IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs Analysis
Archives
(PRELIMS Focus)
Subject: International Relations / Geography (Gulf Countries, West Asia, India–Qatar Relations, LNG Trade, International Organisations, Strategic Waterways)
Why in News?
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar visited Qatar as part of his Gulf tour and met Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani in Doha. The leaders reviewed cooperation in energy, trade, investments, connectivity, security, and people-to-people ties, besides discussing recent developments in West Asia.
About Qatar
- A peninsula located on the north-eastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula.
- Capital: Doha.
- Official Currency: Qatari Riyal (QAR).
- Official Language: Arabic.
- Government: Constitutional monarchy headed by the Emir.
- Bordered only by Saudi Arabia on land; surrounded by the Persian (Arabian) Gulf.
- Shares a maritime boundary with Iran across the North Field/South Pars, the world’s largest natural gas field.
Strategic Significance
- One of the world’s largest exporters of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG).
- Home to Al Udeid Air Base, the largest U.S. military base in West Asia.
- Member of:
- Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)
- OPEC (withdrew in 2019 to focus on natural gas)
- United Nations (UN).
India–Qatar Relations
- Qatar is among India’s largest LNG suppliers, playing a crucial role in India’s energy security.
- Strong cooperation in energy, trade, investment, maritime security, and counter-terrorism.
- Hosts an Indian diaspora of over 8 lakhs, one of the largest expatriate communities in the country.
UPSC Prelims Analysis
Qatar is a high-probability UPSC Prelims country due to its strategic location, energy resources, and role in West Asian geopolitics. Aspirants should remember that it is a peninsular country, shares its only land border with Saudi Arabia, and is a leading LNG exporter. UPSC may ask about the North Field–South Pars gas reserve, GCC membership, withdrawal from OPEC in 2019, or map-based questions involving the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz. The topic also links with India’s energy security, Indian diaspora, and regional diplomacy in West Asia.
Source/Reference:
Subject: Science & Technology / Defence & Security (Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD), Missile Systems, Exo-atmospheric Interceptors, Israel, NATO)
Why in News?
Germany has begun receiving the Arrow-3 Missile Defence System, developed jointly by Israel and the United States, to strengthen its air and missile defence architecture under the European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI). The deployment aims to counter long-range ballistic missile threats amid growing security concerns in Europe.
About Arrow-3 Missile Defence System
- A long-range, exo-atmospheric ballistic missile interceptor designed to destroy incoming ballistic missiles outside the Earth’s atmosphere.
- Jointly developed by:
- Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) (Lead developer)
- Israel Missile Defense Organization (IMDO)
- U.S. Missile Defense Agency (MDA)
- Forms the top layer of Israel’s multi-tiered missile defence system.
- Entered operational service with the Israeli Air Force in 2017.
Key Features
- Interceptor Type: Hit-to-kill kinetic interceptor (destroys targets through direct collision without an explosive warhead).
- Interception Zone: Exo-atmospheric (above 100 km altitude).
- Designed to intercept:
- Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missiles (IRBMs)
- Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs) during the mid-course phase.
- Employs advanced radar, satellite support, and battle management systems for target tracking.
- Capable of engaging multiple ballistic missile threats simultaneously.
Israel’s Multi-Layered Missile Defence
- Iron Dome – Short-range rockets, artillery shells, and UAVs.
- David’s Sling – Short- to medium-range missiles and cruise missiles.
- Arrow-2 – Endo-atmospheric ballistic missile interception.
- Arrow-3 – Exo-atmospheric interception of long-range ballistic missiles.
UPSC Prelims Analysis
Missile defence systems are a high-probability UPSC Prelims topic. Aspirants should distinguish Arrow-3 from Iron Dome and David’s Sling based on the type of threats they intercept. Arrow-3 is unique because it destroys long-range ballistic missiles outside the atmosphere using hit-to-kill kinetic technology, unlike conventional missiles carrying explosive warheads. UPSC may ask about the developer countries, interception altitude, hit-to-kill mechanism, or compare Arrow-3 with India’s Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) Programme, PAD/PDV, and AD-1/AD-2 interceptors. The topic also links with NATO security, European missile defence, and strategic deterrence.
