Structural and Non-Structural Mitigation Measures - In case of
Uttarakhand Flood 2013
Azra Shahal
Noufia Rahim
Pooja Prakash
College of Architecture Trivandrum
Structural and Non-Structural mitigation measures
AIM
The study aims to focus on the structural and non structural mitigation measures implemented by the
government of India within the flash flood crisis of Uttarakhand.
Structural and Non-Structural mitigation measures
OBJECTIVE
Identifying the flashflood affected areas and it's causes.
Mitigation measures adopted in flash flood areas.
Structural and Non structural measures in flash flood areas.
Structural and Non-Structural mitigation measures
METHODOLOGY
Structural
Mitigation Strategies
Influences
Non -
structural
Structural and Non-Structural mitigation measures
Flash Flood In Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand has a total land area of 53,584sqkm of which 94% is mountaneous. Most of the area is
covered by himalayan peaks and glaciers.
Two major rivers (Ganga and yamuna) originate from the glaciers of uttarakhand.
FLOODING IN UTTRAKHAND… From 15 to 18 June 2013, Indian state of Uttrakhand and
adjoining area received heavy rainfall, which was about 375 percent more than the benchmark
rainfall during a normal monsoon.16th and 17th June,
2013, The Day of Destruction happened in history of UTTRAKHAND..
Structural and Non-Structural mitigation measures
Major Flood Affected Areas
The massive rainfall and cloud burst events were happening at multiple places, including in
Bhagirathi basin, Assiganga basin, Mandakini Basin, Badrinath region, other places in Alaknanda
region from 15 June 2013 to around 18 June 2013.
This lead to melting of Chorabari Glacier at the height of 3800 metres eruption of the Mandakini
River which led to heavy floods near Kedar Dome, Rudraprayag district, Uttarakhand, Himachal
Pradesh.
It is considered to be the largest natural disaster after tsunami occurred in 2004.
Structural and Non-Structural mitigation measures
Causes
Melting of glaciers, because of global warming has been of the reasons. Pollution and global
warming accounted for the melting of glaciers
Violation of environmental laws and deforestation has also accounted for floods.
Building of hydro electricity plants and increase in the infrastructural facilities have weaken the
mountain causing land slides..
Structural and Non-Structural mitigation measures
Mitigation Measures
Structual Non Structural
To substantially increase public awareness of disaster risk management for safer communities to live
in and work.
To develop a strategy for reducing the impacts of disaster on community, facility or agency.
Structural and Non-Structural mitigation measures
Structual Mitigations
Flood Defense Structures : A three-tier protection plan was carried out. A proposal was put forth to fence the
area with a gabion wall near the Chorabari lake, from where the devastation started, to stop the boulders from
hurtling down.
Road construction and Infrastructure: In view of the importance of roads connecting pilgrimage centres and
sensitive border areas, a Programme for construction of new roads, and widening and renovation of existing
roads should be undertaken in a scientific manner
Availability of Essential Supplies: There must be provision for stocking essential items like food grains,
blankets, medicines at block and panchayat levels for emergency purposes.
Critical health care : In coordination with the Department of Disaster Management and other emergency
support functions, the Department of Health should strengthen the State Government’s capability to provide
public health and medical support during a crisis situation. Medical relief plans should also be dovetailed into
disaster response plans and resources earmarked accordingly.
Structural and Non-Structural mitigation measures
Non -Structual Mitigations
Land use Planning: Implementation of Flood Plain Zoning regulates construction within the floodplain of a
river.
Hydro-power projects:Hydropower projects in ecological sensitive regions like Uttarakhand must have
comprehensive Disaster Impact Assessment (DIA) which is made mandatory for project clearances.
Hydroelectric projects must have a muck disposal plan, with proper site for muck disposal, and plans for
transportation of muck to the designated sites well above the high flood levels.
Landslide management:Appropriate guidelines, regulations and codes for landslides risk assessment and
mitigation through an integrated approach,should be established.
River Bed Mining: River Bed Mining related issues are to be tackled systematically, based on the scientific
investigations,
Structural and Non-Structural mitigation measures
Non -Structual Mitigations
Disaster Mitigation Plans and Policies: Need to develop or revise and improve Disaster Management Plans
at District or local levels.
Reliable Telecommunication System
Early Warning System: A review of the existing weather forecasting and information systems are necessary
Training and Capacity Building:Should include various aspects such as approaches and means of disaster
risk reduction, development of DM Plans including HRVCA, mitigation and preparedness plans.
Structural and Non-Structural mitigation measures
Impact of Mitigation Strategies
• Identifying areas prone to flash floods.
• Identifying active floodplains and alluvial fan mapping.
• Carry out studies pertaining to recurrence intervals of flash floods using instrumental and
geomorphological methods.
• Identifying structures likely to be hit by flash floods.
• Relocating structures/establishments away from the impact zone of flash floods.
• Legislation to ban encroachments into the active flood plain or alluvial fan impact zone.
Structural and Non-Structural mitigation measures
flood management:
• Pre flood preparedness:
– development of physical flood defense infrastructure legislation;
– control of development within flood plains;
– supply management and infiltration and storage or retardation measures;
– land use planning and management;
– building codes, along with flood proofing;
– implementation of warning systems and flood forecasting;
– public awareness and education on flood risk and emergency actions.
Structural and Non-Structural mitigation measures
flood management:
• Post flood preparedness:
– relief measures for those people who are affected;
– reconstruction of flood defenses and damaged buildings;
– recovery and regeneration activities within the flooded area;
– review of flood management activities.
Structural and Non-Structural mitigation measures
INFERENCE
Structural and Non Structural measures adopted by the Govt. of Uttarakhand will facilitate the planners and
other stakeholders of other States of the Country to plan such measures effectively.
Thankyou
