Professional Documents
Culture Documents
BSCT
SESSION 2014-2018
Title:
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FLOOD MANAGEMENT IN PAKISTAN
SUBMITTED BY:
SUBMITTED TO:
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Project Details:
Preliminary title:
FLOOD MANAGEMENT IN PAKISTAN
Group Details:
Role Name Roll Number CGPA Contact NO. Email
Nabeel.parvithay94@gmail.co
Member Nabeel Ahmed F14-BSCT-34 0306-0672893 m
SUPERVISOR: HOD:
Date:
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Dedicated to our
PARENTS
Who have taken great pains
for our upbringing &to our
TEACHERS
for providing us with Best
EDUCATION.
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Acknowledgment
Many people, especially our classmates and team members itself, have made
valuable comment suggestions on this proposal which gave us an inspiration
to improve our assignment. We thank all the people for their help directly and
indirectly to complete our assignment.
We also like to give a very big thanks to Engr. Ali Ammar, our lecturer who
give us passion and encouragement, and for doing an excellent job, advises to
us to ensure our proposal is successful also spend your time to keep on eye to
see our team work made the best work. The beautiful thousands thanks just
for you Sir Engr. Ali Ammar.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Abstract ................................................................................................................................................... 12
2. Introduction ....................................................................................................................................... 13
2.1 Definition of Flood and Flood Management: .................................................................................... 13
2.2 Nature of Floods: ............................................................................................................................... 14
2.3 Types of Floods cause Devastation: .................................................................................................. 14
3. Physiographical Regions: ........................................................................................................................ 18
3.1 Weather systems that causes Floods: ............................................................................................... 18
4. Cause of flooding .................................................................................................................................... 21
4.1 Causes of floods in pakistan .............................................................................................................. 21
5. Flood damages..................................................................................................................................... 22
5.1 Fives ways Floods Damages Can Affect Your home or Business....................................................... 23
6. Flood control objective and needs ...................................................................................................... 25
7. Flood management arrangement: ...................................................................................................... 25
8. Flood management measures: ............................................................................................................ 27
9. Structural measures ................................................................................................................................ 31
9.1 Non-structural measures .................................................................................................................. 31
9.2 Institutional Arrangements for Flood: .............................................................................................. 32
11. Hazard & Crisis Managing Institutes ..................................................................................................... 33
12. Conclusions and Recommendations ..................................................................................................... 33
12.1 Some other valuable lessons include .............................................................................................. 34
13. Flood fighting plan ................................................................................................................................ 36
13.1 Requirements of flood-fighting ....................................................................................................... 36
13.2 Water gate: Rapid response flood control system ......................................................................... 38
13.3 Flood-fighting typical measures ...................................................................................................... 40
14. Flood proofing ....................................................................................................................................... 41
14.1 Types of flood–proofing: ................................................................................................................. 41
15. Flood control benefits ........................................................................................................................... 43
15.1 Benefits of dam ............................................................................................................................... 47
16. Flooding and flood mitigation ............................................................................................................... 48
16.1 Flooding ........................................................................................................................................... 48
16.2 Flood mitigati .................................................................................................................................. 50
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17. Pakistan water sector strategy ............................................................................................................. 54
18. Flood problems ..................................................................................................................................... 55
18.1 Flood problem in Pakistan............................................................................................................... 55
19. Difficulties for flood management plan ...............................................................................................................58
20.Major improvements & Major upgrades required ...............................................................................................61
21. Roles of dam for flood..........................................................................................................................................61
21.1 Chinese Experience ........................................................................................................................................64
22. Climate change role in flood management ..........................................................................................................64
22.1 Temperature trends over Pakistan: ................................................................................................................65
22.2 Major CLIMATE CHANGE related concerns for Pakistan ...............................................................................66
23. Policy Recommendations .....................................................................................................................................69
23.1 The new paradigm: ........................................................................................................................................69
23.2 Broader set of objectives ...............................................................................................................................69
23.3 Developing detailed flood regulations or FLOOD MANUAL...........................................................................70
24. National water policy ...........................................................................................................................................70
25. Indian Experience .................................................................................................................................................71
26. Bangladesh experience ........................................................................................................................................72
27. Nespak recommendations ...................................................................................................................................72
28. Pakistan flood policy ............................................................................................................................................74
29.Conclusions ...........................................................................................................................................................74
30. Recommendations ...............................................................................................................................................76
31. References ...........................................................................................................................................................77
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TALE OF FIGURES
Figure 1 Flood management in Pakistan .................................................................................................... 12
Figure 2 Flash Floods ................................................................................................................................... 15
Figure 3 Map of Pakistan showing main hydrological & geographical features ........................................ 16
Figure 4 Areas worst affected by flooding .................................................................................................. 21
Figure 5 Flood damages .............................................................................................................................. 22
Figure 6 Embankment ................................................................................................................................. 28
Figure 7 WATER GATE ................................................................................................................................. 38
Figure 8 Wipe (Water Inflated Property Barrier) That Is The System ........................................................ 39
Figure 9 FLOOD PROOFING ......................................................................................................................... 41
Figure 10 BENEFIT OF DAM......................................................................................................................... 48
Figure 11 LIGHTNING STRIKES .................................................................................................................... 49
Figure 12 PAKISTAN WATER SECTOR STRATEGY ........................................................................................ 54
Figure 13 THE GREENHOUSE EFFECT .......................................................................................................... 64
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TABLE OF CHARTS
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Chapter# 1
BASIS OF FLOOD
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FLOOD MANAGEMENT IN PAKISTAN
1. Abstract
Flooding is the most devastating natural hazard in Pakistan and the recent flooding
has demonstrated its severeness. Floods are common throughout the country.
However, their characteristics differ from region to region. Flooding behaviour of the
major basins and flood management at the national level are investigated in this
article. Monsoon rainfalls are the main source of floods in the Indus Basin, while
Mediterranean Waves and Cyclones, which are generated over the Arabian Sea,
induce flooding in the Kharan Basin and the Makran Coastal Area. Fluvial floods in the
Indus Basin have caused major economic losses. Pakistan’s government has spent
vast resources on relief operations and flood works since the country came into
existence in 1947. A number of provincial and federal acts, ordinances, accords, and
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treaties shape the national flood policy. Institutional setup for flood hazard and crisis
management has evolved over the years. Nevertheless, data show no major
reduction in the flood-to-damage ratio. The inter-link-age of structural and non-
structural measures and their combined efficiency must be analysed and optimized
for more effective flood management.
2. Introduction
Floods are the most frequently occurring and damaging natural hazards in
the country. In August 2010, Pakistan has suffered one of its most damaging and
severe floods in its history. In the recent flooding almost tens of billions US dollars
financial damage has been done with 1800 person’s deaths. As per official statistics
almost 8000 people lost their lives and approximately $10 billion of economic losses
happened between the periods of 1947 to 2010 flooding. Though uncertainty in these
values of losses is unknown because these estimates are carried out at local
administration level such as provincial or town. In fact no major flood has occurred
since 1995, still the devastating flooding in 2010 shows that the continuous flood risks
is still or present around us.
