We need an urban climate emergency fund, Pg7

Key Highlights:

• Hyderabad experienced severe localized flooding during the 2025 monsoon, damaging infrastructure and disrupting lives.
• Over the past 25 years, Hyderabad's average monsoon rainfall has increased to 91.84 cm from 76.88 cm in the 20th century.
• The Hyderabad Disaster Management and Asset Protection Agency, created in 2024, is working to clear encroachments and rejuvenate water bodies.
• The central government announced an Urban Challenge Fund of ₹1 lakh crore to support urban development projects.

Detailed Insights:

• Hyderabad's vulnerability to flooding is due to ignoring natural gradients, civic corruption, and violation of zoning regulations.
• The poor, especially those along the Musi River, are disproportionately affected, losing homes and livelihoods.
• The Musi Riverfront Development Plan, estimated to cost ₹1-1.5 lakh crore, aims to build climate resilience but faces funding challenges.
• The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) stated that urban affairs fall under State governments and urban local bodies.
• A dedicated climate emergency fund is needed for cities to address short-term reconstruction and long-term adaptation needs.
• The Urban Challenge Fund finances up to 25% of project costs, requiring at least 50% funding from bonds, loans, and PPPs.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Climate Resilience: The capacity of cities to absorb and recover from climate-related shocks and stresses.
• Urban Planning: The process of designing and managing the physical growth and development of cities.
• Disaster Management: The organization and management of resources and responsibilities for dealing with all humanitarian aspects of emergencies.