Pre - submission of project report

FLOOD MANAGEMENT IN DOBHI VILLAGE , DISTRICT KULLU,

HIMACHAL PRADESH

Submitted by Supervisor

Manoj Kumar Mrs. Chandni Bhagat

Masters in Disaster management Guest Faculty

 CERTIFICATE

It is certified that Mr. Manoj Kumar has completed his project report on “Flood management in
Dobhi village, District Kullu, Himachal Pradesh “under the supervision of Prof. Krishna Mohan .
The work is worthy of submission for evaluation.

Mrs. Chandni Bhagat

(Guest faculty)
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

First of all I would like to express my heartily gratitude to my supervisor Ms. Chandni Bhagat
who helped me through this entire journey in completing this project Report. I get to learn
many new things under her guidance and I am able to complete my project work under her
guidance.

I also would like express my sincere thanks to Prof. Krishna Mohan who give us the opportunity
to work on this project report which help me in learning many things.

I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to all the respected faculty members and
chairperson Prof. Navneet kaur for allowing me to conduct this project report.

Manoj Kumar

Masters in Disaster Management

Panjab University, Chandigarh

 TABLE OF CONTENT

Title Page
Certificate 2
Acknowledgements 3
Contents 4
List of tables 5
List of figures 5
List of Plates 6
Objectives 7
Research methodology 8
Chapter organisation 9
Chapter 1 : Introduction 10-13
Chapter 2 : Factors contributing to flooding 14-17
Chapter 3 : Identification of Vulnerable areas and people 18-24
Chapter 4 : Impact of floods 25-30
Chapter 5 : Safety measures 31-37
Chapter 6 : Suggestion & conclusions 38-39
References 40
 LIST OF TABLES

Table Title Page

0.1 Research methodology 8
0.2 Chapter organisation 9
1.1 Village overview 11
1.2 Major flood years 13
2.1 Factors contributing to flooding 15
2.2 Frequency of floods 16
2.3 Most flood prone season 17
3.1 Vulnerable groups 22
3.2 Most vulnerable area 23
3.3 Vulnerable population during floods 24
4.1 Influence of floods on land use 28
4.2 Impact of floods on livelihood 29
4.3 Effect on basic services during flooding 30
5.1 Community perception/role during floods 35
5.2 Preparation of villagers/community to handle future 36
flooding events
5.3 Safety measures govt. has Implemented to mitigate flood 37
risks in village
 LIST OF FIGURES

Figure Title Page

2.1 Factors contributing to flooding 15
2.2 Frequency of floods 16
2.3 Most flood prone season 17
3.1 Vulnerable groups 22
3.2 Most vulnerable area 23
3.3 Vulnerable population during floods 24
4.1 Influence of floods on land use 28
4.2 Impact of floods on livelihood 29
4.3 Effect on basic services during flooding 30
5.1 Community perception/role during floods 35
5.2 Preparation of villagers/community to handle future flooding 36
events
5.3 Safety measures govt. has Implemented to mitigate flood risks 37
in village
 LIST OF PLATES

Plate Title Page

1.1 Collage of dobhi flood images 10
1.2 Map of India & HP 12
1.3 Google map images of Dobhi 12
3.1 A primary school 19
3.2 A Tourist cottage 19
3.3 Tibetan colony 20
3.4 Flower farm 20
3.5 Paragliding landing site 21
3.6 Houses & Orchards prone to floods 21
4.1 During 2018 flood image 25
4.2 After Flood 2023 image 25
4.3 RCC wall down due to floods 26
4.4 Flower farm destroyed 26
4.5 Newly constructed house destroyed 27
4.6 House destroyed by Flood induced landslide 27
4.7 A Basketball court destroyed 27
5.1 RCC wall built for Tibetan colony safety from floods 32
5.2 Crate wall built for school safety 32
5.3 Increasing depth of river by using machines 32
5.4 19 people rescued by army helicopter during 2018 floods 33
 OBJECTIVES

1. To Identify key factors contributing to flooding in the village.

2. Identification of vulnerable areas and people in the village to flood

hazard.

