The Role of Beels in Flood Mitigation- A Case Study of Krishnanagar-II Block in Nadia District, West Bengal, India

Selected Beels (wetlands) of C. D. Block Krishnagar-II cover an area of 385.99 acres or 1562046.11 m² or 1.56 km². With an average depth of 1.81 meter they can provide scope for 3776155.383 m³ flood water. They provide space for spread of flood water over a vast area reducing the vertical level as well as the vulnerability of flood disaster. This spread of flood water over a vast area facilitates recharge of ground water, which again reduces the flood level. Spills acts as arteries and veins to transport silt laden flood water to Beels during flood and silt-free water during lean periods. These processes help in maintaining river depth of rivers and hasty pass of flood water again reducing the flood level. There are 11 wetlands (Recorded under B.L. & L.R.O, Krishnagar-II), having an average area more or equal to 5 acres or 20234.28 m² have been considered for the present study. Data for this study were collected from the office of the B.L. & L.R.O, Krishnagar-II, District Fishery Office, Nadia and simple arithmetic calculation is made to come into conclusion that healthy Beels are worthy means for flood mitigation.