Chennai Faces Urgent Water Management Crisis with Rising Flood and Drought Risks
Chennai, one of India’s largest and most populous urban centres, finds itself at a critical juncture in its struggle to manage its water resources. A recent report has raised alarm about the city’s vulnerability to both floods and droughts, highlighting the dire need for immediate and far-reaching reforms. The report specifically points to the depletion of vital water bodies, such as the Kosasthalaiyar, Cooum, and Adyar rivers, as well as the city’s broader water management infrastructure. Without swift action, officials warn, Chennai could be ill-prepared for the severe weather events predicted to intensify with climate change.
The report paints a concerning picture of a city beset by inadequate infrastructure, poorly managed water bodies, and rapidly depleting natural resources. Despite receiving an average annual rainfall of 1,400 mm, much of the rainfall is wasted due to insufficient storage and drainage capacity, draining directly into the sea rather than being harnessed for the city’s needs. The study identifies several factors contributing to Chennai’s vulnerability, including encroachments on water bodies, pollution, and the gradual deterioration of the city’s rivers and lakes.
Officials, however, contest the findings and maintain that considerable efforts are already underway to tackle water management issues. While acknowledging the concerns raised, officials point to ongoing initiatives to desilt canals and restore lakes, ponds, and wetlands. They assert that the Corporation is actively enhancing green and grey infrastructure to improve the management of water bodies across the city. Despite these measures, the city’s water management challenges remain a pressing concern, particularly with the prospect of more intense rainfall and dry spells due to climate change.
One of the central recommendations of the report is the large-scale desilting of lakes and rivers to restore their original capacity to retain water. The study notes that many of the city’s lakes and ponds, once key reservoirs for stormwater retention and groundwater recharge, have been neglected for years, leading to a significant reduction in their storage capacity. If properly restored, these water bodies could help the city retain up to 80% of its rainfall as groundwater, addressing both the risks of flooding and water shortages.
Equally concerning is the state of Chennai’s sewage and drainage systems. The report criticises the city’s stormwater drains, which regularly carry sewage along with rainwater, exacerbating the problem of flooding. Officials in charge of water management, however, argue that new systems are being implemented, including decentralised sewage treatment plants and the installation of measures to keep solid waste from entering the water bodies. These steps, they claim, will improve the functionality of the city’s water infrastructure.
On the other hand, experts stress the importance of a more integrated approach to flood mitigation, which involves recognising the value of natural water management systems and green infrastructure. They advocate for afforestation, wetland restoration, and a more comprehensive strategy that includes removing encroachments on water bodies and protecting the city’s wetlands.
The ongoing debate highlights the challenges that rapidly urbanising cities like Chennai face in adapting to the pressures of climate change. As global temperatures rise, more extreme weather events are expected to become common. To cope with this, cities need to develop strategies that not only address immediate risks but also build long-term resilience. By restoring natural water systems, addressing pollution, and improving drainage infrastructure, Chennai can position itself as a model for sustainable urban development in an age of climate uncertainty.
In conclusion, while Chennai has made strides in its efforts to improve water management, the need for comprehensive reform remains undeniable. The city must act swiftly to bolster its infrastructure and safeguard its water resources against the increasing threat posed by climate change. Only through a united effort can Chennai hope to overcome its water management challenges and ensure a sustainable future for its residents