According to Geography nature of flooding varies, fluvial floods in the Indus plain
prove most devastating as the terrain is flat and densely populated and economically
developed. Flash flooding is the second most destructive type of flood. Flash floods
are also called Hill torrents, which threaten large areas of the country and cause
human deaths most frequently. At other locations floods are dominant due to
cyclones and intensive rain. Unusually high floods have also occurred due to breach
of small dams, e.g. the breach of Shadi Kor dam in Pasni happened on February 11,
2005 which results in death of 135 people.
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Floods become a Disaster when such areas become exposed to the hazard without
adequate warning and/or without means of taking defensive actions and the
community suffers loss of life, assets, livelihood, and environmental security
Tarbela and Mangla dams largely control floods in the Indus and Jhelum basins.
No control over the Chenab, Ravi and Sutlej rivers(severe flooding problems
in Monsoon season).
Nature of fluvial floods in the upper Indus plain differs from that of lower Indus
plain.
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Flash Floods:
Flash floods typically hit the areas of KPK, BALUCHISTAN, and KASHMIR AND
PUNJAB
Kashmir and KPK receive high average annual rainfall
The steep and barren terrain of Baluchistan and Dera Ghazi khan watersheds
typically produces severe flash floods
Causing damage to infrastructure, settlements and loss of human and animal
lives
Flash floods are relatively lethal, e.g. more than 230 people died due to flash
floods in the pothohar plateau.
The total watershed area of the Indus is 994,000 sq.km, of which 60% lies in Pakistan.
The Indus has as average annual flow of 175 km3/year with its major tributaries
Jhelum, Chenab, Sutlej and Ravi. Following table presents a brief overview of the
major rivers in the Indus Basin.
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Figure 3 Map of Pakistan showing main hydrological & geographical features
Flows of Flood fluctuate from 300m3/s to 34,000m3/s seasonally. Annual river flows
at rim stations, which is first gauging station after a river enters into Pakistan,
fluctuate between 120 km3/year and 230 km3/year. During the Monsoon and cold
weather, season rainfall occurs in the Indus Basin but severe floods only occur in the
Monsoon season. Due to the increased rate of snow melting and Monsoon rainfalls
in the summer high floods are experienced. During the summer months about 82%
of the annual water flow through rivers. In this period, heavy rainfall in the upper
catchments across the border of Indian occupied Kashmir causes floods. Sometimes
heavy showers also occur in areas just within Pakistan. Therefore, the river expands
into their entire floodplains and the flooding behaviour of the major rivers differs
according to catchment characteristics and the types of installed river training
facilities.
Tarbela and Mangla dams largely control floods in the Indus and Jhelum basins.
There is almost no control over the Chenab, Ravi and Sutlej rivers in Pakistan which
results in severe flooding problems in Monsoon season. Chenab has historically given
rise to the most floods because of the lack of any controlling structures and large
flows generated by the combination of rain and snowmelt. India owns the exclusive
water rights of the Ravi and Sutlej rivers under the Indus water treaty (1960). Because
of that, there is practically these rivers have very little flow. Average annual flows
observed at the rim stations are about 3.15 km3/year in the Ravi River and 0.02
km3/year in the Sutlej River. Floods of high magnitude are observed on the Ravi River
after the treaty. The decreasing width of these rivers and vanishing flows encourage
encroachments for residential and industrial purposes but an episode of severe flood
may wipe out these developments.
The nature of fluvial floods in the upper Indus plain differs from that of lower
Indus plain. In the upper Indus, the bed level is lower than the adjoining lands. When
a flood occurs, flood water spilling over the river banks generally returns to the rivers
in the upper part of the Indus Basin. However, in the lower part of the Indus in Sindh
province, spills do not return to the river. This lack of return flow extends the duration
of inundation, resulting in larger damages. Although flood protection by
embankments has been provided along almost entire length in Sindh province and at
many locations in the upper areas, bund breaches can still occur. Often such breaches
cause greater damage than would have occurred without bunds because of their
unexpected nature and intensification of land use following the provision of flood
protection.
Flash floods typically hit the areas of KPK, BALUCHISTAN, and KASHMIR AND
PUNJAB. Kashmir and KPK receive high average annual rainfall, whereas the steep
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and barren terrain of Baluchistan and Dera Ghazi khan watersheds typically produces
severe flash floods, causing damage to infrastructure, settlements and loss of human
and animal lives. Flash flooding in the Indus Basin in confined to the tributaries of the
Indus, Jhelum and Chenab Rivers. Flash floods are endured by some areas in Punjab,
Kashmir, KPK and Baluchistan. Flash floods are relatively lethal, e.g. more than 230
people died due to flash floods in the pothohar plateau.
3. Physiographical Regions:
The spatial variability of rainfall throughout the country is high. Of the total area,
59.3% can be classified as rangeland, which receives less than 200 mm annual rainfall.
In the north of the country, the Himalaya Range receives annual rainfall between 760
mm and 1270 mm (ISDR, 2005) and con-tributes almost 72% of the mean annual flow
in the Indus River System (WWF, 2010). These rainfall data are based on the national
meteorological network. The spatial distribution of stations over the country is not
uniform. Stations in developed areas and meteorologically important locations
generally comply with World Meteorological Organization (WMO) standards.
Southern Punjab, Baluchistan, and northern Sindh receive the lowest amounts of rain.
Rainfall increases again towards the coast. Three types of weather systems influence
the precipitation in catchments, which produce floods in Pakistan. These weather
systems are:
continues through November. December, January, and February are the coldest
months of the year.
Hydrologically, the country can be divided into three major units: Indus Basin, Kharan
Basin, and Makran Coastal drainage area. Flooding characteristics of these basins vary
greatly and require in-depth understanding.
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Chapter# 2
CAUSES, DAMAGES &
MANAGEMENT
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4. Cause of flooding
Unbalance in hydrologic cycle
Very high precipitation gives droughts
Very low precipitation gives floods
Often combined effects
1. Snow melt
2. Inadequate drainage
3. Water saturated ground
4. Dam failure
High tides
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Villages built on adjacent river bank.
The government for inhabitation should prohibit the river in areas.
Improper drainage system to cope with heavy rains in cities.
Inadequate discharge capacity of dams and barrages on River Indus, Jhelum, Chenab.
Villages built on adjacent river bank. The river in areas should be prohibited by the
Government for inhabitation.
In some cases, floods are caused by landslides or glacial movement and their
Consequent collapse.
5. Flood damages
Some structural damage to your home may be apparent, while other damage
may require closer inspection. You can inspect your home for certain types of
damage, including.
Severe wood rot in the end grain of lumber structures
Distortion and warping of structures such as floor boards
Termite damage, as termites are particularly enticed by wet wood
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Visible undermining of the foundation of the home, such as the erosion of
the ground at the base of the structure.
