Why in NEWS
Climate change is increasing severe floods, making resilience vital. Global best practices such as Tanzania’s Msimbazi Basin Project show how nature-based solutions and modern infrastructure can reduce risks and strengthen resilience, offering lessons for India’s flood management strategies.
Key Concepts & Terms
| Term | Definition | Example / Note |
|---|---|---|
| Sponge Cities | Urban model using wetlands, permeable surfaces, and natural systems to absorb rainwater | Adopted in China |
| Flood Plain Zoning | Designating flood-prone areas and restricting construction to minimise risk | Implemented in parts of India |
| Detention Basin | Natural depressions developed to store excess floodwaters temporarily | Rajasthan and Bihar |
| Forecast to Forewarn | Using AI, satellite data, and models for early warnings | Texas Flood Hub |
| 3Fs Approach | Forecasting, Financing, and Frontline Preparedness for resilience | Proposed for India’s strategy |
Leading Global Best Practices in Flood Risk Management
| Country / Region | Practice | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Tanzania | Msimbazi Basin Project | River dredging, drainage upgrade, relocation of residents, green floodplains |
| Netherlands | Floating Homes | Flood-resistant floating houses with renewable energy |
| Vienna | Danube Flood Channel | 21-km relief channel to absorb excess river water |
| China | Sponge Cities | Nature-based solutions for rainwater absorption and storage |
| Denmark | Green Climate Screen | Rainwater channeled into natural absorbers and green spaces |
| Texas (USA) | AI & Satellite Flood Mapping | Google’s Flood Hub provides 7-day flood forecasts |
India’s Vulnerability to Flood Risks
| Area | Status |
|---|---|
| Flood-Prone Land | 40 million hectares vulnerable |
| Slum Dwellers | 158 million living in flood-prone zones |
| Displacements | 5.4 million in 2024 due to floods and disasters (highest in 12 years) |
| Economic Loss | Floods cause ~63% of annual disaster-related losses |
| Climate Pattern | Sudden rainfall causing floods and prolonged dry spells causing drought |
Key Flood Management Strategies in India
| Measure | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Interlinking of Rivers | Divert water from flood-prone to water-scarce basins | NPP, Ganga–Brahmaputra–Meghna basin |
| Reservoirs | Store floodwaters, release after peak flow | Major river basin reservoirs |
| Detention Basins | Modified natural depressions with embankments | Rajasthan, Bihar |
| Embankments | Prevent river overflow; require maintenance | Assam, Bihar |
| Channelization | Dredging and desilting to improve water flow | Major rivers |
| Diversion of Floodwaters | Spillways and drainage systems to direct floods | Krishna-Godavari Drainage, Thottapally Spillway |
Administrative & Non-Structural Measures
| Measure | Function | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Flood Forecasting | Real-time alerts by Central Water Commission | Early evacuation |
| Flood Plain Zoning | Restrict development in risk zones | Implemented in states |
| Flood Proofing | Raising settlements above flood levels | Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Assam |
Keywords for Mains
River as Resource, Not Risk – Restoring river ecosystems for natural flood control
Forecast to Forewarn – AI and hydrological modeling for early alerts
Resilience is the New Development – Infrastructure that withstands climate shocks
Communities at the Core – Local participation in preparedness and response
In a nutshell
Global best practices show that floods can be managed with a mix of nature-based solutions, advanced technology, and inclusive planning. For India, adopting the “3Fs”—Forecasting, Financing, and Frontline Preparedness—can shift flood management from reactive relief to proactive resilience.
Prelims Questions
- Which of the following countries pioneered the concept of “Sponge Cities” for flood management?
a) Netherlands
b) Denmark
c) China
d) Japan - The Thottapally Spillway in Kerala is primarily associated with:
a) Irrigation control
b) Flood diversion
c) Coastal erosion management
d) Groundwater recharge - According to data, what percentage of India’s annual disaster-related economic losses are caused by floods?
a) 25%
b) 40%
c) 63%
d) 80%
Mains Questions
- Discuss global best practices in flood risk management and their relevance for India. 10 Marks
- Examine India’s structural and non-structural flood management strategies in light of climate change challenges. 10 Marks
Prelims Answers & Explanations
| Q.No | Answer | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | c) China | China’s Sponge Cities absorb and store rainwater through nature-based methods. |
| 2 | b) Flood diversion | Thottapally Spillway is designed to divert floodwaters away from vulnerable areas. |
| 3 | c) 63% | Floods account for nearly two-thirds of India’s annual disaster-related economic losses. |
