Can Bengaluru become a sponge city to tackle its flood crisis?

Bengaluru has recently faced intense and unprecedented rainfall, with several areas like Sai Layout experiencing severe flooding. Tree falls were reported in Padmanabhanagar, Girinagar, and other parts of the city, leading to tragic fatalities. As flash floods become more frequent and urban infrastructure struggles to cope, experts are pointing to the "Sponge City" model as a potential long-term solution.

Also Read: Can Sponge City system address Bengaluru’s flash flood havoc? Read this story to know!

A "sponge city" is an urban design approach that aims to manage water in ways that mimic natural hydrological processes. The idea is simple yet powerful—make the city behave like a sponge. By integrating green spaces, permeable surfaces, and water retention systems, such cities absorb, store, and gradually release rainwater. This not only prevents flooding but also improves water quality and supports urban biodiversity.

In Bengaluru's case, experts argue that the core issue is not water scarcity, but inadequate storage. They advocate building extensive underground storage tanks to capture excess rainwater, which can then be used during dry periods. Cities like Munich have already adopted this model, constructing 13 underground tanks to manage flooding effectively.

Key features of a sponge city include green roofs, rain gardens, wetlands, permeable pavements, retention ponds, and bioswales. These elements retain and filter rainwater, reduce runoff, and recharge groundwater. Chennai has already begun implementing sponge city elements to address its own water management issues.

While the cost of transforming Bengaluru into a sponge city may be high, the long-term benefits in terms of flood control, water conservation, and climate resilience are immense. As extreme weather events become more common, this model offers a practical and sustainable path forward. It's time for Bengaluru to absorb the lesson—literally.