India to Invest $300 Million in Water Body Expansion and Flood Mitigation

India plans to spend $300 million over two years to expand water bodies and build drains in seven cities to reduce flooding and conserve water. This initiative will also introduce early-warning systems and implement nature-based solutions. The investment reflects growing concerns about water stress and urban flooding.

India is set to invest nearly $300 million over the next two years to expand water bodies and construct drains in seven cities, including Mumbai, Chennai, and Bengaluru, to mitigate floods and conserve water, according to a government official speaking to Reuters on Wednesday.

Flooding is a common issue in Indian cities during monsoon seasons due to rapid urbanization and clogged drains. Recent years have seen severe water shortages, particularly in cities like Delhi and Bengaluru, where water storage spaces have diminished. Moody's has warned that India's growing water stress could hamper its economic growth, projected at 7.2% for this fiscal year.

The federal government's spending, the first of its kind focused on water bodies for flood control, was recently approved and will also include early-warning systems, said Krishna S. Vatsa of the National Disaster Management Authority. Vatsa emphasized the importance of integrating storm water drainage with nature-based solutions, such as enhancing the capacity of rivers and lakes to manage rainwater. Out of the allocated 25 billion rupees ($298 million), Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata will each receive 5 billion rupees, and Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Pune will each get 2.5 billion rupees. No funds were allocated to Delhi due to its lower frequency of floods.

Vatsa stressed the need for long-term measures, especially as the country experiences significant rainfall in short periods. Mumbai recently experienced over 300 mm of rain in just six hours. "Continuous investment supported by strong governance measures is essential to mitigate the problem," he said.

(With inputs from agencies.)