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  • 15th Jul 23 | Prelims Daily with Previous Year Questions

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  • How to prevent disruptions by flood and extreme weather events

    What is the news?

    • The recent floods and extreme weather events in north-western India and Delhi highlight the urgent need for cities across the country to prepare for and adapt to the increasing impacts of climate change.

    Central Idea

    • As global and local warming intensify, the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events such as floods, water scarcity, and heatwaves will grow exponentially. Our current governance, planning, and infrastructure systems are ill-equipped to handle these rapid changes, necessitating proactive measures to mitigate future disruption

    Challenges in urban areas

    • Inadequate Water, Sanitation, and Drainage Infrastructure: Urban areas face challenges in providing basic services such as water supply, sanitation, drainage, and wastewater management. The existing infrastructure is often insufficient and struggles to deliver these services effectively.
    • Concentration of Population and Economic Output: Cities concentrate a large portion of the population and economic activities, which increases their vulnerability to climate impacts. The dense built-up areas, coupled with poor infrastructure, exacerbate the effects of extreme weather events like flooding, water scarcity, and heatwaves.
    • Irrational Land Use and Planning Systems: The irrational land use practices and planning systems worsen the challenges faced by cities. Encroachments, illegal constructions, and improper zoning further amplify the vulnerability of urban areas to climate impacts.
    • Vulnerability of Informal Settlements and Slums: Millions of people are forced to live in informal settlements and slums with inadequate infrastructure and services. These areas are highly vulnerable to climate impacts, leading to increased risks and hardships for the residents.
    • Impacts on Sensitive Regions: Cities located in sensitive regions along coastlines, rivers, and hills face even more severe impacts due to higher exposure and locational vulnerability. They are more prone to flooding, landslides, and other extreme events.

    How to prevent disruptions by flood and extreme weather events?

    • Ensuring Effective Drainage Systems:
    • Urban civic bodies must conduct regular audits ahead of the monsoon season to ensure stormwater drains, tanks, and lakes are functional and free from obstructions.
    • Integrating drainage, water supply, and wastewater systems in the medium term can store intense rainfall, recharge groundwater, and provide better services, ultimately limiting waterborne diseases.
    • Improving Road Infrastructure:
    • Rapid urban expansion has outpaced planned drainage systems, resulting in roads functioning as makeshift stormwater drains.
    • Addressing local flooding requires the improvement of road construction and repair practices. Infrastructure planning and coordination should account for the impact of new constructions, such as flyovers, underpasses, and metro lines, on existing drainage systems to prevent post-flooding traffic bottlenecks.
    • Implementing Blue-Green-Grey Infrastructure:
    • Adopting blue-green-grey infrastructure, such as green roofs, urban forests, and wetlands, can mitigate flooding, water scarcity, and heatwaves.
    • Learning from initiatives like China’s sponge cities and the effective flood defense mechanism provided by East Kolkata’s wetlands, Indian cities should prioritize nature-based solutions.
    • Reducing Flood Vulnerability:
    • Leveraging high-resolution satellite and topographical data, India can map all its cities and identify flood-prone areas. The focus should then shift to addressing the vulnerability of communities living in these areas, such as those along riverbanks, low-lying regions, and unstable slopes.
    • Building community-based resilience and enhancing evacuation strategies will be crucial in minimizing the dislocation of millions during extreme events.
    • Strengthening Early Warning Systems:
    • Building on the progress made in improving forecasting, early warning, and evacuation systems in large cities like Mumbai and Surat, India must extend these measures to other at-risk areas.
    • Additionally, critical services such as cellphone, power, and water supply should be fortified to ensure their resilience and rapid recovery post-disaster

    Way forward

    • Integrated Climate Action Plans: Develop comprehensive climate action plans involving multiple stakeholders to address floods and extreme weather events.
    • Upgrading Infrastructure: Invest in resilient infrastructure, including improved drainage systems, upgraded road infrastructure, and integration of green infrastructure to manage stormwater and reduce flood risks.
    • Robust Early Warning Systems: Strengthen early warning systems by improving forecasting capabilities, enhancing communication channels, and conducting regular drills and awareness campaigns.
    • Community Engagement and Resilience: Empower local communities, educate residents about flood risks, promote preparedness, and encourage sustainable practices such as rainwater harvesting and waste management.
    • Policy and Regulatory Frameworks: Develop and enforce robust policy and regulatory frameworks that integrate climate considerations to prevent encroachments and ensure resilient urban development.
    • Climate Financing: Explore climate financing mechanisms and partnerships to secure funding for climate adaptation projects, leveraging national and international funds, private sector entities, and climate finance initiatives.
    • Capacity Building and Knowledge Exchange: Enhance capacity through training programs and knowledge exchange platforms for urban planners, officials, and community leaders to accelerate the adoption of effective flood and extreme weather mitigation strategies

