UTTAR PRADESH DISASTER MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY

AN ADVISORY ON FLOOD MANAGEMENT

INTRODUCTION

1. Uttar Pradesh is richly endowed with rivers. There are about 31 rivers which flow through
Uttar Pradesh. Many of these rivers have their origin in Nepal and most of these flow into Bihar
and in some cases to Madhya Pradesh. Although rivers are the life line of the State but many of
them post monsoon cause

extensive damage due to floods. Frequent floods in the State of Uttar Pradesh in past have
demonstrated the urgent need for the vulnerable districts to enhance the internal competency to
prepare, manage and eventually reduce its vulnerability to flood related disasters. To ensure a
more effective coordination at district level with concerned stakeholders, the UPSDMA has
prepared an advisory to help and guide all agencies involved in flood disaster management.

Vulnerability of State of Uttar Pradesh to Floods

2. 40 out of 75 districts are flood prone districts in the State, 73 districts suffered losses due to
Hail storm and about 30% earthquakes in the state have taken place in monsoon season. It is
therefore essential that state should be prepared for multi hazard scenario.

3. The area of Eastern Uttar Pradesh regularly subjected to nature‟s fury of severe flooding
on an annual basis due to variety of reasons, essentially low lying foot plains, suspended
sediments load carried by the rivers flowing down from Nepal and also sporadic release of
excess/overflowing water from higher reaches. Since this part of the state is very important from
the perspective of agriculture, flood risk and damage assessment assumes paramount importance.
Therefore, measures need to be taken up to combat this natural disaster so as to reduce the
devastating impact and also continue development and growth unhindered.

4. The total land mass of the State of Uttar Pradesh is approximately 24.1 million hectare, of
which approximately 7.33 million hectare land has been recognized as flood prone due to the
flooding of major rivers like Ganga, Yamuna, Ramganga, Gomti, Ghaghra, Rapti, Sharda &
Gandak. The magnitude of the flood depends upon the snow melt off, intensity of rainfall, its
duration and also on ground conditions in the catchment area besides certain manmade causes
which invariably compounds the impact of hazard. When heavy spell of rainfall occurs, floods
cause severe damages to human life and properties. All the major river systems of Indo-Gangetic
plain region transport heavy amount of sediment load, due to environmental imbalance in the hilly
region. Consequently, silt load is gradually increasing in the Indo-Gangetic plain region of river
system, causing obstruction in proper flow of surface water in the rivers. This leads to frequent
floods in the rivers.

5. Type of Damage

(a) Floods affect maximum to people, material, properties, cattle and standing crop. Once
water recedes stagnant water and polluted water sources cause spread of water borne
diseases and contaminated potable water sources. Damage also happens to infrastructure
in terms of collapse of old and unsafe houses, roads, public utilities, water reservoirs,
electricity supply arrangements, sewage disposal system, railway tracks, communication
network and other installations. Each of these damages have a related problems which
affect the life and daily routine of common people.

(b) Most vulnerable sections are old, infirm, children, females, cattles. In the absence of
adequate storage space the standing crop with the implication for future food security
remain quite vulnerable to damages.

(c) There is a section of society which is economically weak is also quite vulnerable as they
stay in areas which do not have adequate drainage arrangements and their dwelling units
are also temporary in nature and a heavy rain affects them substantially, therefore the
need for dovetailing the socio-economic conditions into flood management strategy.

6. External Stake Holders As stated earlier, many of the major rivers originate in Nepal and
pass into neighboring States of Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. Floods in upper reaches
cause damage in the lower reaches as such Nepal as well as States of Bihar, Rajasthan and
Madhya Pradesh also become stake holders. There is a need to coordinate with them in pre
monsoon season.

7. What Accentuates Damage on Account of Floods It is true that the floods are a natural
calamity and it happens if rainfall becomes extensive. However, the damage becomes more
extensive due to some natural and some manmade causes. Some of the important factors are as
follows:-

(a) Global warming has adversely affected the rain fall pattern. A warmer atmosphere can
hold more moisture, and globally water vapour increases by 7% for every degree
centigrade of warming. Total volume of precipitation is likely to increase by 1-2% per
degree of warming.

(b) Silting in the Rivers, most of the rivers in Uttar Pradesh are glacier fed and the
Himalayan Glaciers are known as dirty glaciers and when they slide they bring lots of
silt with them. Silting of rivers keeps reducing the depth to accommodate additional
flood waters . Warmer environment results in faster melting of snow which results in
more volume of water in the rivers.

(c) Increasing encroachment of river plains which restricts rivers when in spate and those
who are the squatters become vulnerable to damage.

(d) Deforestation in upper reaches has further reduced the capacity of earth to arrest the flow
of rainfall in those regions. It further adds to the movement of silt and debris causing
rivers to get choked.

(e) Impeding natural flow of rain water going towards rivers due to new constructions not
taking into account the grain of the country. Most of these constructions are illegal and
they result into stagnation of water particularly in urban areas which not only causes
immediate damage but is also a source of water borne diseases during post floods.

8. In view of the background explained above, there is a need to develop a comprehensive

strategy to prepare well in advance to face the challenges on account of floods.

9. Network of Stakeholders (State and District)

(a) NDRF

(b) SDRF

(c) UP Police

(d) UP Fire Services

 (e) Irrigation Department

(f) Public Works Department

(g) Health Department

(h) Animal Husbandry

(i) Energy/Non Conventional Energy Department

(j) Jal Sansthan

(k) Nagar Nigam/ Municipality

(l) Gram Panchayat

(m) Food Supplies

(n) Civil Defence

(o) Transport Department

(p) Information and Public Relation Department

(q) Forest Department

(r) NGOs/CBOs

(s) Private Agencies/Enterprises

10. Role of Armed Forces It also needs to be noted that while response effectiveness of the
NDRF is improving steadily, Armed Forces in location or in the near vicinity of the affected area
remain quite important for the timely rescue and relief operations.

AIM

11. “To evolve a comprehensive strategy to prepare the State Machinery in conjunction with
Civil Society and neighboring states/country to handle floods and its aftermath”.

SCOPE

12. Following aspects are covered in the flood management strategy:-

(a) Part-1: Preventive/Mitigation Measures

(b) Part-2: Actions during Preparatory Phase.

(c) Part-3: Actions during Rescue & Relief Phase.

(d) Part-4: Rehabilitation, Reconstruction and Mitigation

 (e) Part-5: Roles and Responsibilities

(f) Part-6: Miscellaneous

13. The paper will also address the issues of organization, communication, inter departmental
coordination and other related issues.

PART-1: PREVENTION/MITIGATION MEASURES

14. The prevention and mitigation strategy of nations and states has been the hallmark of
Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction and it is incumbent that the aspect be given due
attention and kept at the forefront of any strategy. There exists a close relationship between the
hydrological processes that leads to flood generation and water resource management, river
management, forest management, land use management, erosion control and agriculture. Any
imbalance in one may lead to disruption of the entire hydrological process leading to disastrous
situation in the State.

15. River‟s drainage basin area, if not managed efficiently from hydrological perspective, has the
disaster potential of unimaginable magnitude and therefore any flood management scheme should
take into account the dynamics of river basin to its entirety. The strategy for flood risk reduction
should also take into account the entire development activities in the river basin. The river basin
flood management need to involve various organizations and institutions with the mandate related
to development activities that may affect the hydrological process in the river basin.

