Rapid urbanisation without adequate planning increases the vulnerability of cities to man-made disasters. Discuss with suitable examples.

GS1 Urbanisation
Rapid urbanisation without adequate planning increases the vulnerability of cities to man-made disasters. Discuss with suitable examples.

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The Hindu

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Introduction

Urbanization is a key driver of economic growth, with over 35% of India's population residing in urban areas (Census projections). However, rapid and unplanned urbanization, characterized by inadequate infrastructure, unauthorized constructions, and weak regulatory oversight, has significantly increased the vulnerability of cities to man-made disasters. The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015–30) emphasizes risk-informed urban planning as a prerequisite for resilient cities.

How Unplanned Urbanisation Increases Vulnerability to Man-Made Disasters

1. Unsafe Buildings and Fire Hazards

  • Violation of building codes, overcrowding, and poor safety standards increase disaster risks.
  • Example: Delhi coaching centre flooding (2024) and repeated fire incidents in commercial complexes and hospitals.

2. Encroachment and Infrastructure Stress

  • Construction on wetlands, floodplains, and drainage channels magnifies disaster impacts.
  • Example: Bengaluru floods (2022) were aggravated by encroachment of lakes and stormwater drains.

3. Industrial and Chemical Accidents

  • Urban expansion around industrial zones exposes large populations to hazardous substances.
  • Example: Visakhapatnam LG Polymers Gas Leak (2020) affected nearby residential areas.

4. Urban Flooding Due to Poor Planning

  • Inadequate drainage systems and excessive concretization prevent natural water absorption.
  • Example: Chennai Floods (2015) highlighted the consequences of unregulated urban growth.

5. Transport and Infrastructure Disasters

  • Overburdened transport networks and poor maintenance increase accident risks.
  • Example: Kolkata Vivekananda Flyover Collapse (2016) exposed deficiencies in urban infrastructure governance.

6. Waste and Environmental Hazards

  • Improper waste management can trigger fires, pollution, and public health emergencies.
  • Example: Frequent fires at the Ghazipur landfill, Delhi.

Measures Required

Planning and Governance

  • Implement scientific land-use planning and zoning regulations.
  • Enforce the National Building Code (NBC) and fire safety norms.

Infrastructure Resilience

  • Upgrade drainage, waste management, and public transport systems.
  • Promote climate-resilient and disaster-resilient urban infrastructure.

Technology and Monitoring

  • Use GIS mapping, digital building approvals, and early-warning systems.
  • Conduct periodic safety audits of critical infrastructure.

Community Participation

  • Strengthen local governance and citizen involvement in disaster preparedness.

Value Addition

Data

  • UN-Habitat estimates that urban areas will house nearly 50% of India's population by 2050.
  • According to NCRB and disaster management reports, urban fire incidents constitute a significant proportion of accidental deaths in cities.

Committee Recommendation

  • High Powered Committee on Urban Floods (2015) recommended protecting urban water bodies and integrating flood management into city planning.

Constitutional Provision

  • Article 21: Right to life includes the right to a safe and healthy environment.

Case Law

  • M.C. Mehta v. Union of India: Emphasized the principle of environmental protection and public safety in development activities.

Conclusion

As noted by the Sendai Framework, “disaster risk is largely constructed by development choices.” Rapid urbanization without adequate planning transforms natural and human-induced hazards into disasters. Therefore, India must adopt risk-sensitive urban planning, strict regulatory enforcement, and resilient infrastructure development to ensure that cities remain engines of growth rather than centres of vulnerability.