Floods in India - Causes, Economic Loss, Measures

India, a land of diverse landscapes and climates, faces persistent flood challenges, causing loss of life, property, and livelihoods. This article explores root causes of flood in india , its impacts on communities, prevention measures, and the crucial role of disaster preparedness in India.

CAUSES OF FLOODS IN INDIA

India's flood system is  a complex interplay of both natural and human-induced factors. Natural causes include heavy rainfall, river overflow, hurricanes, and the fluctuations of monsoons. Geographically situated to experience monsoons, India often faces torrential rainfall leading to excessive flooding. Additionally, human activities, such as deforestation, poor urban planning, and inadequate drainage systems, exacerbate the severity of these floods.

Climate Change and Its Role in Floods in india

While climate change undoubtedly contributes to the occurrence of intense rainfall and floods, it is not the sole culprit. In the Himalayas, there is a noticeable pattern of increasing precipitation over short periods. For instance, in certain cases, the rainfall has exceeded the normal precipitation levels, such as in 2010 and 2018. The recent increase in precipitation can be attributed to the combined effect of the southwest monsoon and westerly wind disturbances, with the total precipitation from June till now reaching 511 mm.


Reconsidering the Development Model

Apart from climate change, human factors have played a pivotal role in contributing to flooding disasters. The development model adopted in Himachal Pradesh since its establishment in 1971 transformed the state into a role model for mountainous development. Known as the "Dr. Palmer model," it focused on land reforms, substantial government investment in social welfare, and prioritizing human resources. These efforts paid off, catapulting Himachal Pradesh to the second rank in the social development index. Notable achievements included electrification of every home, improved connectivity through health centers in remote areas, increased access to education, and advancements in agriculture, particularly in off-season apple and vegetable harvesting.

However, the advent of liberalization brought about significant changes, with the central government pushing for tax reforms and mountainous provinces being compelled to generate their own financial resources. This shift resulted in the overexploitation of natural resources like forests, water bodies, tourism, and cement production, becoming the main focus of development. The rampant construction of hydroelectric projects, hasty road expansion without proper geological studies, expansion of cement factories altering land-use patterns, and changes in agricultural practices have all contributed to negative impacts on landscapes and river systems.



The Wrong Turn with Hydropower Projects

The promotion of hydropower projects has taken center stage in mountainous provinces, measuring their success in terms of attracting investment in megawatts (MW). However, the disorderly construction of these hydroelectric projects has transformed once mighty rivers into mere streams. Using a "river flow" dam technology, water is diverted through tunnels dug into the mountains, with excavated material often disposed of along the riverbed. During heavy rains, the accumulated sediment flows back into the river, causing destructive consequences for rivers like Parvati, Beas, Sutlej, and many others. Plans for a 150 km long tunnel on the Sutlej River further threaten the entire ecosystem.

With 168 hydropower projects already operational, generating 10,848 MW of electricity, an additional 1,088 projects are slated for commissioning by 2030, aiming to harness 22,640 MW of energy. Such an inundation of hydropower projects raises concerns about an imminent disaster in the region.

The Tourism Impact on flood in india

Tourism development policies have also contributed to the flood problem. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has undertaken frequent road expansion projects to promote tourism and attract more tourists. However, the conversion of two-lane roads to four-lane and one-lane roads to two-lane roads often disregards important geological studies and mining engineering knowledge.

Traditional terraced methods, known for minimizing environmental impact, are replaced by vertical slits through mountains, causing massive landslides and damaging existing roads. The restoration process after such disasters is time-consuming and arduous. Additionally, the hasty construction of roads, with no consideration for significant land parcels or grade requirements, leads to soil dumping, ultimately causing rapid swelling of streams and rivers even during normal rainfall.

Changing Harvest Patterns

A quiet transformation is taking place in agriculture and horticulture, with a significant shift in land titles and crops grown. More farmers are turning to cash crops instead of traditional grain farming. However, these crops are perishable, and their transportation to markets faces challenges due to hastily constructed roads without proper drainage systems. This results in water finding its way, carrying dumped debris and depositing it into river ecosystems, leading to swift river swelling even during normal rainfall. The province's designated road length is approximately 1,753 km, but the total length, including connecting roads and village roads, exceeds 40,000 km.

Himachal pradesh flood 2023 ( a man made disaster )

During this year's monsoon season, Himachal Pradesh witnessed flash floods that wreaked havoc on lives and property. The aftermath of this catastrophe saw a tragic death toll of over 150 people and an estimated damage cost of Rs 10,000 crore. Climate change is partly responsible for the heavy rains that triggered these flash floods, but planned developmental activities have also played a significant role in amplifying the losses. Over the past five years leading up to 2022, approximately 1,550 lives were lost, and nearly 12,444 homes were damaged.

delhi flood 2023

After the recent heavy downpour, the water level in the Yamuna river surged, leading to a sharp increase in the release of water from the barrage. On July 9, at 4 pm, approximately 111,060 cusecs of water were discharged, reaching a critical "flood situation" as it crossed the 1 lakh cusecs mark. The volume of water being released continued to rise, and by July 11, around 11 am, a staggering 3,59,769 cusecs was flowing out of the barrage.

