Floods and their Control

The basic causes of floods are analysed. Floods originate in the hills and their consequences are experienced in the alluvial plains. The monsoon type of climate, special geology of the Himalayas from which our problem rivers originate and the destruction of forests in the hill catchment areas aggravate the flood problem in India. It is shown that the traditional methods of controlling floods with the help of engineering works in the plains are based on a lack of comprehension of the true flood mechanism, and sound flood control measures will have to tackle the hilly catchment areas and the plains portion simultaneously. Stress in the former will have to be on afforestation and sound soil and moisture conservation practices and in the later on engineering works like reservoirs and dykes. The lines along which work in the hilly catchment area should be done are briefly indicated.