architecture, this Trichy residence is enveloped by […]

    Read More

    The Interior Design of this House is Designed with Close Attention to Detail | Nirman Solutions

    Nestled in the serene locale of Banswara, Rajasthan, the exquisite interior design of this 6500 sq.ft. house epitomizes elegance and functionality, which the designer and now the house owners call is “sukoon.” Designed with meticulous attention to detail, this 3 BHK home seamlessly integrates a library, a rejuvenating jacuzzi, a modern gym, and an inviting […]

    Read More

    The Ekam Retreat Breathes Nature and Life into an Abandoned House | Ark Architecture Studio

    Ekam Retreat is a renovation project amidst the scenic terrains of Amboori, Trivandrum, Kerala. The project aimed at breathing new life and nature into an abandoned house. The walls of the house had significant damage and were left to the forces of nature. Editor’s Note: “The renovation of this residence in Trivandrum is a harmonious […]

    Read More

    20 MM Marble: The Industry Standard Globally

    20 MM marble has become the industry standard used by architects, designers, and builders alike, though there are many options for what material to use. It is not an accident that it is rapidly becoming the global number one. This thickness in marble provides special advantages, with 193 of the 195 countries using only 20 […]

    Read More

    This House in Amritsar Whispers the Grandeur of Indo-British Architecture | Studios PMB

    This 5,735 square-foot house in Amritsar whispers the timeless grandeur of Indo-British architecture with a quiet yet commanding elegance. The residence and its elegant and subdued design pays homage to a regal past, offering a subtle yet impactful narrative through its carefully curated interiors. The house in Amritsar essence captures the delicate balance between heritage […]

    Read More

    This Aesthetic House Design is of an NRI Family | Prashant Parmar Architect | Shayona Consultants

    Beautiful interiors blends with the aesthetic and functional house design, creating spaces that are visually appealing and comfortable. Featuring a harmonious colour palette, thoughtful lighting, a mix of textures and materials, and personalised touches. Elegant furniture arrangement and smart storage solutions further enhance the overall design, making each room both inviting and practical. Creating a […]

    Read More

    This Baroda House Brings Together Contemporary and Ethnic | JIHAN ASSOCIATES

    In this Baroda house project, we bring together a blend of two seemingly different styles – contemporary and ethnic – to create a unique and visually stunning space bathed in understated luxury. Interior design is all about creating spaces that reflect the individuality and style of the homeowner. The client Yashwant bhai Shah came to […]

    Read More
  • The Red Wall Residence is a Wonderful Paradigm of How Modern Architecture and Tropical Environment Blends | i2a Architects Studio

    Why you should decorate your rooms with wallpaper?