1. Health and safety risks
2. Loss of life
3. Emotional hardship
4. Property damages
5. Economic Loss
5.1 Fives ways Floods Damages Can Affect Your home or Business
2. Loss of Life:
The most devastating affects floods damages can have on you or your business is loss
of life, Flash floods are the number one weather related killer n the U.S claiming the
lives of people pets live stocks and wild animals alike.
3. Emotional Hardship:
Flood victims can experience difficulty coping with their situation experiencing
anxiety, depression fear, anger, frustration and grief. These symptoms can interfere
with relationship, because trouble sleeping depresses appetite and more.
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4. Property Damages:
Ninety percentage of damages related to all natural disasters is caused by water
damages due to flood Homes , business ,vehicle , belongings, equipment nothing is
immune just a few inches of water could cause major damage to the content of your
home or biasness, not to mention buildings and land.
5. Economic Loss:
Not all insurance companies and policies cover water damages resulting from
flooding, which can put a huge strain on flood damages victims financially. The cost
of all flooding in the Pakistan is over $10 billion. It can take years for affected
communities to be re-built and life.
Flood damages
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6. Flood control objective and needs
Flood management planning in Pakistan is essentially being carried out to
achieve the following objectives.
Reduction of flood losses in an economically sound manner,
Prioritizing of areas of greater economic hazards,
Protecting the cities and vital infrastructural installations,
Exploring the possible use of existing flood control facilities,
Promoting appropriate land use in flood hazard areas,
Minimizing adverse effects on national ecosystem and environment,
Creating flood awareness and adaptability in river in areas.
There are some methods for the management of flood listed in below:
Dams
Diversion canals
Flood plans and ground water replenishment
River defenses
Coastal defenses
Self-closing flood barriers
Temporary perimeter barriers
Floods caused by many of the factors and the combination of any of these
generally prolonged heavy rainfall (locally concentrated or throughout the
catchment area) highly accelerated snow melt, severe wind over water, unusual high
tides, tsunami, or failure of dams, retention ponds, or other structure that retain the
water. Flooding can be execrated by the increase amount of impervious surface or
by other natural hazards such as wildfires, which reduce the supply of vegetation that
can absorb rainfall.
Flooding is the most devastating natural hazard in Pakistan and also all over the word
and the recent flooding has demonstrated its severeness. Floods
are common throughout the country, however there characteristics differ
from region to region.
The moon soon rain falls is the main source of floods in the Indus basin.
While Mediterranean waves and cyclones which are generated over the Arabian
Sea induce flooding in the Kharan basis and the Makran coastal areas. Fluvial flood in
the Indus basin have caused major economic losses Pakistan government have
spent waste resources on relief operations and flood work since the country came
into existence in 1947.
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There are no more arrangements about the flood hazards but there is the interlink age of
structural and non-structural measures and their combine efficiency must be analyze and
optimize for the better and more effective flood managements.
Central level
State level
Now over the years the Pakistani Government take the good hands about
the initiative precaution in order to deal with flood from many years.
In general, the flood management measures that are being used
in Pakistan can be broadly classified into engineering or structural measures and
administrative or non-structural measures. The engineering measures comprise the
following, which are given below:
1. Reservoir
2. Drainage perfection
3. Embankments
1. Reservoirs:
This is the technical term that which we use for the natural and artificial lake
use as the source of water in which we store the huge amount of the water in the
difficult time like flood and that kind of other things as well.
As we say it pool , lake , pond etc. the huge amount of water we can store in
this term we get relief from the flood with this and after that we can use that water
in our need like we can make electricity with that of water and lots of other works.
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2. Drainage Improvements:
In this case of flood we should do all safety precautions like the handling of
the title the most need of the drainage of the water rather it’s of the tsunami, rain,
or the any kind of the reason of water. Its most important thing in all the areas in
northern or in the other kind of that the system of draining have to have
to b improved at any cost it vary the safety and we will count it in the measures of
the flood water and also the other water.
3. Embankment:
Figure 6 Embankment
A wall or bank of earth of the stone build just to prevent the rural area or the poor
land or any kind of land and it’s just to prevent the most important areas or the rural
or the fields areas. That kind of the wall or the stone just builds to prevent the excess
water that is known as embankment.
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These are some of the technical terms which we discus after that there are some
other terms are above in the listed numbered are not necessary to discuss I I gave the
over view. These are some measures of the flood management measures.
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Chapter# 3
MEASURES & ARRANGEMENTS
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9. Structural measures
We can call it with its second name, which is structural adaptation measures (SAM’s).
The permanent precaution did against the flood or the constructed permanent
facilities to reduce the risk level. All the things, which we did permanent for the flood
these are the structural
Measures in the second name we can say the hard, and not the temporary thing,
which we did against the flood, these are all the structural measures.
There are some different ways for the preparation against the flood we can provide
the different kind of the structures rather it’s about the walls or it’s about the other
permanent way. In which we can make the reservoirs because it’s the permanent way
to make the flood water safe after that we can give the better and make the good
embankments of the better and good material which will be consider good for the
future and all the problems in future will be safe through that of the precaution.
Through that of the procedure, we can save our 80 of the percent humans and
our economical values.
In which we count the sand bags, temporary embankments, and the other that
kind of things which we can apply against the flood in the form of precaution. In this
this part we do not make the permanent things like reservoir and not to give the
permanent values, that kind of the procedure we done all that of things when sudden
its happens (flood) which is just the cause of the heavy rain and the highly tides or
the speediest air in the water of sea or lake or other thing.
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As a whole, we can say that all the temporary works against the flood and in the
precaution of the flood that all the procedure and all the things are known as non-
structural measures.
However, it has never been finalized and implemented. At the federal level, the
Emergency Relief Cell (ERC) in the Cabinet Division serves as the focal point during
emergencies. At the provincial level, the ERC coordinates with provincial relief
departments and relief commissioners who are responsible for effective distribution
of relief items in respective provinces. The Cell is also responsible for dealing with
institutional donors and receives grants, donations and funds for distribution through
the Prime Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund.
The Government of Pakistan felt the need for establishing appropriate policy, legal
and institutional arrangements, and for initiating strategies and programmes to
minimize risks and vulnerabilities. To fulfil this need and in pursuance of Resolutions
passed by the Provincial Assemblies under Section 144 of the Constitution, the
National Disaster Management Ordinance was promulgated in December 2006,
wherein a comprehensive system of disaster management, envisaging legal and
institutional arrangements at the Federal, Provincial and local levels have been
envisaged.
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As required under the Ordinance, the National Disaster Management Commission
(NDMC) has been established under the Chairmanship of the Prime Minister, as the
apex policy making body at the federal level in the field of the disaster management.
As required under the Ordinance, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)
was notified on 18th of January, 2007 as the executive arm of the NDMC. It acts as
the lead Agency at the federal level to coordinate and implement whole spectrum of
disaster management activities. Being an intricate and time sensitive affair, disaster
management is required to be done as a One Window Operation through the NDMA
to ensure better coordination and optimum utilization of resources, as envisaged
under the Ordinance.
