Unscientific Release of Water from Dams is Creating Floods in India: A Call for a Nodal Agency to Manage Dams
The monsoon season in India, while vital for replenishing water sources and sustaining agriculture, often brings with it the threat of floods. In recent years, the nation has witnessed an alarming trend where unscientific and hasty release of water from dams has exacerbated flood situations, leading to devastating consequences. From the catastrophic floods in Kerala to those in Maharashtra, Telangana, and Karnataka, it has become evident that many of these disasters are not entirely natural but rather “officials made.” This article explores the pressing need for a central nodal agency to manage dam operations in India, ensuring water is released scientifically and systematically to prevent such man-made calamities.
The Problem: Unplanned Water Releases and Their Consequences
One of the primary reasons behind the frequent flooding in India is the mismanagement of dam water releases. When heavy rainfall leads to a significant inflow of water into dams, the officials responsible for managing these structures often wait until the reservoirs are almost full before releasing water. This results in the sudden discharge of thousands of cusecs of water, overwhelming downstream rivers and floodplains. The outcomes are disastrous: submerged villages, displaced populations, destroyed crops, damaged infrastructure, and loss of life.
For instance, the Kerala floods of 2018, one of the worst in the state’s history, were exacerbated by the sudden release of water from multiple dams. Despite warnings from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) about heavy rainfall, the water was not released gradually, leading to an unprecedented deluge. Similar situations have been witnessed in Maharashtra, Telangana, and Karnataka, where the last-minute release of water has turned heavy rains into full-blown floods, causing immense trouble to the common man and significant damage to public property.
The Need for a Nodal Agency
To mitigate these “officials made” disasters, it is imperative to establish a central nodal agency dedicated to managing dam operations across India. This agency would be responsible for the scientific and systematic release of water from dams, ensuring the safety of citizens and minimizing damage to public and private property.
The functions of this nodal agency would include:
Continuous Monitoring: Constantly monitoring the water levels in dams and the inflow from catchment areas.
Weather Forecast Integration: Collaborating with the IMD to integrate weather forecasts into water management strategies.
Scientific Water Release Protocols: Developing and implementing protocols for the gradual release of water based on real-time data and forecasts.
Coordination with State Authorities: Working closely with state governments and local authorities to manage water releases effectively and ensure timely evacuations if necessary.
Public Communication: Keeping the public informed about potential releases and flood risks through regular updates and advisories.
Case Studies: The Consequences of Poor Management
Kerala Floods, 2018: The state experienced its worst flooding in nearly a century, resulting in over 400 deaths and widespread devastation. An independent panel later concluded that the sudden release of water from 35 dams had worsened the situation. Despite heavy rains being forecasted, water was not released in a phased manner, leading to the breaching of riverbanks and flooding of low-lying areas.
Maharashtra Floods, 2019: In August 2019, heavy rains lashed the state, leading to floods in several districts, including Sangli and Kolhapur. The situation was aggravated by the unplanned release of water from the Koyna and other dams. The sudden discharge inundated several areas, causing significant damage to crops and infrastructure.
Telangana and Karnataka Floods, 2020: Both states faced severe flooding due to heavy monsoon rains. In Telangana, the release of water from the Srisailam Dam led to the inundation of parts of Hyderabad. Similarly, in Karnataka, the release from the Almatti and Narayanpur dams resulted in flooding in the Krishna river basin.
The Role of Technology in Modern Water Management
To effectively manage dam operations, the nodal agency must leverage modern technology. Real-time data collection, remote sensing, and predictive analytics can play a crucial role in making informed decisions about water releases. By using sensors and automated systems, the agency can monitor water levels, predict inflows, and manage outflows more efficiently.
Moreover, advanced weather forecasting models can provide accurate predictions of rainfall patterns, enabling the agency to plan releases well in advance. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) can be used to map flood-prone areas and identify regions that would be affected by water releases, aiding in better planning and communication with local authorities.
Addressing Ecological and Social Impacts
Apart from the immediate damage to property and loss of life, unscientific water releases also have long-term ecological and social impacts. Sudden discharges can lead to soil erosion, landslides, and habitat destruction, affecting the local flora and fauna. Additionally, the displacement of communities and loss of livelihoods due to flooding can have profound social consequences.
A well-managed water release strategy can help mitigate these impacts. By ensuring a gradual release, the nodal agency can minimize soil erosion and reduce the risk of landslides. Proper planning can also help protect critical habitats and reduce the displacement of communities.
Conclusion
The unscientific release of water from dams is a significant contributor to the floods that ravage various parts of India during the monsoon season. The establishment of a central nodal agency to manage dam operations is not just a necessity but an urgent requirement. By adopting a scientific approach to water release, integrating weather forecasts, and leveraging modern technology, this agency can prevent man-made disasters, protect public and private property, and ensure the safety and well-being of citizens. The time has come for India to take proactive measures and address this critical issue with the seriousness it deserves.