Urban Flooding in Tier-2 Indian Cities: A Qualitative Exploration of Causes, Impacts and Mitigation Strategies

Urban flooding has emerged as a recurring challenge in Indian cities, with even minimal rainfall events triggering waterlogging and severe disruptions. This study investigates the phenomenon of frequent urban flooding in five tier-2 Indian cities: Puri, Raipur, Ranchi, Vizag and Bhopal through a qualitative lens. Using focus group discussions (FGDs) with a cross-section of stakeholders including residents, municipal officials, urban planners and environmental activists, the study aims to generate in-depth insights into the patterns of flooding, its multifaceted impacts, perceived causes and proposed mitigation strategies. The data, collected through semi-structured FGDs and analysed thematically, reveals that unplanned urban expansion, poor maintenance of drainage infrastructure, encroachment on natural waterways and inadequate storm-water management are recurrent factors contributing to urban flooding. Participants reported substantial health risks, property damage, traffic paralysis and income loss, especially among marginalized communities. This research adds to the limited qualitative evidence based on urban flooding in non-metro Indian contexts. By foregrounding lived experiences and stakeholder perspectives, the study offers valuable insights for localized disaster risk reduction strategies and urban policy reforms. It underscores the urgency of integrated urban planning, community-based resilience-building and proactive governance to mitigate the growing threat of urban flooding in emerging Indian cities.