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Bihar Association for Sustainable Development
of Water & other Natural Resources
B-192, Sri Krishnapuri,Patna
Ph.: 0612-2231276
“ARE WE ON THE RIGHT TRACKS IN DEALING WITH THE PROBLEM”
Prof. G. P. Sinha Centre for Disaster
Management & Rural Development
0 (H), Rajendra Nagar, Patna-800 016
Tele/Fax: 612-2671820
DISCUSSION GROUP ON
FLOODS IN BIHAR
VENUE: Conference Hall of Nalanda Open University, Patna
25th August 2007
Organised By
Discussion Group on Floods in Bihar 2
Prof. G. P. Sinha
Prof. G. P. Sinha Centre for Disaster Management & Rural Development,
Patna has been established in the memory of Dr. G.P. Sinha, a renouned
Professor of Patna University and a scholar of international ripute who
apart from being an academician of high stature was a very kind hearted
man who all along his life struggled for the rights of the oppressed and
the down trodden people of the society and who was highly sensitive to
any tragic incident may it be a disaster like of the Bhopal Gas tragedy,
flood havoc, rail or road accident, communal violence or earthquack. On
all such occasions Dr. G.P. Sinha used to respond promptly and activate
his colleagues, students, friends and other persons of the society to help
in the management of the crisis situation. The formation of this center is
just a tribute to him and a measure to perpetuate the memory of this
noble soul.
OBJECTIVES OF THE CENTRE
This centre has been established keeping in mind the following
objectives :
(i) to engage in activities which may help in minimizing the damages
caused by disasters specially in rural areas;
(ii) to make endeavours towards creating awareness among the
people about disasters and its consequences and to prepare them
in advance to face such situations and to ensure their participation
in the disaster mitigation plans;
Discussion Group on Floods in Bihar 3
(iii) to undertake studies for examining the existing institutional
arrangements, inter-departmental linkages, role of NGO‟s,
voluntary agencies and local communities so as to understand
their capabilities to mitigate specific disasters which will also
facilitate effective coordination n their activities in times of need;
(iv) to act as an agency for the execution of disaster management
schemes of the Government and the NGOs;
(v) to undertake studies which will facilitate in the preparation of
rural development schemes and their effective implementation;
(vi) to collect, compile and publish detailed information on the latest
rural development policies and projects of the State Government
and The Government of India and to engage in activities in the
light of the thrust areas of Planning Commission such as food
processing, horticulture, sericulture and service sectors etc;
(vii) to undertake activities to empower, without any financial
incumbency, socially and economically deprived rural and urban
women through literacy, education, self income generation
schemes, professional training and overall awareness building;
(viii) to undertake studies on a regular basis to procure Disaster
Management Information – Data base and to engage in the task of
risk assessment and vulnerability analysis both for the state and
districts;
(ix) to evolve information reporting and monitoring tools for
preparedness, immediate response and damage assessment,
keeping in view the socio- economic conditions of urban and rural
areas;
(x) to undertake studies with a view to facilitating the preparation of a
comprehensive „Disaster Management Plan‟ both for the state and
Discussion Group on Floods in Bihar 4
the districts within the state so as to help the Government in
providing uniform directives from the state government to the
district administration and to establish standardized response to
any disaster situation;
(xi) to engage in activities directed towards spreading literacy among
minorities, dalits, most backward classes, tribal and economically
deprived communities and to ensure community participation and
income oriented generation of literacy and professional skills;
(xii) to strive for the well being of women and children specially those
who are the victims of floods, droughts, earthquake and similar
other disasters in rural and urban areas;
(xiii) to make efforts for the identification and elimination of child labor
and to restore children‟s rights. For this Centre intends to provide
economic incentive to the deserving children in school going
category and to actively campaign for the removal of socio-cultural
constraints in the community;
(xiv) to establish educational & training institutions for educating
communities in the areas of „Disaster Management‟ and „Rural
Development‟.
Considering the gap between the state and the civil society it will be
desirable for the Centre to intervene as a liaison agency between the two.
Prof. G.P. Sinha Centre for Disaster Management & Rural Development
will be committed towards involving self-empowerment and to this end
the energy and the resources of the community will have to be
channelised. The Centre will make efforts to facilitate technological,
professional and vocational training and develop necessary
infrastructure as far as possible.
Discussion Group on Floods in Bihar 5
Understanding Flood of North Bihar
Dr. G. P. Sinha Centre for Disaster Management & Rural Development,
Patna in association with the Bihar Association for sustainable
development of water and other Natural Resource initiated a debate to
understand the chronic and crippling flood problem afflicting North
Bihar since long. A Discussion group on “are we on the right track in
dealing with the problem” was organized on 25th August 2007 and
another on 31st August 2007. It was attended and participated by the
eminent and distinguished experts and they discussed following aspects
of the flood.
1. Causative factors of flood.
2. Aggravating factors of flood.
3. Dimensions of damage and disruption.
4. Dividends endowed / derived from flood.
5. Various techno-economically feasible and environmental friendly
preventive measures.
6. Pre flood socio-administrative preparedness.
7. Real-time emergency measures.
8. Post-flood normalcy restoration & damage control.
All the above aspects of flood were discussed and debated in detail and
a concensus emerged as follow-
1. Causative factors:
i. Hydrometrological
ii. River morphology
iii. Regional geography
iv. Environmental degradation
v. Global warning leading to glacier melts.
