Monsoon havoc in India: How floods can be a valuable resource

Source– The post is based on the article “Monsoon havoc in India: How floods can be a valuable resource” published in “The Indian Express” on 13th July 2023.

Syllabus: GS3 – Disaster Management

Relevance: Flood Management

News- The monsoon arrived in Mumbai and New Delhi and heavy rainfall immediately followed, causing flooding in many parts of India.

What are the methods for Better Flood Management?

The focus needs to shift from flood control to flood management as complete flood protection for citizens, properties, and infrastructure is not feasible in India.

Instead of considering flood flows as a nuisance and discharging them into the ocean quickly, conserving a significant portion of floodwater could help reduce damages and mitigate upcoming droughts.

What are the structural and non-structural measures for flood management?

Structural tools include storage reservoirs, embankments, and diversions. These measures help reduce flood hazards.

Storage reservoirs can store water during high-flow periods, moderating the flood peak, and provide water for irrigation, electricity generation, and water supply.

Non-structural methods, such as flood forecasting, warnings, and floodplain zoning, contribute to timely evacuation of people and regulate the use of floodplains.

What are the solutions?

Comprehensive approach for flood Management along with an appropriate mix of grey (man-made), blue (water bodies), and green (natural) infrastructure.

Flood management should adopt a river basin approach while considering the environmental aspects.

Upgrading hydro-infrastructure and implementing a comprehensive flood management program are necessary steps to address increasing climate change and flood variabilities.

Flood moderation, conserving flood water for future use, and adopting a combination of structural and non-structural measures are some steps.