16. The State traditionally witnesses the flooding most part of the State year on year. Year 2018
saw most rivers overflowing the danger mark with 27 districts in the grip of floods, enveloping
806 villages displacing approximately five lakh people. Water level in most rivers in 2018 is
depicted in Map 4 below. By and large, flood is assumed to be a natural disaster; however,
manmade contributions to this hazard cannot be ignored. Choking of the drainage system,
breaching of embankments on rivers, irrigation canals or the dams by human beings for their
personal motives are cases in point which need to be addressed in the State‟s overall scheme.
17. There is a time tested and well laid out system of early warning and dissemination that exists
in the State which needs to be strengthened and operationalized more efficiently. Gauge stations
and flood forecasting and base stations are very significant elements of flood management and
should be incorporated in flood early warning system of the State. River level data are fed to flood
forecasting centers and accordingly decision is made about the area to be flooded and the same is
communicated to the various officials of the State Government including Relief Commissioner,
U.P., Chief Engineer (Investigation & Planning) Irrigation Department, U.P., and the concern
District Magistrate. It‟s, therefore, imperative that due care be taken and the existing structure
made more effective.

Prevention and Mitigation Activities

18. Any expenditure on Prevention and Mitigation is required to be considered as investment as

the same has potential of paying great dividends. Hazards can only become disasters if associated
with loss of life and damage and destruction to property, and prevention and mitigation effortscan
unequivocally minimize the disastrous effect of flood as a hazard. Both structuraland non-
structural measures have the potential to reduce the impact of a disaster on a region or a
population.Such mitigation measures can be integrated with normal development activities for
growth as well as improving the quality of life of communities. Some of the short, medium and
long term mitigation activities are listed below.
19. Short Term Mitigation Activities

(a) Structural
(i) Breaking of river embankments would prove to be more disastrous than not having
them at all. Repair of embankments and overhauling of barrage gates needs to be
undertaken both before and after monsoon season.
(ii) Identification and dredging of shallow river stretches and water bodies.
(iii) Renovation and cleaning of drainage.
(iv) Protection of river erosion at critical locations.
(v) Water harvesting practice and creation of structures for the purpose, both in rural
as well as urban areas.
(vi) Creation of water conservation structures.
(vii) Repair/construction of approach road to flood prone areas.
(viii) Availability of transport for shifting of essential supplies and stores in flood areas.
(ix) Creation of warehousing facility in areas likely to be subjected to floods for storing
of essentials.

(b) Non Structural

(i) Launch awareness campaign through mass media programs.
(ii) Carry out frequency analysis of floods based on past occurrences.
(iii) Store food grains in susceptible areas.
(iv) Establishment and operationalization of flood control rooms at District HQ or any
other suitable location with communication facility.
(v) Procurement of essential stores for combating the floods; such as sand bags,
cement, hollow bricks, tetra blocks and boulders etc..
(vi) Training of local communities in basics; such as handling of snake bite kit, water
cleaning etc..
(vii) Awareness of community towards use of plastic and polythene bags.

20. Medium Term Mitigation Activities

(a) Structural
(i) Structural audit of all existing embankments and construction of new ones
wherever required.
(ii) Develop hydrographic survey capability of the State besides the satellite based
survey.
 (iii) Modification and raising of roads to ensure accessibility during the period of
flooding.
(iv) Construction of raised community halls within the village to also act as shelter
during the calamity.
(v) Construction of new drains.

(b) Non Structural

(i) Flood risk zoning of the area duly incorporating the socio-economic conditions
of community.
(ii) Constant hydrographic survey of rivers to identify sedimentation and if required
undertake necessary dredging of rivers.
(iii) Constant monitoring of river configuration, essentially if there is any course
change.
(iv) Awareness campaign through mass media.
(v) Frequent assessment of effectiveness of flood control work, especially before the
onset of monsoons and post monsoons.
(vi) Regular updating and strengthening of medical and health facilities.
(vii) Monitoring and detecting changes in flood plains and catchment areas.
(viii) Necessary plantation in river basin and flood pains to ensure stability of soil.

21. Long Term Mitigation Activities

(a) Structural

(i) Stringent rules and regulations for construction in catchment areas. Removal of
encroachments.
(ii) Promotion of plantation on embankments and bunds and in catchment areas.
(iii) De-siltation of rivers.
(iv) Research and study by employing professionals in the field for charging of ground
water.
(v) Study and research on creation of water catchment areas in nearby water deficient
regions and tunneling the water from flood prone areas.
(i) Establish flood wireless centres on dams and barrages.
 (b) Non Structural

(i) District wise nomination of Nodal and Flood Coordination Officer.

(ii) Creation of flood risk zones and flood plain maps at district level.
(iii) Empowerment of communities.
(iv) Draw out plans for inter district coordination for floods. Similar arrangements need
to be put in place for interstate coordination with neighboring states.
(v) Nomination of Nodal officer for mitigation efforts related to inter state flood
problems.

22. Human Resource Development One of the important strategy for mitigation is Human
Resource Development. It‟s paramount that this component of mitigation efforts be given due
attention at all level. Not only the necessary training be imparted to the Government staff at the
State as well as district level but also to the NGOs, communities and volunteer organizations.
NGOs can also be used for imparting training besides themselves being trained in some particular
aspect of Disaster Management. Training needs assessment exercises for different categories and
levels of functionaries will enable identification of the gaps that need to be attended to through
training activities. These will be done by assessment of the level of knowledge, attitudes and
skills, with respect to the task to be undertaken. Preparation of training modules and materials
based on such Training Needs Assessment exercises will be undertaken by the training
institutions.

23. Tapping the Resources: Pool of Ex Servicemen/PMF State of Uttar Pradesh has a large
available pool of retired personnel from Armed Forces as well as PMF who are trained and
disciplined and willing to accept challenges. Any investment to create such a potent force is likely
to pay great dividends and need to be incorporated in State‟s mitigation plans.

24. Integration of Mitigation Measures into Development Plans There exists tremendous
scope to integrate mitigation measures into development plans, both by structural and non-
structural approach. Disaster resistant construction technologies; such as disaster resistant
housing, reinforcing concrete and disaster resistant pier system are some of the commonly used
techniques which would substantially contribute to mitigation schemes as well.
Construction/development of villages on higher ground will reduce the vulnerability of
community to floods to a large extent. Similarly efficient management of river basins may reduce
run off and soil erosion and thereby have a positive impact on mitigation efforts.
 PART-II: ACTIONS DURING PREPARATORY PHASE

Pre Monsoon Preparedness Action Plan

25. The Emergency Support Functions identified for Disaster Response are as follows:

 Dam Management

 Communication

 Public Health & Medical Services

 Power

 Transport

 Search & Rescue

 Fire Fighting

 Public Safety and Law and Order

 Public Works & Engineering

 Shelter/Relief Camp

 Relief Supplies

 Sewerage & Sanitation

 Information & Public Relation

 Oil & Hazardous Material

 Management of Relief Camps

 Coordination within departments and with outside agencies

26. Responsibilities of the Districts District administration should ensure following within the
district:-

(a) Formation of Village Disaster Management Teams in every Revenue Village.

(b) Trained and equipped fire services at district level and also formation and equipping of
village level fire fighting teams with minimum equipment.

(c) Home Guard/Civil Defense and Volunteers trained in Search and Rescue operations.

