Operational Research to Support Mainstreaming Integrated Flood Management in India under Climate Change - Vol. 3: Basin Flood Management Plan Burhi-Gandak, Bihar
Abstract
This report describes the Burhi-Gandak river basin and its flood risks; it proposes plans for reducing those risks using a mixture of structural and non-structural measures. The report describes 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 entire 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 and agricultural adaptations are discussed. The urban environment is also taken into consideration, with drainage designs and costings described. Last but not least, the economic and environmental considerations of all these interventions are presented. The final chapter spells out the necessary improvements in institutional and community activities that would create a better enabling environment for flood management.
It is hoped that this integrated approach will help to mitigate the recurrent flood problems in the Burhi-Gandak basin, for the benefit of millions of people living in these fertile but yet hazardous environments. The report makes no decisions, but offers choices and options which work best when implemented in harmony; not all may be economically or socially feasible. This requires further study and discussions among stakeholders, and it is hoped that this report may assist in these discussions.
Citation
Anon. Operational Research to Support Mainstreaming Integrated Flood Management in India under Climate Change - Vol. 3: Basin Flood Management Plan Burhi-Gandak, Bihar. ADB, Manila, Philippines (2015) 91 pp.
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