3. To examine the potential effects of floods on infrastructure, livelihoods and

land use .

4. To examine the safety measures taken by local community and

government.
 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Table 0.1

Data collection Sampling Data representation

Primary data(Field Purposive sampling Table, Charts, Maps

observation, Interview,
questionnaire, group
discussion)

Secondary data(Historical Sample size – 50 Integration and synthesis of

records, Academic literature, (40 villagers and 10 Govt. data
newspaper, social media) Officials )
Males – 28
Females - 22
 CHAPTER ORGANISATION

Table 0.2

Chapter no. Chapter name

1 Introduction
2 Factors contributing to flooding

3 Identification of vulnerable areas and people

4 Impact of floods

5 Safety measures

6 Suggestions and conclusions

 CHAPTER – 1

INTRODUCTION

A flood occurs when water overflows onto land that is typically dry, often due to heavy rainfall,
river overflow, or coastal storm surges.

Floods can result in loss of life, damage to infrastructure and property, disruption of essential
services, economic setbacks, and environmental degradation.

Floods can be caused by various factors, including heavy rainfall, snowmelt, storm surges, dam
or levee failures, rapid ice melting, and coastal tidal changes. They can occur gradually over time
(slow-onset floods) or suddenly (flash floods).

Floods can be categorized based on their sources, such as river floods, coastal floods, urban
floods (due to inadequate drainage), flash floods (rapidly rising water levels), and pluvial floods
(resulting from heavy rainfall).

Flood management aims to mitigate the risks associated with floods, protect vulnerable
communities and ecosystems, and ensure sustainable development by implementing a range of
strategies and measures.

Plate 1.1 : Dobhi Floods Aftermath

Source – Central Tibetan Administration

 STUDY AREA

According to Census 2011 information the location code or village code of Dobhi village is
012782. Dobhi village is located in Kullu tehsil of Kullu district in Himachal Pradesh, India. It is
situated 19km away from Kullu, which is both district & sub-district headquarter of Dobhi
village. As per 2009 stats, Mandalgarh is the gram panchayat of Dobhi village.

Literacy rate of dobhi village is 73.77% out of which 79.61% males and 68.07% females are
literate.

Kullu is nearest town to dobhi village for all major economic activities.

Dobhi : Village overview

Table 1.1

Gram panchayat Mandalgarh

District Kullu
State Himachal Pradesh
Area 74.18 Hectares
Population 1033
Household 225
Pincode 175129
Male& Female population 510 & 523
Nearest town Kullu
 STUDY AREA MAP

Plate 1.2, 1.3. Source – Goggle maps

 HISTORY AND SITE CONTEXT

Fozal Nala which is a tributary of Beas river is prone to floods due to various causes related to
topography and climate of the region.

Major floods in Fozal Nala

Table 1.2

Sr. No. Major flood years River course

1 1995 Old

2 2018 New

3 2019 Both

4 2021 New

5 2023 Both

Source – Field survey 2024

• Fozal Nala flows through two channels known as the old and new courses, as referred to
by local villagers.
• The new course was formed after a destructive flood in 2018 breached the old
embankments.
• The flooding in 2018 and 2023 was particularly devastating, resulting in widespread
destruction of small businesses and agricultural land.
 CHAPTER – 2

FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO FLOODING

The Dobhi village situated in Kullu valley of Himachal Pradesh is vulnerable to floods and various
factors which contributes to the flooding in the village almost every year after the devastating
2018 floods in kullu valley

Key factors contributing to flooding:

Terrain and Topography: The steep terrain of mountainous regions can lead to rapid runoff
during heavy rainfall, exacerbating the risk of flooding in the village.

Heavy Rainfall: Mountain areas often experience intense rainfall, especially during monsoon
seasons, which can overwhelm drainage systems and cause flash floods.

Snowmelt: Melting snow in spring and summer can contribute to increased water flow in river,
potentially leading to flooding in village .

Deforestation: Clearing forests for agriculture or logging reduces the natural ability of the land
to absorb water, increasing the risk of soil erosion and flash floods.

