What is Flood Control and Management?

Flood Control and Management are required when the water bodies of a particular region start to overflow due to the decreased water holding capacity of the water bodies or impaired levees leading to a flood situation. Flood Control and Management also perform the duties of gathering information regarding flood forecasting. This helps to evacuate places before any cyclone or flood hits a region. This helps to minimize the losses to some extent.

Flood Control and Management - Overview

The CWC (then known as the Central Water & Power Commission) made a foray in India into scientific flood forecasting in November 1958. It established a Flood Forecasting Centre at its headquarters in Delhi to deliver timely forecasts and warnings of impending floods to territories near the river areas encircling the Capital of India, Delhi.

Flood forecasting entails a variety of tasks, from monitoring and collecting hydrological and hydrometeorological data to transferring the information to various forecasting units. Data analysis and forecasting aid in the production of more calculated data. Finally, the forecast is released, which formally aids in informing the public about the impending calamity.

Methos of Flood Control and Management

The Flood Control and Management of India take lots of skilful actions to implement a properly functioning flood defence system. The Flood Control and Management body aid in developing different dams and reservoirs to increase the water holding capacity. The method of channelling excess water to manmade floodways is also used. This excess water can be used as a substitute for groundwater too. The management also uses the self-closing flood barrier (SCFB) to prevent floods due to heavy rainfall or snow melting.

☛ Also Read: Current Affairs 2022 PDF

Flood Control and Management systems are crucial for any country that is prone to floods. India has a vast coastal region, and every year, different natural calamities hit the region and cause floods. The statistical analysis states that almost 40% of the deaths due to natural calamities occur in flood-related situations. Hence, enhancing the flood management system is a crucial aspect for India.

FAQs on Flood Control and Management

Q1. What is Flood Control and Management?

Flood Control and Management refer to the measures that are taken to prevent humongous economic loss, deaths, and environmental calamities due to flooding. The management body that takes care of the Flood Control and Management sectors takes several initiatives to channel the water into a smooth flow. They develop levees around the river to prevent inundation. This gives the narrowed river more breathing space as well as carrying capacity. Downsizing floodplain expansion and considering environmental factors while making any massive developmental decisions are also some examples of Flood Control and Management. This also includes gathering flood forecasting information to make people residing in the coastal areas more aware.

Q2. What are the Main Functions of Flood Control and Management?

Flood Control and Management contribute to different measures for preventing floods. The body provides valuable information to develop fruitful measures, including river levees, improved river water channelization, reservoirs and their management, dams, drainage system improvement, etc.

Q3. Mention a way that Flood Control and Management work together to manage the flood.

Flood Control and Management employ the method of diverting the surplus water to manmade floodways. This method redirects the water to provisionally held water bodies. This method helps to abate the impact of flooding.

Q4. How can Flood Control and Management be enhanced?

Flood Control and Management are enhanced by improving a number of infrastructures, including sounder flood forecasting systems, modifying home and public property infrastructure, enhancing the flood defence system, preserving water bodies and wetlands, reducing deforestation and planting more trees, etc.