When Waters Rise

• Assam is currently grappling with severe flooding caused by heavy rains, leading to the swelling of the Brahmaputra River. This natural calamity has adversely affected nearly 1.34 lakh individuals, including over 33,760 children, across seven districts.

Causes of Floods in India:

Heavy Rainfall:

• Monsoon season from June to September brings intense and erratic rainfall.
• Excessive rain can overwhelm soil absorption and drainage systems, leading to flooding.
• Example: Delhi experienced significant rainfall in July 2023, causing widespread inundation.

Snowmelt:

• Melting snow and glaciers increase water levels in rivers.
• Downstream areas can experience floods due to sudden inflow of water.
• Example: Uttarakhand faced a devastating flash flood in February 2021.

Cyclones and Storms:

• Coastal areas are susceptible to floods from cyclones and storm surges.
• High winds and low atmospheric pressure elevate sea levels, causing inundation.
• Example: Cyclone Amphan in May 2020 impacted West Bengal and Odisha severely.

River Overflow:

• Excessive inflow upstream or restricted outflow downstream can cause river overflow.
• Factors include heavy rainfall, snowmelt, cyclones, dams, barrages, or siltation.
• Example: Yamuna River overflowed in 2023 due to upstream rainfall and ineffective barrages.

Impacts of Floods in India:

Loss of Life:

• Drowning, injuries, infections, and electrocution are common causes of fatalities.
• On average, floods claim about 1,600 lives annually in India.
• Example: North India witnessed over 60 confirmed flood-related deaths in early 2023.

Damage to Property:

• Infrastructure such as houses, roads, bridges, and utilities suffer extensive damage.
• Agricultural losses and damage to public property are significant economic impacts.
• Example: Delhi landmarks like the Red Fort were damaged in the 2023 floods.

Displacement of People:

• Floods force people to evacuate, disrupting livelihoods and causing humanitarian crises.
• Access to essentials like food, water, sanitation, and healthcare is compromised.
• Example: Thousands were displaced in Himachal Pradesh and Punjab due to floods in 2023.

Environmental Degradation:

• Floods erode soil, alter habitats, pollute water sources, and increase landslide risks.
• Ecological balance in rivers and wetlands is threatened, impacting biodiversity.
• Example: Endangered species like the Gangetic dolphin are at risk in flooded areas.

Economic Losses:

• Floods impede economic activities, affecting agriculture, industry, trade, and tourism.
• Annual direct losses due to floods in India are estimated at $14 billion.
• Example: The tourism sector and cultural heritage suffer from flood-induced damages.

Solutions for Flood Management in India:

Structural Measures:

Storage Reservoirs:

• Artificial reservoirs store excess water during peak flows.
• Water release during low-flow periods helps manage flood peaks.
• Example: Bhakra Nangal Dam serves flood control and supports irrigation.

Embankments:

• Raised structures along rivers confine water flow and protect adjacent areas.
• Enhances river carrying capacity and directs excess water to safer zones.
• Example: Kosi embankment project in Bihar aims to prevent riverine flooding.

Diversions:

• Structures redirect water from one channel to another to manage flood risk.
• Transfers excess water to less vulnerable areas or storage reservoirs.
• Example: Indira Gandhi Canal diverts water for irrigation in Rajasthan.

Non-structural Measures:

Flood Forecasting and Warning:

• Early warning systems use meteorological and hydrological data to predict floods.
• Facilitates timely evacuation and operational planning for flood management.
• Example: Central Water Commission issues flood alerts across India.

Flood Plain Zoning:

• Regulatory measures restrict development in flood-prone areas to minimize risks.
• Promotes conservation of natural flood buffers like wetlands and forests.
• Example: NDMA guidelines classify flood-prone lands into restricted zones.

Flood Insurance:

• Financial measures compensate flood-related losses through insurance schemes.
• Reduces government burden on relief efforts and encourages risk mitigation.
• Example: Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana covers agricultural losses due to floods.

Flood Awareness and Education:

• Social initiatives educate communities on flood risks and preparedness measures.
• Builds resilience and improves response capabilities during flood emergencies.
• Example: NDMA conducts awareness campaigns on flood management.

Way Forward:

Integrated Approach to Flood Management:

• Implement a mix of structural and non-structural measures for effective flood control.
• Incorporate grey, blue, and green infrastructure solutions tailored to local conditions.

Water Resource Management:

• View floodwaters as a resource for future use, promoting water security initiatives.
• Adopt a river basin approach to flood management while prioritizing environmental conservation.

Enhanced Infrastructure:

• Invest in upgrading hydro-infrastructure to manage increasing climate variability and flood risks effectively.
• By adopting these comprehensive strategies, India can mitigate the impact of floods, safeguard lives and property, and promote sustainable development amidst climate challenges.