| Abstract: | Urban flooding in Indian cities is often framed as a natural disaster; however, this paper argues, that urban floods are the result of a crisis of governance and justice. When cities are flooded, it is not the water that rises, but the social inequality that becomes clearly visible. Indian cities are expanding rapidly, but in doing so, they are destroying important natural systems like – Wetlands, Drainage system, and Natural Flood buffers. While these changes increase the overall risk of flooding their impact is deeply unequal. Based on secondary data, policy reports, and media analysis, this paper highlights how marginalised communities including the urban poor, women, migrants and informal workers are the most affected during flood events. They not only face greater exposure but also have limited access to relief, recovery, and institutional support from the system. Focusing on Delhi as a case study, it shows how floods are not simply a natural event but an outcome of human decision-making related to insufficient infrastructure, urban governance, and environmental misgovernance. This article argues the need to bridge the gap by situating floods not only as an ecological lens and infrastructural failures but also as tests of urban democracy and governance in India. This article hopes to contribute not only to academic debates on climate vulnerability and urban governance but also to the human struggle for dignity, justice, and equality in the face of rising waters. This article calls for rethinking of urban governance frameworks by prioritising inclusive planning, ecological sustainability, and democratic accountability. |
