a scientific study and recommendations -...

A Scientific Study

And

Recommendations

On the Floods, Flash floods and Landslides

In Chiplun (Dist-Ratnagiri)

In Konkan Region of Maharashtra (India)

Done by

Bharatiya Jain Sanghatana (BJS)

Under the leadership of Dr. P. Basak

To,

Shri. Ajit Pawar

Hon. Minister For Water Resources and Energy,

Govt. of Maharashtra,

Mantralaya,

Mumbai 400 032

Subject : Presentation of the Study Report and Recommendations on

Floods in Konkan Region with specific focus on Chiplun.

Dear Sir,

You might be aware of the role Bharatiya Jain Sanghatana (BJS) is consistently playing in

disaster management beginning from Latur earthquake in 1993. It was at the instance,

inspiration and guidance provided by Hon. Shri Sharadraoji Pawar, the then Chief Minister, we

made a humble beginning in Latur and continued to work in the field of rescue, relief and

rehabilitation in Gujarat, Kashmir and Andaman & Nicobar with his active support.

Contributions of BJS in this particular area can be seen in the enclosed documents as

Appendix - 1.

As part of our work, we were deeply involved in organising relief and rescue operations

during the floods in Konkan, particularly in Chiplun during the unprecedented heavy rainfall

and flood in July/August 2005.

To enhance the effectiveness of our intervention and to visualize proactive and preemptive

measures, we commissioned a two-year scientific study on the causes and remedies of the

recurring flood and flash flood problems of the Konkan Region with specific focus on Chiplun

city and Chiplun Taluka. The Study Report is enclosed herewith.

The responsibility of the comprehensive scientific study was entrusted to Dr. P. Basak - former

Executive Director of the Center of Water Resources Development & Management, Kerala

and a well-known scientist with a background from IIT Kanpur and MIT, USA.

After two years of painstaking efforts, field studies and interactions with the help of BJS team,

Dr. P. Basak came out with the report and recommendations which were further examined

by a group of eminent administrators, engineers and development experts like Mr. D. M.

Sukhathankar (Retd. secretary, GoM) Mr. M. D. Pendse (Retd. Secretary, Dept. of Water

Resources GoM) Prof. Dr. Subodh Wagle (Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai).

Through a series of discussions, which I and Dr. Basak had, and with the other dignitaries

together, final recommendations (on immediate, short term and long term needs for

minimization of impacts of floods in and around Chiplun City) were arrived at for

considerations of Govt. of Maharashtra and is attached herwith for necessary actions.

Sir, we are just through the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen

(December 2009), and the scientific community and political leadership of the world have

come to the conclusion that immediate action is necessary to address one of the biggest

challenges to mankind in the 21st century. The escalation in both frequency and severity of

natural disasters, including floods is the talk of the day in many countries around the world.

The studies by Indian scientists show that global warming will make the Indian monsoon even

more variable and less predictable.

Monsoon has become almost twice as difficult to predict, but the rainfall trends over the past

half-century suggest an increasing frequency of heavy rainfall events i.e. above 100mm/day.

Rainfall is changing its character. When it rains, it pours. (Precipitation in Chiplun was 85 cm. in

72 hours in July 2005)

This crisis situation demands that government should be looking for macro and micro level

planning for mitigation of floods and be prepared to face the challenge.

Our report and recommendations highlight this particular aspect in Chiplun and the model

suggested here can be replicated elsewhere in similar situations.

Keeping this wider perspective in mind, may I request you to kindly consider taking following

actions.

1. Please call a meeting, in your office or at any other place, according to your

convenience, where we can present our report and recommendations and

acquaint the concerned govt. officials about our findings.

2. After the study of the report please convene a second meeting with respective

authorities where we arrive at a decision, after due deliberations, on the

recommendations made by us in the report.

3. Identify if BJS can play a role of catalyst as an NGO, in the process of

implementation of the decisions taken by the Govt. of Maharashtra.

Looking forward for your favourable response.

Thanking you

With warm Regards,

Yours faithfully,

Shantilal Muttha.

National President

Bharatiya Jain Sanghatana (BJS)

INDEX

Sl. No. Topic Page No.

1 Introduction 1

Final Recommendations

Immediate steps for reducing the impact of disaster 4-5

Short term steps to be taken to minimize the impact of disaster 6

2

Long term steps to be taken to reduce the frequency and

impact of flood & flash flood 7-8

Study Report :

Floods, Flash Flood and Landslides in and around Chiplun in Ratnagiri District

of Konkan Region in Maharashtra – Problems & Prospects and Solutions

(Short and Long Term)

Chapter 1 : Introduction, General Information and scientific

data available for the project area

10-48

Chapter 2 : Past History of floods, flash floods and landslides in

Konkan region

49-52

Chapter 3 : Recent flood, flash flood and landslides in Chiplun 53-64

Chapter 4 : Causes and aggravating factors for floods, flash

floods and landslides

62-70

Chapter 5 : Steps taken by the Government and other

stakeholders

71-75

3

Chapter 6 : Immediate, Short term and Long term solutions for

the flood, flash flood and Landslip problems

76-83

4 Appendix 1 : BJS Contribution in Disaster Management

Introduction

During the unprecedented heavy rainfall, floods and landslides in and around

Chiplun (Dist: Ratnagiri) in July/Agust 2005, Bharatiya jain Sanghatana (BJS), as part

of their disaster management background of nearly two decades, instinctively

sprang into action organizing rescue and relief operations and helped thousands of

affected people.

Floods in Chiplun is a recurring feature because of unpredictable behaviour of

rainfall and undue interference of many human activities. BJS thought it fit to go

beyond the temporary relief operations and decided to undertake a scientific study

to find the causes of these natural calamities and suggest some permanent

measures to mitigate the dangerous situation.

Dr. P. Basak, a renowned engineer and autority on water resources, weather and

climate change, who is scientific adviser to BJS, lead the team for this study project

and came out with an expansive report with valuable inputs provided by Mr.

Shantilal Muttha, the National President of BJS and an authority in his own rights in

disaster management.

The recommendations were further examined by a team of experts and

administrators and a final draft was arrived at in due course (see final

recommendations).

This report and recommendations are forwarded to Government of Maharashtra for

appropriate and necessary administrative actions and policy decisions.

1


Final Recommendations on

Immediate, short term and long term measures for

minimizing the impact of recurring floods in

Ratnagiri District

The recommendations enclosed are based on the studies, experiences and

shared thought processes of

Mr. Shantilal Muttha,

Dr. P. Basak,

Mr. M. D. Pendse,

Mr. D. M. Sukhathankar,

Dr. Subodh Wagle,

Shri. Satish Kamat &

Shri. Vijay Jogalekar.

2


Shri. Shantilal Muttha

National President, Bharatiya Jain Sanghatana. Has been at the

forefront in handling disasters from Latur Earthquake in 1993, Gujarat

Earthquake in 2001, Tsunami in Tamil Nadu & Andaman (2004) and many

other natural calamities over the last 17 years.

Dr. P. Basak

Former Executive Director, Centre for Water Resources Development &

management (CWRDM) and a renowned academician and consultant.

Mr. M.D Pendse

Former Secretary, Dept of Irrigation and water resources, Govt. of

Maharashtra, a chartered Engineer and consultant.

Shri. D.M. Sukthankar

Former Chief Secretary, Govt. of Maharashtra,

Associated with various social organizations.

Dr. Subodh Wagle

Prof, Tata Institute of Social Sciences,

Expertise in energy and environmental policies,

President, Prayas, Pune.

Shri. Satish Kamat

Senior Journalist and activist based in Konkan.

Shri. Vijay Jogalekar

Social Activist and entrepreneur based in Chiplun

3


Immediate steps for reducing the impact of disaster

(Flood and flash flood in and around Chiplun)

1. Building design and approval: Every building in the Chiplun flood prone zone

should have the ground floor (10 ft high) reserved for car parking. This should be

made compulsory

2. Slums and unauthorized Ground floors: These must not be allowed

3. Bridge design in the Chiplun flood prone areas: At the maximum recorded flood

height, every bridge should have appropriate clear gap below the bridge

4. Minimum height of the roads in the Chiplun flood prone areas: Every road in the

flood prone area should at least have a height which is minimum 3 ft above the

maximum recorded flood level

5. Networking and coordination with the district and state level NGOs: Govt. should

identify and network with the district & state level NGOs and have a meeting with

them during April – May of every year, where the types of help required from these

NGOs can be identified and accordingly work allotted. This will also avoid

duplication of works between NGOs and increase the bond between Govt. and

NGOs (Present Act & Laws also require this).

6. Advance stocking of the required materials for immediate relief and rescue

operations: Govt. should take steps to procure them (like boats, dewatering

pumps, tarpaulins etc) during summer months for possible use in the monsoon

months.

7. Government’s initiative for crop and cattle insurance for the farmers

8. District Collectors, Deputy Collectors, and Tahasildars are the Primary Officers in the

Government who have to face and take decisions during flood and other

emergencies. Few selected staff under each one of them must be trained in

Disaster Management and they must be made available to these officers during

floods and other emergencies.

4


9. All traders must insure their permanent and movable properties against flood and

other natural hazards. A low premium model of group insurance scheme can also

be thought of.

10. Flood warning, Alert Mechanisms and Disaster Communication System must be

strengthened and installed. (The latest technology and electronic modular

hydromet observation stations which have a facility of continuous rainfall recording

and data transmission through satellite should be immediately installed. These data

of high rainfall can be accessed and processed at the main control room at

Chiplun, which can give advance warning of probable high flood and its time of

arrival. Government should take lead in this work). People must be made aware of

the timings and the situations under which, they are supposed to receive the

warnings and alerts

11. Community Shelters with recyclable materials need be constructed and installed

12. In Disaster Management, participation of community through self help has to be

ensured and for which, training and awareness program need be conducted

13. Water release from the hydroelectric and irrigation reservoirs during routine

operations, as well as, during unscheduled water release in monsoon must be

known to the public (Time of release and the quantum of release) through public

address and other electronic systems.

