Urban Flooding and Drainage Challenges in Gurugram: A Resilience Framework

Abstract

Gurugram, a rapidly urbanizing city in India's National Capital Region (NCR), has experienced rapid development over the past few decades. However, this growth has come at the cost of inadequate urban planning and drainage infrastructure, leading to recurrent urban flooding, particularly during the monsoon season. This paper investigates the key causes of urban flooding in Gurugram, including unplanned development, inadequate drainage systems, loss of natural water bodies, and the effects of climate change. By analyzing the city's drainage infrastructure and its socio-economic impacts, the study proposes a comprehensive resilience framework to mitigate the risk of flooding. The framework emphasizes the restoration of natural ecosystems, the modernization of drainage infrastructure, climate-adaptive urban design, and community participation. Furthermore, it explores governance and policy interventions necessary to improve urban flood management and suggests the integration of smart technologies for flood monitoring and early warning systems. The recommendations provided offer practical steps for building long-term flood resilience in Gurugram, safeguarding both its residents and infrastructure.