(d) As per National Guidelines form Incident Response Teams at district level and
preferably at Tehsil level.
 Table-1: Pre Monsoon Activities to be undertaken by Districts

S. No Activities to be Undertaken Department Responsible Completion Date Remarks

1 Review and update District Flood Vulnerability DDMA Mid Apr

Map .
Identification of helipad grounds near identified
vulnerable areas.
Identification of alternate routes to vulnerable
areas

2 Formation of District, Tehsil, MC and Village Revenue Department End Apr Wherever
level Disaster Response Teams. possible selected
Ground reconnaissance of the identified areas be on safe
vulnerable areas and areas where rescued people and on higher
to be housed. ground

3 Review response resources (men, material, Revenue Department and Mid May
equipment and machinery) and its availability at Municipal Corporations/
flood prone Tehsils, Villages, and Towns. Councils/ Panchayats
Assess and create additional resources if
required locally.
Identification of areas in concerned Panchayats
where relief camp would be established for both
human beings and cattle.

4 Review and update District India Disaster DDMA Mid May

Resource Network (IDRN) and renew MOUs
with concerned agencies.

5 Identify locations of Automatic Weather DDMA/ District End May Wherever

Stations (AWS) (CWC, Irrigation, Revenue and Authorities/Zilla equipment is
IMD) and link up with the CWC and District Parishads/Village Panchayats stored
Control Rooms. arrangements be
Pre-positioning of equipment and its testing for also made for
operations. Pre-placement of fuel, oil and their insitu repair
lubricants for the running of equipment. and maintenance.
Detailing of teams to use the equipment.
Marrying of men and machine.
Stocking of emergency eatables like powder
milk, cereals, cooking oil and arrangements for
cooking.
Coordination conference of the DDMA be held
to tie up minutest possible details. Mock drill
and rehearsals at DDMA be held to respond to
likely disaster situation.
6 Ensure the availability of small and large size DDMA/ District End May Ensure adequate
boats at district level. At least one pedal boat if Authorities/Zilla number of
not motor boat should be available at tehsil Parishads/Village Panchayats boatmen are
level. The maintenance of boats and availability trained well in
of boatman be ensured. time.

7 Ensure operationalization of District and Tehsil SDMA/DDMA/districts and First Week of Jun
EOC and CWC/MC/Departmental Control state medical authorities
Rooms and their linkage with State EOC.
Ensure redundancy in communication at each
level. Test communication network in normal
circumstances and also ensure emergency
communication network is functional.
Review medical arrangements at district level
and also functioning of quick reaction medical
teams.

8 Establish linkage with neighbouring states and SDMA/DDMA First Week of Jun
district authorities

9 Ensure departmental SOPs for flood response in SDMA/DDMA First Week of Jun
place

10 Ensure inspection and repair of all the damaged DDMA/ District First Week of Jun
and sensitive bunds. Authorities/Zilla
Parishads/Village Panchayats

11 Ensure conduct of village, tehsil, department SDMA/DDMA Before first week

level rehearsals/mock drills (Minimum one at of Jun
each flood prone village, minimum two at tehsil
Level)

12 State Mock Drills NDMA/ NDRF/SDMA/ By second week

SDRF/DDMA of Jun

13 Ensure integration of Army IS columns SDMA/ DDMA to As per above

/SDRF/NDRF Teams during above coordinate with Army
rehearsals/mock drills Authorities

14 Ensure the dissemination of early warning by SDMA/DDMA As per above

IMD up to the grass root level, well before time.

15 DM should place QRTs (Quick Response District authorities As per above

Teams) at sensitive places.

16 Relief material such as water packets, food District authorities As per above
packets should be shared from district to district
as per the requirement and availability.
17 Sanitary Napkins can be made a part of flood DDMA / Revenue Department As per above
relief packets.

18 Public Works Department plays an important DDMA/ District authorities As per above
role in mitigation and relief works on ground;
hence PWD must be kept in loop during
preparation period.

19 Additional budget should be kept for some last District authorities/ Revenue As per above
minute repairs. Department

20 A detailed feedback on the advisory with areas District authorities/ Revenue First week of
for further improvement. Department October
Details of looses due to floods should be
provided to the government timely so that Flood
Memorandum can be prepared within a
workable time limit.
DDMA in Conjunction with District Administration to Ensure Completion of Following
Activities Before May
1 Ensure no encroachments in blue line Revenue with Irrigation
Department
2 Widening, deepening and silt removal from water Irrigation Department
channel and cleaning/repairing of drains wherever
necessary.
3 River bank embankments maintained and Irrigation Department
strengthened
4 Safety Audits of Dams conducted CWC/Irrigation Department

5 Vulnerable population, structures, infrastructure, Revenue/PWD/Electricity/

facilities identified Water State/District
Departments
6 Temporary shelter location identified and its DDMA, TDMC, VDMC These should be checked in
preparedness measures planned and executed detail in such a way that they
including stocking of these shelters. Points to be become operational instantly
checked are as followed:-
-Charging points.
-Emergency communication setup including at
least one satellite phone with the manpower to use
it.
-Emergency medical arrangements.
-Arrangements for provisioning of potable water.
-Provision of powder milk and other cereals
needed for emergency rations.
-Arrangements for helping people to trace their lost
kith and kin

7 Storm water drainage management within villages PWD

and towns . It will entail provision of necessary
pumps and manpower to man them.

8 Ensure all flood response related equipment and Irrigation, Electrical, Water,
machineries are in operational condition and FES, PWD, Medical
married up with the manpower to use it, necessary
oils and lubricants are catered and stored.
Water sterilizing kits are provisioned.

9 Emergency Search and Rescue equipments are Chairmen Village/ Tehsil/

checked for its operational functioning and MC
prepositioned/deployed at desired locations. Disaster Management
Adequate number of cutters are also provisioned to Committee
handle buildings that collapse.
In addition GPS and detectors are also provisioned
to trace those who may have got buried under the
debris.
10 Ensure operational continuity of all life line HODs of concern central
services, if required plan for contingencies. Health /state government
facility should have sufficient stock of medicines departments
and insecticides
11 Conduct refresher training for District, Tehsil and DDMA
Village Disaster Management Teams, officials and
community
12 Place for relief camps should be decided well DDMA/ District Authorities
before and publicity for the same should be done.
13 Law and order arrangements must be done for food DDMA/ District authorities
and relief supplies in flood affected areas for
proper and equal distribution.

14 Chlorine tablets should be available in abundant District authorities

quantity.

15 Responsibility for Proper cleaning of relief camps DDMA/ District authorities

should be given to the concerned department.
16 Livestock relief camps identified and arrangements Revenue, Veterinary, VDMC,
for veterinary care, fodder and water ensured NGOs and Community
17 Veterinary doctor should be available at animal DDMA/ District authorities
shelters.

18 Vaccination of livestock should be ensured in DDMA/ District authorities

relief camps.
19 Evacuation plan prepared and required mode of TDMC/VDMC/MC
transportation identified and planned
20 Identify and nominate 50 people (mix of gents and EOC, All control rooms and
ladies) from each village as responsible citizens. TDMC/VDMC
Prepare directory of their mobile numbers. They
shall act as medium for disseminating early
warning.
NGOs and other volunteer help groups to be
briefed and their role factored in the rescue and
relief operations.
Coordination with SDRF, NDRF and local Armed NDMA/SDMA
Forces to identify their role and time/trigger of
commencement of their association, including
arrangements for liaison with these agencies.
21 Identify and nominate Damage Assessment Teams DDMA/District Authorities It may be considered that
at each village system of risk transfer in
terms of getting certain
important assets insured be
planned well in advance.
NOTE- As per the DM act 2005, Section 18 sub section „f‟, The State Disaster Management
Authority shall “recommend provisions of funds for mitigation and preparedness measures”.
Hence, it is recommended that all District Magistrates should forward a demand for funds for
Capacity Building both in terms of training of manpower & purchase of equipment from State
Disaster Relief Fund to Relief Commissioner, Uttar Pradesh under intimation to this authority.

