Severe Urban Development Worsens Flooding Crisis in Gujarat

An IIT Gandhinagar study highlights how recent severe flooding in Gujarat was exacerbated by rapid urban development, altered elevations, and compromised drainage systems. Researchers emphasize the need for urgent reassessment of urban planning to enhance resilience against concurrent extreme weather events, stressing the importance of scalable emergency response strategies.

Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar (IIT-GN) have attributed recent severe flooding in parts of Gujarat to a combination of severe weather, rapid urban development, and compromised drainage systems.

Between August 20 and 29, heavy rains caused extensive flooding in 15 out of Gujarat's 33 districts, with figures showing these regions exceeded their typical 10-year rainfall return periods.

The analysis underscores the urgent need to reassess urban planning and infrastructure resilience, advocating for robust emergency response strategies to manage the complexities of concurrent extreme weather events.

(With inputs from agencies.)