Discussion Group on Floods in Bihar 6
vi. Large scale deforestation.
2. Aggravating factors:
(i) Conflict of mankind with nature for use of common land.
(ii) Compart mentalisation of the land.
(iii) Lack of political sincerity and commitment to solve this
problem.
(iv) Rampant corruption.
(v) Local politics of relief
(vi) National politics for cheap labour supply to rest of India.
(vii) Political boundaries
3. Dimensions of Damage inflicted:
(i) Loss of precious human lives
(ii) Crop, cattle and property loss.
(iii) Destruction of pucca structures.
(iv) Epidemic outbreak.
Various Disruptions:
(i) Trauma and stress of various amplitude affecting psychie of
the people
(ii) Life routine.
(iii) Social, cultural, educational rituals.
(iv) Development activities.
(v) Physical connectivity
(vi) Communication medium
(vii) Supply chain including power supply.
(viii) Marooning of habitation
(ix) Safe drinking water supply
Discussion Group on Floods in Bihar 7
4. Dividend endowed / derived
(i) Most precious and life supporting water in abundance.
(ii) Highly fertile silt
(iii) Enumerable acqualife.
(iv) Bumper crop yield after flood.
5. Various environment friendly & Techno-economically feasible
preventive measures:
(i) Large scale afforestation in the catchment and over ground
accufers.
(ii) Construction of a series of multipurpose high dam / hydel
power plant /irrigation network or diversion channel etc
(iii) Inter-basin transfer of excess flood water.
(iv) Construction of flood protection embankment and anti
erosion structures.
(v) Restoration and modernization of natural water bodies
drainage channels. Construction of flyovers at all the
breached sites of NH/SH. Remodelling of all the cross
drainage structures restricting heading up of water to a
maximum 25 cm.
6. Pre-flood socio-administrative Preparedness:
(i) Construction of earthquake resistant double storey
marketing yards cum flood relief centres. Over raised
grounds in flood hit areas of north Bihar with solar lighting
and other solar powered communication system.
(ii) Mandatory construction of double storey govt. buildings
for Panchayat Bhawan, Community Centre, Resource Centre,
School and hospitals over raised grounds.
(iii) Strengthning of PHC/HSC/SH
Discussion Group on Floods in Bihar 8
(iv) Insurance cover for flood damages.
(v) Mandatory storage of food/ fuel/fooder at strategic points.
(vi) Creation of flood rescues brigade at Block/District level and
their capacity building.
(vii) Constitution of disaster management team at Panchayat
level. Their training to respond to any emergency during
flood.
(viii) Deployment of full-proof early warning system.
7. Real-time emergency measures:
(i) Accurately apprehending the danger to lives and property
before time- based on mathematical modeling.
(ii) Activate the early warning system.
(iii) Help-out in shifting to safer place.
(iv) Activate voluntary organizations, flood rescue brigade for
rescuing the marooned population to a nearer flood relief
camps.
8. Post flood Normalcy restoration and Damage control.
(i) Check out the entire C.D. works and try to make it
functional.
(ii) Check out all along the flood protection embankment for any
seepage or overtopping and control it as early as possible.
(iii) Attend the bank erosion near valuable public or private
property.
(iv) Deploy boats, fiber boats, motor boats etc. to reach out to
marooned areas with supply of emergency medicines, and
other relief materials.
(v) After the flood recedes, monitor the spread of any epidemic
and rush to the spot as and when it out-breaks.
(vi) Establish all other disruptions to its normalcy.
Discussion Group on Floods in Bihar 9
Dr. T. Prasad
Former Principal, NIT, Patna & General Secretary
Bihar Association for Sustainable Development of Water and Other Natural Resources
L E A D P A P E R
1. Introduction :
The recent floods in Bihar are yet another grim reminder of how
vulnerable North Bihar is to recurrent damages, destructions,
disruptions and devastations due to floods. On account of this
vulnerability, the teeming millions of North Bihar seem to be cursed
with living in perpetual poverty, or at least on a low level economy.
This is paradoxically sad in view of the fact that North Bihar has high
agropotentiality as it is endowed with one of the most fertile tracts of
land, congenial agroclimate for year round agriculture to sustain at least
three crops, ample water both on the surface as well as subsurface, to
meet all crop water requirements for all crop seasons, and large
manpower steeped in the culture of agriculture. This situation obtains
inspite of what has been done in the past, particularly during the last
five decades, to deal with the problem of foods and other water related
issues. In fact, the magnitude of damages, destructions, disruptions and
devastations and consequent human miseries seem to have rather
increased, leading us to surmise and suspect whether this increase is
because of our omissions and commissions during the period. It is
therefore high time to take a serious look at whether we have been on
right tracks in dealing with the problem of floods afflicting North Bihar
and baffling us all.
Discussion Group on Floods in Bihar 10
For this, we must first look at the factors and nature of North Bihar
floods.
2. Factors of North Bihar Floods:
Annually recurrent floods in North Bihar are caused by a combination of
the following natural factors.
2.1. Hydrometeorlogical :
The North Bihar region has single monsoon climate in which
85% to 90% of annual rainfall takes place in four months, 15 June
to 15 October, from southwest monsoon, concentrated mostly in
July and August. Also, the rainfall is mostly of orographic
nature, resulting in varying magnitudes, decreasing from an
average annual rainfall of 300 cm in the Himalayan and sub
Himalayan zones to that of 120 cm in the North Bihar plains.