Obsolete river barriers: The aged/obsolete river embankment is one of the main causes of
flooding in the village

Heavy Topography
rainfall

Flooding

Obsolete
Deforestation
river barriers
 SAMPLING OUTCOMES & INFERENCES

Responses of villagers and govt. officials on factors contributing to flooding

Table 2.1

Flooding Factors Villagers Govt. officials Villagers % Govt.

Officials %
Heavy rainfall 12 4 24% 8%
Obsolete river barriers 11 2 22% 4%
Deforestation 4 2 8% 4%
Topography 4 0 8% 0%
All of the above 9 2 18% 4%

Figure 2.1 : Factors contributing to flooding

Inferences:

• Heavy rainfall is the main factor which contributes to flooding according to the
respondents.
• 26% of respondents think that obsolete river barriers/embankments which were built 30
years ago are the main cause of flooding.
• 22% think that All of these 4 factors combined are the main causes of floods which
occurs almost every year from the past 5 years since 2018.
• Combined effects of all of these amplifies flooding risk.
Responses of villagers and govt. officials on frequency of floods
Table 2.2

Frequency of floods Villagers Govt. Villagers % Govt.

officials Officials %
Rarely (Once every few year) 10 1 20% 2%
Occasionally (Once a year) 20 7 40% 14%
Frequently (Multiple times a year) 5 2 10% 4%
Regularly (Almost every month) 5 0 10% 0%

Figure 2.2 : Frequency of floods

Inferences:

• 54% perceive flooding to happen once a year, indicating it’s viewed as a relatively
common occurrence.
• 24% believe flooding occurs once every few years, suggesting it’s seen as less frequent
but still noteworthy.
• 14% think flooding happens multiple times a year, indicating it’s considered a recurring
issue.
• 10% perceive flooding to happen almost every month, highlighting a perception of
frequent and severe flooding in their area.
Responses of villagers and govt. officials on most flood prone season

Table 2.3

Season Villagers Govt. Officials Villagers % Govt. Officials

%
Winter 0 0 0% 0%
Summer 8 2 16% 4%

Monsoon 23 7 46% 14%

Fall 9 1 18% 2%

Figure 2.3

Inferences:

• 60% of respondents associate floods with the monsoon season.

• 20% link floods to the summer season, and another 20% to the fall/autumn season.
• No respondents believe floods occur in the spring.
• Highlighted need for targeted preparedness efforts during the monsoon season.
• Spring identified as a period for proactive flood prevention measures
 CHAPTER – 3
IDENTIFICATION OF VULNERABLE AREAS AND PEOPLE

Identifying vulnerable areas and people in the village involves:

• Field Surveys: Conducting on-the-ground assessments to identify

vulnerable areas, such as low-lying regions or areas prone to erosion, and to
understand community dynamics and needs.
• Community Meetings: Engaging with villagers to gather local knowledge
about past flood events, vulnerable households, and infrastructure
vulnerabilities.
• Household Interviews: Interviewing residents to assess their socio-
economic status, access to resources, and level of vulnerability to flooding.
• Risk Identification: Identifying specific factors contributing to vulnerability,
such as inadequate drainage systems, poorly constructed housing, or
limited access to early warning systems.
• Livelihood analysis: Understanding the dependence of villagers on natural
resources and agriculture, as well as their economic activities, to assess the
potential impact of flooding on their livelihoods.

Overall, the process of identifying vulnerable areas and people in the village is
holistic and participatory, integrating technical assessments with community
engagement. This approach ensures that flood management strategies are
informed by local knowledge, responsive to community needs, and effective in
building resilience against the impacts of flooding. By combining data-driven
analysis with community insights, comprehensive and sustainable solutions can be
implemented to reduce vulnerability and enhance adaptive capacities in flood-
prone areas.
Vulnerable areas and people in the village
1. A Primary School
• A Primary school Following the 2018 flash floods, the primary school building incurred
substantial damage.

Plate 3.1

2. A Tourist Cottage
• Subsequent to the 2018 flood event, a cottage was erected.

Plate 3.2
3. A Tibetan colony
• Positioned within a flood-prone zone, the Tibetan colony is subject to elevated
susceptibility to flooding.

