“India has the highest number of slum clusters in flood-prone areas”
Context
A study published in Nature Cities has revealed that India has the world’s largest number of slum dwellers living in flood-prone areas – over 158 million people, primarily concentrated in the Ganga delta region.
Key Findings of the Study
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Global Context:
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445 million people in the Global South live in flood-exposed informal settlements across 67,568 clusters.
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Slum dwellers are 32% more likely to reside in floodplains than non-slum populations.
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India-Specific Findings:
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India has the highest number of such clusters, followed by Indonesia, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Rwanda, northern Morocco, and coastal Brazil.
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40% of slum dwellers in India live in urban/suburban flood-prone areas, often for proximity to jobs and affordable living options.
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Why Floodplains?
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Affordability: Floodplains are less attractive to formal developers, making them accessible for low-income groups.
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Contrast with Developed Countries:
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In high-income countries, subsidized insurance and protective infrastructure (e.g., levees) make floodplains desirable for formal housing.
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Real Estate Pressure: Rapid urbanization and real estate expansion often push vulnerable communities to settle in high-risk zones.
Settlement Patterns
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Houses are temporary/semi-permanent – using tin sheets, tarps, tents, etc.
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Linked to land contractors and informal networks.
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Cities like Bengaluru & Mumbai show a high prevalence of informal housing in areas unattractive to formal builders, exacerbating flood risks.
Socioeconomic Dimensions of Vulnerability
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Poverty & Low Incomes – limited relocation options.
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Low Education Levels – reduced awareness of climate risks.
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No Insurance Coverage – higher financial vulnerability post-disasters.
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Inadequate Infrastructure – poor drainage, lack of basic services, worsening flood impacts.
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Indirect Impacts: Job loss, displacement, health hazards, and service disruption.
Global & National Implications
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SDGs Linkage (2030 Deadline):
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SDG 1 – No Poverty
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SDG 6 – Clean Water & Sanitation
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SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities & Communities
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SDG 13 – Climate Action
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AI & Innovation: The study used AI & ML tools with satellite imagery to map flood-exposed populations.
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Future Plans: Mapping slum expansion, climate-induced migration, and predictive modeling for better planning.
Conclusion
Flood-prone informal settlements reflect the intersection of poverty, urban planning failures, and climate vulnerability. India’s 158 million flood-exposed slum dwellers represent a pressing urban governance challenge. Achieving SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities) and SDG 13 (Climate Action) requires a human-centric, community-driven approach backed by technology, resilient infrastructure, and inclusive policies.
