Bihar and Uttar pradesh have been prone to floods during rainy season , It can be attributed to

following :-

1. Topography :- mainly consist of plains and few mountains act as barrier against flood,
2. River system :-Majority of River or tributaries are originating from Nepal or Tibet with many
tributaries meeting the main river channel causing huge flow of water in Rains . example :- Kosi is
Known as Saptkosi due to its major seven tributaries which met together to form Kosi.
3. Deforestation: Deforestation of catchment area causes silts and decrease the carrying capacity of
river causing overflow to surrounding areas
4. Dams :- when intake of water from rain increased then need to open gates which cause overflow
in down river. Besides Dam also causes river to meander and take new path (Example Farraka
barrage )
5. Embankments :- Recent report titled 'Kosi Deluge: The Worst is Still to Come', emphasized that
embankments straitjacket the river. for example - In Kosi due to siltation the river bed was several
feet higher than the adjoining land. The high and low lands separated by embankments have created
a situation where the low lands have become permanently waterlogged (16% Land of North Bihar
permanently waterlogged )

Henceforth, The preventive measures can be taken to prevent floods :-

1.Improvement Detention Basins called chaurs (depressions ) which absorb a considerable amount
of water of the first flood of the season.
2.Embankments: there are few gaps in these embankments of rivers which reduce its effectiveness.
The maintenance and repair of these embankments must be done regularly .
3.Afforestation
4.Dams construction after adequate scientific analysis of cost- benefit

Besides following measure can help to reduce severity :-

1.procuring motor boats and other necessary accessories like life jackets, mahajals, tents, etc. on
time
2.a State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) on the similar pattern of National Disaster Response Force
(NDRF).
3.Adequate warehouses construction to store the relief and rescue materials and to keep them safe
and secure.
4.Establishment of Emergency Operation Centres (EOC) in all the districts to carry rescue and relief
work effectively.
5. procurement and proper maintenance of communication systems - high quality Satellite phones,
GPS instruments, hand packs, walkie talkies should be procured.
6. An Early Disaster Warning System should established.
7. Generate awareness among the mass,NGO, Voluntry organisations etc. to help in relief and
recovery work

A holistic long and short term approach will reduce propensity and severity of flood paving way for
saving lives and property and ensuring safer future in these states.