From Crisis to Resilience: Rethinking Urban Flooding and Groundwater Recharge in Bengaluru City, India

Bengaluru, a primary metropolitan centre in India, is currently grappling with the dual crises of urban flooding and severe groundwater depletion. These challenges are driven by rapid urbanization, which has seen built‐up areas increase from 42% to 86% over two decades, resulting in a dramatic loss of vegetation and wetlands. This study addresses a critical research gap by integrating 27 years of hydrological data (1997–2023) with a multi‐perspective analysis of the city's fragmented governance. Using a lag correlation analysis ( r = 0.735), we demonstrate a 1‐ to 2‐month latency in groundwater recharge. This window is increasingly obstructed by the expansion of impervious surfaces and the encroachment of 70% of the city's historical lakes. We operationalize the INSPECT framework—spanning institutional, natural, social, political, economic, cultural, and technological domains—to identify systemic barriers, such as the policy silos between drainage and water supply agencies. The findings indicate that although rainfall remains a vital resource, its effectiveness is neutralized by institutional fragmentation and weak enforcement of buffer zone regulations. We propose a phased implementation roadmap for water‐sensitive urban design (WSUD), highlighting nature‐based solutions like recharge wells and lake rejuvenation as essential for climate resilience and sustainable water management. This research provides a scalable model for transforming rapidly growing cities in the Global South into water‐sensitive urban environments.