Rivers Remember : #Chennai Rains And The Shocking Truth Of A Manmade Flood

Rivers Remember: #Chennai Rains and the Shocking Truth of a Manmade Flood by Krupa Ge investigates the causes and consequences of the devastating Chennai floods of December 2015. Combining extensive research with personal narratives, the book examines how urban development, environmental degradation, and administrative decisions contributed to a disaster that affected thousands of lives. It offers readers a detailed exploration of urban planning, climate vulnerability, and the relationship between cities and their natural waterways.

Drawing on government documents, RTI responses, archival sources, interviews, and first-hand accounts, the book moves beyond the immediate tragedy to explore why such disasters occur and what they reveal about India's rapidly growing cities. Through the experiences of survivors, it also reflects on resilience, community, and the social inequalities exposed during times of crisis.

About This Book

Rivers Remember: #Chennai Rains and the Shocking Truth of a Manmade Flood investigates the environmental and human factors behind the Chennai floods while placing them within the broader context of urban flooding in India. The narrative considers how lakes, canals, and rivers reclaimed their historical paths after years of encroachment and unplanned development, drawing parallels with similar disasters in cities including Mumbai, Surat, Srinagar, and Kerala.

Based on more than three years of research, Krupa Ge combines documentary evidence with interviews involving journalists, stakeholders, and residents of Chennai. Alongside the investigative account, the book highlights personal stories—including those of the author's own family—to explore resilience, compassion, and the ways caste and class influenced people's experiences during the floods.

What You'll Discover

• An investigation into the Chennai floods of December 2015.
• The impact of urban development on rivers, lakes, and canals.
• Research based on RTIs, government records, and archival material.
• Personal accounts from people affected by the floods.
• Connections between Chennai and other major urban flood events in India.
• Insights into environmental planning, governance, and disaster preparedness.
• Reflections on resilience and the social impact of natural disasters.

Perfect For

• Readers interested in environmental and urban issues.
• Students of public policy, geography, and urban planning.
• Readers exploring contemporary Indian non-fiction.
• Those interested in climate resilience and disaster studies.

Why You'll Love This Book

Rivers Remember: #Chennai Rains and the Shocking Truth of a Manmade Flood combines investigative reporting with deeply personal stories to examine one of India's most significant urban disasters. It provides a thoughtful perspective on how cities evolve, how environmental decisions shape everyday life, and why understanding the past is essential for building more resilient communities.