Operational Research to Support Mainstreaming Integrated Flood Management in India under Climate Change - Vol. 2: Basin Flood Management Plan Brahmani-Baitarani, Odisha

Abstract

This report describes the Brahmani-Baitarani river basins and their flood risks, and proposes plans for reducing flood risks using a mixture of structural and non-structural measures. It begins by describing the geophysical and hydrological characteristics as well as recent flood history. Importantly, it does so from a macro-perspective as well as from the perspective of communities living in the flood-prone areas. A flood risk assessment is given of the current situation as well as under potential climate change conditions for the years 2040 and 2080.

Subsequent chapters elaborate the gamut of existing and possible future flood mitigation measures. As well as embankments, dams and river offtakes, non-structural elements such as flood forecasting, land use management, community level measures, agricultural adaptations and reservoir optimization techniques are discussed. The urban environment is also taken into consideration, for which drainage designs and costings are described. The economic and environmental considerations of all these interventions are presented. Finally the report spells out the necessity of improvements in institutional and community activities in order to create a better enabling environment for flood management.

This report makes no decisions, but gives choices and options, which will work best when implemented in harmony. Not all options may be economically or socially feasible. This requires further study and discussions between stakeholders. It is hoped that this report may assist in these discussions, leading to an integrated approach that will help mitigate the recurrent flood problems in the Brahmani-Baitarani basins, for the benefit of millions of people living in these fertile but yet hazardous environments.

Citation

Anon. Operational Research to Support Mainstreaming Integrated Flood Management in India under Climate Change - Vol. 2: Basin Flood Management Plan Brahmani-Baitarani, Odisha. ADB, Manila, Philippines (2015) 104 pp.

Operational Research to Support Mainstreaming Integrated Flood Management in India under Climate Change - Vol. 2: Basin Flood Management Plan Brahmani-Baitarani, Odisha

Published 1 January 2015