Photo: nature.com
"Subsidence Threatens Safety and Stability in India's Sinking Megacities"
Subsidence threatens the safety of Indias megacities, with significant implications for millions as groundwater depletion exacerbates structural failures in urban areas like Chennai and Mumbai.
- Recent satellite radar observations from 2015-2023 reveal that 878 km² of land is subsiding in five fast-growing Indian megacities, affecting over 13 million buildings.
- Groundwater extraction significantly contributes to subsidence in cities such as Chennai and Mumbai, where aquifers are being depleted faster than they can be replenished.
- Conducted by researchers from Virginia Tech, the analysis highlights the critical need for urban planning reforms in Indias megacities, including New Delhi, to address safety and stability.
Why It Matters
The threat of subsidence in Indias megacities poses serious risks to public safety and economic stability, highlighting urgent needs for sustainable water management and urban infrastructure improvements. Addressing these challenges is crucial for protecting the livelihoods of over 80 million inhabitants.