Comparative Analysis of Flooding in Gothenburg, Sweden and Mumbai, India: A Review

Abstract:
To cope with flooding in cities, a combination of well working stormwater system and a resilient city is needed. As the future is uncertain, cities have to be built resilient, meaning that they can be flexible and adaptable, as it is not possible to protect the city from floods totally. Green areas in the city can provide resilience, as water can be led here e.g. during heavy rainfall. In this article the situation in Gothenburg, which is on the list of Swedish cities at risk of getting flooded, and Mumbai, where parts of the city is flooded every monsoon season, are compared. The sewage systems in Mumbai and Gothenburg were built in the same time period, late 1800’s and early 1900’s, both with British influences. The system in Mumbai has, more or less, not been developed since it was built, while the Gothenburg system has been developed along with the city expansion. Many parts of both cities were built on former marshland areas, close to the sea. Our recommendation, for both cities, is to develop the storm water systems further with sustainability and resilience perspectives in mind, including to build floodable areas close to the city centre. It is also important to educate leaders and practitioners in both cities about resilience and sustainability perspectives.