Setting aside impulsive remarks on floods in the public sphere, scientists and researchers on Friday took a rational look at the factors that triggered the recent calamity and also the possible scientific measures that could help in mitigating such events in the future.
At a brainstorming session on floods organised by the Centre for Water Resources Development and Management (CWRDM) here, a panel of 10 experts presented their findings and the possible solutions that could be explored to address Kerala’s vulnerability.
The idea of transforming reservoirs for the twin task of water storage and flood management was unanimously endorsed by the panellists. They observed that the management of reservoirs and dams, at present used only for water storage, could be improved to address flood hazards.
“Flood is not man-made, but its severity has a a man-made element. An integration of the existing reservoir management systems is crucial for fighting future challenges. A centralised control too is vital for addressing flood hazards,” said T.I. Eldho, professor, IIT-Mumbai. In his presentation, he stressed need to update information on dam management on a dedicated website for public alert.
S. Abhilash, assistant professor in the department of atmospheric science, Cochin University of Science and Technology, put forth the need to develop a localised forecasting system to prepare better to handle future challenges. He observed that the inherent limitations in weather forecasting should be accepted as such even while continuing with researches for an accurate system.
Presenting his observations on the impact of the floods on the Periyar system and river basin, K.P. Sudheer, professor, IIT-Madras, noted that the dams in the area were actually found helpful to mitigate the crisis. He pointed out that a change in the existing status of reservoirs from water storage structures to flood management zones was the best possible alternative to address future challenges.
M.K. Goel, scientist and head, Jammu Centre of the National Institute of Hydrology, Roorkee, said the judicious control of water levels in reservoirs based on actual conservation needs was the best possible intervention for effective flood management. He also observed that the Idukki dam management system was quite satisfactory with its good decision support system.
John Mathai, scientist and senior consultant at the National Centre for Earth Science Studies, said activities like cutting, levelling and filling of steep areas in landslide-prone regions continued to be a threat in Kerala. The Wayanad plateau had several such locations hit by the recent series of landslips, he pointed out.
Moderating the discussions, former CWRDM executive director E.J. James said climate variations in the State should be dealt with carefully to have short- and long-term plans for effective mitigation. He also underscored the need to have a scientific report on the basis of the latest studies that could help reduce the intensity of natural calamities in the future.
