Why Kerry's IIT remark is serious for Delhi's governance; but a pro-business tip!

John Kerry, the US Senator of State made a remarkable statement at IIT Delhi a fortnight back. There were two things that were closely relatable: i) my recently joining IIT Delhi and ii) living near the Diplomatic Enclave. However, his retort to students on reaching the auditorium on boats or "amphibious vehicles" did not apply to me as immense water logging and traffic congestion towards IIT assured me of the lecture going to be called off. I managed to reach only in 3rd attempt around 3 P.M. - in double the time. So while I honour Kerry's patience in making it to campus despite delay; his 'jovial' jibe on the state and preparedness of the Capital for inclement weather must not be taken for granted. Delhi's flash flood woes is not just a reminder of failure in addressing traffic issues of citizens, but also a lesson for managing similar embarrassments for future dignitaries.  

New Delhi is the legislative, judiciary and administrative capital of world's fastest growing economy. It caters not just to matter's of governance, but also business being next to the country's upcoming silicon valley - Gurugram. Yet, despite repeated incidents of emergencies and water-borne diseases during monsoons, there's lack of preventive measures in the eventuality of a natural calamity. Response time is delayed, leaving people stranded, frustrated and desperate. During the recent crisis, although Delhi government took curative steps by deploying NDMC officials to water-clogged areas, this cannot be practised throughout Delhi. It took 2-hours for the motorised pump to suck water at a Shanti Path underpass - since the drainage system was blocked. Simple modifications in designing of roads and better construction can avoid these disasters.  

Shaky Governance

At this point, it is pertinent to ask: Why can't cities be planned better? Problem of floods in urban areas is prevalent throughout the country. While vision for developing 100 Smart Cities is out by the government, floods are crippling Chennai, Bangalore and Mumbai; not to mention the 7-hour blockage in the newest and only 16-year old city, Gurugram. Drainage system of London never fails! Can such good practices not be followed in our cities?

Problems due to flash floods time and again cause problems to commuters: there's a clear market failure and need for government intervention to control surge pricing in NCR at the time of crises; but no official circular by the government seems to address this problem. Another one is provision for proper drainage system in Delhi Metro - which has won many awards internationally for its efficiency; however, there are surprisingly no public documents which specify how uninterrupted services can be provided during floods; or other emergency provisions during natural disasters like earthquake. 

Some Solutions

Government at the Centre, State and Union-level has emphasised using PPPs for financing infrastructure not just for construction but also O&M. PPPs could well be used for innovative ideas! Malaysia's SMART Tunnel is an excellent innovative example for designing infrastructure for a seamless commute during flash floods. UK's fast-draining concrete is another possible alternative for flood control.   

While Kerry kept his much-appreciated promise for talk at IIT; I cannot let go off his comment on amphibious vehicles! I think his 'supposed' shot in the dark remark was a bull's eye for a place like IIT! Ola made news by deploying boats during Tamil Nadu floods. This gesture was purely out of CSR! Its time countries like India invest in R&D for disaster risk. IIT Delhi itself can promote such research on campus and who knows that in the rush of rat-racing IT start-ups, one in an amphibious vehicle could stand out and prove disruptive! 

(Payal Dey is a Doctoral Scholar at IIT Delhi. Thoughts are personal - article must be duly acknowledged and cited before use. Email: payal.dey@gmail.com)