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12.1 Some other valuable lessons include
The pre-flood planning seems to be absent. There is an immediate need to build
water reservoirs which would hold the excessive water. This would help Pakistan in
two ways; frequency and level of floods can be controlled and water can be utilized
for agriculture and hydro power.
NDMA has emerged as merely a policy organ which lacks the administrative
capability. There is a need for capacity building of it. Political differences and lack of
coordination between federation and provinces have added insult to injury in flood
situation. A coordinated approach was absent and it has been felt that political
parties are exploiting the floods card for their personal gains. Synchronized federal
approach for disaster management is the need of hour. Breaching of water channels
by the landlords have changed the course of flood causing numerous loses to life and
property. Judicial inquiry against the bleachers must be carried out to control the
human factor of the disaster. The rise in the planet temperature has reached a tipping
point and people are now in a scary new era of extreme weather. Therefore, every
effort should be made to cut greenhouse gas pollution. Stop weather disasters to
become catastrophes. It means increasing the resilience of infrastructure, economies
and communities. Greater resilience in Pakistan would include better emergency
warning and evacuation systems, better flood protection for key infrastructure and
plans to help communities recover once the waters recede.
Conclusion
Devastating floods 2010 have caused a huge loose to the people and economy of
Pakistan and it has also posed serious questions on the mismanagement and
governance issues of the country. Since floods have become almost annual
phenomena, there is an immediate need to relook the flood management strategy of
Pakistan. It is also evident from the study that huge flaws in disaster response system
of Pakistan have aggravated the situation and resultantly country suffered a historical
damage both in term of lives and property. In this backdrop, a serious heed must be
paid to enhance the administrative capability of NDMA and empower it for managing
the future disasters at the war footing. It is to be remembered that only quality of the
response can reduce the consequences of any disaster.
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Chapter# 4
FIGHTING PLAN & FLOOD
MITIGATION
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13. Flood fighting plan
Flood fighting is an emergency measure which has the objective to reduce the
flood damages in particularly areas which are under able to damages.
This kind of flood fighting is provided when the flood protection and control
structures proofing measures have to be proved that they are not able to protect the
flood that is the condition in which we will do that of the work like the fighting flood.
The word fighting flood is called the fight against the flood in different ways which
protect the flood in all conditions and this is happened when the control structures
are damages before due to the current flood course.
We do different kind of struggles about the flood control in different ways.
Its important failures are the preparedness of all potentially involved persons,
availability of technical means and resources and fighting flood is an important
element of non-structural measures for reducing flood hazards. Generally, the flood
fighting is required when the failure of flood protection structures such as;
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1. There are some different parts of the structure which are flood walls and
embankments the immediate causes could be scour, over topping, piping,
undermining, bank erosion breaching and impact of floating debris
2. Failure of land drainage system causing flooding of agriculture land.
3. Failure of urban drainage systems causing flooding within protected urban area.
4. Failure of wires and barrages with consequent devastating flood waves.
Flood fighting plan is the part of the great and well plan arrangements in any king of
the areas depend on the assessment of flood risk and well management strategy in
which the priority zones are clearly indicated and also the possible sacrifices of areas
of lesser importance envisaged,
Hence the fighting flood is clearly indicated they are closely linked to the other
emergency measures, such as evacuation of people to safe zone emergency flood
proofing of structure etc before that all we all know about the fighting flood where
apply on the plan this kind of flood proofing is based on the clear plans and also
containing the following main elements.
After the flood is over the flood fighting will be enter the follow up stage. The
flood fighting system should not be demobilized until the valuable experience gained
during the flood has been recorded for the later analysis and the application for
improving m talking about the method of flood fighting that we will not end this
process until we get the result or we reach on to the result which
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we can use it for the further analysis for the next time of the flood if it comes, and
also we should do that of the system or that of the practice due to the experience for
the next time preparation that how we need about the handling system or all about
the last flood fighting .
We will check about the peak of the point at which we handle the flood we
record all the stages and gained the valuable experience for the better and the later
analysis and this is all about we find also our weak points where we feel weak in the
flood event and make almost like the application in which we improves our flood
fighting methods for the next time flood fighting event.
There are two new preventions about flood fighting are given below:
Floods are becoming more common around the world, what was once a 100 year
phenomenon is now a seasonal trend that homeowner must deal with. And the main
solution deployed to fight with these rising water is sandbags – 1000s upon 1000s of
sandbags made from burlap or with the other material which name is polypropylene.
But this is the most effective method. As product designer we began thinking about
the challenges of flood and exploring other product solution already on the market
see what we found below:
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This is the clever pic device that uses the pressure of oncoming water to stabilize
itself while more expensive then sandbags it has been proven to be a highly
effective means of containing flood damage.
This is the plus point that a single person deploy that in few hours to protect a
home or then larger devices can purchased to protect the entire areas and
unrolled trucks.
This product is lighter than the sand bags, reusable, and doesn’t require filler
material that will be contaminated after use.
This process is useable and working process can make one person only in few
hours for one house and if you want to safe the entire area you can purchase this
item for the whole area or the market or anything.
The water inflated property barrier system made from a long (up to 150 ft.) extremely
durable. Vinyl coated polyester. The idea is to fight water with water and WIPP just
did that; essentially a long tube with an internal support structure, the system can be
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inflated with any nearby water source acting as a heavy barrier against oncoming
waters.
Like other systems WIPP can be easily and can be quickly overcome on the flood or
any kind of the problem which can be handled with that of the tube.
As heavy flood also can handle with this of the tube we just need to prepare that tube
with the internal constructed material that can help us in the working of the flood
fighting.
This product you can repair that if its damage from anywhere in the length you can
repair that easily by the repairing department they will repair that of our perfect
problem solving product against the flood repair and then you can use this product
for the next time exercise and there is no problem in preventing that thing you can
easily packed away when not in use.
Closing of gaps in flood walls or groyness etc. by sand bags or other available
methods.
Counter acting piping which is the main cause of collapse of embankment and
etc.
fighting plan.
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14. Flood proofing
We can be easily define the flood proofing as any combination of structure or non-
structure addition, changes or adjustment to a building that reduces or prevent flood
damage to the structure and its contents.
After this the primary objectives of the flood proofing is to reduce or avoid the
impacts of coastal flooding upon structure. A dry flood-proofing structure is made
watertight below the expected flood level in order to prevent flood water from
entering in the first place.
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The refuge areas have to be available close to the normal place of residence.
Flood-proofing in agriculture such as the use of crops which are harvested before
the flooding season starts.