27. Flood Forecasting and Early Warning: To understand the IMD forecast, all
EOCs/Control Rooms will train their staff in analysing IMD Forecast. The following shall be
displayed in all District EOCs and Control Rooms:

Table-2:Terminologies for Spatial Distribution of Rainfall

Distribution No of Places Description

Isolated One or two Places <25% of stations get rainfall

Scattered At a few Places 26-50% of stations get rainfall

Fairly Widespread At many Places 51-75% of stations get rainfall

Widespread At Most Places 76-100%of stations get rainfall

Dry No stations get rainfall

Table-3: Probability of Forecast

Terminology Probability of Occurrence

Could occur <25%

May Occur 26-50%

Would Occur 51-75%

Will Occur 76-100%

 Table-4: Type of Forecast

Now casting A short range forecast having lead time/validity of <24

hrs. This applies mostly to aviation Forecasts

Short TermForecast Forecasts having a lead time/validity period of 1-3 days.

The regional forecast and state level forecast come
under this category
Medium Term Forecast Forecasts having a lead time/validity period of 4-10 days.
Meteorological forecast for agricultural purposes come
under this category.
Long Term/extended term Forecasts having lead time/validity period beyond 10
Forecast days. Usually this is issued for a season. IMD issues Long
Range Forecast for South West Monsoon rainfall and
onset date for Kerala, North East Monsoon Rainfall and
Winter precipitation over North west India

Table-5: Description of Rain

Descriptive Term Used Rainfall in mm

No Rain 0.0
Very Light Rain 0.1-2.4
Light Rain 2.5-7.5
Moderate Rain 7.6-35.5
Rather Heavy 35.6-64.4
Heavy Rain 64.5-124.4
Very Heavy Rain 124.5-244.4
Extremely Heavy Rain > 244.5
Exceptionally Heavy Rain When the amount is a value near about the highest
recorded rainfall at or near the station for the month or
the season. However , this term is used only when the
actual rainfall amount exceeds 12 cm.
 PART-III: RESCUE AND RELIEF

28. This is the most critical phase of the Plan as it would entail execution of plans prepared
earlier and the initiation of the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) set during the Preparatory
Phase. In this phase, on receipt of flood warning immediate action will start from lowest to
highest level simultaneously.

29. Flood Disaster Response Action Plan at District Level-(Likely Flood Disaster Incident-
D Day) The action plan consist of the following activities:-

(a) Declaration of Anticipated Flood Situation/Flood Disaster

(b) Flood Forecasting and Warning

(c) Trigger Mechanism

(d) Mechanism of the concerned departments along with the roles and responsibilities

(e) Relief Arrangements

(f) Declaration of Help Line Number - to be displayed at prominent places, conveyed

through social/print/electronic media, radio and cinema.

(g) Every District HQ / Sub Division HQ/Panchayat to have a chart listing the tasks and the
responsibilities prepared. A recommended format is as follows:-

S No Type of Warning Task to be performed Responsibility Remarks

30. Authority to Declare Anticipated Flood Situation/Flood Disaster- The Disaster

Management Act 2005 (section) provides for the state government to declare any area affected by
flood. UP State Disaster Management Plan specifies Relief Commissioner as the competent
authority for declaration of flood disaster/disaster.

31. Trigger Mechanism- The Central Water Commission issues Daily Flood Bulletins to State
Governments/District Administration during the South West Monsoon season for all the major
river basins. The nodal agency for Early Warning is State Irrigation Department. The Early
Warning is issued in the following categories:

(a) Category IV: Low Flood (Water level between „Warning‟ Level and „Danger‟ Level)
 (b) Category III: Moderate Flood (Water level below 0.50 m less than HFL and above
Danger Level)

(c) Category II: High Flood (Water level still less than Highest Flood Level but within 0.50
m of the HFL)

(d) Category I: Unprecedented Flood (Water level equal and above Highest Flood Level
(HFL)

Note:-

(a) In case of release of water from the dam: Location specific alert can be given depending
on the distance from the dam and quantum of water released.

(b) In case of Flash Floods: local warning mechanism after ascertaining the AWS rainfall
report in catchment area.

32. Flood Disaster Response and Relief Mechanism: A flood response operation should
consist of following aspects:-

(a) Warning Dissemination- All announcements including physical announcement should

be done well in time for people to move to safer places. Inhabitants of those buildings
which have been declared dangerous prior to monsoon should be advised to move to
safer places.

(b) Evacuation-Once water level starts rising in the water channels, people should be
advised to move to pre designated safer place. Help should be available for old infirm,
pregnant women and children.

(c) Essential Services- Particularly supply of potable water, electricity and sewage disposal
are maintained or quickly re-established. Few aspects in this regard which merit
attention are as follows:-

(i) Switching off power lines in water logged areas. Once water starts receding the
power lines will have to be reenergized. It should be properly notified well in time
and no accident be allowed on account of electrocution.

(ii) Provision of water sterilizing kits for water purification.

(iii) Ensure avoidance of contamination of potable water with sewage

(d) Maintaining Access Routes- In this connection local police to ensure that the access
routes are free from flowing / submerged debris and where diversion is required proper
 marking and traffic control is exercised. Regular patrolling of these routes be done to see
if any underwater damaged stretch is noticed and if so, should be addressed
immediately. Also, adequate recovery resources are deployed to clear the routes from
damaged /stuck vehicles.

(e) Supply of Relief Material- Securing areas against vandalism. Plenty of relief material
from various sources will be received. Its bulk breaking and supply chain to needy is a
very important task. It should be planned well under a dedicated organization.

(f) Maintaining Communication Lines- It should either be through PL (if possible),

through mobile net work or if both are not possible then through a satellite phone.

(g) Protecting, maintaining and repairing existing structural mitigation works.

(h) Constructing expedient mitigation works (such as temporary levees)

(i) Securing Areas against Vandalism- Police should be deployed to ensure that
public/private assets are not damaged by the anti social elements.

(j) Conducting Search and Rescue Operations- Boatmen community should be utilised
for this purpose

(k) Evacuating Persons and Providing for their Immediate Welfare- Particularly in
terms of medical help. Besides, nodal clinics and administration needs to create small
vehicle bound teams to visit the affected areas to provide medical relief. Initially, it
would be against dehydration and water ingestion slowly as days pass it would be more
against water borne diseases.

(l) The relief camps to have charging arrangements for mobile phones, sewage disposal
arrangements, potable water for drinking, milk fresh/powder for infants

(m) Protecting Property and Possessions- One of the most precious asset would be
harvested crop which in the absence of adequate storage space may be lying in open

(n) Coordinating the essential needs of isolated persons and communities

(o) Coordinating the immediate welfare of stranded travelers

(p) Ensuring the Welfare of Flood-Affected Livestock- dairy and poultry etc. , organizing
their housing as well as fodder.

(q) Community support from NGOs and cultural organizations are highly important to
provide relief to affected persons. Their participation in rescue and relief operations
should be coordinated by the DDMA.
 (r) Depending of severity of floods there may be possibility that teams from NDRF/SDRF
of even Armed Forces may get inducted. It is important that the induction of these task
forces is smooth and they are facilitated to perform immediately on arrival. Local
administration needs to make arrangements well in advance to do that.

(s) Normally many important persons/press/media would be visiting the flood affected
areas, many a times such visits may hamper the rescue and relief operations. Therefore,
such visitors be taken to a specially rigged up briefing room where the VIP/media is
given a detailed briefing on the situation and progress of rescue and relief operations.
Visit of VIPs to severely affected areas should be minimized.

