Sponge city- response to urban floods

Abstract

Weather-related disasters are becoming increasingly frequent. Floods and drought are the leading cause of natural disaster deaths worldwide. And responsible for 6.8 million deaths in the 20th century. Asia is the most flood-affected region, accounting for nearly 50% of flood-related fatalities in the last quarter of the 20th century. Urban flooding is caused by unregulated development, poor storm water management and improper channelization of drainage system. Sponge city concept is a solution for urban flooding and it will also solve the problem of urban water security. This thesis is focused to identify causes of flooding and solution for it. Another objective of this thesis is to identify different approaches and best practices at national and international level which can be applied in Indian cities to solve the problem of urban flooding and water scarcity. This study will include solutions for urban flooding which will also give solutions for water scarcity. Different approaches and guidelines will be studied to identify solutions for urban floods, water scarcity and infrastructural problems. Bhopal city witnessed floods two times in last 2 years. Recent flooding was in 2016 and now in 2018 Bhopal city is facing water scarcity problem. Being capital of Madhya Pradesh, Bhopal city is facing rapid urbanization and due to urbanization infrastructure system is not capable to soak and channelize the excess rain water which causes urban Flooding. This study will identify that why Bhopal City is facing problem of urban flooding even after having such good topography and natural vegetation and give solution for this. Sponge City is a concept which was introduced in China and it will be beneficial for our country too.