2.2. Hydrological and Geomorphological:
The hydrological process of transformation of precipitation in
the catchment to flows in the river takes place mostly in the
upper parts of the basin. On an average, 50% to 85% of basins of
all North Bihar rivers lie in upper parts, mostly in Nepal.
Also, the Himalayas are considered geologically young
mountain ranges, having friable slopes. Silt eroded by rainfall
impact is transported by the river system, to be deposited in the
pains, causing their formation and finally carried to the
receiving ocean causing delta formation at the mouth.
2.3. Topographical and Hydraulic :
The upper parts of the basins of North Bihar rivers, lying partly
in Tibet and mostly in Nepal, have very steep gradients as they
fall in Himalayan and sub Himalayan zones, while the lower
Discussion Group on Floods in Bihar 11
parts lying partly in Nepal and mostly in North Bihar are plains
having very mild gradients. The change of gradients from very
steep to very mild in the same basin takes place in a relatively
small distance from the Himalayas and sub Himalayas to the
river Ganga into which all the North Bihar rivers fall. This has
distinct implication for the hydraulics of flow of North Bihar
rivers. While the carrying capacities of these rivers in their upper
parts, receiving higher precipitation, are rather high, they get
substantially reduced on coming to the plains in North Bihar
and hence during high flows they hydraulically need to
inundate these plains for their temporary dynamic storage.
3. Characteristics of North Bihar Floods :
In view of the above-mentioned causative physical factors, the North
Bihar floods have the following distinct characteristics.
3.1 Seasonality :
North Bihar floods take place in the season when the south-west
monsoons in this region are active. While the nominal period of
south-west monsoons in this region is reckoned to be mid June
to mid October, the active period is during the months of July
and August when most of North Bihar floods occur.
3.2 Graduality :
The flows of North Bihar floods comprise two hydrologically
distinct and substantial components, (i) base flow representing
snowmelt and groundwater excretion and (ii) surface flow
resulting from the processes of transformation of rainfall to
runoff and propagation of flows down the river. On account of
these factors and features, the rises and falls of flood flows in
Discussion Group on Floods in Bihar 12
North Bihar rivers and consequent inundation and receding are
rather gradual.
3.3 Repetitiveness :
The changes in flood flows in North Bihar rivers during the
flood season occur dominantly on account of changes in their
surface runoff components, which primarily reflect rainfall.
Hences flood occurrences in North Bihar during a flood season
are repetitive due to several spells of rainfall occurrences during
the south-west monsoon.
3.4 High Silt Content :
As the river flows causing floods in North Bihar are contributed
largely from runoff in the upper mountainous and sub-
mountainous catchments of the friable Himalayas, they contain
high silt loads whose characteristics vary from catchment to
catchment . This has distinct implications for dealing with the
problem of floods caused by various rivers in North Bihar.
3.5 Predictiveness
The hydrologic, hydraulic and geomorphologic processes
leading to occurrences of floods, such as snow melt,
transformation of rainfall to runoff, overland and channel flows
in surface runoff, groundwater discharge, propagation of flows
down the rivers, spilling of the banks and inundation of flood
plains are fairly well understood and hence are predictive. At
the present stage of technology, there is some degree of
uncertainty in the climatic and hydrometeorological factors of
floods. On the whole, it may be said that the North Bihar floods
are largely predictive, particularly in view of modern tools and
Discussion Group on Floods in Bihar 13
techniques, such as remote sensing, satellite mapping and
mathematical modeling.
4. Nature of Flood Damages
As indicated earlier, damages from the normal events of floods in North
Bihar occur primarily on account of an essential conflict between the
nature and the mankind in the use of the flood plains which are most
fertile tracts of land and, coupled with other agro-congenial factors, hold
high agro-potential. On account of this, it has acquired a high density of
population which dominantly depends upon agriculture and allied
activities for their livelihood. This, in turn, makes it necessary for these
plains to be used for habitations, transport (roads and railways),
communications, trade, commerce and allied industries. Hence, these
activities and associated facilities are prone to be interfered with,
damaged and destroyed by the flood events. Omissions and
commissions of mankind in carrying out their activities and creating and
operating the associated measures and facilities further accentuate such
interferences, damages and destructions. As these activities and
facilities relate to and have direct impact on the life and day to day
living of the inhabitants, the flood occurrences cause human miseries,
apart from economic loss. As the flood occurrences are recurrent in the
region, its inhabitants are condemned to perpetual poverty, or at least to
low level economy. Apart from human miseries, this is the most
significant flood damage inflicted on this region as long as it remains
subject to recurrent floods.
5. Appraisal of Current Strategy of Flood Management :
The current strategy of flood management adopted in North Bihar must
be appraised in light of the above-mentioned facts, factors and features
of North Bihar floods. As is well known, embankments have almost
exclusively been relied upon o provide flood protection. About 3500 km
Discussion Group on Floods in Bihar 14
of embankments have been constructed in the post-plan period i.e., in
the last 5 decades. Before that, except for some zamindari embankments,
there were practically no embankments in North Bihar. In the post
embankment period, flood prone areas have increased by more than 2½
times and the flood damages have increased by more than 4 times.
Frequency of disruptions in transport and communications and the
intensity of human miseries have similarly registered a substantial
increase rather than any decrease during the period.