14. To equip the School and College students and teachers for facing the disasters,

they all should be trained in swimming, rescue and relief along with different types

of first aid and they should undergo at least a week’s training program in all these

facets in Disaster Management

15. All Natural Ponds, Lakes, Wet Lands, Marshy Lands in the Vashishthi Sub Basin must

be preserved, maintained and not converted into in any other form of land for

urbanization, industrialization or agriculturization. These Natural Bodies are

essential for prevention, moderation and regulation of floods and flash floods

5


Short term steps to be taken to minimize the impact of disaster

1. The drainage system in the town should be made free of silt and waste material

to minimize obstruction to the flow.

2. Proper drainage systems should be designed for the town, to carry away the

sewage water as well as the storm water. Present drainage system is very poor.

3. Siva Nadi – a very small rivulet, must be kept clean, vegetations removed, city

sewage and garbage must not be dumped there

4. There are 7 Irrigation projects with small to medium reservoirs around Chiplun City.

The capacity of these storage reservoirs can be increased for storing part of

excess surface run off.

5. The flood plain zoning to demarcate zones liable to flooding of different return

period such as 5, 25, 50,100 years must be made, after the steps to mitigate the

impact of floods are taken. Each zone must be associated with specific land use

pattern, which need be specified and followed by the Board responsible for

development of the Chiplun City.

6


Long term steps to be taken to reduce the frequency and

impact of flood & flash flood

1. Massive afforestation programs in the catchment must be undertaken to convert

waste lands and dry-degraded lands. Existing forests and greeneries must be

maintained and enhanced. These steps are required to reduce soil erosion and

prevent gulley formation

2. Possibilities of inter basin and intra basin water transfer may be looked into from

the point of view of diverting surplus monsoon water from Vashishthi Sub Basin to

the adjacent or nearby water deficit Basins.

3. Mr. Vijay Joglekar (owner of Shriram Tile works, Kherdi, Chiplun) suggest gated

dams should be constructed on the tributaries of Vashishthi at various sites (of

suitable capacity) for storing at least for 3 days of peak river discharge, which

can be later drained to the main river, when the flood level is decreased. The

suggestion is worth investigating.

4. Recently, Konkan Irrigation Circle (Ratnagiri Irrigation Division, South) has

submitted a detailed project report (DPR) for Flood Management Program for

Vashishthi River Basin to the Govt. of Maharashtra for consideration.

As per the above DPR,

The existing flood carrying capacity of the

Vashishthi River is 957.23 Cumecs

Typical average monsoon flood through

The Vashishthi River (which includes

flood through Vashishthi = 3675 Cumecs

flood through Siva River = 813 Cumecs

flood through Koyana Hydel = 320 Cumecs) = 4808 Cumecs

7


The above means only 20% of the flood water is actually getting carried to the

ocean through the river, the rest 80% water spreads to the cities like Chiplun and

Kherdi and surrounding villages

5. To solve the recurring flood problems, the DPR suggested the followings,

• Removal of silt from selected stretch of the River Vashishthi and

Concurrently construct protection walls and earthen bunds in those places

where the river banks are getting eroded

In addition to above, the following measures should also be taken concurrently,

• Construct storages for flood absorption and controlled releases from up

stream

• Scientific studies for deciding the extent and locations of siltation in

Vashsthi and Jagabudi rivers should be taken up through the CWPRS Pune

and by GOM. The research station may also suggest measures to reduce

or prevent siltation

• Scientific hydrological studies to decide 50, 100, 500, 1000 years probable

floods and the corresponding flood plains should be taken up through

expert agencies like Central Designs Organizations of GOM or CWPRS

Pune.

• The above research findings need be critically examined, before

implementing.

8

Floods, Flash Flood and Landslides in and

around Chiplun in Ratnagiri District of Konkan

Region in Maharashtra

– Problems & Prospects and Solutions (Short and Long Term)

A Scientific Study by BJS under the leadership of

Shri. Shantilal Muttha

And

Dr. P. Basak

9


around Chiplun in Ratnagiri District of Konkan Region in Maharashtra


CHAPTER – 1

Introduction, General Information and Scientific Data available for the Project Area

Chapter-1 Introduction, General Information and Scientific Data available for the Project Area

10

Chapter-1: Introduction:

Floods are common phenomena in Kokan. Pen, Panvel, Nagothane, Roha,

Chiplun, Sangameshwar, Rajapur towns in Kokan mostly face the problem of

floods.

All these towns mostly in the context of length lie in the middle of Kokan, Still they

lie about only 30 to 50 meters above the sea level. The Kokan region receives

about 40% of rainfall of the total rainfall of Maharashtra.

Out of the basins of the rivers in Kokan region it is necessary to consider the

Vashishthi sub-basin differently then the other basins in Kokan as round- the-year

water from Koyna project after hydro power generation has been let out in the

river near its origin for the last 35 years.

It has induced fundamental changes in the hydrological regime of the river. And

the most affected town by floods is Chiplun as it is near the confluence point of

Shiv River & Jagbudi River with Vashishthi River. That’s why we have selected

Chiplun town from Vashishthi sub basin for our study. We have done

study of the factors, which causes floods in Chiplun town of Ratnagiri district.

1.1: Location of the Study Area (Chiplun):

Chiplun is a city and a municipal council in Ratnagiri district in the state of

Maharashtra, India, located on the Mumbai–Goa highway (NH-17) in western

India. The city is about 320 km south of Mumbai in the Konkan region of

Maharashtra. It is an industrial town catering to mostly pharmaceutical and

chemical industries. Chiplun is located at 17.53° N 73.52° E. Chiplun is situated on

the banks of the Vashishthi River.


11

Location maps of Chiplun (Study Area) - 1 (a, b, c, d & e):

1b: Location of Ratnagiri District in Maharashtra

1d: Location map of Vashishthi Sub-Basin 1c: Location map of Chiplun Taluka in Ratnagiri District

1a: Location of Maharashtra in India


12

1e: Location map of Chiplun town

1.2: Location of the District:

The Ratnagiri district lies on the west coast

of Maharashtra and has a natural drainage

towards west. Ratnagiri district lies on the

western coast of India stretching 16 o30′

and 18o 5′ N latitudes 73o 2′ and 73o 52′ E

longitudes. Ratnagiri was a vast area under

the administrative control of Kokan Kings.

The place Ratnagiri is the administrative

headquarters of the district and is about

356 km away from Mumbai.

Map No. 2; Location map of Ratnagiri

District


13

1.3: General features of Ratnagiri District:

A. Topography:

The district forms a part of Deccan trap region, which is primarily a plateau,

extending from seacoast to the continental divide, where the peaks rise to 1000

mts. at places.

Geology & Rock:

The district is endowed with variety of rock types of different ages. The rocks

belonging to different lithostratigraphics units namely the Pre Cambrian

Crystalline (belonging to Dharwar and Kaladgi super groups), the Deccan

Volcanics; (represented by ballastic flows capped by laterites). Consolidated

sediments (beach-rock) and unconsolidated sediments (sand along the coast)

and alluvium are present. The generalized geological setting of the district is as

follows

Unconsolidated sediments: recent:

Sands along the coasts

Consolidated sediments :

Quaternary: Beach rock or Karal

along the coast

Late rites : Tertiary: Capping over

basalts

Deccan Volcanics : Creataceous –

Eocene, Basaltic flows introduced by

dykes

Kaladgis : Pre Cambarian: Rajapur-

Quartzite, Sand stones

Dharwars : Pre Cambarian:

Schistone rocks,phyllites quartzites Map No. 3; Geological Map of

Ratnagiri Dist.


14

At the close of Mesozoic era the district was overrun by the sub serial Deccan

lava force in the form of nearly horizontal bed , the earlier flows finding there

regularities of the pretrape reliet. The traps have been divided into 3 groups.

Upper, middle and lower, with intertrappean beds or Lametas at there base. The

traps are found in this district with numerous intertrappean beds or lametas at

their base. The upper traps are found in this district with numerous intertrappean

beds and layers of volcanic ash. The Deccan traps belong to the type called

plateau basalt. They are extra ordinarily uniform in composition over wide areas.

They are generally dark gray to dark greenish grey in colour but brownish to

purple tints are also met with. The most acidic types found have a bluff to

creamy colour. The non-vesicular types are hard, tough, compact and medium

to fine grained, breaking with conchoidal fracture. The vesicular types are

comparatively soft and break more easily. Here the traps are associated with

acid, intermediate and ultra basic rock types derived through differentiation of

original magma.

Map No. 4; Distribution of

Minerals in Ratnagiri Dist.


15

Soils: -

The predominant soil types found in the district are of laterite variety, varying in

colour from bright red to brown red owing to the preponderance of hydrated

iron oxide. The trap gives rise to either a deep brown rich red soil or regur (Black

cotton soil) the regur is rich in plant nutrients such as lime, magnesia, iron and

alkaline, on which cotton and certain dry crops flourish. It has a property of

swelling greatly and becoming very sticky when wet by rain, on drying it

contracts again with the production of numerous cracks. This type of soils rarely

found in the forest. The main soil met within the forest is red soil or red trap soil or

types akin to which it occupies the major portion of the forest area. The soil is

fertile in nature, typically coarse, often with Ferric concentrations, with a neutral

or acidic reaction poor in organic matter and mineral nutrient. The soil has deep

brown or red colour. There are other two types of soils met which are red yellow

and red gravelly soil, which are more coarse and carry forests which are inferior

compared to that carried by red formed which silica, alkalines and alkaline

earth have been leached away, leaving behind alumina, iron, manganese and

titanium. It has vermicular or pisolitic structure bauxite. The lateritic rocks are

usually mottled, reddish-to-reddish brown colour and show vermicular and

tubular cavities often stained with dark brown ferruginous solution. The rocks are

soft and show bright colour when freshly cut they become very hard and dull on

exposure to atmosphere. The outer surface or the beds present a dark to dirty

brown colour and a very rugged and pitted appearance. The laterite on

disintegration gives rise to dusty, reddish-to-reddish brown soil.