Drainage of flood water can be an important flood-proofing measure. It may
prevent total flooding or for all cases lower the maximum floods levels.
action during flooding, potentially saving lives, the deputy chief executive of the
The advance planning and pre planning and warning can significantly reduce the
impact from climate change has contributed to a rise in extreme weather events,
scientists believe. All the senior and experienced persons agree as well with this the
pre plan or even the pre warning can also reduce the excess waste of lives and as well
as the other different things which are also be damage in the flood. In short if we
have the idea about the flood and warning signs about the flood we can be 80 per
The focus should be on the resilience rather than defence schemes according to the
Laurence water house, in this of the point the director of civil is trying to say that if
the flood will come then you not need to defence that of the time from flood but in
the other hand you have to be prepare your electric switches more higher than the
maximum flooding in the city. That known is to be safe from lives or the other electric
damages but in the other hand if we do that for the defence of flood then why
wouldn’t we do the safety thing about the flood like, For example: the defence society
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who inform us that kind of the things about flooding or the other kind of the damages
if it will be appear they will let us know about the flood before it comes then we can
do most of the things against the flood or against all kind of the damages in short we
can safe in the reference of life and home furniture and the other electric things (
home appliance )
You can use this precaution on your home and as well as in your office or any other
sight it will helps you in case of flooding
.
3. Increase spending on flood defences:
Figures produce by the house of commons library suggest that real terms spending
on the flood defences has fallen by the 20 per cent since came to power. Yesterday
the prime minister rejected the allegation, insisting the amount being spent had risen.
In this spending word you can assume that the positive spending the money on the
process of the department that can tells you before the flood to make you to the safer
side, or your other kind of the things which you want to make it safe.
The reason to spent more is just for their betterment of our country or to build the
department a new department and the new building for the staff which can tells us
about the coming disasters in the future before the maximum of the damages like the
kind of the damages and this could be very good for us in life. If you know about that
kind of things you can make you safe by your life and your other important things as
well. That kind of spending is very beneficial for the country and all of the citizens
living under that country and it will must work and helpful for all the generation and
make smaller damages.
The estimated capital cost to construct the project is 4.46 million which will be
incurred between 2011 and 2013.
Operation and maintenance cost are estimated to be 14.700 per year starting in 2013,
an additional cost is 18.400 is incurred in every 5 years.
The present value of the total cost of the fencer creek flood control improvement
project (the project) assuming a useful life of 30 years is 4.22 million furthermore the
net per cent value of the quantifiable flood prevention benefits and water supply
benefit over the same useful life is 13.17 million. Therefore the overall cost benefits
ratio of the project is 3.12 million.
Description of the distribution of the local, regional and state wide benefits:
The project removes approximately 682 acres from the 100 years of the flood plan.
The project provides the drainage capacity in 100 years flood events.
The project will protect the drainage area segment from localized flooding in two
year and 25 year flooding event.
The project protects residents and business from property damage and lost
income and wages.
The project protects public infrastructure and utilities and minimizes the
restoration cost of public facilities to the city and country.
The project protects existing resident and business from 100 year flood risk and
minimizes the cost to the state of disaster response and relief
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Identification of beneficiaries:
Approximately 479 residents will be protected from 2 years 25 years and 100
years flood event
Approximately 185000 SF of non-residential uses will be protected from the
similar flood event
The city will reduce the risk of incurring future cost of restoring public
infrastructure after flood event
Future residential and non-residential projects which will revitalize existing
communities will also benefit from the 100 year flood protection and this will
allow them to develop and flourish
The benefits of the project will be received no later than December 2013. The
application of the FEMA to remove the project area from flood plan will likely be
approved very soon and become an immediate benefit. The benefit of drainage
facilities improvement within drainage area will be achieve incrementally as various
features of the project are implemented. Anticipating that the grant will be approved
in the fall of 2011it will be necessary to wait for the winter rainy season before
constructing element of the work with the basin and the pipeline construction within
existing paved street.
Portion of the pipeline not within the existing street can be constructed very shortly
after the grant approval. However the pipeline must be constructed to the floor of
the storm water basin so effective use of the pipeline will likely not occur until the
summer of 2012. The majority if not all construction will occur in the dry period of
the summer of 2012. Landscaping the top perimeter will be in the fall of 2012.
Project benefits are estimates that utilize various sources of data. While these sources
are customarily used in the industry and reliable incurred in a flood event is
nevertheless uncertain and still depend on numerous factors however, the project
will provide definite and substantial protection from a 100 year of the flood event.
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Description of any adverse effects:
The project will have one time construction impacts. Performance provides have
been included in the specification for the basin and will be included in the project
contract language to minimize adverse effects.
3. Dams helping to prevent the loss of the property as well this is caused by the
flooding
Flood control dams impound flood water and then either release them under control
to the river below the dam or store or divert the water for the other uses.
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15.1 Benefits of dam
Recreation:
Dam provide the prime recreational facilities throughout the country boating skilling
camping picnic areas and the boat launch facilities are all supported by the single
dam.
Dams create the reservoirs throughout the country that can supply the water many
uses including industrial and municipal and also the agriculture use.
Irrigation:
The ten per cent 10 per cent of the Pakistan cropland is irrigating using that water
stored behind dams. Thousands of jobs are tied to producing crops grown with the
irrigated water.
Electrical generations:
Pakistan can be the largest in fact the one of the largest producers of the hydropower
in the world. That can be easily say that it can be provides the electrical power to you
is the rough idea is 103,800 megawatts the renewable energy and it meets 8 to 10
per cent of the nation power needs.
Navigations: Dams and locks are providing a stable system of inland river
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Figure 10 BENEFIT OF DAM
National Water Policy provides the necessary legal and institutional framework to
improve the flood management process in Pakistan.
16.1 Flooding
A flood occurs when water overflows or inundates lands that normally dry. This can
happen in a multitude of ways. Most common is when rivers or beside this stream
overflows their banks. Excessive rain, a ruptured dam or levee, rapid ice melting in
the mountains or even an unfortunately placed beaver dam can overwhelm a river
and send it spreading over the adjacent land called a flood plain. Coastal flooding
occurs when a large storm or tsunami caused the sea to surge inland.
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There are different types of the flood and it has the different times to make and show
about their damages. Most of the floods are takes hours or even days to develop
giving resident ample time to prepare or evacuate. Beside this kind of the floods are
generates quickly and with the little warning. This flash flood are extremely
dangerous intensity turning a bobbling brook into a thundering wall of water and
sweeping everything its path downstream.
Lightning strikes:
A super cell thunder storm strikes. Among the most swear storm super cells can bring
strong winds hails and even tornados.
The planning for the flood risk is a priority around the world as the effect of the
climate changes, increasing urbanization and construction on the flood plans grow
changing weather patterns have exacerbated localize flooding. The increasing
construction of impermeable areas means flood peaks are sharper and the catchment
response time shorter and therefore less easy to mitigate.
There are five of the points against the flood or to get the mitigation. Are
given bellow:
1) Identify issue:
Participating in the flood alleviation project requires the consultants to consider the
number of key issues, notably determining the suitability of solution and project for
the risk areas. Each location has its own unique possibly complex causes for the
flooding and consequently requires careful assignments to identify the sustainable
and the appropriate remedies.
2) Assets surroundings:
Assessing the surrounding environment of at-risk areas enables identification of
weathers and how it can be employed as part of a risk mitigation strategy. For
example, fluvial flooding provides opportunities for he natural flood management
upstream. Such as planting improve soil management restoration of the wetland and
the use of fallen trees as dams.