33. Rescue and Relief in Urban Areas:- Some of the typical issues in urban areas are as
follows:-

(a) High rise buildings and also a lot of unsafe buildings.

(b) Poor drainage system which may result into reverse flow in case of floods.

(c) Excess population putting heavy pressure on rescue and relief operations particularly
due to traffic snarls.

(d) Because of stagnation of water, public health issues assume great importance.

(e) There will be a number of highly congested areas having less or no storm water disposal
arrangements, putting different kind of challenges where encroachments remain quite
vulnerable to onslaught of water.

(f) Logistics and medical support in labyrinths of city pose different kind of challenge.

34. With the above stated challenges, the task force constitution as well as their equipping be
such that rescue and relief operation remain effective. One task for which teams should be formed
is to tackle the problem of collapse of buildings and rescue people, who get buried under the
debris. Firefighting teams will have to be activated to rescue people from upper floors of the high
rise buildings. Biggest problem in high rise buildings would be periodic charging of mobiles,
arrangements for lighting as electricity supply is likely to get switched off once water level rises,
provision of water sterilizing kits and first aid to those getting injured and sick. Cities are
normally dotted with slums and invariably these are located at lower levels and adjacent to
nallahs. Their problems are more in terms of necessity for shelters, provision of safe drinking
water, pre cooked food initially and subsequently provision of fire and rations, medical support
initially against injuries later water borne diseases. A well thought plan based on a detailed
reconnaissance and interaction with people and in conjunction with NGOs and volunteer group‟s
rescue and relief teams should be planned.

35. A separate tailor made organization under DDMA for areas occupied by weaker sections of
the society should be constituted. Contact numbers should be well publicized for affected people
to contact for help. In this connection it is recommended that the network of police help line at
tele number 100 could be of great assistance.

PART-IV: REHABILITATION, RECONSTRUCTION AND MITIGATION

36. Once water starts receding action needs to be initiated to bring back life to normalcy at the
earliest. It will entail immediate rehabilitation of displaced persons, re-activating all utilities,
facilitating people to move back from relief camps, re-constructing facilities which have been
destroyed and finally initiating developmental works which reduce the probability of damage in
future.

37. It entails: firstly assessment of the damage which floods have resulted into and generating
funds to undertake tasks planned. Priority tasks will be rejuvenation of water supply, electricity
supply and sewage disposal. Road repair will be next in priority and finally embankment
development, rainwater harvesting, afforestation, roads on embankments with adequate
arrangements for storm water not to get stagnated, waste management to avoid contamination of
water bodies as well as its utilization for energy generation, strengthening a technology based
early warning system, construction of silos and storage space to store the harvested crop
immediately after harvesting, empowerment of panchayats /local bodies/civil society in terms of
creating self help groups and awareness generation will be required to be undertaken as long term
mitigation strategy. In this connection it is of importance that the „Calamity needs to be taken as
an Opportunity‟ to prepare the society to undertake future challenges.

38. Damage assessment is a highly specialized task and some of the important areas are as
follows:-

(a) Damage to underground water reservoirs to be undertaken as an emergency measure so

that potable water shortage is not allowed to happen. Also all water lines are checked for
any damage. These are flushed and fresh water is released through them.

(b) Assessment of damage to electrical installation with a view to start the supply at the
earliest, it will entail assessment of damage to lines, transformers, water motors and
 terminal equipment. A word of caution that energizing of power lines should be done
with lot of care so that no accident takes place.

(c) The rain water brings with it lots of silt and damages good agricultural land, it will be a
very major task to flush out silt from the fields. Important point in this case is that the
task will have to be completed prior to commencement of Rabi sowing season‟s
commencement.

(d) Areas which are not connected with centralized sewer system and where toilet systems
are soak pit based which invariably will get choked and new pits will have to be created
to make toilets functional.

(e) Standing crop may have got damaged substantially and also grains stored in open also
may have got wet. These will have to be compensated.

(f) A number of buildings may have got either damaged or would have become unsafe,
compensation will have to be provided to affected persons.

(g) In certain cases a number of houses may have got washed away and identified people
will have to e compensated.

(h) Certain cattles may have got washed away and affected people will have to be
compensated.

(i) In addition a number of civic amenities like communication network, medical facilities
water works, sewage treatment plant, schools etc. may have got affected and required to
be restored quickly.

39. The above list is only a representative list for the team earmarked to work out details in a
time bound manner. There is also a need to transfer risk by going for insurance cover for critical
assets during preparatory period.

40. During rehabilitation phase, aim is to help people to get back to their routine quickly and as
such planning has to be perfect and well practiced so that in shortest possible time the life is
brought back to normal.

41. Reconstruction should be part of the well planned mitigation strategy. This plan should be
based on following principles:-

(a) Plan has to be comprehensive and independent of the need to address the immediate
damage. In this connection it is important that most of the rivers passing through the
State; either originate in neighboring state/country of Uttarakhand / MadhayaPradesh /
Nepal or flow into Bihar/Madhya Pradesh. Therefore all plans should be drawn in close
coordination with neighboring states/Nepal.
 (b) Major developmental works should be part of it, keeping in view environmental factors
in mind and ensuring that the embankments are planned in such a way that the water is
channelized and at no stage it is allowed to stop because that will cause bigger damage.
Rain water harvesting should be part of all building complexes so that rain water is
collected and is used during lean period. It should be done through building laws. Roads
are built in such a way that they do not wither away post monsoon, meaning thereby that
roads in high rain intensity areas like Terai should be planned as concrete roads because
bitumen is porous to water. Communication network is engineered more and more on
microwave based system because even during monsoon it remains effective. Uttar
Pradesh has good scope for harnessing of solar energy and building laws be amended to
ensure that every house hold to have PV based electrical system with a good storage
system so that even a small window of open sky helps affected people to get direct
power as well as stored power during cloudy phase. Buildings be planned to suit
environmental condition. Most importantly sewage disposal and waste management be
planned to ensure no stagnation of sewage takes place (more Sewage Treatment Plants
be planned). Finally plantation will help ensuring lesser and lesser of silt and recharging
of aquifer.

(c) Special emphasis should be given to continuous improvement in Early Warning System
leveraging technology.

(d) Floods result into a large number of medical problems; ranging from injuries; water
borne diseases and trauma. In the districts which are likely to be affected more and more
numbers of Trauma Centers need to be planned.

(e) Gridding the entire state depending on peculiar characteristics of the weather and
environment and making plans for executing Mitigation Strategy accordingly.

(f) Calamity should be taken as an opportunity. Development and improvement is a

continuous process and therefore devastation due to floods be used to have a de novo
look at reconstruction works/mitigation plans and attempts through developmental
works be made so that all experienced/anticipated loop holes are plugged.

PART-V: ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Irrigation Department

(a) Prevention
(i) Launch awareness programs to educate communities about the consequences of
floods and also survival measures in emergency.
 (ii) Identify flood prone areas. Survey of river embankments and dams for any cracks
and leakage. Urgent action needs to be initiated towards strengthening of
structurally weak spots well before the start of monsoon season.

(iii) Identification and maintenance of materials/tool kits required for emergency

response to quickly address cracking or breaching of embankments.

(iv) Stock-piling of sand and cement bags and other necessary items for breach
closure.

(v) Repair of embankment and overhauling of Barrage Gates.

(vi) Protection of river erosion at critical location.

(vii) Establishment and staffing of District Flood Control Room at District HQ or any
other suitable location.

(viii) Flood risk zonation mapping in conjunction with Department of Science and
Technology (Remote Sensing Application Centre).

