Thiruvananthapuram may be in for bad days soon

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The city can breathe easy, for now, because it is relatively less vulnerable to natural disasters and the possible increase in the magnitude of disasters due to global climate change.

However, the situation will deteriorate if disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation steps are ignored.

This is based on a hazard and vulnerability assessment report compiled under the aegis of Kerala State Disaster Management Authority and Kerala State Emergency Operations Centre.

“Disaster risk reduction” and “climate change adaptation” represent policy goals, one concerned with an ongoing problem (disasters) and the other with an emerging issue (climate change).

Climate change adaptation: (a) adapting development to gradual changes in average temperature, sea level and precipitation (b) reducing and managing risks associated with more frequent, severe and unpredictable extreme weather events.

Rapid urbanization of the periphery of Thiruvananthapuram and the changing landscape of the coastline threaten to affect the city’s long-term environmental sustainability by damaging natural ecosystems, river networks and water retention wetlands.

Rejuvenation of water bodies: Floods are being caused by the uneven distribution of rainfall, rapid urbanization, and the encroachment into and filling up of natural drains and urban lakes due to the construction of buildings on high-value urban land.

Thiruvananthapuram reported its highest number of water-logging/flooding during 2012–2015. Informal settlement colonies have emerged and the lack of proper planning of these areas implies the lack of drainage systems, making them vulnerable to floods.

By restoring wetlands and urban water bodies, the risk of flooding can be reduced as they act as natural moderators. Restoration is offers an alternative to water scarcity.

Hazard risk-reduction strategies: There is a lack of hazard-reducing measures being applied by the city council. Existing inadequacies in the implementation of building by-laws and codes, development control regulations and land-use planning guidelines should be addressed and used to strengthen a compliance framework.

This calls for coordination with the District Disaster Management Authority and neighbouring panchayats in the light of disaster preparedness, response, mitigation and climate change adaptation needs.

Needs of those living in informal settlements: The city has a considerable population living in informal settlements, with less access to basic services, including storm drainage and sanitation.

Ensuring these services will have positive impact on lives of residents, health and living conditions and also reduce the vulnerability of residents to future extreme climate events.