    Conclusion

    • Protecting and preparing Indian cities for the future impacts of climate change is imperative. It is crucial to acknowledge that climate change is a harsh reality requiring collective adaptation efforts, regardless of socio-economic status. By implementing these measures, Indian cities can enhance their climate resilience and safeguard the well-being of their inhabitants

    Also read:

    The lesson from a monsoon-battered North India: Time to be prepared

     

  • Age of Consent for Data Protection

    data

    Central Idea

    • Empowering the Central Government: The upcoming data protection Bill in India could grant the Centre the authority to lower the age of consent from 18 for accessing Internet services without parental oversight.
    • Exemptions for Certain Companies: The Bill may exempt specific companies from additional obligations in protecting children’s privacy if they can process data in a “verifiably safe” manner.

    Must read:

    Data Protection Bill approved by Cabinet: Content, concerns

    Why in news?

    • Departure from Previous Bill: This marks a departure from the previous data protection Bill, where the age threshold was hard-coded at 18 years.
    • Aligning with global laws: The change aligns with data protection regulations in the Western world, such as the EU and US.

    Journey of a Clause: Changing Definition of a Child

    • Justice BN Srikrishna Committee Report: The committee’s 2018 report recommended seeking parental consent for individuals under 18 years but suggested that the age of consent could be reduced if amendments were made.
    • Personal Data Protection Bill, 2019: The PDP Bill, 2019 retained the recommendation and defined a child as an individual under the age of 18.
    • Joint Committee of Parliament Recommendations: The Joint Committee proposed reducing the age of consent to 13/14/16 years in its final recommendations in late 2021.
    • Digital Personal Data Protection Bill, 2022: The draft Bill defined children as those under 18 years of age, leading to dissatisfaction among social media companies.
    • Final Change: The data protection Bill headed to Parliament’s Monsoon session reportedly changed the definition of a child to an individual who has not completed the age of eighteen years or a lower age notified by the Central Government.

    Global Definitions of Children for Data Regulations

    • EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR): The age of consent is set at 16 but allows member states to lower it to as low as 13. Specific protections for children’s personal data exist.
    • USA’s Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA): Children are defined as under 13 years, and parental consent is required for processing their personal data.
    • Australia’s Privacy Act, 1988: The Act protects personal information regardless of age but requires organizations to assess an individual’s capacity to consent on a case-by-case basis.
    • China’s Personal Information Protection Law (PIPL): Entities handling personal data of individuals under 14 years must obtain parental consent, and children’s data is categorized as sensitive.

    Conclusion

    • Lowering the age of consent in India’s data protection Bill reflects global trends seen in data protection regulations.
    • Countries have different age thresholds for defining children and varying requirements for obtaining parental consent.
    • The final change in the Bill represents a series of discussions and deliberations on determining the age of children in India’s data protection law, addressing concerns of industry stakeholders and aligning with international standards.

  • EV Tires: A lesser-known Pollution Headache

    tyre

    Central Idea: Tire Pollution

    • Meeting EVs’ Needs: Tire manufacturers strive to develop the perfect tire that balances performance and durability for electric vehicles (EVs).
    • Weight and Torque Considerations: EVs’ increased weight and torque require sturdier tires to handle the load and efficiently transfer power to the road.
    • Leading Manufacturers’ Efforts: Tire companies are improving designs and developing chemical formulas to meet the demands of EVs.

    Environmental Impact of Tires

    • Beyond Tailpipe Emissions: Tires significantly contribute to environmental degradation beyond exhaust emissions.
    • Tire Wear and Particle Shedding: Worn tires release tiny particles, which can become airborne or settle on soil, posing risks to air and land quality.
    • Microplastic Pollution: Tire particles entering waterways contribute to the growing problem of microplastic pollution.
    • VOCs and Smog: Tires contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that react in the atmosphere, contributing to smog formation and air pollution.

