Integrating Law in Flood Management in India: A Case Study of Flood Awareness and Risk Perception in Mumbai

Abstract

Globally, floods are increasing in frequency and velocity. The position in India is no different with floods emerging as a complex, recurring problem leaving behind a trail of death and destruction. Although floods cannot be completely eliminated solely through law, law can be an important tool to mitigate its consequences and reduce its risks. Using a mixed doctrinal and non-doctrinal methodology, this study investigates the efficacy of the legal, policy and institutional mechanism on flood management in India. Moreover, with the recent thrust on disaster risk management and reduction, risk perception of natural disasters of the public at large is also emerging as a vital component of the disaster management process. In the present research, a case study of flood risk perception in Mumbai has been undertaken wherein participants from Greater Mumbai and Mumbai suburban districts participated in a survey on their awareness and perception of floods and related risks. The research findings indicate that while majority have experienced floods, have awareness on its causes and dangers, they do not know about challenges in terms of the efficacy of law. It is argued that as continuous neglect of community is likely to be catastrophic, a robust legal framework ought to be built that secures Government-community partnership for effective flood management.