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These embrace solutions such as swales and retention ponds as well as permeable
paving teamed with underground storage system.
4) Consider technologies:
Technologies that achieve the principles of the sustainable drainage can also play a
significant role in the diverting and attenuating flooding. Vertex flow control system
have been employed extensively as a large scale protection solution at watercourse
level, holding back excess flood water in the temporary flood storage areas as well as
within drainage projects to provide the control and the balance of the flow rate and
volume across a catchment.
The smart monitoring can provide vital hydrometric data for the early warning of the
flood events, with the wireless connectivity now providing the web based outputs.
5) Be aware of pitfalls:
There are potential pitfalls as when mitigation effects of flooding for example,
measures to hold water to up stream of an urban area may increase the incidence of
the upstream flooding and the urban barriers may increase the water speed and
amount of water stream erosion.
Conclusion:
Design engineers and contractors alike need to deliver a project that fundamentally
mitigates the effect of flooding. With the other responsibilities and the concerns, such
as time to market budget allocation and even climate change, it is crucial to stay one
step ahead. Putting a strategy in place that is built around effectiveness and reliability
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will help to plan for the flooding while remaining complaint with environmental and
regulatory requirements all at the same time.
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Chapter# 5
PAKISTAN WATER STRATEGY &
CLIMATE ROLE
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Figure 12 PAKISTAN WATER SECTOR STRATEGY
The objectives for flood protection as based on the Draft National Water Policy are
to: -
Place priority for flood protection on areas of major human habitation and
economic importance.
Prepare flood and drought management strategies, especially for major cities, key
secondary cities and towns & major infrastructures
Promote the delineation of Flood Risk Planning and Regulatory Zones to be
adopted by all agencies as part of the planning process and for them to:
Identify consistent standards of service for differing land uses
Priorities areas for flood protection
Prepare plans in terms of areas for full, appropriate and non-structural measures.
regulate land use and development of floodplains
Develop flood forecasting, warning and preparedness strategies for flood prone
areas.
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Implement effective recovery of operating and maintenance costs from
beneficiaries of urban flood alleviation and storm water drainage schemes.
It is recognized world over that floods are the most destructive of natural hazards and
the greatest cause of large-scale damages to lives and property. Over the years, major
floods have occurred in almost all the South Asian countries, causing huge loss of life
and property. Despite the investment of millions, even billions of dollars in efforts to
tame the rivers of the region, the frequency of major flood disasters has actually
increased over the past 25 to 30 years. There is a growing consensus that the impacts
of climate change may well lead to an increase in both the frequency and the
magnitude of floods. Mankind has to live with the floods and devise measures to
better manage them to minimize the losses and harness benefits.
The main issues relating to flood works in the Punjab Province include the following:
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Concerns related to planning, design and implementation of river training works,
particularly with regard to the absence of objective / coherent selection criteria
and repeated damages to the constructed facilities.
Partial implementation of the identified interventions due to inadequate planning,
delay in approval and funding, and delays in construction.
Sustainability concerns with particular reference to lack of criteria / mechanisms
for financing the O&M and restoration costs.
Mr. Asrar-ul-Haq13, Chief Strategic Planning / Reform Unit, Irrigation and Power
Department, Lahore deposed before the Tribunal that:
To further develop the flood fighting plans which are currently merely reactive.
The plan should include a plan “B” as well.
Various second defence bunds need to be repaired and brought up to the mark;
The system of embankments need to be improved and wetting channels may be
provided for safety of embankments;
The system of flood embankments and structures need to be revisited on the basis
of new benchmarks / high flood levels as experienced this year;
Improvement of drainage infrastructure;
Location of relief cuts need to be identified by the department like the breaching
sections, so that in an emergency there is no problem of their activation and the local
community is also aware of the impacts of the steps being taken by the department
In this regard, it is pointed out that the Working Group of MTDF on Flood Sector was
also constituted with the primary purpose of developing an integrated Flood
Management Plan; they have tendered their report. . . . The Planning Commission
has worked on the Water Resources Management, however, as far as, Flood
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According to Mr. Asif H. Kazi in his paper Flood Control and Management 15, the
following are the key issues that need to be appropriately addressed in order to
ensure a proper flood management plan for the Province:-
Floods continue to be an annual visitor in many countries. Flood events often take the
shape of a disaster. Even experienced administrators and engineers are often caught by
surprise under the emerging situation in taking decisions concerning necessary
emergency measures. Such disasters disrupt people’s lives as well as the economic
activities in the affected areas. Floods adversely affect agricultural and industrial
production, services, and marketing systems directly. By damaging and/or destroying
physical infrastructure floods also disrupt passage/flow of goods and services to the flood
affected communities.
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People living in marooned areas become extremely distressed. Unfortunately, these
people often do not find adequate and appropriate shelters; quality food and drinking
water; adequate and hygienic sanitation; privacy for women, particularly for the
lactating mothers and adolescent women etc. Floods often force the students out of
academic activities since their learning centres are often used as makeshift flood
shelters in affected areas. These disasters not only affect micro- and household-level
activities but also have macroeconomic/budgetary implications. As resources are
required to address the relief and rehabilitation requirements, budgetary real
location becomes necessary, adversely impacting on development activities from
which resources are transferred. Moreover, contribution to
national exchequer may be reduced, as people may be unable to pay their taxes as
well as utility services.
Floods also create health hazards for the affected people. Widespread water borne
diseases may loom large. Paradoxically, although there is excess water, potable water
becomes very short in supply. The traditional potable water sources suddenly
disappear or become dangerously contaminated. After shelter, the most sought after
commodity in a flood situation is the potable water. Shelters often become congested
with people of all ages, exhausted, in ill-health, and suffering from water and vector-
borne diseases. Sometimes due to disruption of communication, doctors are not
available in the marooned villages. In order to provide better services to flood victims
during and after floods it is necessary to examine existing flood management
capabilities and identify gaps with a view to developing and introducing a better flood
management system. The cultural context of the affected
people is an important aspect and should therefore be considered in developing the
approach(s) to flood management.
Asian region is richly endowed with natural resources. Arguably the most important
resource is water that plays a major role in the lives and living of millions of people
inhabiting the region. Over millennia, the rivers have created vast deltas, criss-
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crossed by a large number of distributaries of the river systems and enriched with
fertile alluvium, that support the lives of a large population.
Flood management
Therefore, is an urgent need in this region. The rivers not only provide fresh water
for irrigation, they also provide habitat for sweet water fish, waterways for
transportation, and water for industrial and household uses. In brief, the rivers are
essentially the rivers of life for the large proportion of the population of the region.
Five main rivers, namely, the Indus, Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi and Sutlej flow through
the country’s plains. Supplemented by a number of smaller tributary rivers and
streams, these rivers supply water to the entire Indus Basin Irrigation System. The
rivers have their origin in the higher altitudes and derive their flows mainly from
snowmelt and monsoon rains. The catchment area of Indus is most unique in the
sense that it contains seven of the world’s highest-ranking peaks, after Mount
Everest.
