Economics of Flood Protection in India

摘要: The peculiar rainfall pattern in Indiarenders the country highly vulnerable to floods. Forty million hectares of land, roughlyone-eighth country's geographical area, is prone Each year, floods cause extensive damage life and property, losses being exacerbated by rapid population growth, unplanned development unchecked environmental degradation. has been tackling problem through structural non-structural measures. While measures like flood forecasting aim at improving preparedness seeking keep people away from floodwaters, involve construction physical structures embankments, dams, drainage channels, reservoirs that prevent floodwaters reaching potential centres. Almost 48% area provided with reasonable protection, though continue widespread year after year. This paper examines incidence trends consequent eastern region – one most objective studying efficacy protection region. Based on a simple regression exercise for three states region, argues have inadequate controlling reducing vulnerability. Regressions over period 1971 1996 indicate level an insignificant explanatory variable explaining number (adjusted increases density) affected floods; while affected, as indicator intensity remains main loss-determining factor.