Factors of Vulnerability to Floods and Various Flood Control Techniques
Factors of Vulnerability to Floods:
1. Topography: Low-lying areas and river plains are more prone to floods.
2. Climatic Conditions: Heavy rainfall and monsoon patterns increase flood risks.
3. Poor Drainage Systems: Urban areas with insufficient drainage infrastructure face higher
vulnerability.
4. Deforestation: Reduces the water-holding capacity of soil and increases runoff.
5. Unplanned Urbanization: Encroachment on flood plains obstructs natural water flow.
6. Climate Change: Global warming leads to unpredictable rainfall patterns and glacier
melting.
Flood Control Techniques:
1. Structural Methods:
Dams and Reservoirs: To store excess water and regulate flow.
Levees and Embankments: Barriers built along riverbanks to prevent overflow.
Flood Walls: Concrete walls to protect urban areas.
Diversion Channels: Redirect excess water to less vulnerable areas.
2. Non-Structural Methods:
Flood Forecasting and Warning Systems: Real-time monitoring to issue warnings.
Land Use Planning: Restrict construction in flood-prone areas.
Afforestation: Increase vegetation cover to improve water absorption.
Flood Insurance: Financial aid for affected people.
2. Explain the Five Semi-Permanent Features of Monsoon for Rainfall Variability
The semi-permanent features of monsoon that influence rainfall variability are:
1. Monsoon Trough:
A low-pressure zone over northern India that attracts winds from the Arabian Sea and Bay
of Bengal, causing rainfall.
2. Tibetan High:
A high-pressure system over Tibet during summer, strengthening monsoon winds.
3. Mascarene High:
A high-pressure system near the Mascarene Islands (Indian Ocean) that drives monsoon
winds towards India.
4. ITCZ (Intertropical Convergence Zone):
The ITCZ shifts northwards during summer, creating low-pressure zones and attracting
moist winds.
5. Off-Shore Trough:
A trough parallel to the Western Ghats, which enhances orographic rainfall along the west
coast.
3. Prime Minister's 12-Point Programme for Drought Management
The 12-point programme for drought management focuses on:
1. Water Resources Development: Construction of check dams, canals, and reservoirs to
store water.
2. Rainwater Harvesting: Promoting local-level rainwater collection for irrigation and
drinking.
3. Watershed Development: Implementing soil and water conservation methods
4. Groundwater Recharge: Promoting measures to recharge aquifers.
5. Afforestation: Encouraging tree plantation to reduce soil erosion.
6. Crop Diversification: Introducing drought-tolerant crops and short-duration varieties.
7. Efficient Irrigation: Adopting drip and sprinkler irrigation methods.
8. Animal Husbandry: Managing fodder banks and providing cattle shelters during
droughts.
9. Drought Contingency Plan: Formulating state-level plans to tackle drought.
10. Employment Generation: Providing employment through schemes like MNREGA for
drought-affected areas.
11. Awareness and Training: Educating farmers on water-efficient farming techniques.
12. Financial Support: Providing financial assistance and loans to farmers affected by
drought.
4. Explain Rainwater Harvesting
Rainwater Harvesting is the process of collecting and storing rainwater for later use,
especially in water-scarce areas.
Types of Rainwater Harvesting:
1. Surface Runoff Harvesting:
Collecting rainwater from roads, rooftops, and open areas and storing it in tanks or
reservoirs.
2. Roof Top Rainwater Harvesting:
Rainwater collected from building roofs is directed to underground tanks or recharge pits
Steps Involved:
Collecting rainwater from rooftops or catchment areas.
Filtering the water to remove debris and contaminants.
Storing the filtered water in tanks or directing it to recharge groundwater.
Benefits:
1. Reduces Water Scarcity: Provides an additional water source.
2. Recharges Groundwater: Enhances water tables in drought-prone areas.
3. Cost-Effective: Lowers dependency on external water supplies.
4. Prevents Flooding: Controls surface runoff and urban waterlogging.
5. Improves Water Quality: Reduces reliance on contaminated surface water.