The distribution of the soils of above types is as under

1 Red soil: This type of soil in general is met within all the ranges. It is

generally found on middle and lower slopes of the hills and on the

foothills. It also found on undulating grounds. Depth of these types of soils

varies from medium depth to very deep viz. 60cms to 150cms.


16

2 Red gravelly soil: This type of soil is met on with middle and upper hill

slopes of hills all over the districts are occasionally on plains. The depth is

medium to moderately deep i.e 60 to 150 cms.

3 Red and yellow soil: These types of soils are generally met up on

uppermost hill slopes and flat tops of small hills. The depth is generally

shallow to medium i.e 30 to 90 cms.

4 Lateritic soil: Beds of Laterite caps the several peaks and ridges in the

district, which are formed of trap

rock. The depth of locality varies

from place to place shallow to

deep i.e 15cm to 2mtrs. The

lateritic soil generally favors

evergreen species. Xylia xylocarpa

is characteristic species of this soil.

5 The inland areas of the district

show the presence of lateritic soils.

The mouths of the streams of their

estuarine plains are characterized

by alluvial soils. The saline soils

occur in the areas dominated by

tidal ingress.

Map No. 5; Soil Map of Ratnagiri Dist.


17

B. Climate:

The climate of Ratnagiri district is typically of that on the west coast of India with

plentiful and regular rainfall during monsoon, oppressive Weather in the hot

months and high humidity throughout the year. The summer season from March

to May is followed by southwest monsoon or retreating monsoon season. The

period from December to

February is the cold season.

The annual rainfall in various

parts of the tract is heavy

and varies from 3100mm to

4700 mm (Source: District

Planning Map Series,

Ratnagiri, Maharashtra,

Survey of India, Dept. of

Science & Technology). The

incidence of rainfall

decreases as the elevation

drops.

Map No. 6; Climatic Condition of Ratnagiri Dist The climate is generally warm and humid. Minimum and Maximum temperatures

vary from 17.8oC to 34.7 oC during the hot season the climate is decidedly

uncomfortable. The mean annual temperature of the district is 27 oC. Winds are

very strong and blow from west to southwest during monsoon season. During the

period from October to December winds are generally moderate but

sometimes strong in October and blow from directions between northeast and

southeast to south west and North West. In the 3 three months January to March,

the winds continue to be moderate and are predominately from directions from


18

north to south and East to

West. In April When there is a

slight strengthening of the

wind, the direction is variable.

In May there is further

strengthening of winds and

directions are from southwest

to north east and north west

to south east.

Map No. 7; Rain Gauge Station of Ratnagiri Dist.

The Kokan Krishi Vidyapeeth has meteorological observatory at Dapoli. This may

be taken as the representative of the conditions prevailing in this district, being a

coastal district the daily and seasonal variations are not large.

C. Physiography:

The area close to the ghat is highly dissected with deep valleys. The middle part

of the district has many flat-topped hills rising to heights of 250mt to 300 mt

above msl (Source: District Planning Map Series, Ratnagiri, Maharashtra, Survey

of India; Dept. of Science & Technology). These plateaus form a gradual slope

towards west. Most of the tract is very hilly, rugged and in places highly

precipitous with general slope towards west. The Chief hilly range is Western

Ghats or Sahyadris running north –south and forming the Eastern Boundary of the


19

of 40

area. The average width of

the tract is 64 km. The

maximum stretch from north

to south is 180 km. The district

has 167 km. of seacoast.

Locals use Vashishthi being

perennial River for

navigation. Rest of the rivers

i.e. Kelshi, Kalbadevi, Palshet

& Borya are not used for

navigation.

Picture No. 1 Seacoast of Ratnagiri

The average elevation of the Western Ghats is of about 610 meters, the highest

point being 1390mtrs.viz Gherasumargad in Khed taluka, all these hill ranges are

badly cut up by numerous rivulets and river forming very irregular ravines and

valleys. The forest situated mostly on the highest slopes and spurs of these hills,

and are much usually scattered in

patches because the lower slopes

and the flatter tops of the hills are

invariably cultivated Malki lands and

Inam forests. The whole tract dealt

with, is well drained by number of

river streams which originate in

Sahyadris and flow west-wards by

devious course of Arabian Sea. The

main drainage is from East to West

through Savitri, Vashithi, Shastri,

Jagbudi, Bav, Jog, Muchkundi and

Map No. 8;

Relief of

Ratnagiri

Dist.


20

Jaytapur rivers that originate in Sahyadri hills and drain into Arabian Sea. Locals

use Vashisthi River being perennial for navigation. Rests of the rivers are not used

for navigation. Kelshi, Kalbadevi, Palshet and Borya are important creeks.

Picture No. 2; Confluence of Vashishthi with Jagbudi River

Map No. 9; River basins of

Ratnagiri Dist.


21

D. Cropping Pattern:

Almost 90% area of this district is arable land. Sugar cane and cotton are the

dominantly cropped here.

Source: District Planning Map Series, Ratnagiri, Maharashtra, Survey of India;

Dept. of Science & Technology, National Remote Sensing Agency

E. Land use:

The tract being very hilly and rugged, all available areas fit or even unfit for

cultivation are under permanent or intermittent cultivation. The forests have

been in consequence been relegated to steep hills and are much scattered

and isolated due to intervening occupied lands. The forest areas can be

broadly grouped into following zones on the basis of locality factors.

1 Forest areas on the west of Bombay Kokan Goa highway situated on small

hills or hill ranges separated by creeks and rivers.

2 Forest areas on the east of Bombay Kokan Goa highway situated on hills

or hill ranges but situated to the Western Ghats or foot hills of sahyadris.

3 Forests situated on slopes of Sahyadris and its spurs. The total forest area

included in this plan is 61.12 sq.km or 6111.67 ha and Tahsil wise distribution

of area is given below.

Sl

no.

Name of Tahsil Geographical

area of Tahsil

Reserved

Forest

Acquired

Forest

Protected

Forest

Un

classed

Forest

Total

Area in

ha.

% of

Forest

area

1 Mandangad 41520 15.76 250.07 265.83 0.64

2 Dapoli 84670 889.56 0.7 889.07 1.05

3 Khed 99920 2308.95 174.26 2483.21 2.48

4 Chiplun 112510 164.00 22.07 2.75 56.17 244.99 0.21

5 Guhagar 62730 - 151.80 151.80 0.24


22

6 Sangameshwar 129260 141.91 125.57 267.48 0.20

7 Ratnagiri 92590 2.77 320.55 323.32 0.34

8 Lanja 73300 993.17 141.13 58.27 1192.57 1.63

9 Rajapur 128380 292.85 292.85 0.23

Total 824880 4516.12 163.20 2.75 1429.60 6111.67

Table No. 1.1; Forest Cover of Ratnagiri Dist. (Tahsil wise)

The percentage of Forest area to geographical area is 0.74. The Compact forest

is in Dapoli Tahsil and the rest of the forest are scattered. The percentage of

forest area under Forest

Department of Ratnagiri District

is 0.8%, rest of the forest belong

to private forest.

Source: Forest department of

Chiplun Taluka

Map No. 10;

General Land use & Cropping

Pattern of Ratnagiri Dist.


23

F. Demographic Pattern:

The total population of the district is 16, 96,777 (2001 census) and the density is

188/km2 (1991 census). Literacy percentage is 62% (2001 census). According to

Census Operations, 1991, Govt. of India number of agricultural workers is

minimum than household and industrial workers. According to the data

provided by Tahsil office gives a picture of regular increase of population in

Chiplun in last 100 years.

Map No. 11; Urban & Rural

Population Distribution of

Ratnagiri Dist. (1991)

788610504 9833 11849

14236 15847 1735520942

27250

34294

46229

1901 1911 1921 1931 1941 1951 1961 1971 1981 1991 200105000

100001500020000250003000035000400004500050000

popu

latio

n in

(100

0)

year

Fig No.1; Population Growth Rate of Chiplun town


24

F. Disaster related vulnerability and risk levels:

Flood related damage data is available from Chiplun Tahasildar office.

According to the data analysis during 2003-2008, 2005 is the mostly affected

year than the other consecutive year.

0

5000000

10000000

15000000

20000000

25000000

0

1000

2000

3000

4000

5000

6000

7000

2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Estim

atio

n of

dam

age

hous

e(R

s.)

No.

of p

artly

dam

aged

hou

se

Year

Schematic showing the partly damage of houses due to flood in Chiplun taluka during 2003-2008

Partly damaged Damaged in (Rs.)

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

No.

of c

attle

loss

Year

Schematic showing the number of cattle loss due to flood in Chiplun taluka during 2003-2008


25

02468

1012

2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

No.

of c

alam

ities

Year

Schematic showing the number of calamities due to flood in Chiplun taluka during 2003-2008

-1E+08

0

100000000

200000000

300000000

400000000

500000000

600000000

700000000

2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Prop

erty

loss

(Rs.)

Year

Schematic showing the distribution of total property loss due to flood in Chiplun taluka during 2003-2008


26

OUR STUDY AREA (Chiplun):


27

OUR STUDY AREA (Chiplun):

Location:

Chiplun (17.53° N 73.52° E), the municipal council in Ratnagiri District is situated

on the bank of Vashishthi River. The city is about 320 km south of Mumbai in the

Konkan region of Maharashtra.

Picture No. 4; Chiplun

Town

Picture No. 5; Vashishthi

River at Chiplun


28

Map No. 12; Map of Chiplun Town

Map No.

12A:

Location

map of

Chiplun

Town,

Kolkewadi

Dam &

Koyna Dam

(Shiv Sagar

Dam)


29

Land use pattern in Chiplun (According to Nagar Parishad):

The study of existing land use is essential to understand the present pattern of

growth, area under different users, factors responsible for the growth & the

trends of the growth. Area under various users reveals the relative premise of

mixed activities in the town. The detail land use survey has been carried out &

the existing land use map under section 25 of the Maharashtra Town planning

Act 1966 has been prepared (by Nagar palika) by showing the various users in

different colours.

