Cut the Crap

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“Save the Water”

Studies and expert appraisals have concluded that

citizens properties and infrastructure in India
cannot be provided with complete flood protection
Hence we need to
shift attention and efforts
from
flood control to flood management

Rationale behind flood management-

If a
large part of the flood flowssafely can

be conserved damages lives crops houses public

utilities etc would reduce

The saved water would

help partially mitigate

the upcoming droughts
Photo credit- AP
 Tools to manage floods can be classified into-

Structural Measures-

It includes storage reservoirs embankments and

diversions

They reduce flood hazards by keeping damage causing

water Photo credit- Down to Earth
away from agricultural
areas cities industries etc

Examples
storage reservoir
Moderate
flood peak by storing water during high flow
periods and releasing it later
Also conserve water
for
irrigation
electricity generation water supply etc
Photo credit- Indian Express
Tanks and ponds
aid in
ground water recharge and promote biodiversity
Non-structural methods-
Photo credit- TERI

It includes flood forecasting

and
warnings flood plain
etc
zoning

Help in
timely evacuation
people and regulate
of
the use
of floodplains
Photo credit- AP

These methods don't involve construction and

hence don't create an adverse impact
on the environment or otherwise

Drawback water is neither conserved nor

put to
alternate use
Way Forward-

A river basin approach should be adopted

for flood
management while environment
taking care
of
Mindset is needed flood flows should be
shift seen

as resource to be conserved
a
for subsequent
use and water security

the country
Ysgradation of hydro infrastructure
in

Photo credit- Mint

Conclusion-
IPCC's ARG noted that intense rains are to
likely
become more common in this world
warming
To this entire suites structural
fight of measures

and non structural

appropriate misc of grey
blue and considered
green infrastructure needs to be
for flood management

Photo credit- WMO