This sudden influx of water inundated various areas of Delhi, submerging entire localities and sparking a blame game between the Delhi AAP government and the BJP-led government in Haryana

Impact of flood in india

 India is a country that is prone to floods due to its monsoon climate and extensive river networks. These floods are capable of having severe and far-reaching impacts that affect various aspects of the country's economy, society, and environment. Here are some of the key impacts of floods in India in greater detail:

Loss of life and property

The effects of floods are often devastating, resulting in the loss of human lives, homes, infrastructure, and agricultural fields. This not only disrupts the affected families and communities but also causes a significant impact on the economy.

Displacement of people

Floods can force people to flee from their homes, leaving them with no option but to stay in temporary shelters such as relief camps. The resultant humanitarian crisis can affect the displaced people's access to basic necessities such as food, clean water, and healthcare.

Agricultural losses

Farmlands are often submerged in water during floods, which destroys crops and agricultural infrastructure. This leads to significant economic losses for farmers, affecting their livelihoods and food production.

Infrastructure damage

Floods can damage roads, bridges, railways, and other critical infrastructure. Transportation and communication networks can be disrupted for an extended period, leading to financial implications for the government.

Water contamination and health issues

Floodwaters can become contaminated with pollutants, sewage, and other harmful substances, leading to waterborne diseases and health hazards for the affected population.

Econimic impact

The damage caused by floods can have a severe impact on India's economy, leading to a slowdown in economic growth and increased financial burden for the government in terms of relief and rehabilitation efforts.Disruption of services

Environmental damage

Floods can have adverse effects on the environment, including soil erosion, deforestation, and damage to ecosystems and wildlife habitats.

Long-term consequences

Even after the water recedes, the impacts of floods may persist for an extended period. In some cases, communities may take years to fully recover, and some may face a cycle of repeated flooding and vulnerability.

In conclusion, the impact of floods in India can be quite severe, with far-reaching consequences for the affected individuals, communities, and the economy.

Learning from Past Floods in india

India's history of facing devastating floods has provided valuable lessons. Authorities must invest in flood forecasting systems, early warning mechanisms, and evacuation plans. Mitigation efforts can be improved through strict land-use regulations and promoting tree planting.

Mitigation and Disaster Risk Reduction

Effectively reducing the negative impacts of floods requires a focus on flood mitigation and disaster risk reduction strategies. Strong embankments and flood protection structures can contain and divert floods, minimizing damage to surrounding communities. Additionally, leveraging modern technologies like remote sensing and geographic information systems (GIS) can enhance early detection and flood monitoring capabilities.



The Role of Government Efforts and Policies

The Government of India recognizes the gravity of the flood problem and has taken various initiatives to address it. The National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) plays a pivotal role in formulating policies and action plans for managing disasters, including floods. State governments also establish their disaster management committees to ensure a local response.

Adaptation to climate change is gaining attention and integration into flood management strategies. Considering the potential impacts of climate change on precipitation patterns and flood intensity enables better preparation for future challenges.

Involvement and Awareness in Communities

While government engagement is crucial, community participation and awareness are equally vital in dealing with floods. Residents in flood-prone areas should be educated about the risks and precautions, encouraging the adoption of traditional practices for water conservation and flood control.

Rehabilitation and Support

Post-flood rehabilitation and support are essential for affected communities to recover and rebuild their lives. Collaborative efforts between governments and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are necessary to provide immediate relief, including food, shelter, and medical assistance. Equally important is the provision of long-term assistance, including financial aid, livelihood reconstruction, and infrastructure rebuilding.

Solution of flood in india

Flooding in India demands a comprehensive and proactive approach. Below are essential measures to address this issue effectively:

Strengthening Infrastructure:

The construction of resilient flood control structures, such as embankments, dams, and reservoirs, plays a vital role in regulating water flow and preventing inundation.

Green Afforestation:

By planting more trees and preserving natural vegetation, we enhance soil absorption capabilities and minimize surface runoff, reducing the risk of flooding.

Watershed Management Excellence:

Implementing effective watershed management practices is crucial for the sustainable utilization of water resources and reducing soil erosion that contributes to flooding.

Advanced Early Warning Systems:

The development and deployment of state-of-the-art early warning systems serve as life-saving tools, promptly alerting communities about impending floods and enabling timely actions.

Embracing Climate Change Adaptation:

With strategies tailored to climate change impacts on rainfall patterns and flood occurrences, we can proactively adapt and mitigate the potential damages.

River Dredging and Desilting:

Regularly cleaning rivers and removing silt increases their capacity to carry water, reducing the likelihood of overflowing and flooding.

International Collaboration:

Collaborating with neighboring countries for transboundary river management, especially concerning shared rivers, fosters regional cooperation in mitigating floods.

By embracing these solutions and working collectively, we can tackle India's flood challenges, safeguard communities, and protect the environment for a more resilient and secure future.

Conclusion

Floods in india remain a recurring natural disaster in India that demands attention, preparation, and proactive action. Understanding the root causes, consequences, and remedial strategies is crucial in mitigating devastating impacts. By fostering a culture of disaster risk reduction, community engagement, and sustainable development, India can effectively combat floods, safeguarding its people and resources.