Distribution of existing land use (According to Maharashtra Town Planning Act

1966):

From the study of existing land use map, it would be seen that most of the

residential development has taken place in Bazaar area through which the

Vijapur – Karad –Guhagar state highway passes, in Govalkot area, Mapp area

(areas detached from Bazarpeth area due to the Vashishthi River) & in the Pag

area situated at the southern portion of the town. The residential users are also

existing in small wadis namely Natal wadi, Bhadursheikh wadi, Shankarwadi,

Dadar Mohallah, Babal Galli etc .The area following between main Bazar &

Upnagar is also put to residential use, which is in a town of scattered nature. Rest

of the area is under agricultural uses. The hilly lands under south are quite

barren. The commercial activities are concentrated in Bazaar area. (From

Chinch Naka to Mutton Market) The public and semi public zone is mostly

located on Vijapur Guhagar state highway & Panvel Mahad -Panji road. The

industrial use is negligible. Small workshops & garages with filling stations are

extended near Bhadur sheikh Naka. The following table would give the analysis

of the existing land use.


30

Reference of Fig No. 2:

1. Residential Area

2. Commercial Area

3. Public & Semi-Public Area

4. Industrial Area

5. Transport & Communication

6. Agriculture

7. Open Barren Land

8. Hilly & Under sloped Area

9. Water Bodies

From the above table it would be seen that out of the total area, more then

58.70% area is agricultural. The area under hilly land is also 12.25% of the total

area. Total developed area is only 18.35 % of the total area. Cut of which the

predominant user is residential which is 61.20% of the total developed area.

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Are

a in

Hec

t.

Landuse Pattern

Fig No. 2; Landuse Pattern of Chiplun, Area in Hect.


31

Structural condition of the building: -

Most of the buildings posses’ future life between 15 to 50 years & majority of the

structures are only ground floor. The town is horizontally spread & trend of

vertical development is limited. Most of the structures are having pitched roofs

with Mangalore tiles. This is due to heavy rain in the area. Majority of the

structures are built masonry or brick masonry.

Slums: -

Though the residential development in Gothan area is having poor ventilation &

poor basic services such as sewage water drains, water supply etc. The

development is not called as slum. However the settlements of Chador sheikh

wade, Gage wade are having many huts & old houses of very poor nature.

Settlement of Vader colony is on part with slum.

Growth Trend: -

The town Chiplun has a trend of development towards eastern side, because of

the flood problems in the western side. The trend of development is along

Panvel- Mahad- Panji National High way & also along the Guhagar –Karad –

Vijapur road state highway.

Drainage & Sewerage:

The town is having no drainage system. All the latrines are of septic tank type.

The basket type privies have been completely eliminated. The sullago water is

carried away by road side open gutters as far as some portion of Vijapur-Karad-

Guhagar road is concerned. The remaining roads are not having open gutters

and sullage water utilized for kitchen gardens. The road side open gutters carry

sullage water & storm water to the river Shiv or river Vashishthi. A well drainage

system is badly required for the town.

Disposal of Urban Waste:


32

Most of the garbage is deposited in the backyard of the house & the garbage,

which is dumped in waste ponds on roads, is collected by sweepers & carried

away from the town for dumping at Compost Department.

Demographical information:

As of 2001 India Census, Chiplun had a population of 46,213. Male constitute

50% of the population and females 50%. Chiplun has an average literacy rate of

80%, higher than the national average of 59.50% with male literacy of 82% and

female literacy of 77%. 12% of the population is under 6 years of age.

05000

100001500020000250003000035000400004500050000

1951 1961 1971 1981 2001

Popu

latio

n

Year

Fig,3; Growth of Population in Chiplun Town


33

Vashishthi Sub-basin:

The main basin of Vashishthi river in the Ratnagiri district lies in the sub basin of

Vashishthi. The geographical area of the sub basin is 2233sq.km. This valley lies

between 18 o22‘-18o 45‘N latitude & 73o04‘-73o 43‘E longitude. It is necessary to

consider the sub-basin differently then the other basins in Kokan as round- the-

year water from Koyna project after hydropower generation has been let out in

the river near its origin for the last 35 years.

Map No. 13; Map of Vashishthi Sub-Basin


34

Land use:

The details of the cultivable area, land with forest department, barren land etc

are as per following.

� Source of information: Report of Maharashtra Water & Irrigation

Commission

Population and live stock:

Population:

The population of this basin as per as 1991 census is 4.28 lakh.

0

50

100

150

200

250

Geo.area fors dept Bar. land non ag. use Cult. fal land

Perm past & graz lands

mis.trees & shrubs

Cu. fal.land

Otfal.lands

sown area Ar. sown twi.

Are

a in

thou

sand

Hec

.

Fig No. 6; Schematic showing the landuse distribution of Vashshthi Sub-Basin


41

Map No. 13 A: Location of Chiplun and River Drainage Network in Vashishthi

Sub-Basin


35

Map No. 14; Map of Water shed area


36

Map No. 14 A: Water shed areas near Chiplun Town

It has induced fundamental changes in the hydrological regime of the river. This

sub basin encompasses area of following talukas in Ratnagiri district, Guhagar,

Dapoli, Khed & Chiplun.

Sl.no River Length in

(Kms)

Origin

Place

Altitude Confluence

place

Altitude

(meters)

1. Vashishthi 48 Tiware 720 Dabhol 3

2. Jagbudi 30 Local

Nalla

690 Govalkot 12

Table No. 1.2; Information of Main Rivers

The northern boundary of the Vashishthi sub-basin is middle of Kokan sub basin

22, eastern boundary is upper Krishna west north component (15a) in the west

Arabian sea and the southern boundary is west Kokan-component 24(a).


Commission

Geomorphology:

About 55% of the area of the sub basin is hilly & highly dissected and remaining

45% is lateritic plateau. There are 7 GSDA –designated watersheds. A contiguous

land area that is available for agriculture & irrigation is very merge. But the

Koyna trail race water is easily available round the year. This sub basin is,

therefore, extremely favourable for industries/ industrial processes. This sub basin

is amenable to intensive industrialization from the count. Very small area of the

basin is in possession of the forest department. Therefore, planning for

development of industrial estates can easily be carried out at various places.


Commission

Geology: -


37

The entire area of the sub basin is covered with multi layered Deccan Trap

formation basically formed of lava flows. Amygdoloidal basalt is relatively of

greater occurrence therein. The upper layer of Deccan trap present is nearly

50% part adjoining costal area is transformed into lateritic rock.


Commission

Climate: -

The Climate in this basin is humid. Normally97% of rainfall received is due to

southwest winds, which are received during June to September, & about 3%

rainfall is due to northeast winds. The average rainfall is about 3946 mm (Table

No. 1.4). The area of this sub basin falls under heavy rainfall zone.

Sl. no Details Quantum Year

1 Highest rainfall(mm) 4634 1983

2 Maximum Temperature (oC) 38 1986

3 Minimum Temperature (oC) 13 1996

Table No. 1.3; Climatological Information

Agro climatic zoning of the sub basin is 1-Very high rainfall zone with lateritic soils

(VRL), 3-Ghat Zone (gh). Rainfall variability index is 19(statement 2.5.8).

0

1000

2000

3000

4000

5000

6000

7000

8000

1 3 5 7 9 111315171921232527293133353739414345474951535557596163656769717375777981838587899193959799101103105

year

rainfall (mm)

Fig No. 4; Average annual rainfall of Chiplun, (1901-2006)


38

Evaporation:-Maximum evaporation in the sub basin is 196 mm as of may &

minimum is 41mm as of July. Sl.no. Season Evaporation

1 Kharif 314

2 Rabi 725

3 Hot Weather 659

Total 1698

Table No. 1.4; Season wise Evaporation


Commission

Availability of water resources:

Ground Water Resources: -

The ground water occurrence is limited, the geomorphological & geological

conditions being unfavorably disposed in spite of abundant rains. Similarly the

surface water resources are amply available leading even to nominal use of

ground water for irrigation. The proportion of highly dissected area is more. The

thickness of weathered formation is limited. The groundwater held in aquifers

gets manifested into the rivers through springs on large scale by flowing down

the slope. Consequently, the aquifers get depleted early leading to water

scarcity which is experienced more often.

The water holding capacity of laterite rock is good. As the vesicles therein are

connected with each other, the percolated water flows down in the bed and

finds its way into springs. As per the GSDA-1990 Ground water assessment, total

recharge is 87Mm3 and the number of irrigation wells is hardly 1060.

Experiments have been successfully implemented, which involved utilization of

water obtained by constructing smaller bandharas in laterite rocks to arrest

water and allowing it to percolate for obtaining it locally through wells & kundas


39

taken lower to spring bed levels for catering to irrigation use (especially

horticultural cultivation).

Surface water resources:

River discharge measurements in respects to projects are being carried out by

different methods in this sub basin for the last 32 years. The development of river

gauging stations is a recent one. As per the new gauging, the total average

yield in the sub basin is 5496Mm3. The water availability based on the

information of 30 years from 1964 to 1993 in the sub basin is given (Table No. 1.7).

75% dependability 4522 Mm3

50% dependability 5479 Mm3


Commission

Soil:

The soils in the sub basin are mainly of lateritic formation.


Commission

05

101520253035404550

Reddish brown soils of hill slopes

(basalt)

Lateritic soil Alluvial soil Costal saline soil

Perc

enta

ge

Type of Soil

Fig No. 5; Schematic showing the percentage (%) distribution of soil in Vashishthi Sub-Basin


40


Commission

Water use:

Irrigation use:-

The details such as category wise number of medium, Large minor, minor, Local

sector projects: storage capacities, water use, irrigable area, also completed,

under construction and future projects is given in table 3. The irrigation potential

created through completed projects is hardly 2127 ha and proposed water use

is 30Mm3. Additional area of 11901 ha can be brought under irrigation for which

additional 189Mm3 water will be required as per the present irrigation practices.

