Training Manual – Flood and Water Stagnation Risk Management
2022
The Flood and Water Stagnation Risk Management training manual, prepared by the Climate Centre for Cities (C-Cube) at the National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA), offers a detailed guide to help Indian cities address the growing risks of urban flooding and water stagnation. Developed under the ClimateSmart Cities Assessment Framework (CSCAF), this manual is aimed at urban local bodies, municipal officials, city planners, and policy professionals seeking to build flood-resilient infrastructure and systems.
It begins by explaining the types and causes of urban flooding—fluvial, pluvial, and coastal—while highlighting how rapid urbanization, poor drainage, and climate variability contribute to the problem. The manual outlines methods for conducting flood risk assessments, mapping vulnerable areas, and establishing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for emergency response.
A key strength of the manual lies in its emphasis on sustainable and nature-based solutions. It advocates for the adoption of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS), rejuvenation of water bodies, green-blue infrastructure, and integrated stormwater management to prevent waterlogging. Early Warning Systems (EWS) and data-driven planning approaches are recommended to improve preparedness and reduce response times during flood events.
The manual also presents climate-adaptive infrastructure strategies and encourages cities to align urban development with resilience-building goals. It incorporates national and international best practices, supplemented by case studies from various Indian cities that have successfully implemented context-specific solutions. These examples illustrate how local innovation and coordinated action can mitigate flood risks and promote sustainable urban growth.
Designed as both a reference and training tool, the manual helps cities move from reactive flood management to proactive and climate-responsive planning. It promotes inter-departmental coordination, capacity building, and stakeholder engagement as essential components of effective flood risk governance. Overall, the manual equips cities with practical tools and frameworks to enhance their adaptive capacities and safeguard urban populations from increasing flood-related disruptions. It also stresses the importance of community participation, institutional capacity building, and financial planning to ensure long-term, inclusive urban flood resilience.