Source/Reference:
https://interestingengineering.com/military/germany-boosts-missile-shield-arrow-3-battery
Subject: Science & Technology (Space Technology) (Gaganyaan Mission, ISRO, Human Spaceflight, Crew Escape & Recovery Systems, Sub-Orbital Launch Vehicles)
Why in News?
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully conducted the first ground test of the solid motor for the Sub-Orbital Launch Vehicle for Experiments (SOLVE) at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC), Sriharikota. The test marks a major milestone in validating the parachute-based deceleration and recovery system of the Gaganyaan Crew Module.
About SOLVE
- SOLVE stands for Sub-Orbital Launch Vehicle for Experiments.
- Developed by ISRO as a solid propellant-based sub-orbital test vehicle.
- Designed as a dedicated experimental platform to validate critical technologies for the Gaganyaan Human Spaceflight Programme.
- Supports Integrated Parachute Tests (IPT) under varying flight conditions.
Key Features
- Powered by a solid rocket motor.
- Carries the Crew Module to an altitude of 10–17 km.
- After separation, the Crew Module deploys a sequence of 10 parachutes to reduce its descent velocity before sea splashdown.
- Enables repeated, low-cost testing of recovery systems without using large orbital launch vehicles.
- Helps validate the deceleration system, ensuring safe recovery during future crewed missions.
UPSC Prelims Analysis
Human spaceflight is an increasingly important UPSC theme. Aspirants should distinguish sub-orbital and orbital missions. SOLVE is a sub-orbital experimental vehicle used solely for testing technologies such as parachute recovery, whereas the HLVM3 (Human-rated LVM3) will place the Gaganyaan spacecraft into a Low Earth Orbit (~400 km). UPSC may ask about the purpose of SOLVE, the altitude of its test flights (10–17 km), its role in validating the Crew Module’s recovery system, or compare it with other ISRO test vehicles such as TV-D1. The topic also links with crew safety systems, launch abort technologies, and India’s progress toward indigenous human spaceflight capability.
Source/Reference:
Subject: Art & Culture (Folk Performing Arts, Intangible Cultural Heritage, Traditional Storytelling, Chhattisgarh Folk Traditions)
Why in News?
Renowned Padma Vibhushan awardee Teejan Bai, the legendary exponent who popularised Pandavani across the world, passed away in July 2026. Her demise has renewed attention to this unique folk storytelling tradition of Chhattisgarh and its contribution to preserving India’s cultural heritage.
About Pandavani
- Pandavani literally means “Stories (or Songs) of the Pandavas.”
- A traditional folk narrative singing and theatrical art form originating in Chhattisgarh, also practised in parts of Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh.
- Based primarily on episodes from the Mahabharata, with Bhima usually portrayed as the central hero.
- Combines storytelling, singing, dialogue, music, and dramatic enactment.
Styles of Pandavani
- Vedamati Style: Performer remains seated and narrates the story.
- Kapalik Style: Performer stands, enacts characters dramatically, and uses expressive gestures. This style was popularised by Teejan Bai, who broke the convention of male-only performances.
Performance Features
- Uses instruments such as the Tambura (or Ektara), Kartal, Harmonium, and Dholak.
- The Tambura also serves as a symbolic prop, representing weapons, chariots, or other objects during narration.
- Traditionally performed in the Chhattisgarhi dialect.
UPSC Prelims Analysis
Pandavani is an important Indian folk performing art frequently featured in UPSC questions on regional cultural traditions. Aspirants should distinguish it from other epic-based folk forms such as Yakshagana (Karnataka), Kathakali (Kerala), and Burra Katha (Andhra Pradesh). UPSC may ask about its state of origin, subject matter (Mahabharata), two performance styles (Vedamati and Kapalik), or identify Teejan Bai as its most celebrated exponent. The topic also links with Intangible Cultural Heritage, women’s role in preserving folk traditions, and India’s diverse storytelling traditions.
