Repeated floods :The passage of sustained dams and advances in advance
Dr. Mohammed Mahtab Hossain Mazed
Bangladesh is naturally one of the disaster -prone countries in the world. We grew up by fighting the storm-water. In this country, it is a year -long six -season swing. But now the conspiracy is not seen and the summer, the rain and the winter and the scope of winter have increased. Some of the imposed sufferings have increased. In the summer, the heat of the heat, the rainy season in the rainy season and the trap of diplomatic failure in the rainy season, and the intense cold wave in the winter climate issue-we live with itAnd Bangladesh is a riverine country, which is flowing through more than seven hundred rivers. Due to the high water of these rivers, heavy rainfall during the monsoon and the flow of the Himalayas, the country's vast areas are flooded every year. Flood is a reality of the lives of the people of Bangladesh, which is often an effective role for agriculture as a blessing, but when it is overwhelming, it causes deep hit on human life, livelihood and economy. In the past few decades, we have seen that the incidence of floods has increased and its devastation has become even worse. In this case, not just apartheid relief, a long -term and sustainable solution is needed. The two most urgent aspects for this are effective initiatives for construction of the dam and advance preparation.
> The context of flood situation in Bangladesh
Bangladesh is one of the world's most flood countries because of its natural structure. On average, about 20% of the country's area is under normal floods every year. However, in the severe floods such as 1988, 1998, 2004 and 2017, 22,23,2024, the amount increased to 60% to 70%. These floods make the lives of billions of people suffer, millions of families are homeless and thousands of hectares of land crop under water.
Significantly, the floods of 1998 were lasting for about 70 days and two-thirds of the country was flooded. About 1 million people were affected by the flood. Not only personal loss, it has a serious impact on infrastructure, education, health care and transportation.
The main causes of the flood include - the rains * hill eels * the navigability of the river * is filled with unplanned urbanization and reservoir.
* Weak dam infrastructure * The weakness of the existing dam infrastructure
According to the Bangladesh Water Development Board, there are about 1700 km dam in the country. Most of these have been built during the post-independence period and have been damaged for a long time. Many dams have cracked, some dams have collapsed and many dams are victims of illegal occupation.
At the time of construction of these dams, no specific plan, quality construction materials and permanent maintenance were followed. In most cases, the quality of dam construction has been questioned due to local political impact, contractor syndicate and corruption. As a result, these dams cannot build any resistance during the flood.
> The requirement of sustainable dam
The dam is not only a water supply material, it is an overall resistance - which not only protects people in a particular area, but also helps keep the country's economic activities and farming active. In the context of current climate change, some things must be taken into account in construction of dams:
1. Use
Not only mud-soil or low quality bricks for chronic dams, the use of advanced technologies, such as geotextile, concrete block, river conservation pilings, etc.
2. Engineering
In fact, engineering experts and environmentalists should actually take plans for the construction of the dam. The dam height, width, slop and river course should be constructed so that it does not disrupt the normal flow of the river.
3. The involvement of the local people
The success of any dam construction project depends on the support and awareness of the local people. At the local level, the dam management committee is formed by the formation of the maintenance so that they can be involved in maintenance.
4. Tropics
Planting rapid growing plants like bamboo, cane, palm, etc. on both sides of the dam helps prevent the collapse of the soil and strengthen the dam.
> Challenges of climate change
Climate change has increased the irregularities in Bangladesh. Sudden rains or long droughts are now a common occurrence. As a result, the hill eels come down quickly and the rivers are hooted and the water is up. As a result, the flood takes a more sudden and horrible form. Experts have predicted that the severity and concentration of floods in Bangladesh will increase further in the next 20-5 years. Therefore, it is important to take effective preventive measures now.
> Ways to prepare in advance
The importance of advance preparation in reducing flood damage is immense. This can be different components of preparation:
Technology-dependent forecasting system: With the use of modern satellite and sensor technology, it is possible to predict the flood 3 to 5 days in advance.
Digital Mapping: Map of flood -prone areas using GIS and spread it among the people.
Awareness and Training at village level: Disaster management workshops organized in schools, mosques and community centers.
Keeping the shelter and emergency assistance prepared: At least 5 shelters and sufficient dry food, medicines, pure water should be stored in each union.
Warning through mobile app and sms system: Sending advance message to the people of the remote areas on mobile phones.
> Evaluation of the government's policy
The Government of Bangladesh has formulated several time-consuming policies, such as national water policy (1999), National Disaster Management Plan (2021-25), Flood Forecasting and Warning Centers (FFWC). Besides, big projects like river excavation, Delta Plan 21 are also underway. However, there are restrictions at the implementation phase-
Slowness in implementing the project * Allotted money allotted and corruption * Absence of people's views * Lack of coordination with local governments. If these problems are not eliminated, the plans will not be effective.
> International examples
Netherlands
The Netherlands, one of the lowest countries in the world, is located under the sea level. They are excellently controlling the sea and river water through the project called 'Delta Works'. They have been able to keep the country free from dam, water and artificial islands.
Japan
Despite being a natural disaster -prone country, Japan has engaged people through advanced forecasting system and disaster training at the school level. Even children are taught, how to respond to emergency situations.
Bangladesh can achieve success by adding technology, plans and people to education from these countries.
Recommendations
1. Dam construction and regular reform under long -term plan
2. Rip
3. Modern technology
4. Structure
5. Disaster management teaching
6. Priority
7. Transparency in corruption and implementation of the project.
Finally, the flood can never be completely prevented, but it is possible to reduce its damage if we give importance to the construction of sustainable dams and in advance. This requires political goodwill, proper use of technology, public involvement and visionary plans. A dam is not just a wall of soil, but it is also a living protection system - which can protect a nation from disaster. So today's investment is the basis of our next generation of security.
The writer is a organizer, columnist ,founder and chairman,Jatiya rogi Kalyan Society .He can be reached at email, drmazee96@gmail.com