Such a stark anomaly in the effect and impacts of embankments and
their counter-effectiveness can be well understood on viewing the flood
occurrence in its scientific framework and the role of embankments in
the framework. The flood occurrences take place in the plains due to a
combination of several basin-bound natural processes such as, (i) snow
melt in the upper mountainous parts of the basin which starts much
earlier, (ii) incidence of rainfalls in the whole basin, with higher
intensities in its upper part, (iii) consequent soil erosion, mostly in the
upper parts of the basin, and transport of silt through the natural
network of channels in the basin, (iv) transformation of rainfall to runoff
and formation of flood flows, mostly in the upper part of the basin,
(v) propagation of silt-laden flood flows down the river, from its steeper
gradients in the upper mountainous and sub-mountainous part to the
much milder gradients in the lower part of plains (vi) exceedance of
hydraulic carrying capacity of the river in the lower part and over
spilling the river banks, and finally (vii) inundation of the flood plains
by the silt laden flood flows. Thus, North Bihar floods occur finally as a
consequence of the seventh process, which is contributed to and caused
by the preceding six processes. Out of these processes, the first two i.e.,
snowmelt and rainfall depend on climatic and atmospheric factors
which at the present stage of technology are hardly amenable to human
Discussion Group on Floods in Bihar 15
control and manipulation. All the other five flood producing processes
can be modified, regulated and controlled to various extents by man-
made measures.
In this framework of flood related natural processes, embankments seek
to control the seventh and the last process, i.e. inundation of the flood
plains by the over spilt silt-laden flood flows. This is, to say it mildly,
too simplistic and rather a crude method to deal with a complex natural
phenomenon. Metaphorically, this is like treating a disease by trying to
control its symptoms, rather than diagnosing it and treating its causative
factors; or like fighting the forces of the enemy at the last most
vulnerable battle front when these forces have marched emboldened by
lack of any resistance or interception at the preceding fronts.
Consequently, while the success of our attempt becomes doubtful and
debatable, its adverse consequences may be quite serious rendering the
measure counter productive and even counter effective.
Embankments lead to three distinctly adverse consequences having
wide spread ruinous impact. First, embankments are essentially anti-
drainage measures, which impede the drainage function of rivers. The
embanked rivers are rendered unable to drain the catchment area of the
embanked reaches of the river, causing prolonged waterlogging and
rainwater submergence in the area purported to be protected from
floods. Secondly, embankments cause rather rapid, systematic
aggradation of the river bed and the banks lying between the left and
the right embankments. This results in progressive reduction in the
carrying capacity of the embanked river, causes water logging of the
overlying area behind the embankments through seepage and
necessitates raising of the embankments to provide the same degree of
protection. Thirdly, the embankments become with time increasingly
prone to breaches due to various factors. In the event of these breaches,
Discussion Group on Floods in Bihar 16
flood flows gushing through the breached sections become more
destructive and devastative. Thus, the embankments serve to alter the
characteristic of graduality and gentleness of flood flows of North Bihar
rivers into fury and ferocity of floods.
The experience of embankments in North Bihar during the past decades
as well as that of recent floods amply testifies to these adverse
consequences of embankments.
6. Rational Approach to Resolution of the Flood Problem
In order to develop a rational approach to a sustainable solution of the
flood problem afflicting North Bihar, it is first of all necessary to view
the phenomena of floods in their comprehensive hydrological regime,
both in space and time, and not as a local isolated problem. Similarly,
the resolution of the flood problem is not only to mitigate or even
obviate the flood damages but to resolve it in such a way that the
scourge of poverty inflicted on the region due to recurrent occurrences
of floods is banished and the people inhabiting the region are assured
the commensurate benefits due to excellent endowment of natural
resources such as most fertile lands, ample water and congenial
agroclimate. These resources coupled with large manpower, steeped in
the culture of agriculture, of this region constitute a veritable
prescription for a highly productive agriculture. According to one
tentative estimate, returns from agriculture and related sectors can
potentially be enhanced at least ten times based on the natural resources
of the region and the available technology. This prospect can be realized
only if the water resources are suitably managed such that, on the one
hand, water resources related problems such as floods, drought and
water logging are solved and, on the other, water resources are
comprehensively utilized to secure multiple benefits such as irrigation,
hydropower and inland water transport. A universally recognized and
Discussion Group on Floods in Bihar 17
acclaimed approach eminently suited for the purpose is integrated water
resources management (IWRM). Several. dimensions are incorporated
and taken into account in this approach physical (hydrologic,
hydrometeorologic, hydrogeologic, land use, soil, topography, geologic,
hydraulic), economic, political, legal, social, environmental and ecologic.
For example, for dealing with the flood problem, various interventions
affecting different processes contributing to the flood phenomena are
considered and for each intervention, its impact on all concerned
dimensions are taken into account in order to arrive at an optimal
solution to the flood problem. Also, it is to be ensured that solution to
the flood problem is achieved in consistence with other water resource
related problems such as agricultural drought, waterloging and
drainage as well as with utilization of water resources comprehensively
for various purposes such as for irrigation, hydro electricity, industrial
and domestic uses, inland water transport, environmental and ecological
security and even recreation and tourism.
