UPSC Mains 2016 GS3 Q15 — Disaster Management
The frequency of urban floods due to high intensity rainfall is increasing over the years. Discussing the reasons for urban floods, highlight the mechanisms for preparedness to reduce the risk during such events. (Answer in not more than 200 words)
Question Decoded — examiner's intent
- Directive verbs
- Discussinghighlight
- Scope keywords
- urban floodshigh intensity rainfallincreasing over the yearsreasonsmechanisms for preparednessreduce the risk
- Implicit sub-parts
- The linkage between climate change/Urban Heat Islands and the shift toward 'high intensity rainfall' patterns.
- Categorization of reasons into natural, anthropogenic (urbanization/planning), and administrative failures.
- Pre-disaster institutional mechanisms (early warning, SOPs) versus structural/physical preparedness (Sponge Cities, drainage).
- Specific mention of the NDMA Guidelines on Management of Urban Flooding.
- Common pitfalls
- Writing a generic essay on floods without focusing on the 'urban' specificities like concrete surfaces and drainage clogs.
- Spending too much time on 'reasons' and neglecting the 'preparedness' aspect which is a key part of the directive.
- Failing to mention specific urban planning failures like the encroachment of floodplains and destruction of urban wetlands (e.g., Chennai or Bengaluru examples).
- Ignoring the 'high intensity rainfall' trigger mentioned in the prompt, focusing only on dam releases or river overflows.
- Dimensions required
- Meteorological/ClimatologicalInfrastructural/EngineeringHydrological/EcologicalGovernance/Policy frameworkTechnological (GIS/Early Warning)
- Marks allocation hint
Allocate approximately 40-50 words to the 'Reasons' for urban floods (balancing human and natural factors). Spend the bulk of the answer (100-110 words) on 'Mechanisms for Preparedness' across institutional, structural, and community levels. Use the remaining 40 words for a concise introduction on the rising trend and a forward-looking conclusion mentioning the Sendai Framework or Sponge City concept.
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