Non –irrigation Use: -

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

800

900

Urban Rural Total

Fig,7: Schematic showing the density of population in the Vashishthi Sub-Basin

Den

sity

of P

opul

atio

n

1991 2030


42

The present requirement for non-irrigation use in this sub basin is 20Mm3. It will rise

to 71Mm3 by the year 2030. Water-Mm3

Sl. No Particulars 1991 2030

Urban Rural Live stock Total

1

2

Domestic

Industrial

2 8 5 15

5

26

45

Total 20 71

Table No. 1.5; Use of water in Non-irrigation purpose

Water Balance:

The account of available water resources (surface as well as ground water), its

use for domestic, industrial & irrigation purposes and the regeneration their form

is tabulated in (Table No. 1.13).


Commission

Cropping Pattern:

The cropped area in the sub basin is 67000 ha most of which is of kharif. Paddy is

the main crop. The soil and the climate in this sub basin are favourable for

mango, Cashew nut, Kokum, Sugar Cane, Banana, Hot Weather ground nut

etc. The productivity of the crop of paddy is 22.73 quintal per hect.


Commission

Industries:

No agro-industries exist in this basin at present.


Commission

Hydroelectric Generation:

There is considerable scope for generation of hydropower in this basin because

of favourable geographical disposition. Eleven hydel schemes are under


43

investigation of which 7 are included in the master plan and 4 of these are in

collaboration with Japan. Their capacities are 74 & 1710 MW respectively.

Sl.no. Name of scheme Capacity (MW)

A) Master plan of Hydro power projects

1. Nagayage Tq.Chiplun 20

2. Wadgaon Tq.chiplun 22

3. Jagbudi Tq.Khed 17

4. Jog Tq. Dapoli 7

5 Karkundwadi Tq.Chiplun

7

6 Waki Tq.khed 0.2

7 New Mandve Tq.Khed 0.5

B) Master plan for Pumped Storage Schemes prepared in Collaboration with Japan

1 Kudan(Bk.) 450

2 Kojeshi Tq.Khed 400

3 Madhali wadi Tq.Khed 500

4 Vaitarna Tq.Khed 360

Table No. 1.6; Distribution of Powerhouse in Vashishthi Sub basin


Commission

Transport:

Mumbai Mangalore Broad gauge railway line (Kokan Railway) passes through

this sub basin. Besides this, the national High way no.17 Mumbai Goa & Guhagar

–Karad state high way pass through this sub basin.


Commission

The planning perspective:

Average annual availability in this sub basin is 5496Mm3. After generation of

electricity, 1911Mm3(67.5) TMC of water from Koyna project is let into Vashishthi

River in this sub basin. It is possible to acquire benefit of this water also from this

sub basin.


44

As such the total water availability is as follows:

Mm3

1) Average water availability in the sub basin 5496

2) Koyna tailrace water 1911

Total 7407

Live storages aggregating to 16.32 Mm3 of water have been created through 8

minor projects on Vashishthi & its tributary Jagbudi. Water use of 14.51 Mm3 is

being realized through that. Minor diversions weirs from local sector and

percolation tanks number 80 whereas water use entailed through them is of

order 15.28 Mm3. As such 29.79Mm3 gross water use is ensured in this sub basin.

Effect of variability in yield in not being felt in this sub basin owing to abundance

of water.

The development of Dabhol port is possible by making use of 1911Mm3 water

made available round the year after hydro electric generation which further

joins the sea. The development of this port is coming 25-30 years will closely be

related to tail race water from Koyna. It may be possible to employ the facility of

this port in minimizing the pressure on other means of transport and the load on

Mumbai port .An integrated approach of roads Railways & port even will prove

useful from point of view of development of this basin. Moreover, it would be

possible to make use of tail race water from Koyna for industrial development

with in 20 Km belt all along the river. A combined consideration of all these

facilities would make it possible to undertake water-use based industrialization in

this basin. Chiplun is forging ahead as a growth center in this basin on municipal

and industrial premise. Undertaking proper planning of it appears necessary.

There will be a daily surging effect in the river Vashishthi after completion of

stage 4 as a sizeable quantum, of Koyna water will be let into it in a short

possible duration (sudden large flows for a short time gradually declining

thereafter). It will be necessary to plan it in conjugation by going in for


45

construction of a series of weirs /gates in the riverbed. This will have to be

planned in time. It is also essential to explore in time the possibility of utilizing the

Koyna tailrace water favorably for hydro generation through pumped storage

scheme.

At Dabhol, works of mega projects viz. the Enron power project and the

Hindustan Oen oil refinery is under way in this basin. There is scope to foster

development to Veldur and Dabhol ports, the sea being on west of the basin.

There is scope to promote water intensive industries in Chiplun area, the Koyna

tailrace water being available. Saline land covers 1569 hectares in this basin.

There is need to reclaim the same. It is possible to enhance agricultural

production in this sub basin by using tail race water of Koyna through K.T weirs.

Earlier lift irrigation schemes were taken up by Zilla Parishad with a view to set up

a sugar factory for growing sugar cane. This did not materialize. Crops like

vegetables at least can be grown thereon to make farmers self-reliant. Fodder

crops can also be grown for animal husbandry.

The Kokan Agricultural University at Dapoli is located in this sub-basin. Studies in

respect of cropping pattern, availability of water and the socio economic

impacts of the completed projects in Kokan are under taken through this

industry.

Chiplun is situated on the river Vashishthi. Growth of mangrove is observed in

Chiplun to the seacoast at various places all along the riverbanks and near the

mouth of estuary. About 30 km from the sea coast Vashishthi was once bountiful

in natural mangrove flora.

Around 1965 onwards tailrace water of Koyna H.E. Project is being released on a

large scale in river Vashishthi near Pophali. Since then there has been a decline

in the degree of salinity of river water on account of out break of fresh water. As

a result of this there has being a marked change in the pattern, formation and

nutrients of mangroves, which other wise flourish on the natural saline

environment. On account of such unfavourable situation the mangroves in this


46

area present a distinct characteristics than found any where in the country. The

human interference has increased along riverbanks several kilometers inside sea

due to Koyna tailrace water. Efforts for reclamation of land for cultivation of

paddy along river waters have being intensified. As a necessary precaution,

timely studies as to how much restriction can be imposed on the efforts to bring

the land under mangrove under cultivation are required to be undertaken.

Generally impact of tide and the ebb of sea are feebly felt during monsoon in

Vashishthi River at around 5 Km inside from confluence with sea. Formation of

sand bar as result of gradual silting is observed. The same is attributed to the

gentle slope of the river bed at mouth, nominal and, that too, fluctuating

discharge, tides, ebbs and soil erosion in the upper reaches in this area as a

result of deforestation. Even then Vashishthi is considered to be important river in

view of the stretch of its length & favorable situation for navigation it entails .The

situation has rendered favorable for navigation on account of its around 45km

length stretch least disturbance being encountered for navigation between

tides & ebbs, widened river course down stream of Govalkot and abundant

water received from Koyna reservoir (after generation of hydro electricity). At

about 5 km downstream of Chiplun the river is bifurcated in the triangle so

formed of which Govalkot is situated. Therefore it has facilitated to have natural

stop over from navigation point of view. There is an historical fort at Govalkot. It

appears useful to undertake formulation of a balanced and a integrated

development plan for this basin incorporating industrialization, transport,

arrangement for lifting water from Vashishthi, series of storage weirs in the basin

and so on so as to make favourable use all this.

The water conservation program is being implemented in Vashishthi sub basin

since 1993. Till date (1997) over 400 gully plugs, 1500 CCT s are constructed and

652 hectare area is brought under the purview of watershed programme

encompassing 4 water sheds. Mango (40ha), Cashew nut (10ha), banana and

other fruit crops (51ha) are being cultivated (51ha) evaluated. Periodical


47

evaluation of such programmers is required to be taken and the observations

thereof be made available to the scholars Ratnagiri District.


Commission

Present status of projects on Vashishthi River:

Map No. 15; Location of Projects on Vashishthi Sub-Basin (By Irrigation Department of Ratnagiri District)


48

Chapter-2 Past History of Flood in Chiplun


around Chiplun in Ratnagiri District of

Konkan Region in Maharashtra


Chapter – 2

Past History of flood, flash flood and landslides in

Konkan region

49


Chapter-2

Past History of flood, flash flood and landslides in Konkan region

2.1 Flood prone zones of Chiplun Taluka:

Konkan region is more prone to flash floods & land slips rather than

flood & land slides.

The flood prone areas in Chiplun city are :

1 Pethmap

2 Govalkot

3 Muradpur

4 Shankarwadi

5 Markandi

6 Chichnaka

7 S.T stand area

8 Market area

Map - 16

50


2.2 Flash Flood prone areas in Chiplun Taluka (See Map – 16):

1 Govalkot

2 Majare Kashi

3 Kaluste

4 Kherdi

5 Karambavane

6 Uktad

7 Walope

8 Mirjoli

9 Shirgaon

10 Mundhe Tarfh Chiplun

11 Kanhe

12 Adare

13 Tiware

14 Akale

15 Dalwatne

16 Chinchghari

17 Pimpali

Kuhdre

18 Kalmbaste

19 pedhe

20 umroli

21 veer

22 Kamathe

23 sawarde

24 Kosombi

The Landslide prone areas in Chiplun Taluka (See Map – 16):

1 Bhile

2 Pophali

3 Sawarde

4 Kamathe

6 Asurde

Map - 16

51


2.4 Recorded major incidences of Flash floods, Land slips in Chiplun:

The data for past history is not available in Tahsil office, we have given

application for the same (1950-2007), it was told by the concerned authority

that the records are discarded after every 5 to 7 years. The data given below

is on the basis of discussion with the officers of Government, senior citizens,

and the affected peoples as well as observations.

The Konkan region is highly susceptible to flood as well as landslides. The

floods are of flash flood type i.e. the level of water increases within 3-4 hours

remains constant for 3-4 hours and decreases within 3-4 hours, which means in

one day the flood comes and decreases. So the flood is hardly 2-3 days

phenomenon in the region.