(ix) Development of checklists and contingency plans.

(b) Response

(i) Monitoring and protection of irrigation infrastructures.

(ii) Monitoring flood situation and dissemination of flood warning.

(iii) Inspection of bunds of dams, irrigation channels, bridges, culverts, control gates
and overflow channels in the immediate aftermath of flood.

(iv) Inspection and repair of pumps, generator, motor equipments, station buildings.

(v) Assessment of situation and mobilization of resources at disposal.

(vi) Post disaster audit of all infrastructure; such as embankments, dams, irrigation
facilities etc..

(vii) Prevention of river erosion at critical location.

(viii) Dredging of water bodies and shallow river stretches due to excessive
sedimentation.
 (c) Recovery

(i) Strengthening of infrastructure and restoration of human resources. The concept of

“build back better” be ensured.

(ii) Sharing of experience, creation of knowledge bank and lessons learnt.

(iii) Audit of losses of irrigation facilities.

42. Health Department

(a) Prevention
(i) Accurate and realistic assessment of medical infrastructure and capabilities at
Village, Block, District and State level including private medical and health
infrastructure.

(ii) Identification and location of possible camp sites and ensure hygiene facilities are
adequate.

(iii) Availability of adequate medicines and drugs for commonly occurring ailments
during and post floods.

(iv) Formation of adequate number of mobile units with trained personnel, testing
facilities, communication systems and emergency treatment facilities.

(v) Training of communities, field personnel, Traditional Birth Attendants,

community leaders, volunteers and NGOs in basic medical first aid procedures,
handling of snake bite kits and administering emergency drugs; such as morphine.

(vi) Training members of Village Disaster Management Committees and NGOs of the
villages.

(vii) Promoting and strengthening Primary Health Centres and dovetailing into overall
plans of medical and health care.

(viii) Ensure adequate number of ambulances is available for shifting of patients.

Listing of available ambulances with civil be maintained for requisition or hiring
in emergency.
(b) Response

(i) Ensure early medical attention to all patients and transfer of those needing
immediate evacuation.

(ii) Constant monitoring of situation for outbreak of epidemic.

(iii) Hygiene and sanitation standards in camp location.

(iv) Establishment of public information centers with appropriate and modern means
of communication to assist in providing information to patients, their families,
other people living in epidemic affected areas regarding vaccination, Do‟s and
Don‟ts, treatment facilities, etc.

(v) Monitoring of water and food quality and disposal of waste in transit and relief
camps.

(vi) Stock piling of life-saving drugs, de-toxicants, anesthesia, halogen tablets in

vulnerable areas.

(vii) Regular situation report is given to Flood Control Room.

(viii) Immunization against infectious diseases.

(ix) Disinfections of water bodies and drinking water sources.

(x) Establishment of emergency make shift operation room with adequate staff and
equipment.

(xi) Establishment of staging areas, in case of large distance from flood area to rear
hospitals with basic medical comforts.

(xii) Plan air evacuation of patients, if required air ambulance can also be built in
overall plans for emergency evacuation. Earmark suitable area for helipads.

(xiii) Plans for smooth induction and operationalization of resources and specialist from
State and Centre sources.

(xiv) Quarantine population, if required.

 (c) Recovery

(i) Continuous disease surveillance and monitoring.

(ii) Continuation of treatment, monitoring and other epidemic control activities till the
situation is brought under control and the epidemic eradicated.

(iii) Establish procedures and methods of coordination with the Health Department,
other local authorities/departments, NGOs to ensure that adequate prevention and
preparedness measures have been taken to prevent and/or minimize the probable
outbreak of epidemics.

(iv) Undertake study/research in long term plans to progressively reduce various

factors that contribute to high level of vulnerability to diseases of population
affected by disasters.

(v) Trauma counseling.

(vi) Treatment and socio-medical rehabilitation of injured or disabled persons.

43. Public Works Department

(a) Prevention

(i) Repair and construction of roads to ensure accessibility to the flood areas.

(ii) Availability of essential commodities for establishment of transit camps wherever

required.

(iii) Keep a list of earth moving and clearing vehicles/equipments (available with
Government Departments including the nearby project site of National Highway
Authority, PSUs, and private contractors, etc.) and formulate a plan to mobilize
those at the earliest.

(iv) Urgent repair of bridges and public utilities.

(b) Response

(i) Clearing of roads and establish connectivity. Restore roads, bridges and where
necessary make alternate arrangements to open the roads to traffic at the earliest.

(ii) Mobilization of community assistance for clearing blocked roads.

 (iii) Facilitate movement of heavy vehicles carrying equipments and materials.

(iv) Development of checklists and contingency plans.

(v) Construction of helipads at suitable locations.

(vi) Assist health department in creation of field operation rooms and staging areas for
evacuation of patients.

(vii) Identification and notification of alternative routes to strategic locations.

(c) Recovery

(i) Restoration of public utilities at the earliest.

(ii) Reconstruct the damaged roads and public utilities on the concept of “build back
better” which can withstand future disasters.

(iii) Strengthening and restoration of infrastructure with an objective to eliminate the

factor(s) which caused the damage.

(iv) Review and documentation.

(v) Sharing of experiences and lessons learnt.

44. Food and Civil Supplies Department

(a) Prevention

(i) Identification, earmarking and maintenance of suitable locations for

godowns/warehouses for stock piling of food and necessary supplies.

(ii) Details of each of the warehouse connected to the base warehouse and its distance
from the base warehouse including the capacity of each. Similarly, detailed
database of all the public distribution shops connected to each of the warehouses
including the distance of each needs to be maintained. As this information can be
utilized for safely stockpiling the food grains received from various sources in the
immediate aftermath of a disaster.

(iii) Take appropriate preservative measures to ensure that food and other relief stocks
are not damaged during storage, especially precautions against moisture, rodents
and fungus infestation.
 (iv) Anticipate rough requirement of food items and supplies and ensure unhindered
procurement of same.

(b) Response

(i) Movement of supplies and other commodities in coordination with the transport
department and railways.

(ii) Management of inventory.

(iii) Constant monitoring of stock level of food items and other commodities and
ensure adequate safety stock is always maintained.

(iv) There is likelihood of some common deficiency of essential vitamins and body
minerals due to deprivation. Need for constant coordination with the health
department and procurement and stocking of those items.

(c) Recovery

(i) Maintain a data bank for future references.

(ii) Ensure daily needs of community till normal restoration.

45. Transport Department

(a) Prevention
(i) Ensure availability of transport for various departments; such as Public Works,
Irrigation, Health and Food and Supplies etc.

(ii) Listing of availability of transport with sources other than Government for
requisition or hiring whenever required.

(iii) Listing of vehicles which can be used for emergency operation especially for
carrying the rescue teams and relief supplies.

(b) Response
(i) Requisition of transport for various requirements of departments.

(ii) Act as nodal department for all transport requirements.

(iii) Coordination with railways for transporting essential commodities including food
requirement.
 (c) Recovery

(i) Update and maintain a data bank for all future requirements.

46. Energy/Non-Conventional Energy Department

(a) Prevention
(i) Ensure and educate the minimum safety standards to be adopted for electrical
installation and equipments and organize training of personnel accordingly.

(ii) Develop and administer regulations to ensure safety of electrical accessories and
electrical installations.

(iii) Develop and administer code of practice for power line clearance to avoid
electrocution due to broken/fallen wires.

(iv) Strengthen high-tension cable towers to withstand the impact of flooding,

modernize electric installation, and strengthen electric distribution system to
ensure minimum damages during floods.

(v) Conduct public/industry awareness campaigns to prevent electric accidents during

normal times and during and after a natural disaster.

