Sound and Fury
(Source: Page 8, The Indian Express)
| Topic: GS1: Indian Physical Geography (Monsoons); GS3: Disaster Management, Climate Adaptation |
| Context |
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Early Monsoon Onset: An Emerging Pattern
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Monsoon hit Mumbai in May 2025, the earliest in 35 years.
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Driven by a pre-cyclonic circulation in the Arabian Sea, this surge came earlier than IMD’s typical June 1 forecast.
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IMD predicts 6% above-normal rainfall, but its statistical calendar ignores any rain before June 1.
Urban Flood Vulnerability
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Pre-monsoon rains caused severe waterlogging in cities like Mumbai and Kochi.
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Municipalities lack effective stormwater drainage systems, which are often blocked or outdated.
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Encroachment on floodplains and lakes worsens inundation during extreme rainfall events.
Classification and Measurement Issues
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IMD’s system disregards rainfall before June 1 as ‘official monsoon’, even if it leads to disaster-like conditions.
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This distorts resource allocation and media attention, delaying preventive urban response.
Disconnect Between Forecasting and Planning
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IMD’s national-level forecasts are not integrated into localized risk planning by urban local bodies.
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There’s limited coordination between scientific institutions, municipal corporations, and disaster agencies.
Also Read: The Hindu Editorial 29 May 2025
Way Forward/Recommendation
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Update IMD’s seasonal framework to reflect climate-induced variability and real-world impact.
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Establish climate-resilient master plans that align rainfall data with infrastructure thresholds.
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Institutionalize city-level monsoon preparedness drills with ward-level flood maps.
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Invest in green infrastructure like rain gardens, bio-swales, and recharge zones for urban areas.
Practice Question: “Discuss the implications of shifting monsoon patterns on urban infrastructure and disaster preparedness in India.” (GS3, 150 words, 10 marks)