The major incidents in the basin Vashishthi are in

Year Level of water

1909 Not available

1965 Not available

1983 5 feet on road (approximately)

2005 8.25 feet on road (Highest recorded)

2006 5 feet on road

2007 6.5 feet on road

According to Municipality documents there was only one death due to flood

up to 1988, but the flood is coming every year.

The general range of depth (Flood height) was 2-3 feet’s and the level of 2005

was considered as the highest level.

52

Chapter-3: Recent Flood in Chiplun– Frequency, extent & damage





Chapter-3

Recent Flood, flash flood and landslides in Chiplun

53


Chapter-3

Recent Flood, flash flood and landslides in Chiplun

3.1 Floods/flash floods and landslides in Chiplun during last 5 to 7 years:

Identified spots for flash flood in Chiplun Taluka:

1 Govalkot

2 Majare Kashi

3 Kaluste

4 Kherdi

5 Karambavane

6 Uktad

7 Walope

8 Mirjoli

9 Shirgaon

10 Mundhe Tarfh

11 Kanhe

12 Adare

13 Tiware

14 Akale

15 Dalwatne

16 Chinchghari

17 Pimpali

Kuhdre

18 Kalmbaste

19 Pedhe

20 Umroli

21 Veer

22 Kamathe

23 Sawarde

24 Kosombi

Map No. 17: Map showing the flood prone & landslide prone

Areas of Vashishthi sub basin

54


In the case of flash flood in Chiplun city:

1 Pethmap

2 Govalkot

3 Muradpur

4 Shankarwadi

5 Markandi

6 Chichnaka

7 S.T stand area

8 Market area

Landslips in Chiplun Taluka:

1 Bhile

2 Pophali

3 Sawarde

4 Kamathe

6 Asurde

Picture No. 6;

Landslide at

Adare in Tq.

Chiplun (2005)

Map No. 17A:

Flood prone &

landslide prone

Areas of Chiplun

Taluka

55


Records of flood heights, expansion of flood zones:

Records of flood heights of recent years according to the Tahsil Dept.

Year Level of water

2005 8.25 feet on road (Highest recorded)

2006 5 feet on road

2007 6.5 feet on road

No data is available about expansions of flood zones.

Records of deaths, injuries & financial loss (2007):

Major damage was caused to the following villages of Chiplun Taluka namely

Kosambi, Mundhe, wahale, Veer, Nayashi, Umroli, Mundhe Tarfhe Sawarde,

Sawarde, Kamathe, and Dalwatne.

About 15 roads, 2 Bridges were damaged badly & the estimated cost of the

damage was about 11 Cores.

Identified spots as per as Map No. 17.

Picture No. 7; Flood in Chiplun near Markandi Area (2007)

56


Picture No. 8 & 9; Flood in Chiplun Town (2007)

57


Picture No. 10; Damage of road (2005)

Picture No. 11; Damage/loss of goods in the shops in Kherdi Tq Chiplun (2005)

58


Picture No. 12; Damage of the goods in the shop at Kherdi (2005)

Picture No. 13; Condition of BJS office in Chiplun in 2007

59


Picture No. 14; Water spread in Kherdi in Chiplun (2007)

Picture No. 15; Water spread in Kherdi in Chiplun tq (2007)

60


Due to the collapse of bridge of Akale Tiware the communication with the

villages Tiwadi, Rictoli, Tiware was stopped for some days. About 4000 people

were affected. The approach road of the bridge to the village Bhattwadi,

Rictoli Gavthan was damaged.

The estimated damage cost for Kalkawane Akale Bridge was about 20 Lakhs.

The upper surface of the Tiware Kumbharwadi road had flown off. Railings of

some bridges have also flown off.

The cause way pipe of vehicle wader has also flown off during floods. The

approach road near Kosambi Mundhe has also collapsed &the approach

road near the bridge of Dalwatne had developed cracks. The life loss in the

year 2007 is 5 including 1 women & 1 child.

61

Chapter-4 Causes & Aggravating factors for floods in Chiplun





Chapter-4

Causes and Aggravating factors for

Floods, Flash floods & Landslides

62


Chapter-4

Causes and Aggravating factors for

floods & flash floods & Landslides

The Konkan region is much more affected by flash flood rather than flood. The

causes for flood & flash flood can be classified as

4.1 Natural causes and

4.2 Man made causes.

4.1 Five Natural Causes and aggravating factors:-

4.1.1 Climate & Rainfall Pattern:

The climate over here is hot and humid. The rainfall of Kokan region is

very high (3100-4700mm). The heavy rainfall in the Sahyadris and near

by mountain is the crucial cause for flash flood and land slip over this

region.

0

1000

2000

3000

4000

5000

6000

7000

8000

1 3 5 7 9 111315171921232527293133353739414345474951535557596163656769717375777981838587899193959799101103105

year

rainfall (mm)

Fig No. 4; Average annual rainfall of Chiplun, (1901-2006)

63


4.1.2 Topography:

Ratnagiri district and Chiplun area

has undulating topography with high

ranges (>400 mt), Midranges (200 to

400 mt), lower midranges (100 to 200 mts)

and flatish coastal belt (0 to 100 mts)

The hilly areas in the south are quite

barren and have occasional thin soil

cover.

The forest cover of Chiplun Tahasil is

only 0.21 % of the total area, out of

which only 0.8% is protected forest.

Rests are open, barren & degraded

forests.

As a result there is no chance for the

water to intercept causing heavy

runoff accompanied with soil erosion.

The sediments are carried to the

nearby rivers which cause siltation of

rivers, rising of the river bed causing

flood.

4.1.3 Soil Cover:

Because of thin lateritic soil cover and heavy moisture in monsoon,

landslips are more common and landslides are few. Thin soil cover and

exposed rock surfaces further aggravate flood and flash flood

Topogr

aphy

Land

Use &

Forest

Cover

64


4.1.4 Drainage Pattern:

The Chiplun town is located on the banks of Vashishthi River where in

tail water from

Koyna

hydroelectric

project is disposed

off through

Kolkewadi Dam.

This river always

carries-some water

even during

summer. Location

of Chiplun City with

reference to the two rivers (Vashishthi and Jagabudhi) and the Koyana

Hydroelectric projects (Kolkevadi Dam) is shown in the two above map

plates. However during rainy season, when the heavy rains meet the

high tide of the sea through the creek, the back water generally

spreads over the major portion of the town leaving only high level spots

65


like Pag area, Govalkot area, Vindhya wasini area, free from such

submergence.

4.1.5 Location of Siva Nadi – another cause for Flash Flood in Chiplun City

A small river, known locally as “Sivs Nadi” which goes through the heart

of Chiplun City (see the satellite image above) and meets the

Vashishthi River, is also one of the main cause to flood in Chiplun city.

This Siva Nadi, in monsoon has to carry about 6 million cubic meters of

water (calculated on the basis of 30 Sq. Km of catchment area with 200

mm of rainfall in 4 to 5 hours). This highly silted up and river (20 Meter

wide and 5 meter deep) with dense vegetation is also a very potential

threat for the flash flood, primarily affecting Chiplun City

66


4.2 Seven Manmade causes and aggravating factors:-

4.2.1 Lack of appropriate drainage facilities

Lack of appropriate drainage facilities makes the Chiplun city

waterlogged. Siva Nadi, running through the heart of the Chiplun

city, is choked with city garbage and city sewage and

aggravates

the flood situation during monsoon. A glimpse of choked and

over spilling Siva Nadi is shown above. The road side open gutters

carry sewage & storm water to the river Shiv or river Vashishthi. A

well drainage system is badly required for the town.

Most of the garbage is deposited in the backyard of the house &

then dumped in few waste ponds by the side of the roads

4.2.2 Deforestation in the upper catchments:

According to the Forest Department, local people in the upper

catchments area main player in deforestation. Due to this reason

67


the upper catchments is more barren resulting the gully erosion,

flash flood and landslip.

4.2.3 Land use pattern in the river basin:

Apparently, there is no land use planning, currently in vogue, in

and around the Chiplun

City. There also seems to

be no protection for the

wet lands and no

protection for conversion

of paddy land into urban

housing and other urban

use. Massive deforestation

in the upper catchments

resulted the degeneration

of fertile forest land into

waste land (see the

adjacent land us map of Ratnagiri district). This has worsened the

situations further with specific reference to the floods, flash floods

and landslides & land slips.

4.2.4 Urbanization in the river basin and upper catchments:

Due to construction of new buildings, pavements, filling up the

ponds, small water bodies, wet lands and constructions in the

flood planes in the rivers, have all added negative factors in

igniting and floods during high rainfall days. Measures for so

called development (without concerns for the long term

environmental impact) by Municipality & the Government,

themselves have compounded the problems to flood in the

Konkan Region in general and Chiplun region in particular.

68


4.2.5 Increase of Population:

Increase in the population in the flood prone area also increases

the vulnerability of the damage. During last 100 years there is a

rapid population increase in Chiplun town (see fig below) and in

the Vashithi River Basin. Increase of population means further

deforestation, further urbanization, further choking of drainage

paths and hence more damages during floods.

0

10000

20000

30000

40000

50000

1951 1961 1971 1981 2001

Popu

latio

n

Year

Fig,3; Growth of Population in Chiplun Town

4.2.6 Water release from the hydroelectric and irrigation reservoirs

As per Report of Maharashtra Water & Irrigation Commission

Vashishthi sub basin

Average surface water availability in the sub basin 5496 Mm3

Koyna tailrace water through Kolkavadi dam 1911 Mm3

8 minor irrigation projects on Vashishthi & its tributary 14.51

Mm3

Total 7421.51 Mm3

During routine operations, as well as, during unscheduled water

release in monsoon from Kolkavadi dam in the Vashishthi river

basin might trigger flash floods. No warning before such water

69


release will significantly increase the collateral damages and

public miseries.

