Many cities around the world are sinking rapidly and 5 cities of India are also among them. NASA has warned that rising sea levels are a threat to these cities. Kolkata, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Mumbai and Surat, these 5 cities are in danger. According to a study by Singapore's Nanyang Technological University (NTU), climate change and groundwater exploitation are the main reasons for this.
Land in Kolkata has sunk by 0.01 to 2.8 cm every year
Between 2014 and 2020, the land in Kolkata has sunk by 0.01 to 2.8 centimeters every year. The Bhatpara area has seen the maximum sinking of 2.6 centimeters per year. According to NASA, the sea level has risen by 0.59 centimeters in 2024. Here 90 lakh people live in the affected areas, where the risk of floods and earthquakes has increased.Land is also sinking rapidly in Chennai
The land is also sinking rapidly in Chennai by 0.01 to 3.7 centimeters per year. The maximum sinking of 3.7 cm has occurred in the Tharamani area. Excessive use of groundwater is the reason for this.Risk of flood has increased in Ahmedabad
Between 2014 and 2020, the land in Ahmedabad has sunk by 0.01 to 5.1 cm every year. The maximum subsidence of 4.2 cm was seen in Piplaj area. 51 lakh people live in these dangerous areas. The risk of floods has increased due to the sea level rising by 0.59 cm, the main reason for this is groundwater exploitation.Mumbai may sink by up to 1.90 feet by 2100
Mumbai is also in this list, which is situated on the banks of the Arabian Sea. NASA has warned that Mumbai may sink by up to 1.90 feet by 2100. Rising sea level and groundwater exploitation are the reasons for this. The risk of floods in Mumbai is already high and now the situation may get worse.
Situation alarming in Surat
Surat is also sinking rapidly and rising sea level is a threat for this. Excessive use of groundwater and climate change are the reasons for this. Surat is a big industrial city. Its sinking can cause a lot of damage.
Half of Jakarta below sea level
Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia, is sinking at the fastest rate in the world. Half of it has gone below sea level. Since 1970, some parts have sunk 4 meters below.16 crore people live in sinking cities
The NTU study said that excessive exploitation of groundwater is the main reason for land subsidence. In Kolkata, Chennai and Ahmedabad, the land is sinking due to water extraction. 16 crore people live in these 48 sinking cities. Climate change and increasing rainfall have further aggravated the problem.Jakarta, Alexandria and Ho Chi Minh City tried to prevent floods by building dams and walls. But experts say that this can cause a 'bowl effect'. Rainwater gets trapped, which can increase floods. In India too, the government has taken steps for groundwater management.
Tokyo implemented strict rules on groundwater pumping
Tokyo in Japan implemented strict rules on groundwater pumping. In the 1970s, Tokyo banned water extraction, which reduced subsidence. Now only some small areas in Tokyo are sinking by 0.01 to 2.4 centimeters. Tokyo has become more stable due to water supply management.
Tags
National