    Tire Emissions and Electric Vehicles

    • Surpassing Tailpipe Emissions: Tire particulate pollution has exceeded emissions from vehicle tailpipes.
    • EVs’ Weight Impact: EVs’ additional weight results in higher tire wear emissions compared to traditional vehicles.
    • Tesla Model Y vs. Kia Niro: A study showed that the Tesla Model Y exhibited 26% greater tire wear emissions than the Kia Niro.

    Environmental Hazards and Solutions

    • Water Pollution and Microplastics: Tire particulate pollution contributes to water pollution and the accumulation of microplastics.
    • Health Hazards and 6PPD: The chemical 6PPD in tires poses risks to aquatic life, edible plants, and human health.
    • Balancing Climate Goals and Tire Emissions: Addressing tire emissions is crucial when transitioning to electric vehicles to mitigate overall pollution levels.
    • Reducing Car Use vs. Economic Activity: Balancing environmental concerns and economic activity while reducing car usage is essential for sustainable mobility.

    Market Mechanisms and Individual Actions

    • Incentivizing Innovation: Market mechanisms can encourage tire companies to invest in developing low-emission tire formulations.
    • VOC Toxicity Variations: Stricter industry standards are needed to regulate volatile organic compound (VOC) toxicity levels in tires.
    • Individual Actions for Tire Wear Reduction: Responsible driving habits can reduce tire wear and particulate emissions.
    • Maximizing Lifespan: Using tires to their full lifespan minimizes particulate emissions during the initial usage period.

    Conclusion

    • Innovating for a Sustainable Future: Tire design and manufacturing must balance EV performance and pollution reduction.
    • Collaborative Efforts Needed: Market, industry, and individual actions are crucial to address tire and EV-related challenges.
    • Striving for Sustainable Mobility: Comprehensive solutions integrating technology, environmental considerations, and responsible behavior can mitigate the environmental impact of tires.

  • Affordable treatment for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD)  

    Central Idea

    • Researchers in India are collaborating to develop an affordable treatment for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), a rare and incurable genetic disorder.
    • The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Jodhpur, is collaborating to develop affordable therapeutics for DMD.

    What is DMD?

    • DMD is a progressive muscle degeneration disorder caused by alterations in the dystrophin protein.
    • It is the most common and fatal type of muscular dystrophy, primarily affecting boys.
    • It leads to progressive muscle degeneration, weakness, and eventually wheelchair dependency, assisted ventilation, and premature death.

    Symptoms and Impact of DMD

    • Muscle Weakness: Muscle weakness is the primary symptom of DMD, initially affecting proximal muscles and later distal limb muscles. Difficulties in jumping, running, and walking are common.
    • Other Symptoms: Enlargement of calves, a waddling gait, lumbar lordosis (inward curve of the spine), and later heart and respiratory muscle involvement. Pulmonary function impairment and respiratory failure may occur.

    Current Challenges

    • Costly treatment: Current therapeutic options for DMD are minimal and expensive, with costs reaching up to Rs 2-3 crore per child per year.
    • Limited Treatment Options: The treatments are predominantly imported, making them financially unattainable for most families.

    Efforts to Develop Affordable Therapeutics

    [A] Antisense Oligonucleotide (AON)-Based Therapeutics

    • The IIT Jodhpur researchers are working on enhancing the efficacy of AON-based therapeutics.
    • AONs can mask specific exons in a gene sequence, addressing the challenges faced in DMD patients.
    • Personalized medicine is necessary due to the variations in mutations among DMD patients.

    [B] Clinical Trials and Molecular Tags

    • The research team has received approval from the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) to conduct multi-centric clinical trials on AON-based exon skipping in DMD patients.
    • They are also working on reducing the therapeutic dose of AON through new molecular tags.

  • India’s diabetes epidemic is making its widespread TB problem worse

    diabetes

    What is the news?

    • India has long grappled with two major epidemics: type 2 diabetes (diabetes mellitus, DM) and tuberculosis (TB). With a staggering 74.2 million people living with diabetes and 2.6 million new TB cases each year, it is crucial to understand the deep interconnection between these diseases.

    Central Idea

    • The diabetes mellitus (DM) and tuberculosis (TB) are closely interconnected in India, with DM increasing the risk and severity of TB, and TB co-infection worsening diabetes outcomes. Among people with TB, the prevalence of DM was found to be 25.3% while 24.5% were pre-diabetic. Which highlights the need for urgent action to address this dual burden and improve care coordination for individuals affected by both diseases.