Plate 3.3

4. A Flower farm
• Situated within a floodplain, the flower farm sustains operations with a workforce
comprising 80 regular employees

Plate 3.4
5. A Paragliding landing site
• Ongoing flood events have resulted in the gradual erosion of the paragliding landing site.

Plate 3.5

6. Houses and orchards in flood prone area

• Dwellings and orchards located in flood-prone regions are at heightened risk.
• Notably vulnerable to flooding, a particular house is identifiable by its adjacency to a
small log bridge and individuals engaged in riverine activities such as clothes washing.

Plate 3.6
 Sampling outcomes & inferences
Responses of villagers and govt. officials on Vulnerable groups during flooding

Table 3.1

Vulnerable groups Villagers Govt. Officials Villagers % Govt. Officials

%
Children 5 0 10% 0%
Low income 17 7 34% 14%
households
Elderly 11 1 22% 2%

Disabled 7 2 14% 4%

Figure 3.1 : Most vulnerable groups during flooding

Inferences:

• 48% identify low-income households as most vulnerable during floods, highlighting

socio-economic disparities.
• 24% recognize the elderly population’s vulnerability due to mobility challenges and
health risks.
• 18% acknowledge the vulnerability of people with disabilities, emphasizing the
importance of inclusive emergency response.
• 10% identify children as vulnerable, emphasizing the need for child-focused protection
measures during floods.
Responses of villagers and govt. officials on most vulnerable area to floods

Table 3.2

Most vulnerable area Villagers Govt. Officials Villagers % Govt.

Officials %
Primary school 7 1 14% 2%
Tibetan colony 17 5 34% 10%
Flower farm 7 0 14% 0%
Paragliding landing site 9 4 18% 8%

Figure 3.2

Inferences:

• Perception of vulnerability tied to socio-economic status.

• Low income households face greater challenges in flood mitigation and recovery efforts.
• Tibetan colony being close to both fozal nala and beas river are the main causes of its
high vulnerability to floods
Responses of villagers and govt. officials on resources you think most needed to support
Vulnerable population during floods

Table 3.3

Resources Villagers Govt. officials Villagers % Govt.

Officials %
Emergency shelters 0 0 0% 0%
Medical assistance 9 1 18% 2%
Food &water supply 17 3 34% 6%
Psychological support 0 0 0% 0%
All of the above 14 6 28% 12%

Figure 3.3

Inferences:

• 40% of respondents prioritize food and water supply as essential for supporting
vulnerable populations.
• 20% emphasize the importance of medical assistance.
• 40% recognize the need for a comprehensive approach i.e. all of the option are
important.
• Recognition of medical assistance highlights the critical role of accessible healthcare
services.
• Advocacy for a comprehensive approach reflects the interconnected nature of support
systems needed for vulnerable populations.
 CHAPTER - 4
IMPACT OF FLOODS

Dobhi village, situated in the serene landscapes of Kullu, Himachal Pradesh,

grapples with the recurring menace of floods, which pose a perennial threat to its
residents and their livelihoods. This chapter explores the profound impact of
these frequent floods on Dobhi village, with a particular focus on its small
businesses, including flower farms, fish farms, paragliding landing sites, as well as
fruit orchards and houses located in flood-prone areas.

Frequency and Severity of Floods:

Dobhi village is no stranger to the relentless force of nature, as floods wreak havoc
almost every year, disrupting normal life and inflicting widespread damage. The
combination of heavy rainfall, steep terrain, and proximity to river bodies makes
Dobhi particularly susceptible to flash floods and river overflow, exacerbating the
vulnerability of its residents and their economic activities.
During floods (2023). After floods (2024)

