As floods and heavy rains ravage Northeast India, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday called for a series of comprehensive strategies with a 'Zero Casualty Approach' to address the escalating crisis, particularly the recurring flood threats posed by the Brahmaputra River.
Key measures include the creation of at least 50 large ponds to store excess water, leveraging satellite imagery for enhanced flood management, and upgrading flood forecasting systems. These initiatives are part of a broader effort to mitigate the devastating impacts of floods and improve the region’s resilience.
During the review meeting on flood management with officials from the IMD, CWC, NDMA and the National Disaster Response Force, the Minister emphasised the integration of natural drainage systems into infrastructure designs, better handling of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOF), and the enhancement of community awareness and preparedness programmes.
Emphasising the role of advanced technology, Shah advocated for the optimum use of satellite imagery from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
This would aid in effective flood and water management by providing accurate and timely data on water levels and flood risks, he told the officials, as per the statement issued here.
Recurring flooding of the Brahmaputra is a major issue particularly for Assam and the Northeastern region in general as it claims scores of lives and inundates thousands of hectares every year.
This year too many people have been killed, hundreds rendered homeless and communication lines and road networks snapped in Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh which witnessed cloudburst on Sunday. Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Jammu and Kashmir have also witnessed flooding in recent years.
During the meeting, the Minister said under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India’s Disaster Management is moving forward with a ‘Zero Casualty Approach’.
The Minister also highlighted the importance of upgrading the forecast system for river water levels. This included modernising the equipment used in flood forecasting to improve the accuracy and reliability of flood predictions, thereby facilitating better preparedness and response.
Shah also reviewed preparations to deal with Glacial Lake Outburst Floods, which have caused significant damage in regions like Sikkim and Uttarakhand in the past few years and are now becoming a recurring feature.
He called for detailed studies on recent flood events to enhance future preparedness and response strategies.
The integration of natural drainage systems into road construction designs was recommended to mitigate the risk of road inundation during floods and maintain infrastructure integrity and safety during heavy rains.
Shah stressed on the need for a long-term, comprehensive policy to combat floods effectively. This policy would involve coordination among various departments and the timely implementation of advisories issued by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), he said as per the statement.
The Minister instructed the IMD and the CWC to expedite the recalibration of all equipment used in flood forecasting to ensure its effectiveness and accuracy. Alongside flood management, Shah addressed the need for preventive measures against forest fires, such as regular removal of dry leaves and conducting mock drills with local communities and forest personnel. This is crucial to prevent and mitigate the impact of forest fires, which are often exacerbated during the monsoon season.
At the meeting, which was also attended by Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Paatil, Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai and top officials, Shah highlighted the necessity of integrating weather, rainfall, and flood warning apps developed by various departments. The aim was to ensure timely dissemination of critical information to the public through multiple channels, including SMS, TV, and radio.
Recognizing the role of the community as first responders during disasters, Shah stressed the need for better coordination and integration of community awareness programs. These programs should be designed to maximize their impact and ensure communities are well-prepared for potential flood events.
He also instructed the departments concerned to conduct a detailed study of the recent floods in Sikkim and Manipur and submit a report to the Union home ministry.
The home minister said flood monitoring centres of the Central Water Commission (CWC) should be in accordance with the requirements and of international standards.
The departments concerned also provided information on the action taken on the home minister's instructions given during last year's review meeting and also apprised him about the preparedness for the current monsoon season and the future action plan.
