Climate Change Picks Delhi's Infrastructure Loopholes: Can Technology Rescue The Capital?

At the end of July, India’s capital saw a record-breaking rain spell. The incessant spell led to the deaths of three civil services aspirants near Delhi’s Old Rajinder Nagar area—a coaching hub for aspirants. The three students drowned in the basement library of a coaching institute, a provision which violated municipal laws. 

They weren’t the only casualties reported in the flooding and waterlogging. Reports said nearly 20 deaths were reported in Delhi over the past couple of months due to drowning or electrocution caused by waterlogging.

While it is true that IAS aspirants died  in climate change-caused rains, it can’t be just blamed on it. Rampant violations of building codes, poor drainage played a bigger role in that tragedy which shocked all.

Building Codes That Usually Get Overlooked

First, have building codes failed to keep up with the shifting climate zones? As climate changes over time, the intensity of winds, heat, and rain also changes. However, the codes haven’t been updated for these new realities, leading to buildings that might not withstand these impacts.  

Second, the building codes aren’t adjusted to accommodate growing populations and the increasing density of built environments. As cities expand and more people move in, the pressure on existing infrastructure grows. 

For example, if the Floor Space Index or FSI of an area is 1, the infrastructure is designed to support that specific (threshold) capacity. However, when projects like Metro come in, the FSI often increases dramatically, but the supporting infrastructure doesn’t grow at the same pace, leading to overcrowded and overstressed systems.

In many large metropolitan areas, there's a troubling trend where the increase in FSI or Floor Area Ratio (FAR), the ratio of a building's total floor area (gross floor area) to the size of the land upon which it is built, isn’t matched by a corresponding investment in infrastructure.

This mismatch poses a serious threat to India’s urban future, say experts. Without proper infrastructure to support higher density, the risks to safety, efficiency, and quality of life in cities are significant.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, is the issue of code violations. India is infamous for its widespread disregard of building codes. Extra floors are often built, buildings are repurposed, and extensions are made to increase space and boost real estate value. 

The basement library at the IAS coaching centre, where the aspirants lost their lives due to an illegal repurposing of the building’s basement, is a tragic example. The combination of outdated codes, pressure from increased population density, and rampant violations make it a recipe for surefire disaster in India’s urban spaces. 

Aside from the outdated building codes, gaps in Delhi’s drainage infrastructure pose another burden on the city-state.

Gaps In Drainage Infrastructure In Delhi

The city’s bowl-like topography makes effective drainage management crucial, requiring a well-designed stormwater system apart from the municipal drains. 
Unfortunately, the distinction between stormwater and wastewater drains has often blurred. This has put excessive pressure on treatment systems and clogged them.

Increasing concretisation has been adding to the troubles. Natural waterways and flow streams are diminishing, with channelisation and concretisation turning these streams into sewage dumps, raising the risk of contamination and hindering water recharge.

Delhi’s drainage infrastructure is based on the masterplan made in 1976. The new Master Plan of Delhi (MPD) with Vision 2041 was first approved by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) in June 2021 but is not yet notified. The MPD 2041 focuses on optimising water management with an emphasis on environmental sustainability and climate resilience. 

To address water scarcity, the plan includes water supply rationalisation in new developments, minimising additional stress on resources. It mandates 100 per cent wastewater treatment and reuse in new areas while encouraging these practices in existing ones. The plan also promotes low water consumption fixtures and prioritises the bulk reuse of wastewater generated in the city. 

Additionally, strategies for maximising stormwater retention and improving the efficiency of water systems are key components. This approach ensures Delhi manages its water resources effectively, considering both demand-supply and environmental sustainability.

However, all is not good with the plan. It does not come up with priority areas and actionable strategies, especially at the zonal level nor does it budget for it. 
This makes the plan more of an intention. That said, this is an important approach that needs to be taken up more seriously, especially in a way that responds to climate change and subsequently the building and infrastructure codes that come into play to achieve this. 

In all, the MPD 2041 outlines comprehensive flooding plans, but there are two key issues: first, the plan was formulated in 2021 and has yet to be enacted and implemented; second, while the plan shows intent through its provisions, it lacks localised zonal implementation strategies and an attached budget. 

The latest update on MPD 2041 is that no decisions have been made on the approval. It was made clear in the Lok Sabha by the Centre. The more the government delays this, the tougher it will get for them.

Climate Change Will Continue To Claim Lives If We Don’t Act Fast

While the gaps on the infrastructure front are obvious, what makes all of this more critical is how climate change is hurting due to the lack of infrastructure. A recent study by IPE Global and Esri has found that more than 84 per cent of districts in India are vulnerable to extreme heat waves. 

The study also found that 70 per cent of these areas will face a rise in the frequency and intensity of severe rainfall events.

The rainfall impact of climate change is already happening. In June, Delhi recorded 228.1 mm of rainfall, breaking the city’s 88-year-old record of the highest rainfall witnessed in 24 hours.

Recently, in light of the IAs aspirants’ deaths, the Delhi High Court formed a panel to review the capital’s infrastructure. The High Court remarked that it wasn’t surprising that Delhi is constantly facing one crisis after another. One day, it's dealing with a drought; the next, it's flooded. 

The heatwave conditions in May this year had caused a water scarcity in Delhi leaving residents chasing water tankers in some areas. 

The water scarcity was attributed to Delhi not getting its share of water from neighbouring states. However, it still underscored the need for a robust system of rainwater harvesting and stormwater harvesting. 

Establishing a robust water management system will not only help Delhi to be more adept at countering the climate change-triggered crisis, but will also replenish the region's water resources.

Leveraging Technology To Redress Unplanned Urbanisation

Delhi’s only way out of this mess is by re-examining and improvising on what has already been built and monitoring future built-up areas from the perspective of climate resilience. Using technology could help Delhi frame a cohesive plan for the future. 

Drones have revolutionised the way town planning is happening today. The Mangaluru City Corporation in Karnataka had planned to conduct a 3D digital twin drone survey. Its objective was to generate a databank to devise plans for numerous issues.

Among those issues, flood management as well as town planning are key issues that find resonance in Delhi’s situation. Delhi can take inspiration from Karnataka and utilise technology to come up with a comprehensive plan for the city. 

(This piece was written in collaboration with an urbanisation expert.)