Flood Governance in India

Introduction

With an average of 75 million people affected by floods each year, India is one of the nations most prone to flooding in the globe. Massive economic and social disruptions brought on by floods include human casualties and property damage. In this essay, we will examine the policies, institutions, and difficulties associated with flood governance in India.

Governance Policy Framework for Floods

At the national, state, and local levels, several policies and frameworks control flood governance in India. A significant piece of legislation that offers a framework for managing disasters, including floods, is the National Disaster Management Act of 2005. In accordance with the Act, the government, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and community-based groups all have certain duties and obligations (CBOs).

Governance Institutional Framework for Floods

The Ministry of Home Affairs is in charge of managing disasters, including floods, on a national basis. A crucial organisation that offers guidance and support for disaster management efforts is the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). Each state has a State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) that is in charge of managing disasters at the state level, including floods. In addition, a number of other government organisations, like the Indian Meteorological Department and the Central Water Commission, are involved in flood governance.

Issues with Flood Governance

There are a number of obstacles to efficient flood governance in India, despite the existence of regulations and organisations. The lack of cooperation between various authorities and parties is one of the main problems. Duplication of effort, a delay in reaction, and inefficient resource use might result from this. Communities' lack of readiness is another issue, which can worsen the effects of floods.

Improvements to Flood Governance Initiatives