    What is type 2 diabetes?

    • Type 2 diabetes, also known as diabetes mellitus (DM), is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by high blood sugar levels.
    • It is the most common form of diabetes and typically develops over time, often in adulthood.
    • In type 2 diabetes, the body either becomes resistant to the effects of insulin (a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels) or does not produce enough insulin to maintain normal glucose levels.

    What is tuberculosis (TB)?

    • TB is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
    • It primarily affects the lungs but can also affect other parts of the body, such as the kidneys, spine, and brain.
    • TB is transmitted through the air when an infected individual coughs, sneezes, or speaks, releasing tiny droplets containing the bacteria. When inhaled by others, these droplets can lead to infection

    diabetes

    The interconnection and Impact of DM on TB

    • Increased Risk of TB: People with DM have a higher risk of developing TB compared to those without DM. DM weakens the immune system and impairs the body’s ability to fight off infections, including TB.
    • Increased TB Severity: When individuals with DM acquire TB infection, they tend to have a higher bacterial load, which means there are more TB bacteria in their bodies. This can result in more severe symptoms and complications associated with TB.
    • Delayed Sputum Conversion:
    • Sputum conversion refers to the transition from having TB bacteria detectable in the sputum (positive) to no longer having detectable bacteria (negative) after initiating treatment.
    • Individuals with both TB and DM often experience delayed sputum conversion compared to those with TB alone.
    • It means that it takes longer for the TB bacteria to be eliminated from their bodies, prolonging the infectious period and potentially increasing the risk of transmitting the disease to others.
    • Altered Treatment Outcomes:
    • TB treatment outcomes can be affected by the presence of DM. Individuals with both TB and DM may experience modified TB symptoms, radiological findings, and lung functioning compared to those with TB alone.
    • Studies have shown that individuals with TB and DM have reduced lung functioning even after completing TB treatment.
    • Respiratory Complications: Individuals with both TB and DM are more prone to experiencing respiratory complications related to TB. Respiratory complications can be a common cause of death in this population, highlighting the increased severity of TB when DM is present.

    What measures India must take to combat the dual burden of DM and TB

    • Integrated Care: Implement patient-centered care approaches that address the unique needs of individuals with both TB and DM, along with other comorbidities. This includes coordinated diagnosis and treatment, bidirectional screening, patient education, and support.
    • Holistic Treatment Plans: Strengthen high-quality care for TB, DM, and associated comorbidities by developing holistic treatment plans. Prioritize individual programs for TB and DM and ensure their integration into healthcare services.
    • Resilient Health Systems: Build and scale up resilient and integrated health systems by garnering increased commitment from stakeholders, formulating robust policy guidance, and mobilizing additional resources. These efforts will support the development of effective strategies to combat both diseases.
    • Data-Driven Decision Making: Enhance the research literature on TB and DM interactions to enable better decision-making. Access to comprehensive data and ongoing studies will provide critical insights for improving patient care and raising awareness of the impact of these interconnected diseases

    Conclusion

    • The coexistence of diabetes mellitus and tuberculosis in India demands immediate attention. By adopting integrated care models, improving treatment outcomes, and strengthening health systems, we can effectively address the dual burden of DM and TB. It is essential for health professionals, policymakers, and communities to prioritize research, enhance collaboration, and work together to improve the lives of those affected by these intertwined epidemics.

    Also read for more details:

    Is India a Diabetes capital of the world?

  • EU Nature Restoration Law faces backlash from Farmers

    eu nature restoration

    Central Idea

    • The EU Parliament’s approval of a nature restoration law has sparked backlash and debate over plans to protect endangered ecosystems.
    • The law is a crucial part of the European Green Deal and aims to address the extinction of species and restore damaged habitats.

    Nature Restoration Law: Why in news?

    • Objectives: The law aims to restore 30% of terrestrial, coastal, freshwater, and marine habitats by 2030, which are currently in poor condition.
    • Resistance: Farmers and conservative lawmakers strongly oppose the legislation, particularly concerning plans to restore drained peatlands. They argue that valuable agricultural land may be lost, leading to economic and social consequences and potential food security risks.

