Union Home Minister Amit Shah convened a high-level meeting on Sunday to evaluate the nation’s preparedness for flood management and to develop long-term strategies to mitigate the recurring menace of floods in India. The session focused on reviewing previous actions and integrating new technologies for improved flood management.
During the meeting, Shah assessed the progress made on the decisions from a similar meeting held last year. He examined the adoption of new technologies by various agencies and the expansion of their networks for flood management. Emphasizing the importance of innovation, Shah highlighted the need for the optimal use of satellite imagery from the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) to enhance flood and water management efforts.
The home minister reviewed the preparations to handle Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs), which pose significant threats in mountainous regions. Shah reiterated India’s commitment to a “Zero Casualty Approach” under the national disaster management programme and urged states and union territories to implement advisories from the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) promptly.
Directives for Meteorological and Hydrological Improvements
Shah directed the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Central Water Commission (CWC) to expedite the recalibration of flood forecasting equipment. He also called for detailed studies of the recent floods in Sikkim and Manipur, instructing the concerned departments to submit comprehensive reports to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). Emphasizing infrastructure readiness, Shah stressed that floodgates of major dams must be well-maintained and that CWC’s flood monitoring centers should meet both national and international standards.
Highlighting the vulnerability of non-perennial rivers to soil erosion and siltation, Shah advocated for improved water level forecasting systems. He insisted that natural drainage systems should be incorporated into road construction designs to mitigate road inundation during floods.
As a proactive measure to manage Brahmaputra River flooding, Shah proposed the construction of at least 50 large ponds in the Northeast to divert and store floodwaters. This initiative aims to boost agriculture, irrigation, and tourism while tackling flood issues and benefiting the local economy.
Forest Fire Prevention Measures
In addition to flood management, Shah addressed forest fire prevention. He directed the NDMA and the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC) to implement regular precautionary measures such as creating fire lines, removing dry leaves, and conducting mock drills with local residents and forest personnel. He also called for an analysis of recurrent forest fire incidents and the preparation of a detailed manual to manage forest fires.
Integrated Weather and Flood Warning Systems
Shah emphasized the importance of timely dissemination of IMD alerts about lightning strikes through various communication channels, including SMS, TV, and FM radio. He called for the integration of weather, rainfall, and flood warning apps developed by different departments to ensure their benefits reach the target population. Stressing community involvement, Shah highlighted the need for coordinated community awareness programs as the first line of defense during disasters.
During the meeting, representatives from the IMD, CWC, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and NDMA presented detailed reports on their current preparedness and future action plans. They also updated the home minister on the actions taken based on his instructions from last year’s flood review meeting, focusing on readiness for the current monsoon season.