Things to be done in Sylhet to prevent Flash Flooding in future days.(According to me)
Hello Guys,
I am a noob and I know very less about civil engineering and disaster management. This are just combination of my internet research and my thinking.
Steps to be taken by Govt.:
Long Term Plan:
Over the past various measures have been taken to try to address it in terms of Embankments, Desilting and Dam building. While embankments have helped solve the problem in one area it has worsened situation further down the river flow. Basic Physics at work — constrict the flow and it will flow faster and one it widens it spills faster too.
- One option for fixing the problem is to make the riverbeds of the Surma and nearby rivers deeper. However, the endeavor is expensive and time-consuming.
- To put in place a reliable drainage system.
3. To control water level, construct an efficient irrigation and water-diversion system.
4. Widespread plantation and creation of highlands with the silts found from dredging.
5. Building canals and long-lasting river banks.
6. Refining water waste and stopping the dumping of trash into waterways.
7. Numerous and efficient rainwater collection systems
8. Construct something like an underground water discharge channel as its done in Tokyo, Japan.
9.Most of the river change their course periodically
10. Build seawalls along river banks of the most vulnerable region.
Proposed Complicated Plan by me:
Man made reservoirs:
1. Create Decentralized reservoirs on land areas to divert portions of monsoon waters and restricting them from adding extra water to the Surma river flow. This will help solve a portion of problem. And it may turn into tourist spot which will create new income source for the govt and local employment.
2. 2ndly, create reservoirs on the bank of river to divert portions of the flow from Surma river and other rivers in Sylhet to reduce water volume from the river. These reservoirs can be again used as decentralized location and tourist attraction. Some of these reservoirs can be used as hub for fisheries etc.
3. 3rdly, the soil dug for making these reservoirs can be used in creating new high ground in National Parks so animals will have a new safe haven.
Transport Water to dry areas of Bangladesh:
Except for the relatively dry western region of Rajshahi, where the annual rainfall is about 1,600 mm (63.0 in), most parts of the country receive at least 2,300 mm (90.6 in) of rainfall per year.
We can transport/transfer water from water harvested due to excess rain from Sylhet to dry Rajshahi regions.
The next natural issue that comes up is how do you transport water? Well when there was a drought in Latur of India they ran water trains. And it has a good network across India. Dedicated regular water transporting trains can be run in the beginning that will fill up the water reservoirs completely across the country. As things streamline we can plan for a pipeline project that can address the problem in entirety in Bangladesh. If you think the distance is too much, Google about it — Trans Africa Pipeline project is planned for 8000 km and will run horizontally across the African continent.
Steps to be taken by local Govt. and Affluent people of Sylhet region:
1. Housing Architecture of Important and Emergency Buildings:
A floating architecture could be somewhat useful in saving the loss of property and lives of people at home and taking shelter Disaster relief shelters.
Challenge: Flash Flood situation which has lots of momentum, could be a big challenge for such floating houses.
Innovative Design with use of anchor pillars may be able to solve that problem
If Nigeria can do it — I hope we can do better than that.
Amphibious Architecture: 12 Flood-Proof Home Designs
2. Portable Drainage System:
Why a portable drainage system? Because our nation’s Decision maker will soon center on the traditional integrated approach of building canals that serve several cities. This may have moved the water to areas suffering from drought. or at the very least to the water collection facility.
Even if there is a long-term drainage system, there will still be cleaning required to prevent individuals from leaving their trash there.
Therefore, these mobile systems that deploy seasonally are directing traffic to water harvesting stations or other appropriate locations.
3.Crowdsourcing Or say Involving society:
Any efforts won’t be possible either by government or people alone — this needs to be society/mass effort, govt. should give those participants tax holiday or some incentive to those who are unemployed.