4.2.7 The rising of the bed level of the river and formation of islands

The rising of the bed level of the river and formation of islands on

the river channels due to heavy siltation arising out of

deforestation in the upper catchments and urbanizations around

the river (upstream & downstream) are some of the direct

reasons of flood in the Konkan region and elsewhere in the

country

70

Chapter – 5: Steps taken by govt. & others





Chapter-5

Steps taken by the Government and other stakeholders

71


Chapter-5

Steps taken by the Government and other stakeholders

Types of steps, which can be taken by various stakeholders

To meet the flood, flash flood and landslides or landslips in the Vashishthi river

basin with focus to the Chiplun city, one can think of 2 types of steps and they

are

A. Proactive Steps to remove or minimize (if possible) the 5 natural and 7

manmade causes of floods, flash floods and landslides, as explained

Chapter-4. These pro-active steps are primarily meant for long lasting

solutions of the recurring problems, people are facing in affected areas.

B. Reactive 6 groups of steps, once hazards have already arrived or about

to reach the spots. They are primarily meant to provide immediate help

and reduce the sufferings, people are facing. The 6 groups of reactive

Steps are

1. Preparedness, Awareness, Community mobilization

2. Prediction, Warning, Evacuation:

3. Rescue, Relief, Rehabilitation:

4. Steps taken to faster recovery and faster return to normalcy

5. Steps taken related to dovetailing the disasters in the

developmental process

6. Steps taken related to impact minimization in the sectors like,

health, industry, agriculture, economy, infrastructure, education,

transportation etc

72


Government and other stakeholders in the Chiplun Taluka and elsewhere

need to take proactive steps to ensure absence or reduction of disasters in all

the years to come. For this, all the root causes for recurring floods, flash floods

and landslides have to be removed (as far as possible). These root causes are

pointed out in the Chapter 4.

Within the available information to the BJS Team, hardly, we could find any

concrete proactive steps from any quarter. Though, few those proactive steps

are in the proposal stage only. We would talk more about it in coming

chapters.

So far as, reactive steps are concerned, Government and other stakeholders,

did take few steps (though many more were desired) to minimize the impact

of floods & flash floods in and around Chiplun Taluka. Available information

on such reactive steps is summarized below.

Reactive steps on Rescue, Relief and Evacuation Operations:

In the 2007 the Chiplun Municipality had published a booklet with addresses

and phone numbers of Government offices, officers, Doctors, Ambulance

holders who are involved in disaster management operations. .

� The Nagar

Parishad had

made a

provision of five

boats to rescue

the people

from the flood

zone areas.

� Similarly it has

purchased 25 buoys, 25 life jackets, 25 Rubber tubes, and ropes for the

rescue of people.

� Army force was deployed for rescue operations.

73


The Government had also hired schools & colleges for temporary

rehabilitation of the victims during flood. General public actively participated

for rescue and also helped the Govt. authority and N.G.O.s for rescue

programs taken by them.

For evacuation during flood in the year 2005 the people had been

temporarily shifted in the hired schools & colleges. In the year 2007 there was

no need to evacuate the people, because the flood was not so dangerous.

In the year 2005 food grains were provided to the affected people by the

Government. Food packets were thrown from Helicopters in the flood areas.

Compensation was provided to the victims for the damages of the houses &

shops. A number of N.G.O.s has also helped by providing food grains, clothes

& utensils to the victims.

Relief material provided by NGO's in Kherdi,

Chiplun and other places of Chiplun Tq.

74


The Government has rehabilitated victims from following villages to safer

places

to new Kolkewadi village near Kalambaste village.

1 Shirgaon

2 Munde Tarfe Chiplun

3 Tiware

4 Akale

5 Dalwatne

6 Bhile

7 Pophali

8 Govalkot

Major deficiencies observed in the Reactive Steps taken by the various

Stakeholders

• Organized efforts to make the people aware about do’s and don’ts to

effectively face the disasters (during, before and after the floods) were

either absent or were weak

• Warning and alerting services required for the people to take steps to

save themselves was either nonexistent or weak

• Hardly any efforts were made to train the volunteers to make them

competent to help the Governmental machineries for disaster services

and also take independent initiatives

75

Chapter-6: Suggested solutions of the flood in Chiplun





Chapter-6

Immediate, short term and long term solutions for the

flood, flash flood and landslip problems

A. Immediate Steps to be taken to reduce the impact of

disaster (flood and flash flood in and around Chiplun)

B. Short term steps to be taken to reduce the impact of disaster

C. Long term steps to be taken to reduce the frequency and

impact of flood & flash flood

76


Thirteen (13) Immediate Steps to be taken to reduce the

impact of disaster (flood and flash flood in and around Chiplun)

1. Building design and approval: Every building in the Chiplun flood prone zone

should have the ground floor (10ft high) reserved for car parking. This should

be made compulsory

2. Bridge design in the Chiplun flood prone areas: At the maximum recorded

flood height, every bridge should have at least 7 ft clear gap below the

bridge

3. Minimum height of the roads in the Chiplun flood prone areas: Every road in

the flood prone area should at least have a height which is minimum 3 ft

above the maximum recorded flood level

4. Slums and unauthorized Ground floors: These must not be allowed

5. Networking and coordination with the district and state level NGOs: Govt.

should identify and network with the district & state level NGOs and have a

meeting with them during April – May of every year, where the types of help

required from these NGOs can be identified and accordingly work allotted.

This will also avoid duplication of works between NGOs and increase the

bond between Govt. and NGOs

6. Advance stocking of the required materials for immediate relief and rescue

operations: Govt. should take steps to procure them (like boats, dewatering

pumps, tarpaulins etc) during summer months for possible use in the

monsoon months.

7. Government’s initiative for crop and cattle insurance for the farmers

77


8. District Collectors, Rural Development Commissioners and Tahasildars are the

Primary Officers in the Government who have to face and take decisions

during flood and other emergencies. Few selected staff under each one of

them must be trained in Disaster Management and they must be made

available to these officers during floods and other emergencies.

9. All traders must insure their permanent and movable properties against flood

and other natural hazards.

10. Flood warning, Alert Mechanisms and Disaster Communication System must

be strengthened and installed. People must be made aware of the timings

and the situations under which, they are supposed to receive the warnings

and alerts

11. Water release from the hydroelectric and irrigation reservoirs during routine

operations, as well as, during unscheduled water release in monsoon must

be known to the public (Time of release and the quantum of release) through

public address and other electronic systems.

• After generating hydroelectric power, a huge amount of water of

the order of 1911 Million Cubic Meter of water/year is released to

the Vashishthi River at a point not far from Chiplun City. In monsoon

months, this release may cause immediate flash flood. Hence, it is

very important that public knows the exact time of this release,

particularly in monsoon months.

• To reduce the effect of surging (& hence flash flood), while

Kolkewadi dam lets water in the River Vashishthi, we need to

construct a series of weirs/gates in the river bed at the appropriate

places.

78


12. In Flood prone areas like Chiplun, Holiday sessions of the schools and

colleges should reoriented. Summer holidays may be shifted to the Monsoon

months and may be renamed as Monsoon or Flood Holidays

13. To equip the School and College students and teachers for facing the

disasters, they all should be trained in swimming and they should undergo at

least a week’s training program in Disaster Management

79


A. Eight (8) Short term steps to be taken to reduce the impact of

disaster

1. De-siltation of the dams should be done at every 5-7 years depending

upon the silt accumulation in the dam.

2. About 4 tones/hectare/year silt comes in the river, which causes siltation of

river bed and reduces the depth and hence, carrying capacity of the

river. To improve the carrying capacity of the river the sediments and

debris should be removed on a biyearly basis

3. The Islands formed in the river should be removed or modified so that flow

velocity of the river will not be hampered.

4. The drainage system in the town should be made free of silt and waste

material to minimize obstruction to the flow.

5. Siva Nadi – a very small rivulet, must be kept clean, vegetations removed,

city sewage and garbage must not be dumped there

6. There are 7 Irrigation projects with small to medium reservoirs around

Chiplun City (see the map next page). The capacity of these storage

reservoirs can be increased for storing part of excess surface run off.

80


Location of Projects on Vashishthi Sub-Basin (By Irrigation Department of Ratnagiri District)

7. Proper drainage systems should be designed for the town, to carry

away the sewage water as well as the storm water. Present drainage

system is very poor.

8. The flood plain zoning to demarcate zones liable to flooding of different

return period such as 5, 25, 50,100 years must be made. Each zone must

be associated with specific land use pattern which need be specified

and followed by the Board responsible for development of the Chiplun

City.

Chiplun

81


B. Seven Long term steps to be taken to reduce the frequency

and impact of flood & flash flood

1. All Natural Ponds, Lakes, Wet Lands, Marshy Lands in the Vashishthi Sub

Basin must be preserved, maintained and not converted into in any

other form of land for urbanization, industrialization or agriculturization.

These Natural Bodies are essential for prevention, moderation and

regulation of floods and flash floods

2. Massive afforestation programs must be undertaken to convert waste

lands and dry-degraded lands. Existing forests and greeneries must be

maintained and enhanced. These steps are required to reduce soil

erosion and prevent gulley formation

3. Possibilities of inter basin and intra basin water transfer may be looked

into from the point of view of diverting surplus monsoon water from

Vashishthi Sub Basin to the adjacent or nearby water deficit Basins.

4. Mr. Vijay Joglekar (owner of Shriram Tile works, Kherdi, Chiplun) suggest

gated dams should be constructed on the tributaries of Vashishthi at

various sites (of suitable capacity) for storing at least for 3 days of peak

river discharge, which can be later drained to the main river, when the

flood level is decreased. The suggestion is worth investigating.

5. Recently, Konkan Irrigation Circle (Ratnagiri Irrigation Division, South) has

submitted a detailed project report (DPR) for Flood Management Program

for Vashishthi River Basin to the Govt. of Maharashtra for consideration.