    Importance of Peatlands and Environmental Impact

    • Peatland Carbon Storage: Peatlands, wetland ecosystems formed over thousands of years, store more carbon than any other ecosystem. They absorb nearly twice as much carbon dioxide as all of the Earth’s forests combined.
    • Drained Peatlands: When peatlands are drained for agriculture or other purposes, they transition from being carbon sinks to significant greenhouse gas sources, contributing to emissions.
    • European Peatlands: More than half of Europe’s peatlands have been permanently damaged, leading to approximately 7% of the continent’s greenhouse gas emissions.

    Calls for Rewetting and Paradigm Shift

    • Rewetting Peatlands: The proposed legislation includes plans to rewet 50% of former peatlands in Europe, aiming to restore their environmental functions and mitigate climate change.
    • Paradigm Shift in Agriculture: Experts advocate for a paradigm shift in agriculture, moving away from farming on drained peatlands and investing in paludiculture (farming on wetlands), which is agriculture on rewetted peat soil. This approach would stop carbon emissions while improving soil and water quality.

    Political Challenges and Compromises

    • Opposition by Conservative Groups: Conservative groups, including the European People’s Party, seek to reduce the scope of wetland restoration plans and oppose the conversion of agricultural land.
    • Concerns and Dissemination of Misinformation: Critics claim that villages could be cleared for wetland restoration, leading to economic and social fallout. However, these claims have been labeled as misinformation and populist.

    Economic and Environmental Benefits

    • Long-Term Economic Return: The European Commission estimates that every euro invested in restoring natural resources would yield at least eight times the economic return over the long term.
    • Sustainable Land Use: While rewetted land may not support traditional monocultures, it could enable the growth of other crops, such as timber, grasses, and reeds for insulation materials and organic plastic substitutes. Revitalized areas could also become grazing grounds for alternative livestock.

    Conclusion

    • The approval of the EU nature restoration law has sparked a debate between environmental conservation and agricultural interests.
    • While farmers express concerns over the potential loss of agricultural land and economic impact, environmentalists argue for the restoration of threatened ecosystems and the long-term benefits of sustainable land use.
    • The implementation of the law will play a crucial role in achieving the ambitious climate and biodiversity targets set by the European Green Deal.

     

  • First GSI Survey of the Siachen

    siachen

    Central Idea

    • NJ 9842 vs. 5Q 131 05 084: Exploring India-Pakistan’s last demarcated point and the Siachen glacier’s assigned number by the Geological Survey of India (GSI).
    • Lack of recognition: Despite the historical importance, the first Siachen survey remains overlooked by scholars and mountaineers.

    About Siachen

    • Location: Siachen Glacier is located in the eastern Karakoram range in the Himalayas, just northeast of the point where the Line of Control between India and Pakistan ends.
    • Significance: As the second-longest glacier in the world’s non-polar areas, Siachen Glacier stretches for 76 km, holding historical and strategic importance.

    Geographical and Political Context

    • Border dispute: Both India and Pakistan claim sovereignty over the entire Siachen region, leading to intermittent conflict since 1984.
    • Military presence: The region houses the highest battleground on Earth, with permanent military outposts at altitudes above 6,000 m (20,000 ft).
    • International recognition: Efforts to establish a transboundary peace park and nominate the region for the World Heritage List have been made.

    Why discuss Siachen?

    • Human casualties: Harsh weather conditions have claimed more lives than combat, with both India and Pakistan sustaining significant losses.
    • Failed demilitarization attempts: Despite the desire to disengage from the costly military outposts, the lack of official recognition of the current line of control has hindered progress.
    • Mountaineering expeditions and awareness: Limited expeditions have been allowed to showcase the dominance of Indian troops and raise awareness about the region.

    The First Siachen Survey

    • V.K. Raina’s leadership: In June 1958, V.K. Raina, an Indian geologist, conducted the inaugural Siachen survey.
    • Unforeseen conflict: The peaceful region surveyed in 1958 became a disputed area between India and Pakistan, leading to Operation Meghdoot in 1984.

    Geologists’ Himalayan Exploration

    • Previous expeditions: Raina’s involvement in the Saser Kangri expedition and the geological survey of the Leh-Manali Highway.
    • International Geophysical Year: The significance of 1958 as a year of geological studies worldwide.
    • GSI’s limited resources: GSI’s plan to study the Himalayan glacier systems, assigning Raina the responsibility of surveying five glaciers in Ladakh.

