Delhi's Flood Resilience Weakens as Wetlands Disappear: Experts Warn

• Experts warn that rapid wetland depletion in Delhi is reducing the city's natural capacity to manage floods and ensure water security.
• World Wetlands Day event highlighted wetlands' role as natural buffers that regulate water flows, reduce flood risks, and support biodiversity.
• Dr. Balakrishna Pisupati of UNEP-India emphasized wetlands' crucial role in Delhi's water security and flood management, noting their depletion reduces the city's ability to absorb shocks.
• Siddharth Kaul of Wetlands International South Asia pointed out that the degradation of the Yamuna floodplain and cutting off natural water channels have made Delhi more vulnerable to floods.
• Wetland loss is a significant factor weakening the landscape's natural shock-absorbing capacity, contributing to increased flood vulnerability.

Why It Matters: Delhi's diminishing wetlands severely compromise its flood resilience and water security, necessitating urgent conservation efforts.