Addressing Urban Floods and Water Scarcity in Cities: The Case of Hyderabad

Water scarcity and urban floods pose significant challenges in rapidly growing cities worldwide due to population growth and urbanization. Hyderabad, a major urban agglomeration, is facing water-related issues as a result of historical urbanization, inadequate drainage infrastructure, and overexploitation of water resources. To address these challenges, this study proposes a people-centered approach focusing on groundwater recharge and flood control. The research investigates the factors contributing to water scarcity, assesses freshwater reserves, evaluates government initiatives, and examines the occurrence of floods and their adverse effects. By involving the community in problem-solving activities, the study aims to enhance water resource management and mitigate urban floods’ impacts. The research methodology involves a combination of quantitative and qualitative approaches, analyzing historical flood data, rainfall patterns, and water levels. The study emphasizes citizen participation, aiming to foster a sense of ownership and responsibility towards sustainable water practices. The research contributes valuable insights into effective strategies for water management in rapidly growing urban areas and informs policy-making and urban planning processes to create sustainable and resilient cities. To preserve water bodies, initiatives, and infrastructural recommendations are proposed, emphasizing public participation in water body conservation and flood mitigation efforts. These measures will contribute to safeguarding Hyderabad’s valuable water resources and promoting sustainable water management practices.