The National Flood Control Policy comprises three phases:

(i) Immediate phase extends over two years and comprises collection of basic
hydrological data, construction of embankments, urgent repairs, improvement of river
channels and raising of villages above flood levels.

(ii) Short-term phase concerns the next four to five years. It consists of improving
surface drainage, establishing proper flood warning system, shifting or raising of villages
over flood level, construction of channel diversions, more embankments and
construction of raised platforms for use in times of flood emergency.

(iii) Long-term phase envisages schemes such as construction of dams or storage

reservoirs for flood protection and soil conservation in the catchment of various rivers,
detention basins, and digging large channel diversions.

Under the National Flood Control Programme, launched in 1954, protection measures
have been taken up since second plan. Emphasis has been given to drainage and anti-
water logging measures. Flood forecasting and warning centres have been established
in some of the most flood prone areas. Flood Control Boards and River Commissions
have been set up in all states to coordinate and implement the measures.

A Central Flood Control Board, at the national level, has been set up to coordinate the
work of State Boards and River Commissions. Multipurpose reservoirs with specific
storage for flood control have been constructed on the Mahanadi (at Hirakud), the
Damodar (at Konar, Maithon, Panchet and Tilaiya); on the Satluj (at Bhakra), on the
Beas (at Pong); and on the Tapti (at Ukai), which have afforded considerable protection
to the lower areas of the rivers.

A number of multipurpose reservoirs, like the Bhakra Nangal on Satluj, the Nagarjun
Sagar etc., though not having any specific storage for flood moderation, have given
incidental benefits of flood moderation in downstream areas. In addition, a number of
flood protection works including construction of embankments, drainage channels, town
protection works and raising of villages have been carried out. Flood forecasting
systems have also been set up at various places.