Source/Reference:
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/pandavani-legend-teejan-bai-dies-at-70/article71185044.ece
Subject: Science & Technology / Economy (Digital Infrastructure, Submarine Fibre-Optic Cables, AI Infrastructure, Data Centres, Telecommunications)
Why in News?
A consortium led by Lightstorm, along with Microsoft, Tata Communications, Singtel, ASEAN Cableship, and NEC Corporation, has unveiled the India–Southeast Asia (I-2SEA) Submarine Cable System. The project aims to enhance AI, cloud computing, and hyperscale data connectivity between India, Malaysia, and Singapore, supporting the rapid growth of digital infrastructure in the region.
About I-2SEA
- A 3,600-km submarine fibre-optic cable system connecting India, Malaysia, and Singapore.
- Developed by a consortium comprising:
- Lightstorm (Lead developer)
- Microsoft
- Tata Communications
- Singtel
- ASEAN Cableship
- NEC Corporation (System supplier).
Key Features
- Dual landing stations in India:
- Machilipatnam (Andhra Pradesh) – providing the shortest subsea connectivity to Hyderabad’s AI and data centre hub.
- South Chennai (Tamil Nadu) – ensuring route diversity and network resilience.
- International connectivity to:
- Singapore – a major global cloud and AI hub.
- Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) – an emerging data centre corridor.
- Expected to become operational by Q4 2029.
- Integrates with Lightstorm’s 30,000+ km terrestrial fibre network, connecting over 80 data centres across India.
UPSC Prelims Analysis
Submarine communication cables carry over 95% of global international internet traffic, making them critical digital infrastructure. India currently has 17 operational submarine cables, with several more under development to strengthen digital connectivity and data sovereignty.
For UPSC, aspirants should distinguish submarine fibre-optic cables from communication satellites. While satellites provide wide-area coverage, submarine cables offer far higher bandwidth, lower latency, and lower cost for international data transmission. UPSC may ask about the purpose of I-2SEA, its participating countries, landing stations, or the strategic importance of submarine cables for AI, cloud computing, digital economy, and national digital infrastructure.
Source/Reference:
Subject: Agriculture / Economy / Art & Culture (GI Tags) (Geographical Indications (GI), Horticulture, Citrus Crops, Intellectual Property Rights, Agricultural Branding)
Why in News?
Sirsa Kinnow, grown in Sirsa district of Haryana, has been granted the Geographical Indication (GI) tag, becoming the first fruit from Haryana to receive this recognition. The GI registration is expected to enhance the fruit’s market value, export potential, and protect it against imitation.
About Sirsa Kinnow
- Kinnow is a hybrid citrus fruit, developed by crossing:
- King Mandarin (Citrus nobilis), and
- Willow Leaf Mandarin (Citrus deliciosa).
- Originally developed in California (USA) and introduced to India in the 1950s.
- Sirsa district is Haryana’s largest producer of kinnow, particularly around Dabwali and Ellenabad.
- Sirsa Kinnow is known for its:
- High juice content,
- Sweet taste,
- Bright orange colour,
- Larger fruit size, and
- High vitamin C content.
GI Registration
- Registered as GI No. 1101 under Class 31 (Horticultural Products).
- Registered Proprietor: Kharisureran Farmer Producer Company Limited, Sirsa.
- Application filed in June 2023; registration granted in 2026 by the Geographical Indications Registry, Chennai.
UPSC Prelims Analysis
GI tags are a favourite UPSC Prelims topic. Aspirants should remember that Sirsa Kinnow is Haryana’s first GI-tagged fruit, not India’s first GI-tagged citrus fruit. UPSC may ask about the parent varieties of Kinnow, the purpose of GI protection, the GI Registry (Chennai), or distinguish GI tags from patents, trademarks, and copyrights. The topic also links with One District One Product (ODOP), Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), horticultural exports, and value addition in agriculture.
Source/Reference:
Subject: Polity & Governance (Judiciary, Judicial Precedents, Article 141, Stare Decisis, Supreme Court)
Why in News?
