1. PM Modi approves India’s first urban flood mitigation initiative for Chennai.
2. The project allocated Rs. 561.29 crore under the National Disaster Mitigation Fund.
3. Critical step to fortify the city against recurrent flooding threats.
Chennai, Dec 07: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given the green light to India’s inaugural urban flood mitigation initiative, addressing the escalating challenge of floods in Chennai. The project allocated a budget of Rs. 561.29 crore under the National Disaster Mitigation Fund (NDMF), signifies a critical step in fortifying the city against recurrent flooding threats.
Chennai has been grappling with the devastating repercussions of floods, marking the third such calamity in less than a decade. The city’s vulnerability to extreme weather events underscores the pressing need for effective flood management solutions in India’s urban landscapes.
The ‘Integrated Urban Flood Management activities for Chennai Basin Project,’ backed by a significant Central assistance of Rs. 500 crore, represents a proactive response to the escalating risks of urban flooding. The initiative is strategically crafted to enhance Chennai’s resilience against natural disasters by implementing comprehensive flood management strategies.
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This pioneering project prioritizes the augmentation of the city’s infrastructure to adeptly manage excessive rainwater, mitigating the risk of flooding and minimizing adverse impacts on residents’ lives and livelihoods.
Its innovative approach positions it as the first-of-its-kind initiative in India, setting a precedent for urban flood mitigation endeavors nationwide. The project is anticipated to serve as a model, offering a scalable framework adaptable to safeguard other metropolitan areas confronting similar flood risks.
The timing of this announcement is particularly crucial as Chennai contends with the aftermath of the recent deluge, resulting in widespread disruption. The inundation of Chennai’s airport has prompted the suspension of flight operations, and waterlogged streets have paralyzed transportation, significantly affecting daily life.
In response to the immediate challenges posed by the recent flood, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and other agencies are actively engaged in rescue and relief operations.
However, the approval of this urban flood mitigation project underscores the imperative of implementing enduring solutions to address the long-term risks and vulnerabilities associated with urban flooding in Chennai and other susceptible areas.
