Netherlands’ ‘Room for the River’ project that Kerala CM wants to replicate

Why in news?
  • Last year, Kerala had witnessed the century's worst floods, which claimed nearly 500 lives and wiped out thousands of homes.
  • The Netherlands has historically been prone to flooding of rivers due to its low elevation.
More in news
  • ‘Room for the River’ Project:
    (1) The project is centered on protecting areas adjoining rivers from routine flooding and improving water management systems in delta regions.
    (2) The basic premise is to provide more space for the water body so that it can manage high levels during floods.
    (3) The project implemented at over 30 locations across the Netherlands and funded at a cost of 2.3 billion euros, involves tailor-made solutions for each river.
    (4) A key aspect of the project is also to improve the surroundings of the river banks through fountains and panoramic decks.
    (5) The landscapes are altered in a way that they turn into natural sponges which can accommodate excess water during floods.
    (6) Among the nine measures are:
  • lowering the flood plain,
  • deepening the summer bed.
  • Strengthening of dykes.
  • Relocation of dykes.
  • Reducing the height of the groyne.
  • Increasing the depth of the side channels.
  • Removing obstacles.
Source
Indian express.




Posted by Jawwad Kazi on 24th May 2019
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