Geospatial Situational Analysis of Flood in Asam and Challenges

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1 Geospatial Situational Analysis of Flood in Asam and Challenges Dr.Mukta Girdhar, Assistant Professor, GGSIP University New Delhi Word Limit of the Paper should not be more than 3000 Words = 7/8 Pages) Abstract: Floods are recurrent phenomena in various part of India. Almost every year some parts of the country or the other are affected by the floods of varying magnitude. Different regions of the country have different climates and rainfall patterns and, as such, it is also experienced that while some parts are suffering under devastating floods, another part is suffering under drought. With the increase in population and developmental activity, there has been tendency to occupy the flood plains which has resulted in more serious nature of damages over the years. Because of the varying rainfall distribution, many a times, areas which are not traditionally prone to floods also experience severe inundation. The effect of climate change is yet another factor under study in recent times. Thus flood is the single most frequent disaster faced by the country. It has been estimated by the National Commission on Flood that the area prone to the floods in the country is of the order of 40 m.ha, out of which it is considered that 32 m.ha could be provided with reasonable degree of protection. Achievement so far attained is for an area of about m.ha. Geospatial technology helps tremendously for situational analysis and minimizing a effect. A paper will explain in detail. About the Author: Dr.Mukta Girdhar Dr.Mukta Girdhar specializes in Disaster Management, Geographic Information System and Remote Sensing. She has over Thirteen years of experience in imparting education in the field of Disaster Management and GIS. She has guided several dissertation related to disasters besides publishing and presenting many research papers in national and International Journals. She has undergone many training courses at national and International levels and is familiar with ArcGIS, MapInfo, Erdas Imagine, and Illwis software E mail ID: mukta_girdhar@hotmail.com Contact: Page 1 of 9

2 Objective The Brahmaputra and the Barak are the two major river systems of the State. All the rivers in Assam are liable to floods, mainly because they receive heavy rainfall within a short time. Proposed study provides comprehensive situational analysis of Disasters and Challenges in Barpeta District in Assam. Methodology Based on the defined scope a methodology was developed. The details of the Methodology are provided below: Literature Review Desktop research was carried out to get a grasp of the different aspects of the study. This included review of the existing documents related to Assam State and District Disaster Management Plans. The Flood Reports, published and unpublished documents, draft plans, High Level Meeting Presentations, economic survey reports, etc., were used for carrying out the Study. Data collection Data Collection Data have been collected through secondary resources, Assam flood department and Assam disaster Management Agency. Analysis The base map has been prepared from Survey of India, topographical sheets in the scale of 1:50,000. We have used image processing software for visual image interpretation. The GIS database of the environment and the hazard has been generated using ArcGIS software. Interpretation Analysis Conclusion Study Area Barpeta Flood Dhemaji Dhubri Flood Jorhat Page 2 of 9 Barpeta

3 Barpeta district, spread across 3245 sq.kms. Total population of the district is 16,42,420 (2001 census). Within Assam this district has the high percentage of vulnerable population i.e. population below the age of 6 and above the age of 60 (17% and 5% respectively). Even though this district has relatively high per capita income (Rs 8,089 / annum) it has high number of unemployed workers (both male and female). Flood is almost an annual feature in the district of Barpeta, Assam. The geographical area of the district is that it comprises 4.2 percent of the total area of the state. The district is prone to severe flood hazard mainly by the rivers Manas, Beki, Pahumara, Kaldia and their tributaries. The average annual peak discharge four rivers Manas, Beki, Pahumara and Kaldia are found to be , , and 163 m3/sec, respectively. The recurring floods of characteristically high magnitude have assumed devastating heavily affecting the agricultural lands, crops cattle and people of the district. Sl. No Name of the River Gauge Station Zero Level (in Mts.) Danger Level (in Mts.) 1 Beki NH Crossing Bhalukadoba NH Crossing Nawkhanda Barpeta Burishuti Panbari Polla Kaljhar Main Manas Mathanguri Naljhora Kamargaon Jaldhora Burikhamar Brahmaputra Tarabari Geology Assam has a diversified geological spectrum, mainly composed by sedimentary rocks. Sedimentary rocks are favorable for Oil deposits, Digboi, Bongaigaon oil deposits are present in this state. Barpeta District are mainly composed by Limestone. This area also has substantial reserves of Bituminous Coal Page 3 of 9

