Sustainable Urban Water and Flood Management: A Case Study of Delhi  

Mitali Singh¹, Rishika Garg²

^1,2Department of Civil Engineering, National Institute of Technology Kurukshetra, Kurukshetra, India. 

Abstract

This paper provides a comprehensive evaluation of urban water and flood management challenges in Delhi, India, with emphasis on the interlinked issues of groundwater depletion, flood risk, deteriorating water infrastructure, and ineffective drainage networks. Rapid urbanisation, changing rainfall patterns, and unregulated groundwater extraction have intensified both water scarcity and flooding, highlighting the urgent need for adaptive and integrated management approaches. The study critically assesses the city’s existing water governance and policy frameworks to understand their limitations in addressing these hydrological and infrastructural pressures. It further examines the role of climate adaptation measures in enhancing resilience against extreme rainfall and flooding events. By analysing Delhi’s hydrological responses, infrastructure systems, and urban planning strategies, the research identifies policy gaps and institutional inefficiencies that exacerbate the city’s vulnerability. The paper proposes sustainable yet practical solutions such as improved stormwater drainage design, decentralised rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge initiatives, and stronger policy coordination to mitigate risks and ensure long-term water security. Aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), the study underscores that resilient and well-governed water systems are central to achieving sustainable urban development in Delhi.

Keywords: Urban water management; Flood risk; Groundwater depletion; Water infrastructure; Drainage; Rainfall patterns; Climate adaptation; Water governance; Delhi; Policy; SDG 6; SDG 11

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