GS1 2016 Q17 12 marks 200 words Urban Flooding
UPSC Mains 2016 GS1 Q17 — Urban Flooding
Major cities of India are becoming more vulnerable to flood conditions. Discuss. (Answer in 200 words)
Question Decoded — examiner's intent
- Directive verbs
- Discuss
- Scope keywords
- Major cities of Indiabecoming more vulnerableflood conditions
- Implicit sub-parts
- Identification of specific anthropogenic factors causing urban floods beyond natural rainfall
- Analysis of the 'vulnerability' aspect—why are cities less resilient now than in the past?
- Recent case studies or examples of metropolitan flooding (e.g., Chennai, Bengaluru, Delhi)
- Brief roadmap for mitigation incorporating the Sponge Cities concept or NDMA guidelines
- Common pitfalls
- Focusing too much on climate change/heavy rainfall while ignoring local planning failures like encroachment on wetlands
- Writing a general essay on floods rather than focusing specifically on the 'Urban' context (concrete jungles, drainage systems)
- Failing to mention the 'vulnerability' of specific demographics like slum dwellers or the disruption of critical infrastructure
- Omitting recent examples like the 2023 North India floods or the Yamuna's impact on Delhi
- Dimensions required
- Geographical/TopographicalAdministrative/PlanningEnvironmental/EcologicalSocio-Economic impactTechnological/Infrastructural
- Marks allocation hint
Dedicate 30 words to the trend of urban flooding, 70 words to the man-made and natural drivers of vulnerability, 60 words to the specific impacts on urban systems and economy, and 40 words to integrated urban planning solutions and NDMA frameworks.
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