Experts suggest regionalisation of flood issue

"A regional conference on Flood Management be organised. The issue may be included in the coming SAARC and BIMST-EC agenda," reads the number one suggestion of the set of recommendations prepared by experts in six working groups in the workshop.

The experts said since most of the 54 common rivers originate from the upper riparian China, Nepal and Bhutan besides India a basin-wise regional river management plan could benefit the countries in reducing flood risks and optimising the water resources in the Ganges, Brahmaputra and Meghna basins.

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Prime Minister Khaleda Zia opened the National Workshop on Options for Flood Risk and Damage Reduction in Bangladesh at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre.

Ministers, officials, development partners and experts representing different fields including disaster management worked out the set of recommendations after brainstorming sessions in six groups.

The groups reviewed flood impacts and mitigation options for economy and livelihood; transport; agriculture, fisheries, livestock and industries; housing, urban planning and utilities supply and environment and social services.

The first working group suggested for setting national priorities on comprehensive flood management, coordinated planning for infrastructural development and flood zoning and flood mapping.

It called for integrating disaster risk management into national development process and introduce Disaster Impact Assessment (DIA) and ensure availability of equipment, material and manpower prior to crisis period through effective contingency plans.

The group suggested that flood warning messages should be made user friendly and relevant to local context.

On structural measures, the group suggested construction of high raised multi-purpose flood shelter both for men and cattle. Roads and highways should be constructed high enough to be used as temporary refuge of affected people along with promoting indigenous coping mechanisms and survival techniques of the vulnerable people.

The recommendations for agriculture and industry sectors largely dominated suggestions on flood proofing mechanisms to protect the infrastructures and resources through preparedness, early warning systems, damage assessment, rehabilitation and prioritisation of flood risk management activities.

The groups suggested for formulation of a comprehensive master plan for disaster management for urban areas including Dhaka.

It said only one organisation should have the authority and responsibility for development and maintenance of drainage systems in Dhaka and other metropolitan cities. It also called for increased annual allocation to the water supply and sanitation sector.

The group recommended introduction of a multi-model integrated transport policy.

The groups also suggested that timeframes should be fixed for implementation of the recommendations.