Plate 4.1, 4.2 Source – Field work

Impact on Small Businesses:
The floods exact a heavy toll on Dobhi’s
small businesses, which form the
backbone of its local economy. Flower
farms, cherished for their vibrant
blooms, suffer extensive damage as
floodwaters inundate fields, washing
away delicate petals and destroying
crops. Similarly, fish farm, prized for
their freshwater bounty, face
devastation as ponds overflow and fish
stocks are swept away by the raging
current. Paragliding landing sites, once
bustling with adventure enthusiasts,
become inaccessible and unsafe,
disrupting tourism and outdoor
recreational activities. Plate 4.3 RCC wall down (Flower farm)
Fish farm destroyed in 2018 floods

Plate 4.4. Source – Field work

Impact on Fruit Orchards :
Dobhi’s fruit orchards, renowned for their bountiful harvests of apples, pears, and
apricots, bear the brunt of the floods, with trees uprooted and fruits destroyed by
the deluge. The loss of orchards not only translates into economic hardship for
farmers but also undermines the cultural heritage and agricultural legacy of Dobhi
village.
Residential areas
Houses located in flood-prone areas endure repeated inundation, leading to
structural damage, displacement of families, and loss of property.

Plate - 4.5,4.6,4.7 Source -Field work

 Sampling outcomes & inferences
Responses of villagers & govt. officials on influence of floods on land use

Table 4.1

Flood influence Villagers Govt. Villagers % Govt.

Officials Officials %
Changes in agricultural practices 20 4 40% 8%
Loss of fertile land 10 2 20% 4%
Discouraging settlements near 7 4 14% 8%
water bodies
No significant impact 3 0 6% 0%

Figure 4.1 : Flood influence on Land use

Inferences:

• 48% suggest discouraging settlements near water bodies, reflecting awareness of flood
risks.
• 24% note loss of fertile land, highlighting concerns about agricultural productivity.
• 22% observe changes in agricultural land use due to flooding, emphasizing the need for
adaptive strategies.
• 6% perceive no significant impact, underscoring the diversity of perspectives on flood
impacts on land use.
Responses of villagers and govt. officials on Impact of floods on livelihood

Table 4.2

Flood impact Villagers Govt. Villagers % Govt.

Officials Officials %
Disruption of agricultural activities 25 2 50% 4%
Loss of income for businesses 5 6 10% 12%
Displacement of workers 8 2 16% 4%
Others 2 0 4% 0%

Figure 4.2

Inferences:

• A significant majority (54%) of villagers attribute flood impact to disrupted agricultural

activities.
• A substantial portion (22%) of villagers link floods to loss of income for local businesses.
• Approximately one-fifth (20%) of the village population associates floods with the
displacement of workers.
• A minority (4%) of respondents mention alternative impacts beyond the provided
options
Responses of villagers and govt. officials on flood effect on basic services in the village

Table 4.3

Flood effect on basic services Villagers Govt. Villagers % Govt.

Officials Officials %
Interruption of electrical supply 15 5 30% 10%

Disruption of healthcare services 0 0 0% 0%

Contamination of drinking water 9 1 18% 2%

sourced
Damage to community networks 16 4 32% 8%

Figure 4.3

Inferences:

• 40% of respondents believe that floods can cause interruptions in electrical supply.
• An additional 40% perceive floods as potentially damaging community networks.
• 20% are concerned about the contamination of drinking water sources.
• Highlighted risks to essential services such as electricity and community networks during
flood events.
• Increased awareness of potential water contamination, which poses health risks to
affected populations.
 Chapter – 5
SAFETY MEASURES
Safety Measures Taken for Flood Mitigation in Dobhi Village
In the village of Dobhi, located in Kullu , Himachal Pradesh, flooding has been a recurrent
challenge, posing threats to livelihoods, infrastructure, and the overall well-being of the
community. This chapter explores the safety measures implemented by both the government
and the community to mitigate the impact of floods in Dobhi Village.

Government & Community Initiatives

The government of Dobhi Village has undertaken several proactive measures to minimize flood
risks and enhance resilience. Noteworthy initiatives include:

Construction of Crate Walls: The construction of crate walls along vulnerable riverbanks and
water channels has helped contain floodwaters and prevent erosion. These walls act as barriers,
reducing the risk of inundation and protecting nearby properties.