The Supreme Court recently clarified the scope of the Doctrine of Per Incuriam, holding that a judgment cannot be declared per incuriam merely because it reached an incorrect conclusion after considering an earlier precedent. The doctrine applies only in limited circumstances where a binding law or precedent has been overlooked.
About the Doctrine of Per Incuriam
- The Latin term per incuriam means “through lack of care” or “through inadvertence.”
- A judgment is said to be per incuriam when it is delivered:
- In ignorance of a binding statutory provision, or
- Without considering a binding precedent of a coordinate or larger bench.
- Such judgments do not constitute binding precedents and may be disregarded by courts in appropriate cases.
Relation with Judicial Precedent
- It is an exception to the doctrine of stare decisis (“let the decision stand”).
- Also operates as an exception to Article 141 of the Constitution, under which the law declared by the Supreme Court is binding on all courts in India.
- Applies only to the ratio decidendi (binding legal principle) and not to obiter dicta (incidental observations).
Recent Supreme Court Observations
- A judgment may be treated as per incuriam only if:
- Its ratio is irreconcilable with an earlier decision of an equal or larger bench, or
- A relevant statute, rule, or regulation was not brought to the court’s notice.
- If a co-equal bench disagrees with an earlier decision, it should refer the matter to a larger bench rather than take a contrary view.
UPSC Prelims Analysis
Judicial doctrines are a frequently tested UPSC topic. Aspirants should distinguish Per Incuriam from Res Judicata, Constructive Res Judicata, Stare Decisis, and Doctrine of Severability. UPSC may ask about the meaning of per incuriam, its relationship with Article 141, the distinction between ratio decidendi and obiter dicta, or the circumstances in which a precedent loses its binding force. Understanding the hierarchy of benches and the binding nature of larger bench decisions is particularly important for conceptual MCQs.
Source/Reference:
(MAINS Focus)
GS II – Governance / GS III – Economic Development
Digital Inclusion, Rural Livelihoods, and Cultural Preservation
Introduction
Indiahandmade, launched in 2023 by the Digital India Corporation under the Ministry of Textiles, is a digital marketplace connecting artisans and weavers directly with buyers. It promotes GI-tagged and ODOP products, reduces intermediaries, enables easy onboarding (including non-GST sellers), and provides secure payments. By boosting artisan livelihoods, preserving traditional crafts, and advancing digital inclusion, it supports the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Digital India.
Understanding Indiahandmade: Platform and Features
Genesis and Purpose
- Launched: 2023 under Ministry of Textiles via Digital India Corporation
- Objective: Bring handloom/handicraft traditions into online economy
- Reach: Connects 64.66 lakh artisans (71% women weavers; 64% women artisans) with buyers
- Vision: Supports Atmanirbhar Bharat; preserves cultural heritage; empowers rural communities
Key Features
- Direct Buyer Access: Reduces intermediaries, supports fair compensation
- Digital Tools: Provides visibility and e-commerce participation for artisans
- Trust Mechanisms: Free shipping, purchase protection, secure payments, buyer support
- Inclusive Onboarding: Non-GST sellers can register with Enrolment ID (intra-state sales only)
- Product Diversity: Apparel, home décor, furnishings, paintings, furniture, jewellery, bags, footwear, musical instruments
Special Product Categories
- GI-Tagged Products: Aipan art, pure Pashmina shawls, Dokra décor, Mundu products
- ODOP Products: Tangail sarees, Banarasi silk, Ikat, Tussar silk, Chanderi silk, terracotta
Impact and Achievements
Economic and Social Empowerment
- Market Access: Direct linkage to broader customer base
- Financial Inclusion: Digital payments and secure transactions
- Women Empowerment: 71% women weavers; 64% women artisans
- Livelihood Support: Sustains income for rural craft communities
Cultural Preservation
- Craft Visibility: Showcases GI and ODOP products
- Skill Continuity: Encourages younger generations to take up crafts
- Regional Identity: Promotes distinct regional crafts
- Heritage Recognition: Platform gives handmade products a human face
Digital Inclusion
