PM Modi Greenlights India’s First Urban Flood Management Project Post Chennai Deluge.
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given the green light to a comprehensive urban flood mitigation project for Chennai, allocating a budget of Rs. 561.29 crore from the National Disaster Mitigation Fund (NDMF). This groundbreaking initiative, addressing the pressing need for effective flood management, comes as Chennai grapples with its third major flooding event in less than a decade.
With a significant Central assistance of Rs. 500 crore, the ‘Integrated Urban Flood Management activities for Chennai Basin Project’ aims to fortify the city against the recurring threat of floods. The project represents a proactive approach to tackle the challenges posed by urban flooding and enhance Chennai’s resilience to such natural disasters through comprehensive flood management strategies.
Focusing on the improvement of the city’s infrastructure for better rainwater management, the project aims to minimize the impact of excessive rainfall, reducing the risk of flooding and safeguarding the lives and livelihoods of residents. This project stands as a pioneering effort in urban flood mitigation in India and is anticipated to serve as a model for developing a broader framework adaptable to other metropolitan areas facing similar risks.
The announcement comes at a critical juncture as Chennai copes with the aftermath of the recent deluge, causing widespread disruption. The city’s airport has witnessed flooding, leading to the suspension of flight operations, while waterlogged streets have paralyzed transportation and impacted daily life.
This comprehensive flood mitigation project signifies a crucial step towards long-term solutions for managing urban flooding, providing much-needed relief for Chennai and setting a precedent for similar efforts in other vulnerable regions. The urgency of implementing such measures is underscored by the active engagement of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and other agencies in ongoing rescue and relief operations.
