(Proceedings, Workshop on Flood and Drought Management, 16–17 September 2004, New Delhi, pp. FM-23).
Out of the total annual rainfall of India, about 75% of it is received during the four months (June to September) due to the south-west monsoon. The rainfall received in India is non-uniformly distributed both in time and space. It leads to the occurrence of flood and drought in different parts of the country. Thus, flood is one of the most common hydrologic extremes which are frequently experienced by our country. The flood problem faced by India is unique in several respects due to varied climate and rainfall patterns in different parts of the country. Generally it is found that when part of the country is experiencing floods while another is in the grip of a severe drought. The rivers may not be able to carry the excessive runoff resulting due to heavy rain of high intensity. As a result the river overflows and water enters to the flood plain. However, the heavy and intense rainflal is not only factor contributing the floods. The foods may be caused due to many other factors which include failure of the flood control structures, drainage congestions, sudden release of water due to removal of ice jams or land slides in the mountainous streams and coastal flooding due to high tides etc. Inspite of various short-term and longterm measures adopted to prevent and mitigate the consequences of floods, there has been considerable damages and losses due to greater interference by man in natural processes and encroachment of flood plain zones and even riverbeds by human beings. This paper highlights flood problems in India along with some of the important flood management issues which require immediate attention for minimising the recurrence of flood damages. In practice, structural and nonstructural measures are adopted for flood management. In this paper various such measures, which are being used are briefly discussed. Advantages and disadvantages of these measures are also discussed. Various short-term and longterm strategies are suggested for the effective management of flood.
Annual rainfall, Hydrologic extremes, Excessive runoff, Heavy rain, Sudden release of water, Ice jams, Land slides, Long-term measures
