Silent Sinking: India's Megacities Face Land Subsidence Threat

A study on land subsidence across India’s five megacities, including New Delhi and Chennai, warns of risks to 19 lakh people due to subsidence rates exceeding four millimeters annually. Researchers used satellite data to analyze over 13 million buildings, finding 2,400 already at high risk of structural damage.

A recent study has unveiled concerning signs of land subsidence in five major Indian megacities, including New Delhi and Chennai, putting 1.9 million residents at risk as subsidence rates surpass four millimeters annually.

The research, conducted by Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, utilized satellite imagery from 2015 to 2023 to track changes, revealing that over 2,400 buildings already face significant structural risks. The study identified excessive groundwater use and dense urban infrastructure as key contributors to the subsidence.

Experts warn that if the sinking is not managed, more than 23,500 buildings could suffer severe damage over the next 50 years. The phenomenon intensifies threats from natural disasters like floods and earthquakes, particularly with New Delhi projected to become the world's largest megacity by 2030.

(With inputs from agencies.)