Reviving cities' blue lifelines

The paradox of environmental preservation and urban development has been discussed more times than one can count.

- AMIT KAPOOR & BIBEK DEBROY

Often, the dialogue ends with impassioned speeches calling for harmony with nature and greater responsibility in our actions. However, as the climate crisis intensifies, the speeches have turned into tales of caution, riddled with warnings.

In the past few months, as the monsoon swept across the country, the alarming rise in incidents of rivers flooding into cities has highlighted the urgency of the issue. The consequences of urban encroachment on rivers are dire, as seen in the recent floods in Vadodara and Vijayawada.

Last month, several parts of Vadodara were submerged, with water levels reportedly rising to 8 to 12 feet for three days. This caused massive power outages, issues with network connectivity, and, more dangerously, brought crocodiles and snakes into residential areas. A significant reason for the situation remained encroachment around the Vishwamitri River, which led to nearly century-old reservoirs - Ajwa and Pratappura overflowing and flooding the river.