RCC (Reinforced Cement Concrete) Structures: The installation of RCC structures, such as
retaining walls and flood protection barriers, has reinforced critical infrastructure against flood
impacts. These structures are designed to withstand floodwaters and minimize structural
damage.

River Barriers: Strategically placed river barriers have been erected to redirect and regulate river
flow during heavy rainfall and flood events. These barriers help control the movement of water,
reducing the risk of flash flooding in downstream areas.

Increasing River Depth: Dredging and deepening river channels have been undertaken to
improve water flow capacity and reduce the likelihood of overflow during peak flood periods.
This measure aims to enhance natural drainage and reduce flood risk in the village.
Field work images on Safety Measures Taken for Flood Mitigation
RCC wall Separating flood water & paragliding landing site

Plate 5.1

Crate wall for primary school safety | Increasing the depth of riverbed near flower far area

Plate 5.2 Plate 5.3

Source – Field work

Rescue operation of Villagers by army helicopter during 2018 Floods

Plate 5.4. Source – Twitter(ANI)

Challenges:

• Limited resources for flood resilience initiatives: Dobhi Village faces challenges due to
limited financial resources allocated towards flood resilience projects. Insufficient
funding may hinder the implementation of effective measures to mitigate flood risks and
protect the community from future inundation events.
• Ongoing maintenance requirements for existing infrastructure: The upkeep of flood
mitigation infrastructure, such as crate walls, RCC structures, and river barriers, requires
continuous maintenance and repair. Without adequate resources and a maintenance
plan in place, the effectiveness of these structures may diminish over time,
compromising flood resilience.
• Need for continuous community engagement and participation: Sustaining flood
resilience efforts depends on active community involvement and participation. Engaging
residents in awareness campaigns, training programs, and collaborative initiatives is
crucial for maintaining preparedness and response capacities within the village.

Future Directions:

• Strengthen collaboration between stakeholders involved in flood resilience efforts:

Foster partnerships between government agencies, non-governmental organizations
(NGOs), local authorities, and community groups to enhance coordination and
collaboration. This collective approach will facilitate effective planning, resource
allocation, and implementation of flood resilience strategies.
• Allocate sufficient resources for ongoing maintenance of flood mitigation infrastructure:
Ensure adequate funding and resources are allocated for the regular maintenance and
repair of flood control structures and drainage systems. Establish a sustainable funding
mechanism to support long-term maintenance needs.
• Implement capacity-building initiatives to empower the community in disaster
preparedness and response
 Sampling outcomes & Inferences
Responses of villagers and govt. officials on local community perception & role in flood safety

Table 5.1

Community role & perception Villagers Govt. Villagers % Govt.

officials Officials %
Relying on government 10 2 20% 4%

Providing financial aid 8 2 16% 4%

Organizing flood drills & training 22 6 44% 12%

session

Figure 5.1

Inferences:

• 24% of respondents believe that relying on the government is their primary role during
floods, indicating a strong expectation for government support and intervention during
disasters.
• 56% recognize the importance of organizing flood drills and training sessions,
highlighting a proactive approach towards enhancing community preparedness and
resilience.
• 20% consider providing funds during floods as crucial, emphasizing the need for
adequate financial resources to support effective response and recovery efforts.
Responses of villagers and govt. officials on how prepared is the village/community is to
handle future flooding events

Table 5.2

Preparation level Villagers Govt. Officials Villagers % Govt.

Officials %
Very prepared 0 0 0% 0%

Somewhat prepared 22 8 44% 16%

Unprepared 18 2 36% 4%

Figure 5.2

Inferences:

• 60% of respondents believe villagers are somewhat prepared for future flooding events.
• 40% perceive that villagers are not prepared, with none considering them very prepared.
• There is a recognized need to enhance preparedness efforts within the community.
• Engagement and awareness initiatives are crucial to bridge gaps and improve overall
resilience to flooding.
Responses of villagers and govt. officials on safety measures govt. has Implemented to
mitigate flood risks in village

Table 5.3

Safety measures Villagers Govt. Villagers Govt.