(b) Response
(i) Ensure electric supply to the flood affected areas is discontinued till situation
improves to avoid any loss of life due to electrocution.

(ii) Restoration of electric supply at the earliest taking due safety precautions. Have a
contingency plan for electric supply, essentially for emergency requirements till
restoration of normal electric supply.

(iii) Attend sites of electrical accidents due to flooding and assist in undertaking
damage assessment.

(iv) Ensure standby arrangements of generators for contingency plans for electric
supply.

(v) Inspection and repair of high tension lines substations/transformers/poles etc.

which have got damaged with the impact of floods.
 (c) Recovery
(i) Replace/restore of damaged poles/salvaging of conductors and insulators with
long term sustenance.

47. Information and Public Relations Department

(a) Prevention
(i) Creation of public awareness regarding various types of disasters including flood
through media propagation.

(ii) Dissemination of information to public and others concerned regarding do‟s and
don‟ts during and after floods.

(b) Response
(i) Ensure no rumour mongering or public speculation by unscrupulous elements by
launching extensive media programs.

(ii) Setting up of a control room to provide authentic information to public regarding

impending emergencies.

(iii) Keep the public informed about the latest of the emergency situation (area
affected, lives lost, etc.)

(iv) Keep the public informed about various post disaster assistances and recovery
programs.

48. Panchayati Raj

(a) Prevention
(i) Training of representatives on various aspects of flood disaster management.

(ii) Public awareness on various aspects of Disaster Management through training

programs to be organized at the Gram Panchayat level on pre, during and post
floods, do‟s and don‟ts to be followed strictly.

(iii) Organize regular mock drills in conjunction with district administration including
evacuation drill of communities to safer places.

(iv) Strengthen the capabilities at village and block level; such as better
communication, storage facilities, search and rescue equipments etc..
 (v) Regular maintenance and cleaning of drainage system.

(vi) Ensure alternative routes/means of communication for movement of relief

materials and personnel to marooned areas or areas likely to be marooned.

(vii) Assist the Government in their plans of prevention and mitigation by active
community participation.

(b) Response
(i) Encourage and support Gram Panchayat members for timely and appropriate
delivery of warning to the community of any floods.

(ii) Clearance of blocked drains and roads, including tree removal in the villages.

(iii) Construct alternative temporary roads to restore communication to the villages.

(iv) Identify the school buildings, community centres and operationalize them into
emergency relief centres and emergency shelters.

(v) Participate in post impact assessment of flood situation.

(vi) Provide support in search, rescue and first aid activities.

(c) Recovery
(i) Provision of personal support services e.g. regular counseling.

(ii) Undertake rehabilitation programs with the assistance from Government.

(iii) Repair/restoration of infrastructure e.g. roads, bridges, public amenities.

(iv) Assist in commencement of schools, hospitals and economic activities at the

earliest.

(v) Supporting the Gram Panchayats in development of storage houses for food
stocks.

(vi) Coordination for distribution of relief and rehabilitation materials.

(vii) The Panchayat Samity and Gram Panchayat members to be trained to act as an
effective interface between the community, NGOs, and other developmental
organizations.
 (viii) Provide training so that the elected representatives can act as key functionaries for
reconstruction and recovery activities.

49. Forest Department

(a) Prevention
(i) Encourage and support plantation activities involving communities. Promote
nurseries by providing seedlings. Educate communities about the absorbing power
of trees especially flash floods.

(ii) Increasing involvement of the community and NGOs in plantation.

(b) Response
(i) Provide building materials such as bamboos etc. for construction of temporary
shelters.

(c) Recovery
(i) Plant additional trees to make up for the loss of trees during the floods.

50. Civil Defence Department

(a) Prevention
(i) Organize training programs on first aid, search, rescue and evacuation for its
personnel to improve their skills.

(ii) Preparation and implementation of first aid, search and rescue service plans for
major floods.

(iii) Remain fit and prepared through regular drills and exercises at all times.

(iv) Organize training programs on search, rescue and evacuation for the members of
the wards and Village Disaster Management Committees and NGOs of the areas.

(b) Response
(i) Act as support agency for provision of first aid, search and rescue services to other
emergency service agencies and the public.

(ii) Act as support agency for movement of relief.

(iii) Triage of casualties and provision of first aid and treatment.

 (iv) Work in coordination with medical assistance team.

(v) Help the Police for traffic management and law and order.

(c) Recovery
(i) Constant participation in various Disaster Management programs and liaison with
other agencies.

(ii) Strengthen and remain abreast with latest drills and procedures.

51. Jal Sansthan/Nagar Nigam/Municipality/Gram Panchayat

(a) Prevention
(i) Plan to provide safe drinking water to all habitats.

(ii) Prior arrangement of water tankers and other means of distribution and storage of
water.

(iii) Prior arrangement of stand by generators.

(iv) Adequate prior arrangements to provide water and halogen tablets.

(v) Raising of tube-well platforms, improvement in sanitation structures and other

infrastructural measures to ensure least damages during future disasters.

(vi) Clearance of drains and sewerage systems, particularly in the urban areas.

(b) Response
(i) Disinfections and continuous monitoring of water bodies.

(ii) Contingency plans for water distribution.

(iii) Ensuring provision of water to hospitals and other vital installations.

(iv) Provision to acquire tankers and establish other temporary means of distributing
water on an emergency basis.

(v) Arrangement and distribution of emergency tool kits required to dismantle and
assemble tube wells, etc.

(vi) Carry out emergency repairs of damaged water supply systems.

 (c) Recovery
(i) Strengthening of infrastructure.

(ii) Review and documentation.

(iii) Sharing of experiences and lessons learnt.

(iv) Training to staff.

(v) Development of checklists and contingency plans.

52. Police

(a) Prevention
(i) Training and preparedness for rescue, evacuation and emergency operation
including operation of motor boats.

(ii) Regular mock drill and practice.

(iii) Procurement and deployment of modern equipment while modernizing the

existing equipment and infrastructure for emergency response.

(iv) Regular cross training with other departments including Para Military Forces and
Army.

(v) Constant liaison with District Administration and District Flood Control Room.

(vi) Ensure communication equipments including wireless sets are operational.

(vii) Conduct training on rescue, evacuation and emergency drills for ward members,
Village Disaster Management Committee and volunteers.

(b) Response
(i) Conduct rescue operations for people marooned in conjunction with other
agencies.

(ii) Evacuation of affected communities to safer areas.

(iii) Ensure safety of camp location and staging areas.

(iv) Ensure law and order situation always remains under control.
 (v) Guard against looting by unscrupulous elements.

(vi) Ensure efficient traffic management including safe and speedy movement of
ambulance and relief material.

53. Animal Husbandry

(a) Prevention
(i) Listing and record of animal population in affected or likely to be affected areas.
(ii) Stocking of medicines and necessary vaccination for animals at safer areas.
(iii) Stocking of fodder for animals at safer areas.

(iv) Listing of suitable vehicles from all sources for evacuation of injured and sick
animals.

(v) Promotion of animal insurance.

(vi) Construction of mounds for animal camps.

(vii) Establishment of field veterinary hospitals with necessary infrastructure for animal
health care and treatment including surgery.

(viii) Training of community and volunteer organizations for disposal of animal

Caracas.

(ix) Arrangements for standby generators for veterinary hospitals.

(b) Response
(i) Ensure injured animals are evacuated to safer areas on priority.

(ii) Eradication and control of animal diseases, treatment of injured animals.

(iii) Operationalization of veterinary hospitals including mobilization of staff.