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These include K-2(28,253ft), Nanga Parbat (26,660 ft.), Rakaposhi (25,552 ft.) etc.
Likewise, barring the polar areas, seven glaciers situated in the Indus catchment are
amongst the largest in the world, namely, Siachin ,Hispar, Biafo, Batura, Baltoro,
Barpu and Hopper.
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Chart 3 MAJOR OBJECTIVE OF FLOOD CONTROL
Dam reduces the total quantum of flow and size and frequency of peak floods in the
flood season, reducing flood hazard due to inundation of land, crop and property
which might result into economic upheavals. Dams, reservoirs, flood levees,
embankments, and river training works constitute structural measures for better
flood management. Intensive economic developments have been realized, for
instance in the areas of Damodar, Mississippi, Missouri, Nile, and Tennessee rivers,
only because of flood protection by the dams.
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CHART 4 TOTAL QUANTUM OF FLOW
Developed countries has constructed major dams to harness their water availability,
as shown in figure above, while Pakistan has fallen short of constructing dams as
shown in figure above. . There are about 150 (technically) large dams in Pakistan,
while the USA has more than 6,000 large dams.
Although flood protection was not the major purpose of the Tarbela Dam constructed
in 1976. In addition to recovering its costs of construction through provision of cheap
electricity and water for irrigation, it has also helped in attenuation of high flood
peaks during the filling period of June through August.
Countries which each have more than 10 registered dams with an exclusive or partial
flood control function are listed in Table 1 and account for some 95% of the
approximate 4400 total registered in these categories. In terms of global distribution:
Some 2100 (nearly half) of the registered dams with a flood control function are in
the USA; China, Japan and Korea between them have nearly 1100 such dams; Europe
is also well represented, with 535 such dams spread among 12 countries; Australia is
poorly represented and there are no countries in the Indian sub-continent or in sub-
Saharan Africa with more than 10 registered flood control dams of the USA flood
control function registered dams, nearly half are exclusively for that purpose;
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elsewhere, some 25% of registered flood control dams are exclusively for that
purpose;
Plenty of farm land and China's most important industrial area are built beside the
river.
The reservoir's flood storage capacity is 22 cubic kilometres (18,000,000 acre ft).
This capacity will reduce the frequency of major downstream flooding from once
every ten years to once every 100 years.
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The decadal changes in the mean annual temperature over Pakistan
during the periods are shown as under:
Temperature changes during the previous century (1901-2000) over Pakistan using
the CRU data has shown an increase of 0.6 degree centigrade and +25% in
precipitation.
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Flows at Tarbela during July 2010 show that despite the mega flood due to the heavy
rains during 27-30 July, 2010, the average flows during the month remained close to
216,000 Cusecs which is less than the normal value of around 247 000 cusecs during
July. Base flows or the contribution due to glacier melting is seen decreasing
consequently the glacier melting did not contribute to the floods.
Within South Asia and particular within Pakistan the existing literature suggests that
extreme events are more likely to be water related including the possibility of greater
floods not only because of changing weather patterns but also because of the
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changing hydrology of the water system specially as it is driven by the glacial melting
in the Himalayan region.
While the floods of 2010 were not related to glacial melting, the possibility of future
change in the water system of the Indus because of glacier changes should also be
kept in mind for designing future water management and flood management
strategy.
Although the current focus is on floods because of the tragedy of 2010, focusing on
the Indus Water System as a whole is important because future water related
disasters by climate change could include not only floods but also sewer droughts.
Therefore, it is important to focus on water system as a whole and the water
management systems that can be more feasible both in case of water and extreme
drought conditions.
It is important to understand that the key issue based by climate change lies in the
increasing variability of climate patterns. These patterns are already very difficult to
project or predict even in the best cases and the scientific consensus that it is going
to become increasingly difficult to project and predict because of the new levels of
variability added by climate change.
For this reason, to strengthen our currently weak Meteorological capabilities and adding
new capabilities to include climate change science becomes a major priority in the future
and will require close collaboration between different centres of a relevant knowledge
going beyond the currently narrow focus on immediate weather patterns that is already
insufficient and will become increasingly more challenging.
Bench marking with best international practice within our region and internationally
would be an important first step particularly in two areas: (a) Meteorological data
calculation and analysis; and (b) Water System Management with a special focus on
flood management.”
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Chapter# 6
RECOMMENDATIONS
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23. Policy Recommendations
Floods are part of a natural cycle that can never be fully controlled. “Flood control” is
therefore a futile terminology and a counterproductive mandate. The future is to
think of “Flood Mitigation” or “Flood Risk Management” or “Flood Resilience.” Our
flood managers should consider this new paradigm as a starting point in developing
an integrated flood management plan.
While flood manager in the past have focused on structural and non-structural
measures to protect and mitigate flood, a broader set of objectives need to put on
the table. While structural safety of the barrages and training works is critical, human
safety, protection of human shelters, safeguards for agriculture and fisheries, roads,
ecosystems, health, and biodiversity need equal attention.
Early warnings: By PMD needs to be relayed on TV, radio and website. Early
warnings must also be in vernacular so that it is understandable and effective.
Land use and Flood Plain Management: Flood plains are the hardest hit during
the floods. Still there is no land use or flood plain management regulation. As
population increases, human settlements and agriculture in flood plain will increase
and so will loss to human life and property. The regulations for proper land use and
other related issues in flood plains should be made on priority basis with the consent
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of stakeholders. Emphasis should be laid on proper implementation of these
regulations in letter and spirit.
Asset management: environmental protection and health care must be built into
the pre flood preparedness manual.
The Flood Fighting Plan must be enforced strictly, with strict penal consequences
for non-observance.
Flood Fighting Plan must be an Integrated plan worked out with key related
departments e.g., Health, C & W, Food, Agriculture, Environment, Wildlife, Civil
Administration, Army, Civil Defence, Home Department, 1122, etc.
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and legal reforms. The National Water Policy is a landmark document and can go a
long way in improving flood management in Pakistan.
The Policy acknowledges gaps in the existing policy framework and recommends
rationalizing various pieces of legislature to minimize overlap and redundancy. It
proposes to create a Federal Water Commission incorporating FFC, part of Planning
Wing of WAPDA and Office of the Chief Engineering Advisor. It also recommends
replacement of various water related provincial acts with a simple unified law that
enables clearer understanding and subsequent application of the law.
The Policy has been prepared on modern lines and emphasizes all the necessary
structural and non-structural measures for flood management. It emphasizes the
need of stakeholder participation in the flood management process and enhancing
flood awareness in the community.
A step forward would be to acknowledge the floods as a 'resource' and harness the
numerous benefits that are associated with the regular flooding. In this regard flood
mitigation measures need to be developed that acknowledge the floodwaters as a
resource and ensure that the best possible outcome is achieved in terms of socio-
economic and environmental benefits for any proposed structural measures.