Only such an approach based on the well accepted concept and principle
of integrated water resources management will lead to a effective and
sustainable solution of the flood problems afflicting North Bihar and
Eastern U.P. For integrated water resources management, one cardinal
requirement is that planning for development, management and multi-
purpose utilizations of water resources shall have to be done basin-wise.
A basin is a scientific and hydrologic spatial unit of water resources and
cannot, and must not, be disregarded. The much talked about inter-basin
or intra-basin linking of rivers can be rationally justified and considered
only through basin-wise planning. In case of North Bihar, 50% to 85% of
the basins of its major rivers (Mahananda, Kosi, Kamla, Bagmati, Burhi
Gandak, Gandak and Ghaghra) lie outside India, mostly in Nepal. Also
the parts of basins lying in Nepal are invariably upstream having steep
Discussion Group on Floods in Bihar 18
gradient, higher precipitation both in the forms of rainfall and snow fall,
and erodible slopes. Thus, the approach of integrated water resources
management can be adopted only with co-operation of the two principal
co-basin nations, Nepal and India. Secondly, we must accept that a dam
is an important engineering measure to facilitate management as well as
multi-purpose utilizations of water resources and there is no worth-
while alternative to it. Suitable sites for dams on all major North Bihar
rivers lie only in their upper catchments in Nepal.
Thus, imperativeness of dams and of Indo-Nepal co-operation has to be
accepted without any reservations by all having concern for the human
miseries recurrently inflicted on the teeming millions of North Bihar as
well as for banishing poverty of the entire region. Fortunately, this
imperativeness is no problem and is highly prospective. For example,
apart from flood control, irrigation and other benefits, all the feasible
dams in Nepal can provide at least 50,000 MW of hydropower which is
renewable, cleaner and cheaper than from other conventional sources
like fossil fuels and nuclear. There is ready market for this in India, apart
from meeting all energy requirements of Nepal.
6.1 Dams in Nepal:
In the context of North Bihar floods, the question of dams in
Nepal is often brought up with misgivings, objections and even
infeasibility. It will be worthwhile to deal with them even
briefly at this point in order to put the current discussion on
North Bihar floods in perspective. First, the question of dams
should come up, not specifically or exclusively in the context of
permanent solution to the recurrent problem of floods in North
Bihar, but rather for development, management and multi-
purpose utilizations of water resources of basins shared by
Nepal and India for their mutual benefits.
Discussion Group on Floods in Bihar 19
Secondly, the questions of seismicity and siltation regarding
dams in the Himalayan zone are relevant and valid but are
hardly prohibitive. These are standard questions to be suitably
dealt with in planning and design of dams. The question of
displacement of people involved in construction of dams is
universal and is not specific to dams in Nepal. There is a
growing awareness and sensitivity of human aspects involved
and must be duly taken care of.
6.2 Indo-Nepal Co-operation :
Indo-Nepal co-operation, which is imperative for integrated
water resources management of the shared river basins is highly
prospective for two main reasons. One, the benefits that will
accrue to both is immense. Without this co-operation, both will
be denied these immense benefits. There is tremendous
mutuality and complementarity, with hardly any conflict, of
interest in such co-operation. In fact, it is a classic global win-
win situation.
In spite of such high prospect, Indo-Nepal co-operation has not
yet come about in full measure with alacrity that the situation
demands and deserves for a variety of reasons. It may be a
worthwhile exercise to identify and analyze these reasons
objectively and dispassionately so that misperceptions,
misunderstanding and myths may not rule the roost in this
matter of vital concern for large masses of people of this region
suffering poverty and miseries. While such an exercise cannot be
taken up in detail in this deliberation, it may be in order to bring
out some broad points.
Discussion Group on Floods in Bihar 20
In the matter of Indo-Nepal co-operation for development,
management and multipurpose utilizations of water resources of
the shared river basins entailing construction of dams in Nepal,
there are three concerned parties, the Govt. of India, the Govt. of
Nepal and the Govts. of concerned states, U.P. and Bihar,
primarily Bihar which has a larger and more critical stake in the
matter. The Govt. of Nepal should be interested in this co-
operation because it is a sine qua non for its economic
emancipation and rightful prosperity. Water resources and
suitable sites for dams constitute Nepal's greatest resource
which can be transformed into wealth by construction of dams,
generation of huge hydro electricity and selling it to India. This
essentially requires India's co-operation. The Govt. of Bihar
should be concerned in this co-operation as without it, the
people of North Bihar cannot be relieved from its recurrent
sufferings and its high agropotential will remain unrealized. The
Govt. of India should be interested in this as it is of vital concern
to large masses of its people living in its poorest region which is
blessed with excellent natural resources for highly productive
agriculture. It is in view of these resources that it is projected
that the second green revolution in India can come only from its
eastern region in order to achieve a quantum jump in the
stagnating national annual agricultural production. This cannot
happen without necessary water resources management
including flood control, for which Indo-Nepal co-operation is
essential. The Govt. of India has constitutional responsibility and
role to play in bringing about this co-operation and being by far
the larger nation than Nepal, it has to lake a leading role in an
enlightened manner.
Discussion Group on Floods in Bihar 21
Unfortunately, the three parties do not seem to have moved in
the matter with positive motivations as indicated above,
resulting in negative perceptions and experiences. The Govt. of
India feels that Nepal, under the advice of foreign consultants, is
being unreasonable and intransigent in the negotiations. On the
other hand, the Govt. of Nepal feels that the Govt. of India is
indifferent, plays the big brother role and Nepal gets a short
shrift in the matter. The Govt. of Bihar feels that it can only play
a passive role in the matter for which the Govt. of India has the
primary responsibility.