- Simple Onboarding: Guided pathway for artisans and producer organisations
- Non-GST Option: Small sellers can participate (intra-state)
- Trust Building: Secure payments and buyer protection
Challenges
- Digital Literacy: Training 60 lakh artisans in e-commerce
- Logistics: Last-mile delivery to remote areas
- Competition: Handmade products competing with machine-made alternatives
- Quality Consistency: Maintaining standards across diverse artisans
- Awareness: Need to promote platform among buyers and artisans
- Scale: 64.66 lakh artisans vs. current platform reach
Way Forward
Strengthening Digital and Physical Infrastructure
- Provide digital literacy training to 60 lakh artisans
- Develop offline app for low-connectivity areas
- Establish cluster-level packaging and shipping centres
- Partner with India Post and logistics providers
Market Linkages and Promotion
- Integrate with ONDC and other buyer platforms
- Promote Indiahandmade through “Incredible India” and tourism channels
- Collaborate with corporate gifting and institutional buyers
- Create curated collections for export markets
Quality and Sustainability
- Implement quality certification for Indiahandmade products
- Provide design intervention and product diversification support
- Encourage sustainable and eco-friendly practices
- Link with GI registration and IP protection
Policy Support
- Increase budget allocation for platform maintenance
- Provide tax incentives for Indiahandmade purchases
- Integrate with other schemes (PM Vishwakarma, SFURTI)
- Strengthen convergence with Ministry of Textiles and state handicraft boards
Conclusion
Indiahandmade connects artisans directly with buyers, promoting GI-tagged and ODOP products while supporting livelihoods, women’s empowerment, and cultural heritage. To realize its full potential, it must address digital literacy, logistics, and market access challenges, strengthening its role in advancing Viksit Bharat and Digital India.
Practice Question
- Indiahandmade is transforming India’s craft sector through digital inclusion. Examine its role in promoting artisans’ livelihoods and preserving cultural heritage. Suggest measures to enhance its impact. (250 words, 15 marks)
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2281569®=3&lang=1
GS II – Governance / GS II – Social Justice
Digital Health Infrastructure, Universal Health Coverage, and Data Governance
Introduction
The Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM), launched in 2021, enables secure, paperless, and interoperable healthcare through ABHA and other digital platforms. With over 93 crore ABHA accounts and 104 crore linked health records, it is improving healthcare access, efficiency, and insurance services while advancing Universal Health Coverage.
Understanding ABDM: Architecture and Components
Core Components
- ABHA (Ayushman Bharat Health Account): 14-digit unique health identifier linking health records across facilities (93+ crore accounts)
- Healthcare Professionals Registry (HPR): National registry of verified doctors and AYUSH practitioners
- Health Facility Registry (HFR): Repository of public/private hospitals, clinics, labs, pharmacies
- Unified Health Interface (UHI): Open network for health services (like UPI for healthcare); enables discovery, appointments, consultations
- Aarogya Setu 2.0: Unified citizen-facing digital health app; launched 29 June 2026
Aarogya Setu 2.0 Key Features
- Smart Reports: OCR-enabled document reading
- Insurance Integration: View AB-PMJAY wallet and private insurance via NHCX
- AI Insights: Biomarker and wellness trend analysis
- Appointments: Book teleconsultations and in-person visits
- Wearable Sync: Steps, calories, heart rate, glucose tracking
- Health Literacy: Wellness content, blogs, IEC materials
- Blood Availability: Real-time e-RaktKosh integration
Scan and Share Service
- Impact: Reduced patient waiting times from ~1 hour to 2-5 minutes
- Scale: 23.21 crore+ ABHA-linked tokens issued (as of June 18, 2026)
- Process: Scan QR code → digital queue token → demographic retrieval from ABHA
Institutional and Financial Framework
Digital Health Incentive Scheme (DHIS)
- Objective: Incentivise health facilities and Digital Solution Companies to join ABDM
- Payments (as of June 18, 2026):
- Hospitals: ₹107+ crore
- Diagnostics/Labs/Pharmacies: ₹2.95 crore
- Digital Solution Companies: ₹26+ crore