82


As per the above DPR,

The existing flood carrying capacity of the

Vashishthi River is 957.23 Cumecs

Typical average monsoon flood through

The Vashishthi River (which includes

flood through Vashishthi = 3675 Cumecs

flood through Siva River = 813 Cumecs

flood through Koyana Hydel = 320 Cumecs) = 4808 Cumecs

The above means only 20% of the flood water is actually getting carried to

the ocean through the river, the rest 80% water spreads to the cities like

Chiplun and Kherdi and surrounding villages

6. To solve the recurring flood problems, the DPR suggested the followings,

which will cost Rs. 30.53 Crores

• Removal of silt from selected stretch of the River Vashishthi and

• Construction of protection walls and earthen bunds in those places where the

river banks are getting eroded

7. For the long term solution of the recurring flood, flash flood and land slip

problems of the Chiplun Taluka, we suggest, a committee may be formed to

look into in all the above 5 suggestions and come out with various

combinations of packages which will provide sustainable solutions

83

Appendix – 1 : BJS contribution in Disaster Management

1

Appendix – 1

BJS contribution in Disaster Management

Bharatiya Jain Sanghatana (BJS) is a non-profit, non-political, social service

organization founded by Shri. Shantilal Muttha in 1985. Spurred by a need to bring

about social transformation in India, the BJS has been in the forefront of doing

exemplary work in the field of Social Service, Disaster Management and Education.

BJS is a professionally managed organization with a national footprint. It has a strong

network of offices and volunteers in India spread over 28 states. BJS has fully

utilized the resources of this network in terms of manpower, infrastructure,

finance and logistics to reach out to the people hit by disasters any where in the

country. This network promptly rises to the occasion whenever natural or other

disasters occur anywhere in the country. BJS helps in rescue, relief and rehabilitation

efforts to all people without any discrimination.

BJS stepped into the field of disaster management in the year 1992 when the country

witnessed one the worst man made disasters in its history- the communal riots, which

broke out after the demolition of the Babri Masjid on December 6, 1992, in Uttar

Pradesh.

Commendable work has been done by BJS in disaster management during 13 major

disasters across the country. The Disaster management projects undertaken by BJS

are

1. 1992 : Peace Restoration Efforts During Communal Riots

The demolition of the Babri Masjid on December 6, 1992, in Uttar Pradesh led to

large-scale communal riots and destruction across India. BJS, under the able

leadership of Shri. Shantilal Muttha, made an appeal for restoration of peace and

conducted a “SHANTI YATRA” – a Peace March -between December 1992 and

February 1993. Mr. Muttha and BJS volunteers (then called Akhil Maharashtriya Jain

Sanghatana) walked through sensitive towns from Pune to Nagpur, joined along the

way by religious leaders from various communities as well as prominent public figures.


2

The Shanti Yatra made an impact and brought about a visible and dramatic

change in the attitude of the communities.

2. 1993: Relief Rescue and Rehabilitation post Latur Earthquake

On September 30, 1993, a massive earthquake shook the small-unknown rural districts

of Killari, Sastur and Latur in north west Maharashtra. The loss to life and property was

unimaginable. BJS mobilized about 800 volunteers within a few hours. Rescue camps

were set up immediately and more than 30,000 people were provided food, shelter,

medical care and other relief material. BJS camps drew praise and appreciation

from several national leaders.

Mr. Shantilal Muttha was moved by the plight of the orphaned children. He strongly

felt that it was possible to give them hope and an opportunity for a better life by

providing them with compete care and education. The idea of educational

rehabilitation was mooted and about 1200 orphaned children were relocated to

Pune. The Wagholi Education and Rehabilitation Center (WERC) was the outcome of

this decision. These children were moved to this facility and given free education,

boarding and lodging.

The WERC facility has been a home and school for many a child orphaned by

subsequent disasters.

3. 1996: Rehabilitation Program For Malnutrition Affected Children From Melghat

Melghat in Amravati district, Maharashtra has the dubious distinction of being a

perpetually famine affected area where every year, hundreds of young children die

of starvation. Grade III and IV type of malnutrition is widely prevalent. In 1996, about

50 malnourished tribal children were rehabilitated at WERC until they completed their

schooling.

4. 1997: Rescue Relief And Rehabilitation After Jabalpur Earthquake

The earthquake struck Jabalpur and its surrounding areas in May 1997.The maximum

damage was noticed in the districts of Jabalpur and Mandla. About 887 villages


3

were affected. Once again BJS relocated the orphaned children to WERC for their

educational rehabilitation.

5. 2001: Rescue Relief & Rehabilitation After Gujarat Earthquake

On republic day in January 2001, a massive earthquake, with its epicenter near Bhuj,

struck Gujarat. About 7633 villages in Gujarat were affected, many were just mounds

of rubble. BJS responded immediately and provided relief and rescue. As a long-

term rehabilitation measure, BJS reconstructed 368 schools in a record time of 90

days and handed them over to the Gujarat Government. The aim was to enable

children to restart academics at the earliest such that future prospects are not

adversely impacted due to stoppage of school sessions.

6. 2002: Rescue & Relief During Akola Floods

In August 2002, heavy monsoons in north Maharashtra caused flash floods causing

heavy loss to life and property. The district Akola was the worst affected. District

collector contacted BJS with an appeal for help. BJS volunteers from various parts of

Maharashtra rushed to help the flood victims. BJS focus was on immediate

evacuation of the people from the flooded areas. This was supplemented with

supply of food and medicines the provision of temporary shelter.

7. 2004: Rescue Relief in Tamil Nadu After Tsunami

In December 2004, a massive earthquake with its epicenter under the sea near the

Indonesian Island of Sumatra caused what is now known as the 2004 Indian Ocean

Tsunami. The Tsunami brought with it large scale damage and destruction to life,

property and environment in all the countries on the periphery of the Indian Ocean.

The Union territory of Pondicherry and the state of Tamil Nadu were one of the worst

hit areas. Within hours BJS volunteers established six relief camps attending to the

basic needs of the affected people arranging for food, shelter and medical aid.


4

8. 2004: Rehabilitation in Andaman & Nicobar After Tsunami

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands were severely impacted by the 2004 Indian

Ocean Tsunami. The Tsunami permanently changed the topography of the Islands;

some have submerged completely and the coastlines of many have permanently

changed. After taking stock of the loss and the need, BJS reconstructed 34 Primary

Health Centers and Sub-centers on various islands so that the islanders would have

access to medical care as early as possible. BJS also reconstructed 1 completely

damaged school for the children to return to education at the earliest. With the

consent of the local government BJS implemented a 3-year educational

improvement programme as a rehabilitation initiative. The impact of this project is

reflected in the enhanced scores and passing percentages of the students.

9. 2005: Rescue & Relief After Stampede At Mandhardevi Temple.

In January 2005 the annual pilgrimage to the Temple of Mandara Devi, at Wai,

Maharashtra turned into a terrible tragedy when and unexpected series of events

culminated in a stampede where about 300 pilgrims died. Soon after the tragedy

125 BJS volunteers, some of them students and teachers from WERC, reached the

temple premises and began rescue & relief work immediately. A team of 25 doctors

provided immediate first-aid to the injured people and shifted them to the hospitals

at Wai for further treatment. BJS provided the pilgrims with shelter, fresh food &

medical attention.

10. 2005: Maharashtra Flood Relief

In July 2005, unusually heavy rains lashed the coastal areas of Konkan and Western

Ghats in Maharashtra, causing extensive flooding in Raigad and Ratnagiri districts in

the Konkan region, with many towns and villages under water. Maharashtra

experienced one of the worst floods in its history. The state government called on BJS

for support in relief and rescue. BJS set up kitchens to provide fresh food, three times

a day, to the displaced. As an effort at mitigation, BJS set up a project office in

Konkan to research on prevention. This report is the outcome of the research project.


5

11. 2005: Rescue, Relief & Rehabilitation: Kashmir Earthquake

In October 2005, an earthquake struck the difficult to reach, mountainous regions of

Jammu and Kashmir. BJS provided 870 prefabricated structures to the J &K

government free of cost, for providing shelter to the affected people on the

threshold of a severely cold winter. The material used for the reconstruction of

schools in Gujarat was dismantled, as the Gujarat Government rebuilt permanent

school structures, and had been stored. BJS commissioned special trains to transport

this material to Uri and Tangdhar, the worst affected areas. This is perhaps the first

instance when material used in one disaster area was recycled and used at another.

As a rehabilitation measure about 450 children were relocated to WERC for

educational rehabilitation. However, due to political compulsions, these children had

to return to J & K at the beginning of the next academic year.

12. 2006: Maharashtra Flood Relief

In August 2006, heavy monsoons in the regions where the rivers Krishna, Godavari

and Koyna flow in Maharashtra, caused overflowing of the embankments and

breaches in some places. This resulted in floods that affected people living in these

regions. More than 4 lakh people had to be moved to safer areas and emergency

supplies of food and water were provided to them. The BJS volunteer network

immediately came to the rescue of the people, helping them to move to safer areas

and supplying them with relief kits and medical care.

13. 2008: Bihar Flood Relief

In August 2008, the river Kosi which flows from Nepal into India, into the state of Bihar,

breached a large section of its embankment causing it to suddenly change course

and inundate a large areas in north Bihar. BJS teams from Pune reached the

affected districts, set up base camps from where relief and rescue was provided.

Within days, BJS staff and volunteers accessed some of the most difficult-to-reach

and remote sites and marooned villages. BJS continued with its operations for 6 long

months, even after most other agencies had left. During the 6 months, teams of BJS

relief workers, in rotation, left Pune every week for Bihar to provide medical care.


6

Today, BJS stand adequately empowered. With an exhaustive experience of almost

18 years in managing disasters across the country, from J & K to the Andaman and

Nicobar Islands, it is able to respond to the disasters within hours. BJS operations are

manned by professionals and volunteers from numerous walks of life and experience.

The well-knit nationwide network of offices, staff and volunteers provide excellent

support during calamities. The Jain community is never short of resources and is well

known for its philanthropic leanings. The strong network and the close rapport within

the Jain community across the country helps BJS to plan, organize and deploy

material and manpower in minimal time. BJS now takes a holistic and preventive

approach to disaster management to minimize loss of lives, livelihood and property.

BJS is dedicated to nation-building by providing rehabilitation resources during

natural and man-made disasters by creating and promoting parameters of

excellence.

a scientific study and recommendations -...

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