This scenario regarding Indo-Nepal co-operation has to change.
It has to move from the current situation of despair and
despondency to that of vibrancy and optimism. India and Nepal
are bound to each other by several bonds such as bonds of
geography, history and culture. But most of all, they are bound
to each other by hydrology. This hydrological bond is, in fact,
the most prospective of all other bonds as it can be worked to
the immense benefits to the peoples of both the countries with
the aid of available technology. Indo-Nepal co-operation must
be viewed in this perspective and all concerned must play their
roles accordingly. In order to ensure and facilitate this, the
following two missing or dormant elements need to be
activated.
Involvement of people: So far the people who are either direct
sufferers or are potential direct beneficiaries have been silent
and passive regarding Indo-Nepal co-operation and its
significance for their problems and prospects. They have to be
made aware and educated about how Indo-Nepal co-operation
can bring about not only relief from their recurrent sufferings
Discussion Group on Floods in Bihar 22
but also legitimate prosperity. With such awareness and
education, they can motivate their governments to move
positively in the mater with a sense of urgency. The issue will
thus gain political expediency which the governments
concerned can hardly ignore.
Role of science: The matter of Indo-Nepal co-operation has so far
been dealt with more in the political framework than in the light
of relevant science. In this framework, extraneous factors tend to
influence decision making, leading to unnecessary delays and
bottlenecks. If science and knowledge are brought into full play
in decision making, the matter will move more expeditiously.
It may not be out of place to emphasize that the Govt. of Bihar
has the primary concern in bringing about Indo-Nepal
cooperation in full measure. Of all the states of India, only Bihar
has the most direct stake in this. Although the Govt. of India has
the responsibility, as per our constitution, to formally negotiate
with the Govt. of Nepal, it cannot be expected to have the same
intensity of concern in the matter. Bilateral issues get national
concern only if they are related to defense. A bilateral issue
related to the sufferings of people and development of a
backward region may not capture national concern and priority.
The Govt. of Bihar has to sensitize and motivate the Govt. of
India through not only official channels but also politically and
otherwise.
7. Concluding Remarks and Outlook:
In view of the experiences of the recent floods playing havoc in North
Bihar as well those of the past years; it should be amply clear that we
have not been on the right tracks in dealing with the flood problems
Discussion Group on Floods in Bihar 23
afflicting North Bihar. The inadequacy and utter inappropriateness of
embankments as an exclusive measure adopted for flood management
in North Bihar can be understood by viewing the phenomenon of floods
in its comprehensive hydrologic framework and the various hydrologic,
geomorphologic and hydraulic processes culminating in inundation of
the flood pains. As these plains are used for habitation and various
economic and other activities, such inundation affects the life and living
of the teeming millions inhabiting these plains. In view of the causative
natural factors, the floods occur recurrently in North Bihar, condemning
its inhabitants to recurrent miseries and perpetual poverty in spite of
high agropotentiality of the region due to fertile land, ample water,
congenial agroclimate and large manpower.
The rational approach to a sustainable solution of the problem of
recurrent occurrences of floods in North Bihar is integrated water
resources management which requires basin-wise planning for
development, management and multi-purpose utilizations of water
resources. As the basins of all North Bihar rivers are shared by India and
Nepal with the later being upper riparian, Indo-Nepal co-operation is
imperative for this. Such co-operation is highly prospective as immense
benefits will accrue to both the co-basin nations with hardly any conflict
of interests. Also, dams will have to be necessarily constructed in Nepal
for such integrated water resources management and they are
technically feasible. In spite of such high prospect for Indo-Nepal co-
operation, this has not yet come about in full measure. This is so as the
three concerned parties i.e., the Govt. of India, the Govt of Nepal and the
Govt. of Bihar have been deficient in effort for various reasons. While
there are highly positive factors for each of them to go for it, they have
dragged their feet on unsubstantive matters. Two missing elements need
to be brought into the co-operation movement to give it the needed
Discussion Group on Floods in Bihar 24
momentum, involvement of the peoples who are present sufferers and
future beneficiaries and the role of science which has been presently
relegated to the back seat, to provide the light of knowledge in place of
the heat of politics.
Most of all, it is the Bihar Govt. which has to play a proactive active role
in the movement. First of all, it is high time for it to get disillusioned
with embankments as any solution, temporary, intermediate or
otherwise, to the problem of floods in North Bihar. It has to be
convinced that integrated water resources management entailing
construction of dams in Nepal, among other measures, is not only a
sustainable solution of floods but a prescription for prosperity for the
region endowed with excellent natural resources. Floods cannot be
prevented nor can damages resulting from them be effectively contained
when they occur. The only scientific way to deal with floods is to
transform them into a boon for development which this region direly
needs and deserves. The Govt. of Bihar has to shed its inertia and move
in the matter with this conviction.
Discussion Group on Floods in Bihar 25
Prof. S. M. Raza
Chairman, GPSCDMRD & Former Vice Chancellor
We are discussing whether we have been following the right track in
tackling the flood problem in Bihar. We have been witnessing the flood
very frequently and often its devastation gets more serious. It is time
that people from cross section of society should sit together and find the
measures where corrections are needed in tackling a pre or post-flood
problems. I feel, there is still scope to find out new ways and those
gathered here will certainly enlighten us from their experience. For a
long time we have been hearing the necessity of a dam on upper reach,
but since it is to be done in a foreign country (Nepal), now we should
concentrate on the possibility of doing maximum thing in the plains to
mitigate sufferings of the rural masses.