4 (Source: LAID, Water Resources Department, Barpeta Road) Disasters & its Challenges Barpeta comes under north eastern zone and prone to Earthquake along with perennial floods,. Main Challenges are Rescue and evacuate trapped people, Transportation of people to hospital who are seriously injured and required immediate medical attention to hospitals, Restore communication network and essential services, Clear debris blocking roads, provide shelter and relief, food and drinking water, disposal of dead bodies and animal carcass to prevent the outbreak of epidemics, maintaining law and order,. Page 4 of 9

5 Major Flood Situation in the Past at Barpeta District Sl. No. Type of Damage Date of Occurrence Nos. of Villages Affected ,48, Area Affected (in Hect) He hectares ct 3 Crop Area Affected (in Hect.) sq. km hects hects 4 Value of crop lost (Rs. in Lakh) Population affected ,99, ,240 6 Houses Damaged (Fully) Value of Houses Damaged (Rs. in Lakh) Houses Damaged (Partially) Value of Houses Damaged (Rs. in Lakh) Damages to public utilities (Rs. in Lakh) Human live lost nil nil 12 Cattle lost nil nil 13 Loss to other property lakh (Source: Disaster Management Branch, O/O Deputy Commissioner, Barpeta) Page 5 of 9

6 Situational analysis based on above data at Barpeta District Barpeta District experiences flood on an annual basis, mainly due to its topography. During floods livestock are being sheltered at rural roads, National Highway and different embankment of different rivers. Administrative Map Barpeta district has following administrative provisions: one DC office, one SP office, one SDO office 10 Block development office 7 revenue circle office 19 police station 4 fire station Page 6 of 9

7 Community/Shelter Map Elevated platforms are to be raised at different locality of probable flood affected identified villages of the District. These raised platforms are used for shelter purpose. Barpeta district has eight community hall and seventeen raised platform which can be used for shelter purpose during and after flood. In the year of 2013 thirty-one thousand populations affected and in 2015 near about ten thousand population affected. Available resources are not enough to accommodate all population. It is necessary to increase raised platform are reduce impact of flood. Feed and Fodder: There has been no arrangement for animals to evacuate them safe places. Though sixty six veterinary hospitals are there to take care of Animals and supply of green fodder has been carried by this deptt. Wheat, barn and rice are being provided by the Civil Authority to meet minimum basic requirement for survival of livestock. Disposal of carcasses is a major problem during and after flood because there is no separate safe place for evacuation of animals. This aspect needs special attention considering its impact on human health and environment. Health Brapeta district has one civil hospital, nine community health centre, thirty nine health centre and two hundred sixty Health sub centre. Routine vaccination (pre and post monsoon) has been attributed to combat outbreak of tropical animal diseases. During and after flood non-specific diarrhoea is a major problem that adversely affects health of livestock. Logistic support needs to be strengthened to outcome nonspecific disease like diarrhoea of parasitic nature. Page 7 of 9

8 One Civil Hospital 9 communities Health Centre 39 Health centre Flood preparedness and Response Structure of Barpeta District In Barpeta District, adequate numbers of country boats and few nos. of machine boats are available with the public which are very useful during flood response. The district has three nos. of Fibre Reinforced Plastic Boats and two nos. of Inflatable Rubber Boats which are used to evacuate people. Thirty five bridges have been formed by the PWD to control flood conditions Bridge Map Page 8 of 9

9 Conclusion Barpeta district is the biggest district in Assam and large population. Flood occurrences are annual. Every year Asam has to face many devastation, human loss and cattle loss. In the past years Govt. has taken initiative to improve situations. State disaster management, National disaster response force official are there to manage and control situations. Some structural and m=nonstructural measures have been taken,. Health facilities are good. Raised platform need to increase and at the same logistics are also required to improve. References Report on flood management and response in Assam, Centre for Disaster Management, LBSNAA, Mussoorie Disaster Management Branch, O/O Deputy Commissioner, Barpeta Disaster Management Branch, O/O Deputy Commissioner, Barpeta LAID, Water Resources Department, Barpeta Road PHE Department, Barpeta Page 9 of 9