Beyond Embankments: The Future Of Flood Management

Q1. Could you start by giving us a brief overview of your professional background, particularly focusing on your expertise in the industry?

I am a Civil Engineering graduate from Punjab Engineering College, Chandigarh, with a postgraduate in Hydrology from the National University of Ireland, Galway, on the International Council of Overseas Students (ICOS) fellowship.

I have over 40 years of experience in the fields of hydrology and hydropower. I specialize in Deterministic and Stochastic Flood Modeling, flood forecasting and warning systems, Sedimentation, risk and disaster management, and urban drainage.

After working in the Government sector for more than 36 years, I was involved in a World Bank-funded DRIP Project for the rehabilitation and improvement of old Dams, as per the Dam Safety Act.

Currently, I am working as a Hydrology and Flood Management Expert in the urban planning of the World Bank/ADB-funded Amaravati Capital City Project.

Q2. What are the key trends in flood risk management and early warning systems, especially in the Wake of more frequent weather events.?

Flood events have increased significantly in recent times due to Climate Change and rapid urbanization. To meet these challenges, an urgent shift from the Structural to Integrated approach is required involving: