Flood Management In India
The general meaning of a flood is that a large area of land remains submerged for several consecutive days. Incessant heavy rainfall, obstruction of natural flow of water, etc. are considered to be the traditional factors of floods.If seen in the present context, the frequency, intensity and area extent and extent of damage caused by floods in India are increasing every year (life was severely affected due to floods in big cities like Chennai, Mumbai).
We can see the factors responsible for the present form of floods as follows :-
• Indiscriminate deforestation in the origin and upper catchment areas of major rivers and their important tributaries.
•Rapid erosion of soil due to forest destruction.
• Increase in sediment load of rivers.
• Deposits of sediments at the bottom of rivers.
• Reduction in water holding capacity of river basins.
• Expansion of urbanization.
• Rapid expansion of human settlements in flood plains and shallow valleys Encroachment.
flood control efforts In 1954, the Flood Control Board at the Center and the States and in 1976,the National Flood Commission was constituted. Huge dams were built under several multipurpose river basin projects. Its main purpose was flood control. For example, Kosi, Damodar and Hirakud projects etc. However, embankment construction has proved to be a virtual security in flood control.Hence, more emphasis is now being laid on non-structural measures. flood forecasting centers have been established in the country. Emphasis is being laid on afforestation in mountainous and coastal areas. Various agreements have been signed with China, Nepal and Bhutan for flood control. In this the exchange of data related to meteorology, hydrology is prominent.aspect River Linking Project can also prove to be a milestone in flood control. It has been started with the connection of Ken-Betwa.In conclusion, it can be said that human beings need to be in harmony with the environment in their activities so that the dreadful formof disasters can be avoided. Along with this, accurate weather information, proper management of rainwater harvesting etc. can definitely prove to be effective in flood control.
floodeffect About 3.5% of the world's geographical area is covered by floodplains, which accounts for about 16.5% of the world's population.About 12% of India's area is flood affected. About 20% of the population resides in this area. India has the second highest number of deaths due to floods in the world.
We can see the effects of floods inthe following way :-
• Crisis of food and drinking water.
• Shortage of raw material in agro-based industry.
• Decrease in food production, famine, starvation etc.
• The problem of epidemics after floods.
• Damage to infrastructure (houses, schools, roads, railways etc.)