Discussion Group on Floods in Bihar 26
Dr. Rajan Sinha Director, Prof. G. P. Sinha Centre for Disaster Management and Rural Development
Since I have for long, been associated with disaster management issues I
feel there are several areas which require fresh attention. While
documenting the devastating flood of 2004, I stumbled upon some new
data on the pattern of rain fall. Bihar is a seriously flood affected zone
and therefore, it could be a ready reference for those who work on the
actual site.
The rainfall was found to be very erractic as there was more than normal
rain in the months of June and July, ironically the rainfall was deficient
in the months of August and September. Overall, in four months (June-
September) the total rainfall fell into deficient category. I therefore, feel
that the change in rainfall pattern could be a paramount importance for
tracking the progress in flood management. More, the alluvial soil is a
boon for us.
Discussion Group on Floods in Bihar 27
Sri Mithilesh Kumar Ex.-Principal Secretary to Governor of Bihar
While sharing our views on whether we are on right track or not, we
should also look within whether we are serious enough on the issue.
We are often crying over Nepal to be won over on the issue of
construction of dam in the upper reach but we will also have to see what
we have done or doing in our portion of the land. If we make Nepal
agree to that point, the immediate question will arise whether we shall
be ready to compensate the vast land that might be waterlogged due to
the project in Nepal.
Moreover, the issue of Bihar flood could not be seen in isolation.
The government of India will have to look on its own rivers and then not
only Nepal but China and Bangladesh will also come into the picture.
That‟s why I said, things could not be taken up in isolation and requires
broader term of thinking. Of course, erosion and water logging in Bihar
plains require some serious approach.
Discussion Group on Floods in Bihar 28
Er. K. N. Lal
Engineer-in-Chief (Retd.), WRD, Govt. of Bihar
We lost one opportunity of constructing a dam in Nepal in early 1950 for
the reason that we didn‟t find the utilization of over 1800 MW of power
that was likely to be generated from the dam on Nepal side. Only
recently a team of World Bank had visited Bihar and found that India
lacked because some of states like Bihar has not progressed. Flood has
been one of the main causes of backwardness of Bihar.
Well, it is understandable that Nepal being a foreign country we have
limitations but in that situation state government must choose a thrust
area. It is time that we should have integrated plan in combating the
menace of flood. We can construct our own structure in Burhi Gandak to
lessen the flood fury atleast in districts of Champaran, Sitamarhi and
Khagaria. My experience suggests that forest Act has proved a big
stumbling block in taking up several anti-flood measures. As a result of
this the proposed Massan dam in Burhi Gandak could not be a reality.
I do not agree that embankment is not necessary, in fact it has helped us
much in controlling flood fury in Kosi region. It would be very pertinent
to note the suggestions forwarded by the former President Sri A. P. J.
Abdul Kalam when he suggested storing of as much water as possible in
underground. And this can be experimented in the paths of Kosi,
Begmati and Kamla rivers.
Discussion Group on Floods in Bihar 29
Er. R. S. P. Singh
Treasurer, Bihar Pensioner Samaj
India receives 4000 billion cubic water every year from sources like rain
or snow melting. But unfortunately we have been able to harness water
to the tune of 273 billion cubic meter only. Rest 3727 billion cubic water
completely goes in waste or say we have not been able to utilize good
amount of the rest of the available water. Likewise in Mokama tal which
spreads in 1 lakh hectre chaur (low lying area) area, when an effort was
made to provide embankment in some stretch the people said „chaur‟ is
not a bane rather beneficial for them.
The points that are required to be considered are (a) allowing safe
passage of water without affecting settlements or crops and (b) at the
same time making arrangement to store the water for uses in need for
irrigation or during drought. There is no third way out from flood and
therefore, we should construct a series of reservoir. Since Ganga is
mother of all rivers, we must consider the possibilities of inter linking of
rivers.
Discussion Group on Floods in Bihar 30
Prof. Rajmani Prasad Sinha
Former Vice Chancellor, LNMU & Prof. Deptt. of Physics, Patna Science College, Patna
There has been a lot of talk on damages caused by flood and lack of
initiatives in taking up the matter with Nepal for upper catchment
treatment but little progress has been made on our side. First of all, Bihar
immediately needs an Institute for Disaster Management where research
and analysis work, latest technology and new courses could be started.
Secondly, if not on bigger scale, riverwise plan could also be initiated,
say on Bagmati. When we talk of flood as a problem in Bihar, then other
partners like Assam, Bangladesh and Nepal should be kept in mind for
an integrated approach.
Er. Krishna Kumar Advisor and Consultant, Flood Management & Poverty alleviation
The recent increase in the fury of flood has exposed the ongoing conflict
going on between the mankind and the nature. The more we try to play
with the „naturality‟ we are bound to suffer more and more. And this
has been done by massive defforestation in the upper reach giving water
a fast run off in the plains and at the same time carrying heavy load of
siltation. He noted with concern the changing course of rivers and said
that Kosi alone traversed through (swing) 140 km between Purnia and
Saharsa. Presently this swing has been encompassed in studs and
embankments. I do not agree that construction of embankments has
aggravated the problem.
