A comprehensive study by Chinese scientists reveals that nearly half of China’s major cities are sinking due to land subsidence, primarily caused by groundwater extraction and urbanization. This phenomenon, with rates exceeding 0.1 inches per year in some areas, poses significant risks to infrastructure and exacerbates flooding concerns, especially in coastal regions. Urgent action is needed to revise building codes, mitigate groundwater extraction, and address the long-term impacts of subsidence on urban resilience and climate vulnerability.
Land subsidence is a factor as preparations are made for rising sea levels and strengthening storms. Human infrastructure, including buildings and groundwater extraction, increases vulnerabilities.
The Central Building Research Institute (CBRI) has identified 14 high-risk zones in subsidence-hit Joshimath and recommended that residents either take compensation or get relocated. The CBRI will support the state government in developing a new location as a model village for the affected families.