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Hence it is high time for the government to look for ecological measures that can
help in the management of floods on a durable, long-term basis. Afforestation of the
flood plains must be encouraged as trees not only absorb rainfall water but also
obstruct its flow to the rivers. Construction activities on the flood plains should be
stopped altogether. The flood plains, being very fertile, can be used for economic
activities like agriculture.
Those living in flood plains for these activities should have an efficient early warning
mechanism that ensures their evacuation before the calamity strikes. With the
advancement in space technology that India has achieved, remote-sensing should be
effectively used for prediction of rainfall and floods. It is only with these
comprehensive and holistic measures that an efficient management of floods can be
ensured with least damage to life and property.
Options for flood management can include flood forecasting and warning,
preservation of retention ponds, land use planning, flood zoning, emergency services,
and shelters, flood proofing, flood fighting and post-flood rehabilitation measures.
Moreover, experiences from 1998 flood indicate that coordination between agencies
responsible for flood protection and drainage of the city can significantly reduce the
flood damage.
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1. Improving and extending the Flood Forecasting System to include the upper
Indus above Tarbela, Kabul river system above Nowshera and Indus River
below Thatta-Sajawal Bridge up to coastline of the Arabian Sea.
3. Implement evacuation of the people living in the reservoir areas up to the level
of designed highest flood level so that the reservoir operators can implement the
SOPs of flood passage through the reservoirs without any constraint.
5. Identification of the future reservoirs that would have high flood mitigation role
in addition to their agriculture and hydropower benefits and developing flood
passage guidelines through them to achieve the desired flood mitigation role.
7. Flood Plain Mapping/Zoning along all the Indus river and its tributaries for
identifying high and medium flood risk areas for permanent settlements
8. Identification of low flood risk areas for future cities, towns and villages,
industrial areas and other vital installations etc.
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Review and revise the flood design criteria of barrages, bridges, bunds and
communication infrastructure on the Indus River System, and implement up-
gradation where required.
A number of Provincial and Federal Acts drive the flood policy in the country. The
major Provincial Acts are Punjab Irrigation Act 1873, Sindh Irrigation Act 1879, NWFP
Act 1873, Baluchistan Ordinance 1980, Punjab Soil Reclamation Act 1952, Water
Users Association Ordinance 1981, Provincial Irrigation and Drainage Authority (PIDA)
Acts 1997, etc. At the federal level the relevant acts are WAPDA Act 1958, Indus River
System Authority (IRSA) Act 1992 and Environment Protection Act 1997. Additionally,
a Provincial Water Accord was signed in 1991 for apportionment of Indus River
Waters between the four provinces.
None of the above laws provide a national or provincial flood management policy.
29.Conclusions
1. This Project has revealed that despite various flood sector related institutions,
Punjab does not have a Unified National Flood Management Plan. As a matter of
fact, our country doesn’t have a proper strategy to combat floods.
2. As per previous official records we have noticed that floods are being poorly
managed which results in major loss of human and animal lives, infrastructure,
etc. Despite of high level pre-flood meetings and pre-flood inspections there is no
plan or strategy to combat floods. Flood Managers rely on Barrage regulations and
the flood fighting plan which fall short of an integrated and holistic inter
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3. departmental flood management plan. This inquiry shows that the flood managers
are not fully familiar
4. with the Barrage Regulations and have failed them in the recent floods. Though,
Flood fighting plan is a useless cut and paste of the previous year’s plan. There has
been no up gradation or innovation in these plans over these years. Such poor
regulation and planning can only worst results as we witnessed in recent floods.
5. In our findings flood peak is of little significance. The real issue is the absence of
good strategy and an Independent Flood Management Plan.
6. With concern and displeasure we note that the Federal flood Commission,
Provincial Irrigation Departments, Planning Commission and Planning &
Development Department have failed to come up with a Water Resource
Management Plan for the country and also badly failed to develop an Integrated
Flood Management Plan.
7. Floods are actually blessing if we have the proper strategy and infrastructure to
take advantage of the benefits of flood bring.
8. Flood management is much more than minimizing economic losses and damages.
It requires efficient management of both flood plains & water resources generated
by floods. By doing this well can support development instead of preventing it.
9. Floods are part of a natural cycle that can never be fully controlled or eliminated.
It is time to move towards an integrated approach to flood management to save
lives and take advantage of the bounty floods bring. Flooding supports ecosystems
which provide services that are essential to human livelihoods.
10. When formulating a Flood Policy we need to take a more holistic view of the
floods, one that goes beyond looking at the immediate misery that floods can
cause. We need to move away from flawed strategies of “flood control’’ to more
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11. practical and achievable strategies of ‘’flood mitigation’’ or ‘’Flood Risk
Management’’ or ‘’Flood Resilience’’.
The flood managers need to understand the challenges before drawing up a Flood
Policy. Population growth is perhaps the most important challenge. Rising population
requires more food and in turn more agriculture. Most rain fed agriculture is in the
arable land of the flood plains. Flood plain resources require planned management,
more so in a country like Pakistan which has an Agro-economy. With growing
population, human settlements by the river increase flood risks and threaten human
safety through deforestation and altering of the hydrological properties of the
catchment area. This can lead to accentuation of flood peaks, hill torrents and
increased sedimentation.
While flood managers in the past have focused on structural and non-
structural measures to protect and mitigate flood. We need to put bigger objectives
on the agenda. While Structural safety of the barrages and training works is critical,
human safety, protection of human shelters, safeguards for agriculture and fisheries,
roads, ecosystems, health and biodiversity need equal attention, and all this requires
more holistic planning pattern involving a number of connected departments and
agencies.
30. Recommendations
As we know there is no major flood fighting policy in our country especially in Punjab
which contains 60% of population. So, we should develop Integrated Flood
Management Plan and make a fully authorized Flood Managers Committee who will
engage all concerned departments in this regard and effectively work on this before
flood season coming ahead. This Committee at national level will monitor flood
related problems, its strategies and its strict implementation without taking any
pressure from anyone.
This committee will ensure that existing flood fighting machinery and structures
should be protected and maintenance work will be regulated. There will be no hurdle
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in issuing funds to District level government representatives like Nazims and DCOs
who will further engage respectable residents of the Districts to be made a part of
the Integrated Flood Management Plan to broaden its ownership and effective
implementation. Other than the Breaching Section on the right side, shadow
breaching sections and emergency relief cuts must be chalked out in the plan and
clearly visible in the Flood Emergency Map which should be a part of the Flood
Fighting Plan. Locals of the area must be included in the preparatory discussions so
that their ownership is present at all times. Committee will also use electronic &
social media to do campaign of planting trees as trees play a vital role in Climate
change which causes severe flooding.
This Committee will be responsible to present its weekly report in Parliament so that
if there is any legal framework has to be changed then matter will be transferred to
Senate by Parliamentarians. That’s how we can effectively fight a flood and shorten
its destructive effects on our economy and loss of lives.
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