All Things Policy A Geospatial Lens on Bengaluru's Floods
Jun 4, 2025
In this discussion, Y. Nithiyanandam, head of the Geospatial Program at the Takshashila Institution, shares his expertise on urban flooding in Bengaluru. He highlights the critical role of geospatial technologies like maps, sensors, and AI in effective flood management. The conversation delves into the challenges posed by rapid urbanization and poor drainage systems. Innovative solutions such as amphibious vehicles and advanced monitoring tools are discussed, emphasizing community engagement and sustainable practices to build a flood-resilient city.
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Urban Floods Explained
- Urban floods differ from traditional floods because they occur after short, intense rainfall in cities where natural water flow is blocked.
- Rapid urbanization, concretization, and encroachment of water bodies in Bangalore exacerbate flooding issues.
Flood Impact on Bangalore
- Floods disrupt traffic, daily activities, and reduce productivity, notably impacting Bangalore's IT sector.
- Residents and vehicle owners have adapted to frequent flood impacts despite recurring damage.
Geospatial Technology in Floods
- Geospatial technology maps and monitors floods using various data sources despite limitations like cloud cover during heavy rain.
- Tools like LIDAR and sensors provide precise topography and flow data to predict floods and analyze drainage effectiveness.