Floods in Punjab
We have huge floods in Punjab. This disaster sort of crept
up upon us. It kept building up with rains in the catchment areas.
. Much needs to be done. To help the residents of areas
affected by floods. We cannot just say the spirit of Punjab. And a request, di
not build it into a political issue.
Please help.
Actually much needed to be done earlier.
One
Were earthen embankments strengthened with studs, spurs,
revetments and aprons before the flood season. Every year regularly.
Two
Was a scenario analysis done of flooding and measures
required. In anticipation.
Three
Were drainage channels cleaned up and siltation removed as
a part of regular integral precautions. Not just now but regularly.
Four
Why the benefits of implementing the Prime Minister Fasal
Bima Yojana not realised. Even if not this scheme, then have an alternative
insurance product for crops and milch / draught / animals.
Five
What was the actual budget allocated for flood protection
last few years. And the amount actually expended.,
Kharar had natural streams. When for a decade we do not
have immense water flows we start building over it or narrowing the channel.
The natural drainage systems are disrupted.
We have channelised our rivers. The problem is flood
protection can be either channelising the rivers by creating huge embankments
and protecting them by studs spurs and revetments and monitoring the impact
constantly or
Allowing a wider swathe for the river to flow (then make
some protection structures( to enable the river waters to flow within a degree
of control when in spate.
Both have their advantages and disadvantages. Our
population pressure made us go for channelisation.
Growing Trees is just one part. What about clearing
drainage channels of siltation regularly and deepening them and protecting them
from encroachments. And maybe plant trees along their channels.
Even then, the planning, if done properly, and maintenance
and protection measures work upto a point.
If the rainfall in a person exceeds the planned for
capacity, then damage is certain. Only some containment is possible if drainage
systems are effective. That only data will bring out.
The BBMB also ultimately has to work on analysis of the met
data. And the scenario analysis. As to release water earlier in small spurts,
if the expected rainfall does not occur and levels reduce, then there will be
criticism too.
Were we prepared adequately. Did we expend funds on
protection and maintenance measures. That also needs analysis.,
Punjab has a Drainage Dept.It has a history of competence.
But these works require constant maintenance.
What was the exact amount budgeted as an allocation for
protection and maintenance measures. Every year.,What was the exact amount
expended and which locations.
Was an estimation made of measures required in case of
concentrated rains and which were the most vulnerable reaches to be protected.
We have huge seasonal streams which we call choes. Were
they being assessed. Many Engineers do so.
Then it’s the Govt decision based on priorities and
funding. Why not study this.
Rivers like the Sutlej can be dangerous. Were the
protection measured taken yearly at vulnerable reaches etc.
Over the years I did associate with some appraisals. Just
my perspective.
Point. I just wanted to point this out. Resources,
including monetary, are finite. Who decided what goes where. The data will
tell. Kindly dig it out. It’s there in the budget.
Why was the BBMB Politicised, on the release of waters,
they were going by a rigourous study. Earlier.
And
Perhaps this is for social media a too elaborate account on
causes of floods and lack of appropriate mechanism to deal with them. The irony
is that floods are forgotten till the time they come again. In US no human
activity allowed within 150m of river Bank on either side and shall remain under trees and natural flora. This is also a fact
that design of drainage ways for more than 2.5 lakh cusec discharge released
all of a sudden from dams is very expensive and need very wide cross sectional
area. Even if the drains are cleaned but Riverways are not desilted due to self
flushing mechanism. This topic I acknowledge needs much more deliberations.
But apathy, underestimating and not letting Engineers do their job is also
there.
Comments
Post a Comment