Permeable surfaces key to solving urban flooding in Indian cities like Bengaluru

With every heavy downpour, Bengaluru’s streets turn into rivers, exposing the city’s chronic flooding problem. While authorities often blame outdated drainage systems, experts argue that the real culprit lies in the rapid concretization of the urban landscape. Footpaths, parks, and road medians—once natural absorbers of rainwater—are increasingly sealed under concrete and asphalt, leaving stormwater with nowhere to go.

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

Vanishing Open Soil and Its Consequences

The loss of open soil has far-reaching consequences. Rainwater, instead of soaking into the ground, flows over impermeable surfaces, overwhelming stormwater drains and causing flash floods. This also hampers groundwater recharge, worsening water scarcity in the long run. Bengaluru, like many Indian cities, is witnessing the consequences of poor planning and disregard for natural hydrology.

Global Models Offer a Way Forward

In contrast, global cities are embracing nature-based solutions. China’s ‘Sponge City’ project uses green roofs, wetlands, and permeable pavements to manage urban flooding. Berlin enforces sponge-city norms in new developments, while Singapore’s ABC Waters initiative has transformed flood-prone zones into eco-friendly water management systems.

Urgent Need for Policy Enforcement

India already has the technical know-how. The Indian Roads Congress provides guidelines for porous construction materials and sustainable drainage. However, weak enforcement and fragmented governance continue to undermine these efforts. A shift towards permeability-focused planning is critical to build flood-resilient and sustainable urban futures.