Wed Feb 05 18:02:06 UTC 2025: ## Kozhikode Flooding Linked to Unplanned Construction, Says Study
**Kozhikode, Kerala, February 5, 2025** – A new study by the Centre for Water Resources Development and Management (CWRDM) has attributed the severe flooding in Kozhikode, Kerala, to rapid, unplanned construction and encroachment on water bodies. The research, part of the Water 4 Change (W4C) project – a joint initiative by the Indian Department of Science and Technology and the Dutch Research Council – examined urban flooding in three Indian cities: Kozhikode, Bhuj, and Bhopal.
The study highlights the loss of traditional water management practices, such as locally constructed dams and the maintenance of water-linked ecosystems, as contributing factors to the city’s flooding problem. The shift away from groundwater reliance to piped water systems has also resulted in neglected groundwater resources, leading to contamination and reduced water availability. Furthermore, the report criticizes the discharge of untreated wastewater directly into water bodies and points to deficiencies in the existing stormwater drainage system.
To address these issues, the CWRDM recommends that the Kozhikode Corporation invest in upgrading and expanding its stormwater drainage infrastructure, focusing on flood-prone areas. The report also advocates for the preservation and implementation of green infrastructure solutions, including traditional water management techniques, green roofs, permeable pavements, and rain gardens. Recovering existing water bodies and reviewing current water management policies are also crucial steps, the study concludes.
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