Question

In what way can floods be converted into a sustainable source of irrigation and all-weather inland navigation in India?

Answer 1

Floods can affect any country during rainy seasons. During floods, most water is simply wasted without being used. Floods can be a good source of water for irrigation purpose in places that receive less rainfall.

• Inundation canals are one of the most effective ways to best make use of flood water. This type of water drainage system can easily be constructed that can prove helpful source of water for low land regions.

• You can also try and divert the flood water to form a small and narrow stream or river that flows nearby to the land that is rich for cultivation, but lacks water source. The water from the stream can be used for irrigation.

• Another major ways is to try and construct a dam or check dam nearby to the flood water such that it is not allowed to flow back to the sea or ocean. The dam can be good source of water on regular basis for many months.

Answer 2

The methods that can be adopted for preventing floods and creating a ‘sustainable source of irrigation’ and all-weather inland navigation in India are by diverting the river water and creating canals.  

Explanation:

• There are other forms of irrigation channels built across the country like dams, Bandharas, khuls, Aharr and Pynes for diverting the river water and prevent flooding and also for use of inland navigation in India.

• The inundation of canals is an effective method used for the flood-water drainage system. These are built around the irrigation system that is restricted to the land lying on a level lower than the river valleys into which the floodwaters flow.  

• There are channels built for diverting excess water from overflowing rivers to rivers in ‘non-perennial regions’ that are useful for ‘all-weather inland navigation’ in India.