How climate change, shifting monsoon patterns affect Indian cities?
The monsoon, which typically arrives in June and retreats by September, has become increasingly erratic. Cities across India are experiencing extreme rainfall events, leading to flash floods, waterlogging, and infrastructure breakdowns.
India’s monsoon, once predictable in its seasonal rhythm, is undergoing a profound transformation, with climate change reshaping rainfall patterns across the country. From unprecedented downpours in Gujarat and Rajasthan to prolonged dry spells in traditionally wet states like Kerala and Maharashtra, these shifts are disrupting urban life, straining infrastructure, and raising serious concerns about disaster preparedness.
The monsoon, which typically arrives in June and retreats by September, has become increasingly erratic. Cities across India are experiencing extreme rainfall events, leading to flash floods, waterlogging, and infrastructure breakdowns. The shift is particularly evident in regions that historically received moderate rainfall but are now witnessing deluges.
For instance, Ahmedabad’s Climate Action Plan highlights a rise in annual rainfall by 12 millimeters per decade between 1970 and 2020, while Mumbai’s plan notes a decline in overall rainy days but an increase in extreme rainfall events. Bengaluru’s monsoon patterns now swing between intense downpours and prolonged dry periods, raising concerns about urban water management.
In Delhi, the unusual pre-monsoon dry spell has contributed to record-breaking heat waves. The capital’s Heat Action Plan attributes these heat surges to reduced early rainfall, which previously helped cool the region before monsoon onset. Meanwhile, Chandigarh witnessed nearly half of its annual rainfall in just 50 hours last year, triggering widespread flooding.
The erratic monsoon is posing unprecedented challenges to urban infrastructure. With cities struggling to manage increasing water volumes, outdated drainage systems and unplanned urban expansion have exacerbated the problem.
- Flooding and waterlogging: Heavy rainfall in short durations has overwhelmed drainage systems in Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Chennai, leading to severe waterlogging. In July 2023, Delhi’s Yamuna River swelled to record levels, submerging parts of the city and bringing traffic to a standstill.
- Water crisis and supply disruptions: While some cities drown, others face prolonged dry spells. The southwest monsoon’s delayed retreat has disrupted water supply in cities dependent on reservoirs, such as Hyderabad and Pune. In Chennai, shifting rainfall patterns have worsened water shortages, forcing authorities to explore alternative water sources.
- Landslides and infrastructure damage: The increase in extreme rainfall has led to frequent landslides in hilly cities like Shimla and Darjeeling. The State of the Environment report found that extreme weather events were recorded on all 122 monsoon days last year, highlighting the growing risk to infrastructure and human lives.
The Indian Summer Monsoon (ISM) contributes nearly 80% of the country’s total annual rainfall, making it critical for agriculture and economic stability. However, shifting monsoon trends are affecting crop cycles, disrupting food production, and causing economic losses.
- Delayed monsoon withdrawal: Nearly half of India’s tehsils have reported a 10% increase in October rainfall over the past decade, impacting the sowing of rabi crops. Farmers in Punjab and Haryana, traditionally reliant on timely monsoon retreat, now face uncertainty in their crop cycles.
- Frequent floods and droughts: A 2023 study found that 40% of Indian districts alternate between drought and flood conditions, compounding risks for farmers. Excess rainfall in Rajasthan and Gujarat has led to flash floods, while Bihar and Uttar Pradesh have faced water shortages during crucial sowing months.
- Urban food security: Rising crop damage has led to fluctuating food prices in cities, affecting urban populations dependent on stable supply chains. In recent years, tomato, onion, and wheat prices have surged due to erratic monsoon rainfall disrupting production.
With monsoon patterns becoming increasingly unpredictable, Indian cities must adopt climate-resilient urban planning strategies. Experts recommend hyper-local climate data collection, real-time weather monitoring, and infrastructure upgrades to mitigate risks.
- Granular climate mapping: The Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) recommends district-level risk assessments to identify vulnerable areas and plan accordingly.
- Smart drainage systems: Cities like Mumbai and Bengaluru need upgraded drainage networks to handle heavy rainfall, reducing flood risks.
- Early warning systems: Improved forecasting and disaster response mechanisms can help cities better prepare for extreme weather events.
- Sustainable water management: Efficient rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge initiatives can help mitigate water shortages in monsoon-deficit regions.