Discussion Group on Floods in Bihar 31
Prof. Santosh Kumar Ex.-Professor, NIT, Patna
I have my own belief that engineers in Bihar are a frustrated lot because
they have been overpowered by IAS men. I would mention one such
meeting where in a 60- minute deliberation, the Secretary of Department
consumed 55 minutes leaving only 5 minutes for the experts to speak on
the subject. What I mean to say that one must give more ear to
technocrats.
It has become pertinent to open an exclusive Water Resources
Engineering University so that we could come out with an army of
human resources (HR) having special concern on water management
and study. The demand is not exaggareted because Bihar has to depend
heavily on abundance of water available to it. China has already done it.
We are very much happy that Bihar has got a technical minded (an
engineer) Chief Minister who would go inside the problem.
Discussion Group on Floods in Bihar 32
Prof. R. K. Sinha
Deptt. of Zoology, Patna University
Kosi is one of the biggest silt bearing river. It is necessary to tackle
siltations in Kosi, Gandak and Bagmati rivers. We can consider a dam in
Nepal but this is also true that it is not the easiest thing to do. There is no
siltation problem in Karnali in the Western region of Nepal. We often
fall in wrong argument that everytime Nepal releases heavy amount of
water, it causes deluge in Bihar. This is not true, Nepal has not chained
water but what if it release the water in case a dam is built there, he
questioned. So, we must not merely sing about the need of dam but also
consider the likely amount to be spent on it, sharing of the same and
most importantly the likely area that Nepalese would be devoid due to
the project. It may cause upheaval there.
But the stark reality is that Himalayan region has fast turned into a
treeless chunk bringing more miseries to us. So, presently, for flood
management we should work on reducing the rate of siltation and at the
same time find the place for dam in Nepal which will cause minimum
damage there.
Discussion Group on Floods in Bihar 33
Dr. (Ms). Bharti S. Kumar
HOD, Deptt. of History, PU
At the one hand the severity of flood is increasing every ear making it
very difficult to launch relief and rehabilitation in a co-ordinated
manner. Delay in these efforts often lead to violence and their anger
against the government machinery is increasing day by day. That we are
discussing “if we are on right tracks in dealing with the problem”, this in
itself suggests that all is not well. I am sorry to say that we are in 60
years of independence and we are still talking about minimizing the
effect of flood. Our preparedness is always under scanner. It seems no
body is ready to fight out the corruption which has assumed alarming
proportion due to bureaucrats politician engineer – contractor nexus.
Prof. K. P. Singh
HOD, Personnel Management and Industrial Relations & Rural Management Deptt. PU.
The poor work culture has led to more mismanagement of flood.
The problem is that we are not diagnosing some serious problems in
right direction. All the parties – policy makers, politicians, help
provider- should do home work. Managing people of target in efficient
manner is the real management. Miseries should not be a source of
corruption. Like the water in Bihar which comes from upper reach,
corruption also travels from upside and reaches downwards, so check it
at the source.
Discussion Group on Floods in Bihar 34
Er. Ravi Shankar Sinha
Chief Engineer (Retd.), Govt. of Bihar
It was because of the fact that Kosi maintained swinging nature, an
embankment was constructed there in 1958. Unlike other places, free
board on the embankments were provided upto 10 feet. But it was then
also predicted that if a dam is not constructed the present embankment
may become a cause of concern. And it happened that in 1984 heavy
erosion took place inside the bank of embankments. We may agree that
embankment is not a lasting solution but it certainly provides protection
in short term.
Ms. Zoolekha Hashmat (M.Phil) Deptt. Of Geography, Patna University Research Scholar, Doing Research on floods in North Bihar in reference to sustainable development of the state
Bihar flood is a perennial problem and causes extensive damages in a
large part of Bihar. The topography is as such that we can‟t prevent
flood totally but then flood management should get top priority and
preparedness in case of flood should be better. The problem is so
enormous that is requires documentation of different aspects so that
sustainable development could be undertaken for the revival of
tottering rural economy.
Discussion Group on Floods in Bihar 35
Er. M.U.Ghani Retd. Chief Engineer, Central Water Commission, GOI
Some people don‟t understand the necessity and effectiveness of
dredging river bed but dredging in 100 km downstream and 50 kms in
upstream in river Ganga has proved successful for the carrying and
discharge of water in Farakka river.
He revealed that nearly Rs. 3000 crore has been provided for raising and
strengthening of embankments in Gandak, Kosi and Adhwara group of
rivers. In Kamala alone, water overtopped at 12 places suggesting large
siltation in river bed. Erosion is another area where massive work is
required to be done. Since we have failed to reach any agreement with
Nepal, the Government of India and Bihar are more emphasizing on
embankment.
As for interlinking of river, I do not find that this is going to benefit
anyway.
Discussion Group on Floods in Bihar 36
Dr. A. K. Sinha Secretary, National Rural Development Society
I have been working with the rural masses and what I have realized is
that there is complete lack of co-operation among the rural, water
resources and forest departments. As a result works like earth filling
and construction of raised platforms are delayed. An important
programme like NAREDA has not taken off in Bihar as perspective
plans could be prepared for 8 districts only, that too in two years. Top
bureaucrats of the respective departments will have to act in
coordination.