- Eligible: Clinics, nursing homes, hospitals, labs, pharmacies, digital solution providers
eSushrut@Clinic (Hospital Management System)
- Launched: June 2026 by C-DAC
- Purpose: Lightweight HMIS for small clinics
- Features: Patient registration, billing, reporting
- Reach: 2,200+ facilities onboarded; 1,633+ health records generated
- Verification: Access only through HPR and HFR
National Health Claims Exchange (NHCX)
- Purpose: Digital highway for claims information exchange among payers, providers, beneficiaries
- Benefits:
- Faster claims processing, reduced discharge times
- Patients view benefits, history, entitlements in one place
- Providers access full treatment history (with consent)
- Insurers make better decisions and design new products
- Transparent tracking improves financial planning
Privacy, AI, and Public Health Data
Privacy-by-Design
- Data Ownership: Data stays with creator (hospital, lab, insurer); no central government server
- Consent-Based Sharing: Records shared only with patient consent
- Security: All apps tested in “sandbox” and pass security audit before going live
AI Integration
- SAHI (Strategy for AI in Healthcare for India): Launched Feb 2026; guidance on ethics, accountability, safety
- BODH (Benchmarking Open Data Platform for Health AI): Secure federated ecosystem; train AI models on-site without accessing raw patient data
- Public Health Research: Anonymised data enables disease surveillance, trend monitoring, targeted programmes
Universal Health Coverage Vision
- Current: 104 crore health records linked to 93 crore ABHA accounts
- Goal: Fully digital health records for every citizen; all patients and facilities covered
Challenges
- Digital Divide: Access to smartphones/internet for rural and elderly populations
- Data Quality: Ensuring accuracy and completeness of health records
- Interoperability: Integration with diverse hospital information systems
- Trust: Building confidence in data privacy and security
- Capacity: Training healthcare professionals in digital health systems
- Insurance Integration: Scaling NHCX to all payers and providers
Way Forward
Expanding Coverage
- Onboard all public and private health facilities
- Achieve 100% ABHA coverage for all citizens
- Integrate with all insurance providers through NHCX
- Link with other DPIs (UPI, DigiLocker, Aadhaar)
Strengthening Infrastructure
- Enhance offline capabilities for low-connectivity areas
- Develop lightweight, multilingual ABDM apps
- Strengthen cybersecurity and data protection
- Scale eSushrut@Clinic to all small clinics
Building Trust and Literacy
- Public awareness campaigns on ABDM benefits
- Transparency on data usage and consent
- Grievance redressal mechanisms
- Training healthcare professionals
Leveraging AI and Analytics
- Expand BODH for AI model training
- Use anonymised data for disease prediction
- Enable personalised health insights through Aarogya Setu 2.0
- Support research and innovation
Integration with Public Health
- Link with national health programmes (TB, malaria, NCDs)
- Enable real-time disease surveillance
- Support emergency response (pandemics, disasters)
- Inform policy and resource allocation
Conclusion
ABDM has created one of the world’s largest digital health ecosystems, linking 93+ crore ABHA accounts with 104+ crore health records. While initiatives like Scan and Share and NHCX have improved healthcare delivery, addressing the digital divide, data quality, and privacy concerns remains crucial. Strengthening these areas will enable ABDM to drive Universal Health Coverage through efficient and inclusive digital healthcare.
Practice Question
- The Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) is transforming India’s digital health ecosystem. Examine its achievements, key challenges, and the measures needed to strengthen digital healthcare in India. (250 words, 15 marks)
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2281466®=3&lang=1
GS III – Disaster Management / GS I – Urbanization
Urban Flooding, Climate Adaptation, and Blue-Green Infrastructure
Introduction
The recent Mumbai floods show that drainage upgrades alone cannot protect cities from climate risks. Encroachment on wetlands and reclaimed land, combined with high tides, worsens urban flooding. Adopting blue-green infrastructure, inspired by China’s Sponge City model and the Netherlands’ water squares, is essential for building climate-resilient cities.
