Two-day NDMA workshop on Urban Flood Mitigation inaugurated
NDMA official Twitter Handle launched
A two day workshop on Urban Flood MitigationLessons Learnt and Roadmap for Future" was inaugurated by Shri S. K. Srivastava, Secretary (Coordination), Cabinet Secretariat here today. The workshop is being organised by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). The overall objective of the workshop is to carve out a policy roadmap towards effective mitigation and management of urban floods in our country. This workshop will deliberate upon key issues and concerns related to urban flooding from the perspective of urban land use planning, early warning system (forecasting), and sustainable drainage systems especially in the context of changing climate. NDMA official Twitter Handle launched
Shri S. K. Srivastava also launched the official NDMA Twitter Handle of the National Disaster Management Authority. The Twitter handle will help in using technology for better response mechanism during disasters.
While inaugurating the workshop, Shri S. K. Srivastava said that urban flooding is a man made phenomena that can be avoided unlike the earthquake. He said that this workshop will not only deliberate and discuss the issues related to urban flooding, but will also draw a concrete roadmap and action plan. He said that urban flooding is a global phenomena prevalent even in the developed countries. This trend of urban flooding is related to global warming and climate change, he added. He also said that it is appreciable to treat urban flooding as a separate phenomena from general flooding. He also emphasised that the guidelines related to use of urban land, encroachment of land, timely release of water from dams and water harvesting should be implemented. He also said that the case studies of floods in Mumbai and other cities during the workshop will be helpful to draw roadmap for future. Appreciating the NDMA for its Twitter Handle, he said that it will help in the flow of information and interaction with citizens at large.
Dr M. N. Rajeevan, Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences said that global warming is the main phenomena that can be associated with the frequent rains. The number of rainy days are decreasing, but when it rains, it rains more, he added. He also said that man made reasons like encroachments, drainage etc. are also related to this phenomena. He assured full cooperation to implement the recommendations of this workshop.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri R. K. Jain, Member, NDMA said we have been facing urban flooding in different cities like Mumbai, Surat, Srinagar etc. and recently in Chennai. The intensity and frequency of this phenomena is going to increase, he added. Unlike earthquake where the prediction is not possible, urban flooding is a calamity which could be mitigated substantially, if not prevented totally. Adequate measures can be taken in consultation with all stakeholders, he added. This workshop will deliberate upon various issues related to it with the participation of national experts and stakeholders from states as well.
Shri B K Prasad, Additional Secretary, MHA, Shri O. P. Singh, DG, NDRF, members of NDMA, former members of NDMA, national experts, representatives from Nodal Ministries, State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs) and Secretaries of Urban Development Departments of flood prone states, Technical Agencies, Municipal Commissioners, District Collectors, Academia and NGOs are also participating in this workshop.
Dr P. K. Mishra, Additional Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister will deliver the valedictory address tomorrow.
During the two-day workshop discussions are being held on various themes including urban flooding in India, urban land use planning and urban flood mitigation, urban digital terrain modelling and early warning, cyclone monitoring and flood forecasting in mega cities, urban flood proofing in the context of changing climate, reservoir management and flood forecasting and drainage issues.
