Understanding Urban Flooding and Its Implications for Urban Campuses in India

Abstract

Urban flooding has emerged as one of the most critical challenges faced by rapidly growing cities in India. Changing weather patterns, rising sea levels, unregulated urban expansion, encroachment on natural drainage systems, and inadequate stormwater infrastructure have significantly increased flood vulnerability in urban regions. Major cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Bhopal, and many others have experienced recurrent flooding events in recent decades, leading to severe socioeconomic and environmental consequences. Urban campuses, often described as “micro-scale cities within macro cities,” are equally exposed to these threats due to their embeddedness within dense urban fabrics. As essential hubs of education, research, and community engagement, the resilience of these campuses is crucial for maintaining continuity of academic and social functions. This paper examines the causes and patterns of urban flooding in India, the vulnerabilities associated with urban campuses, and the need for integrated planning approaches to build climate-resilient campus environments.