Mumbai’s Flood Vulnerability
Geographic and Hydrological Factors
- Reclaimed Land: City built on seven islands; large parts only metres above sea level
- Disrupted Network: Urban expansion damaged creeks, salt pans, wetlands that absorbed rain
- Natural Flow: Water tries to follow old water channels, inundating areas like Hindmata, Kurla, Sion
- High Tide Vulnerability: Gravity-based drainage fails when high tide coincides with heavy rain (seawater pushes back)
rogress and Gaps
- Post-2005 Improvements: Pumping stations installed; forecasting strengthened
- Drainage Network: Revamped on large stretches but ill-equipped for short, intense bursts
- Inadequate Capacity: Climate change makes storms more intense; existing infrastructure under-designed
Global Solutions: Sponge Cities and Beyond
China’s Sponge City Policy (post-2012 Beijing floods)
- Approach: Enhance urban water retention capacity
- Measures:
- Replace concrete pavements with permeable ones
- Restore urban wetlands
- Create artificial lakes to store rainwater
- Goal: Slow runoff, absorb rainwater, reduce flooding
Netherlands’ Innovative Approach
- Water Squares: Collect water during extreme rain; double as recreation centres in dry season
- Green Roofs: Incentivized to retain rainwater
- Holistic View: Everyday amenities combined with flood defence
Key Principle
- Move Beyond Drainage: Drainage systems cannot handle climate extremes alone
- Retention and Absorption: Cities must become sponges, not just conduits
- Integrated Design: Infrastructure must serve multiple purposes (flood control + recreation)
India’s Blue-Green Infrastructure Deficit
Current Status
- Niche Concept: Blue-green infrastructure largely ignored in most cities, including Mumbai
- Lake Restoration: On Mumbai’s agenda but not integrated city-wide
- Competing Priorities: Housing, transport, commercial districts take precedence
What India Needs
- Permeable Surfaces: Replace impervious concrete in public spaces
- Wetland Restoration: Protect and restore natural absorption areas
- Water Storage: Create lakes, ponds, and retention basins
- Green Roofs: Incentivize on buildings
- Integrated Planning: Design housing, transport, and commercial zones with flood resilience
Role of Planners
- Task: Design modern infrastructure without rendering cities defenceless
- Approach: Co-benefit design (flood control + amenities)
- Climate Reality: Extreme weather is the new normal; infrastructure must adapt
Challenges for Adoption
- Cost: Upfront investment high, though long-term benefits outweigh
- Space: Dense cities lack open spaces
- Maintenance: Requires ongoing management
- Coordination: Multiple departments; siloed approach
Way Forward
Policy and Planning
- National Urban Policy: Mandate blue-green infrastructure in city master plans
- Building Codes: Include green roofs, permeable surfaces
- Incentives: Tax breaks for rain gardens, retention systems
- Integration: Combine with AMRUT, Smart Cities, Jal Shakti programmes
Institutional Capacity
- Training: Planners, engineers in climate-adaptive design
- Inter-departmental Coordination: Water, urban development, environment
- Public Awareness: Citizen engagement in rain harvesting and green spaces
City-Specific Adaptation
- Mumbai: Restore creeks, wetlands; create retention basins; update drainage
- Chennai/Kolkata: Similar coastal challenges; learn from Mumbai
- Inland Cities: Apply sponge principles for water-scarce areas
Financing and Implementation
- National Funds: Allocate for blue-green infrastructure
- PPP: Private sector involvement in green roofs, retention systems
- Phased Approach: Start with pilot projects; scale up
Conclusion
Recurring urban floods highlight the need to move beyond conventional drainage systems. Adopting blue-green infrastructure—such as restored wetlands, permeable surfaces, and retention basins—can make cities more climate-resilient. Integrating these measures into urban planning is essential to reduce flood risks and safeguard lives.
Practice Question
- The recent Mumbai floods underscore the need to move beyond conventional drainage systems. Discuss the relevance of China’s Sponge City model for building flood-resilient Indian cities. (250 words, 15 marks)
