Assam, India is one of the most flood affected states of India. Every year flood takes lots of lives of human as well as domestic and wild animals. The state looses crores of money and resources due to adverse effect of the flood. Same is the case for some other states, particular area of different countries.
Recently, ISRO has classified the districts and villages of Assam based on frequency of flood which may be helpful in proper planning for preparation and planning to reduce the damage of flood. Rice is one of the most important crop of the state which is mostly affected by the flood during the rainy season. Many flood tolerant, flood escaping varieties were developed to mitigate the adverse effect of flood. But, still flood continue to be a threat to the rural economy.
Is there any proven research work done in similar conditions (Except above work on varieties) like the probable solutions listed below.
1. Selection of crop/enterprise based on water depth and duration of flood water ?
2. Instead of growing rice is it not possible to convert the whole area for fish farming in frequently flood affected area ? Any success story available ?
3. Promotion of fishery based agro-tourism for frequently flood affected area, including creation of flood shelters cum Hotel/restaurants in flood free season ?
If any scientist is working in this area please share your valuable study.
Rainfall forecasting might help set up early warning system.
Real time stream gauge.
I checked aerial coverage. The main river is braided, indicating excessive sediment, channel capacity and shifting locations makes for unstable situation and frequent flooding.
Maintaining forest buffer along channels may help them stay in one place, pick a tree type that can be partially buried in sediment and withstand flooding, high water table. Rushes and sedges also add stability.
Check watershed for sediment sources, and determine if mitigation is feasible.
If the community needs building materials, sometimes instream mining of excessive sand loading can offer some high quality sands for high strength concrete mix. A note however, sand mining may deepen channel for a distance upstream in an avulsion (gully) and downstream due to clean water effect. The desire would be some channel degrading (deepening) so there is maintained primarily a single thread channel. Some flooding may continue but with decreased frequency.
Some buildings on floodplain might be salvaged by elevating them on piers, or moved to higher ground.
Where cropped, select varieties that can withstand some flooding.
Map out and document flood prone lands, provide escape routes to high ground or elevated structures.
Develop warning and evacuation plans, suitable public communications.
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