Context
Recently, extremely heavy rainfall caused flooding in several parts of Kerala, particularly Kottayam, Pathanamthitta and Alappuzha. River and reservoir siltation, wetland loss and rapid urbanisation have reduced the landscape’s capacity to absorb and safely drain excess water.
Explanation
- Siltation is the deposition of soil and sand in riverbeds, causing aggradation and reducing river carrying capacity.
- Sediment accumulation also lowers reservoir storage capacity and may obstruct natural drainage.
- Wetlands and floodplains act as natural sponges by storing excess rainfall and moderating flood peaks.
- Their conversion into built-up land removes this ecosystem service.
- Roads, concrete and other impervious surfaces reduce infiltration and increase surface runoff and urban flooding.
- Flood mitigation requires catchment protection, wetland restoration, regulated land use, stormwater drainage and scientifically planned desiltation.
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Urban Flood Risk: Kerala’s Siltation Challenge