Behind Delhi’s floods is a history of encroachment and diminishing wetlands

Of Delhi’s 1,040 wetlands and waterbodies, none have been officially notified, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation. The city’s drainage plan and system have not been updated since the 1970s. This along with encroachment of the Yamuna floodplains by settlements and large development projects make the city vulnerable to flooding. Experts strongly recommend reviving the city’s water bodies and desilting its existing drains to help mitigate flood effects. Mongabay India writer Simrin Sirur reports