Officials % Officials
%
Construction of flood barriers 32 8 64% 16%
Implementation of evacuation plans 0 0 0% 0%

Installation of early warning systems 0 0 0% 0%

Development of flood ressistant 8 2 16% 4%
infrastructure

Figure 5.3

Inferences:

• No early warning system present in the village .

• Construction of flood barriers is the primary goal of authority for flood mitigation.
• 20% think govt. has developed Flood ressistant infrastructure.
• No evacuation plan present for flood rescue and management.
 CHAPTER – 6

SUGESSIONS & CONCLUSIONS

The Dobhi village in Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, faces recurrent challenges from flooding, with
notable impacts on livelihoods, infrastructure, and the overall well-being of its residents. This
chapter presents a synthesis of the key findings and conclusions drawn from the comprehensive
study on flood vulnerability, impacts, and mitigation efforts in Dobhi village.

Summary of Findings:
Factors Contributing to Flooding:

Heavy rainfall emerges as the primary factor contributing to floods, followed by obsolete river
barriers, deforestation, and topography, according to responses from villagers and government
officials.

Frequency and Perception of Floods:

Floods are perceived as occurring once a year by the majority, with significant proportions
viewing them as common (once a year) or recurrent (multiple times a year).

Monsoon season is overwhelmingly associated with flood occurrences, indicating the seasonal
pattern of flood risk perception.

Vulnerable Areas and People:

Identified vulnerable areas include a primary school, tourist cottages, Tibetan colony, flower
farm, paragliding landing sites, and houses/orchards in flood-prone zones.

Low-income households are considered the most vulnerable group during floods, followed by
the elderly, disabled individuals, and children.

Resource Needs During Floods:

Food and water supply emerge as the most critical resources needed to support vulnerable
populations during floods, followed by medical assistance and comprehensive support
(including shelters and psychological support).

Impact of Floods on Basic Services:

Floods are perceived to disrupt electrical supply and damage community networks, with
concerns also raised about the contamination of drinking water sources.
Safety Measures and Preparedness:

Safety measures implemented by the government and community include construction of crate
walls, RCC structures, and river barriers to mitigate flood risks.

Community engagement through flood drills and training sessions is recognized as crucial for
enhancing preparedness and resilience.

Conclusion:
The study’s findings underscore critical insights for flood management and resilience-building
efforts in Dobhi village:

Community Vulnerability: Dobhi village faces substantial vulnerabilities due to its geographical
location, necessitating targeted interventions to protect at-risk areas and populations from
flood impacts.

Holistic Approach: Addressing flood risks requires a comprehensive approach that integrates
infrastructure improvements, community engagement, and resource allocation to support
vulnerable groups effectively.

Governance and Resilience: Effective flood management hinges on robust governance

frameworks, proactive measures, and sustained investments in flood resilience initiatives to
enhance community preparedness and response capabilities.

Community Empowerment: Enhancing community resilience involves empowering local

residents through education, training, and participatory approaches to flood preparedness and
response, fostering self-reliance and adaptive capacities.

Continued Challenges: The study acknowledges ongoing challenges related to limited resources,
maintenance requirements, and the need for sustained community engagement, highlighting
the importance of addressing these factors to ensure the long-term sustainability of flood
resilience efforts.

In conclusion, addressing the multifaceted challenges posed by floods in Dobhi village

necessitates collaborative efforts, innovative solutions, and a steadfast commitment to building
adaptive capacities that safeguard lives, livelihoods, and the environment against future flood
events. The insights gained from this study provide a solid foundation for informed decision-
making and the development of tailored interventions to enhance flood resilience not only in
Dobhi village but also in similar flood-prone regions across the country.
 REFERENCES

James.S. Gardner(2010). Natural Hazards Risk in the Kullu district, Himachal

Pradesh, India. Geographical review, 92(2):282 – 306.
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India. (2019).
National Policy on Flood Management (Report No. 2019-001). Government of
India Press.
Rao, M., Kumar, S., & Patel, R. (2020). Community-based flood management
practices in rural India. Journal of Water Resources Planning and Management,
146(3), 101-115.