Flood feud

Source– The post is based on the article “Flood feud” published in “The Hindu” on 17th July 2023.

Syllabus: GS3- Disaster Management

Relevance: Flood Management

News- The article emphasis that States must coordinate to evolve a joint strategy to combat floods.

What is the present flood situation across the country?

Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana and Delhi have reported record rainfall and at least 60 deaths have been confirmed.

However, unusual inundation of Delhi has brought to national focus the disasters.

What are the reasons stated for floods in Delhi?

Delhi’s officials have attributed this to the flooding of the Yamuna in upstream States, particularly at Yamunanagar in Haryana.

But, there was no desilting of drains ahead of the monsoon in Delhi. There has been an accelerated large-scale concretisation of the city.

Delhi makes a case that huge amounts of silt due to riverbed mining from Haryana block the natural flow of the river.

What is the way forward?

Delhi should no longer consider itself immune from urban flooding given that its population and infrastructural needs are only going to expand.

The Air Pollution joint management strategy evolved by National Capital Territory can act as a model for flood management.

These States must set aside their differences and evolve a joint strategy on countering future floods