COCHIN CITY FLOODING OCT 2019- CAUSES AND REMEDIES

Causes of flooding are attributed to several reasons from the global to the local scale. There are study reports and journal publications warning the serious consequences of global warming the brunt of which is to be borne by India more so the southern parts of India as evident from several natural calamities. The following is one such publication

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/may/18/indian-ocean-storing-up-heat-from-global-warming-says-study?CMP=share_btn_fb

Changes in rainfall intensity and cloud patterns are only harbingers of serious consequences in the future if unattended. Measures are required on war footing to contain the scenario.

Adding insult to injury, there is total apathy in managing the scenario. The original resilience capacity of the systems is shrunk due to inefficient administration resulted in encroachments of public properties, throwing away of solid waste in canal systems, in-efficient and untimely desiltation of canals.

The following are some tips to contain the scenario although some are known to any common man.

• Canal encroachments should be evicted on a war footing
• Desiltaion/cleaning shall be done on a strict&regular basis
• It should be closed by strong wire mesh to discourage throwing of solid waste and cameras shall be installed to check tampering
• All the ponds should be rejuvenated and artificial recharge structures along with bore well shall be constructed to regulate the floodwater during the rainy season and make available freshwater during drought
• High rises should be encouraged to make available more unbuilt areas which allow the rainwater to percolate to the ground
• Tax incentives shall be given for those who are containing their stormwater and wastewater
• Planting of trees can reduce the runoff speed of the stormwater
• For each building, underfloor sumps should be made compulsory to regulate the runoff water through rooftop and road top harvesting
• Redevelopment shall be adopted in places where there is dilapidated infrastructure
• All septic tanks shall be replaced by sewage treatment plants to avoid epidemics and waterborne diseases.

Regulation of flooding and drought contribute to Environmental Efficiency and Carrying Capacity which contribute to Sustainable Development. Centre for Environmental Efficiency is committed to propagating and further developing these novel concepts to attain a better world.