(iv) Protection of abandoned and lost cattle.

(v) Supply of medicines and fodder to affected areas.

(vi) Disposal of carcasses ensuring proper sanitation to avoid outbreak of epidemics.

(vii) Community participation for carcass disposal.

 (c) Recovery
(i) Assessment of animal losses of local communities.

(ii) Facilitate rehabilitation of affected population by assisting in provision of soft

loans, buying animals with insurance coverage, providing stable and disaster proof
shelter/housing and necessary means of sustenance.

(iii) Establishing of animal disease surveillance system.

54. Science and Technology

(a) Flood risk zonation mapping in conjunction with irrigation department.

(b) Identification of safer places through GIS technology.
(c) Assessment of flood plains in all river basins.
(d) Frequency analysis of floods occurrence based on past year experiences through Remote
Sensing Data.
(e) Creation of flood risk zones & flood plain maps at district level.
(f) Galvanize the scientific community towards disaster risk reduction.
(g) In conjunction with IMD, forecast extreme climate and weather conditions.

55. Relief Commissioner

(a) Nomination of Nodal and Flood Coordination Officer.

(b) Nomination of Nodal Officer for mitigation of interstate flood problems, if any.
(c) Creation of Coordination Committee from different department.
(d) Act as chief coordinator of the State and link between State, Districts and State Disaster
Management Authority.
(e) Establishment and operationalization of State Emergency Operation Centre or Control
Room.
(f) Coordinate with district/departments for mitigation and preparedness, quick relief and
rescue, reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts.
(g) Exercise financial powers as Secretary to the Government of India related to Disaster
Management including disbursement of financial relief to the affected communities.
(h) Periodically review and coordinate the activities of relief operations, if considered
necessary, in the interest of relief operation.
 (i) Sanction detailed schemes, approved in principle, within the relief budget and SDRF &
NDRF norms.
(j) Constant review of existing capabilities of relief operations and take measures to
upgrade the same wherever needed.
(k) Supervise and provide funds for the rescue and relief operations.
(l) Undertake long-term measures by coordinating the activities of different departments in
order to minimize the impact of natural calamities and human causalities.
(m) Steer the mitigation activities towards development and growth of communities.
(n) Monitor hunger and starvation and initiate action to eradicate the same, in any part of the
State due to food scarcity on account of flood disaster.

56. Revenue Department

(a) Carry out the administration relating to land and land revenue and allied subject.
(b) Conduct survey of land and prepare, maintain, update and preserve the land records in
the aftermath of floods.
(c) Control and maintain State Calamity Relief Fund.
(d) Grant financial assistance and relief to affected and displaced individuals in conjunction
with Relief Commissioner and on recommendation of district administration.

57. State Executive Committee The State Executive Committee, being the highest executive
body would undertake the implementation of State Plan and act as coordinating and
monitoring body for management of floods in the affected district of State. The body shall
also monitor the plans prepared by departments of Government of State and district
administration. Remains in constant liaison with National Executive Committee and keep all
State and district authorities informed of latest national policies.

PART-6: MISCELLANEOUS

58. There are some other aspects which are needed to be addressed to make Flood Relief
Operations more effective. This part of the paper will address some of those issues.

59. Capacity Building:- The scope of capacity building entails following:-

(a) Cadre committed for planning.

(b) Manpower meant to contribute during Rescue and Relief operations.
 (c) Skill development of those who work on ground/those who help the workers on ground
to be more effective.
(d) Identification, acquisition and absorption of technology.
(e) Awareness generation among the people and also the stakeholders.

60. Methodology which needs to be adopted to build capacity should have following elements:-

(a) Conduct of courses for all strata of professionals in conjunction with NIDM/UPAAM/
Fire Safety Department.
(b) Reconnaissance of all 40 flood affected districts (17 sensitive, 23 extra sensitive) by a
designated officer not less than inspector rank of NDRF/SDRF. Each officer should get
in touch with their respective district administration and along with district authorities,
visit the areas which get inundated regularly during floods to obtain first hand
information of relief and rescue plans, distribution of food, medicine and water to
marooned villages and relief camps.
(c) Use of Kaushal Vikas Yojna to prepare skilled workers.
(d) Development of Early warning in conjunction with IMD.
(e) Training in first aid of police/self help groups in first aid medical techniques.
(f) Use of NGOs in the domain of capacity building for conduct of short term refresher
courses on various aspects of rescue/relief operations, media handling, technology
awareness generation, damage assessment, logistics management and other financial
management.

61. Stores Management:- Timely availability of stores would play an important part in rescue
and relief operations. However the ground reality in case of floods will be that many a times
certain areas would be inaccessible due to inundation. It is therefore essential that stores/critical
equipment/spares are prepositioned based on a ground reconnaissance and teams earmarked to
handle them. These teams be pre-designated and, through rehearsals, should be made well versed
in handling them. The content of these bricks should be such that they can be used for immediate
rescue/relief The stores can be a tailor made brick; consisting of boats without board motors,
earthmoving equipment, water pumps, water purification kits, power banks for mobile chargers,
field expedients to make small bridges, emergency rations, bottled water and medicines. The
serviceability and of these items should be checked from time to time by those who are going to
be their ultimate users.

62. Organization:-Success of these operations will substantially depend on a organization

which is unitary in accountability with delegated responsibility. SDMA is a designated authority
and it should be at the apex. On declaration of commencement of Flood Relief Operations all
agencies/departments connected with relief and rescue operations should come under the control
of SDMA. Once Relief phase is over and the rehabilitation/reconstruction/mitigation phase
commences the authority of control should revert back to administration. For preparatory Phase as
well as rehabilitation/reconstruction/mitigation phase, SDMA should however remain in the
consultancy role.

Emergency Operation Centre

63. Functions & Responsibilities Emergency Operation Center for flood situation will be
established at UP SDMA. The roles and responsibilities will be as under.

 Set up the control room EOC at UP SDMA with communication linkages with NDMA,
IMD, CWC , irrigation department of U.P., district head quarter/DDMA.
 The communication network will also include linkages with the following.
(a) Army-Headquarter, Central Command, Lucknow
(b) Indian Air Force – Headquarter Central Air Command , Prayagraj
(c) 11th Battalion N.D.R.F., Varanasi
(d) ADGP – PAC / S.D.R.F.
(e) Other organization / Institutes including NGO‟s working for flood relief and rescue
operation.
 Obtain the data input regarding rainfall, water levels at strategic location along each
river basins and all other activities concerning flood relief and rescue from concerned
organization/authority and institution.
 Monitor real time input regarding forecasting of rainfall and increasing water level from
IMD / CWC.
 Dissemination of the above data to the concerned District Headquarter/DDMA‟s to
ensure timely preparedness for relief and rescue operation from respective districts.
 Obtain data for rise in water levels both in vertical and horizontal planes.
 Coordinate relief and rescue operation with District Headquarter/DDMA and Army, Air
force, S.D.R.F. and volunteer organizations.
 Compilation of situation report obtained from flood affected districts.

CONCLUSION

64. Flood Relief operations are meant not only to ameliorate the sufferings of the affected
people but are highly important to ensure the continued growth of the Pradesh. The scope of these
operations is so wide that almost the entire state machinery needs to work together in a
coordinated manner to ensure its success in conjunction with neighboring states, Nepal and the
Central Government, NGOs, cultural organizations and self Help Groups. To achieve
coordination between various stakeholders and inter agency cooperation is so challenging due to
sheer size and scope of the work a lot of rehearsals and preparations are needed and therefore it is
essential that all concerned put their best foot forward to achieve success in these operations.