Chennai study flags community-led flood resilience as more effective than top-down climate policies
Chennai: A new study released during COP30 has found that community-driven disaster management models are significantly more effective for vulnerable neighbourhoods than centralised climate policies.
The report, Future Amidst Flooding, compiled by the Chennai Climate Action Group and local youth organisations, surveyed 120 households across Vyasarpadi. An overwhelming 99 per cent of residents reported being directly affected by floods, with water entering homes up to an average depth of 3.4 feet.
Researchers noted that Vyasarpadi’s low elevation and constricted waterways–due to encroached wetlands, fly ash deposits in Ennore Creek and narrowed drainage channels–have sharply increased flood risk. The hydrological study cited extensive fly ash deposition that has created major bottlenecks for stormwater exit in North Chennai.
The economic toll on residents was severe: 95 per cent reported income loss, with most losing about seven workdays. Essential commodities saw steep price hikes during floods, pushing low-income families deeper into debt. Property and document losses were also widespread.
The report found a major communication gap between civic authorities and residents. None of the surveyed households knew the Greater Chennai Corporation’s helpline number and awareness of emergency infrastructure was minimal. While 67 per cent received early warnings via TV, formal systems were found to be poorly aligned with community needs.
Researchers emphasised that women—who formed 80 per cent of respondents—play a critical role during crises but remain excluded from planning processes.
Calling for a shift towards community-designed resilience measures, the report recommended clearing drainage bottlenecks, removing fly ash deposits, establishing neighbourhood-level early warning systems, and distributing emergency contacts in accessible formats. It also urged stronger economic safety nets and community-managed health and relief systems.
The study concludes that top-down climate governance has failed Vyasarpadi, arguing that only a bottom-up model rooted in local knowledge can build sustainable flood resilience in North Chennai.
(with inputs from agencies)