    Raina’s Journey and Findings

    • Expedition details: Raina’s team’s journey from Calcutta to Siachen, traveling by train, bus, and foot.
    • Glacier characteristics: Raina’s observations of the Siachen glacier, including the appearance of ice caves and the Nubra River’s flow.
    • Survey procedures: Mapping the snout region, establishing reference points, and capturing photographs for future analysis.

    Pakistan’s Response

    • No objections raised: Despite the expedition’s significance and publicity, Pakistan did not lodge any protests or objections against India’s presence on the glacier during the survey.
    • Reasons for indifference: The lack of objections can be attributed to the mutual demarcation under the Karachi ceasefire agreement and the absence of perceived threats or intentions of occupation.

    Challenging Pakistan’s Claims

    • Significance of the expedition: The 1958 GSI survey holds immense historical and geostrategic importance as it contradicts Pakistan’s early claims to the Siachen glacier.
    • Pakistan’s delayed claim: It was only 25 years later, in 1983, that Pakistan formally extended the Line of Control, staking its claim to the region, violating the Simla Agreement.
    • India’s response: India pre-empted Pakistan’s actions by occupying the strategic Saltoro Heights in April 1984, in response to Pakistan’s attempts to claim the Siachen glacier.

    Conclusion

    • Debunking myths: The survey establishes India’s early presence on the glacier and counters Pakistan’s claims.
    • Understanding the geostrategic implications: The survey’s role in shaping subsequent events in the Siachen conflict is vital to comprehend the significance of this expedition.

  • Monsoon havoc in India: How floods can be a valuable resource

    floods

    What is the news?

    • The monsoon season in India this year brought about unprecedented changes, with Mumbai and New Delhi experiencing the onset of rains on the same day after a gap of 61 years.

    ” Floods are acts of God but flood losses are largely acts of man”

    Central idea

    • The events of heavy rainfall and subsequent flooding are occurring in various parts of India leading to significant loss of lives, damage to land, and financial losses. This highlighting the inadequacy of India’s hydro-infrastructure for effective flood management and calls for a shift in mindset towards conserving flood flows as a valuable resource

    Floods in India: A recurring challenge

    • Frequency: India experiences floods on a recurring basis, with at least one major flood event occurring each year. This indicates that floods are not isolated incidents but rather a consistent challenge.
    • Loss of Lives: Floods in India lead to the loss of lives, with an average of 1,600 lives being lost annually, according to the National Disaster Management Authority. The loss of human lives highlights the severity and recurring nature of the flood challenge.
    • Damage to Land: Floods affect a significant area of land in India, impacting approximately 75 lakh hectares. This demonstrates the recurrent impact of floods on agricultural land, leading to crop damage and agricultural losses.
    • Financial Losses: Floods in India cause substantial financial losses, with damages estimated at Rs 1,805 crore. These losses encompass damages to crops, houses, and public utilities, further highlighting the recurring challenge and the need for effective management strategies.

    Flood management measures

    Structural Measures:

    • Storage Reservoirs: These reservoirs are constructed to store excess water during high-flow periods and release it gradually, reducing flood peaks. They also serve as a water source for irrigation, electricity generation, and other purposes.
    • Embankments: These structures, also known as levees, act as barriers to prevent floodwaters from encroaching on vulnerable areas such as agricultural lands, cities, and industries.
    • Diversions: This measure involves redirecting excess water away from heavily populated or susceptible areas to less vulnerable regions, helping to minimize the impact of flooding.

    Non-Structural Measures:

    • Flood Forecasting and Warning Systems: These systems use data analysis, weather monitoring, and hydrological modeling to provide advance warnings about potential flood events. They enable timely evacuation of people and movable assets, reducing the risk to life and property.
    • Flood Plain Zoning: This measure involves regulating the use of floodplains by restricting human activities and developments in flood-prone areas. By delineating zones based on flood risk, it helps minimize vulnerability and losses associated with floods.

    How floods can be a valuable resource?

    • Water Storage: Floods can serve as a valuable resource for water storage. By conserving and capturing floodwaters, the excess water can be stored in reservoirs or other storage facilities. This stored water can then be used for various purposes during dry periods, including irrigation, drinking water supply, and industrial needs.
    • Drought Mitigation: Conserving flood flows can help mitigate the impact of droughts. By storing excess floodwaters, the saved water can be utilized to partially address water scarcity during drought periods, providing relief to agriculture, communities, and ecosystems that rely on water availability.
    • Groundwater Recharge: Floods contribute to the replenishment of groundwater aquifers. The infiltration of floodwaters into the soil helps recharge underground water reserves, ensuring a sustained supply of groundwater for various uses even after the flood event subsides.
    • Ecological Benefits: Floods support ecosystems and promote biodiversity. The article mentions that floods bring essential nutrients, sediments, and organic matter to wetlands and riverine habitats, which nourish the ecosystems and support diverse flora and fauna.
    • Hydropower Generation: Controlled release of floodwaters can be harnessed for hydropower generation. By utilizing the energy of flowing water, floods can be a valuable resource for producing renewable energy through hydropower projects

    Why India needs to upgrade its hydro-infrastructure?

    • Inadequate Infrastructure: India’s hydro-infrastructure is currently inadequate for effective flood management. The existing infrastructure, such as storage reservoirs, embankments, and diversions, is not sufficient to address the challenges posed by floods.
    • Insufficient Storage Space: The storage space created in major river basins, such as the Ganga and the Brahmaputra, is inadequate for the available flows. This indicates a need to enhance storage capacity to effectively manage floodwaters and maximize their utilization.
    • Managing Variabilities: With changing rainfall patterns and intensities due to climate change, the variability of water flows in rivers will increase. Upgrading the hydro-infrastructure is seen as crucial to effectively manage these increasing variabilities and address the resulting challenges of floods and droughts.
    • Conservation of Flood Flows: The potential value of conserving flood flows for drought mitigation. Upgrading the hydro-infrastructure would enable the conservation of unutilized flood flows, which can then be stored and utilized during dry periods to partially mitigate droughts.
    • Water Security and Resilience: Upgrading the hydro-infrastructure is important for ensuring water security and resilience. It allows for improved water management, including storage, distribution, and utilization, which can reduce dependence on erratic monsoon patterns and enhance the country’s ability to cope with water-related challenges.
    • Environmental Considerations: An upgraded hydro-infrastructure should incorporate environmental considerations. This includes preserving ecological flows, minimizing disruptions to ecosystems, and promoting sustainable water management practices.

    Way forward: Towards comprehensive flood management

    • Shift in Focus: Shifting attention and efforts from flood control to flood management. This involves adopting a comprehensive approach that encompasses structural and non-structural measures, as well as integrating environmental considerations.
    • Upgrading Hydro-Infrastructure: Upgrading the existing hydro-infrastructure includes increasing storage capacity, improving embankments, and constructing new reservoirs. Upgrades should address the inadequacies of the current infrastructure and consider the potential for conserving flood flows.
    • Conserving Flood Flows: By safely storing and utilizing excess floodwaters, damages caused by floods can be reduced, and the saved water can be utilized to partially mitigate droughts. This requires the development of storage facilities and infrastructure to capture and store floodwaters during high-flow periods.
    • Integrated Approach: There is need for an integrated approach to flood management. This involves combining structural measures with non-structural measures such as flood forecasting, warning systems, and floodplain zoning. Integration should also consider environmental considerations and the preservation of ecological flows.
    • Learning from International Experiences: Learning from international experiences in flood management. This includes evaluating the performance of flood control measures, studying integrated approaches, and understanding how other countries have balanced flood management objectives with environmental concerns.
    • Community Engagement and Awareness: Raising awareness about flood risks, promoting community preparedness, and involving local communities in early warning systems and evacuation plans.
    • Policy and Governance: There is need for robust policies and governance mechanisms to support comprehensive flood management. This includes incorporating climate change adaptation strategies, promoting multi-stakeholder collaboration, and ensuring environmental safeguards.
    • Investment and Resource Allocation: Allocating adequate resources and funding for flood management initiatives. This involves securing financial support for infrastructure upgrades, research and development, capacity building, and community resilience programs.

    Conclusion

    • It is imperative for India to recognize flood flows as a valuable resource and implement measures that conserve water for subsequent use and water security. By adopting a comprehensive approach, upgrading hydro-infrastructure, and leveraging a mix of structural and non-structural measures, India can effectively mitigate the impacts of floods while ensuring sustainable water management for the future.

    Also read:

    The lesson from a monsoon-battered North India: Time to be prepared

  • 14th Jul 23 | Prelims Daily with Previous Year Questions

    [WpProQuiz 1420]

    [WpProQuiz_toplist 1420]

    UPSC 2023 countdown has begun! Get your personal guidance plan now! (Click here)

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