In Gujarat, the effects of terrible floods in which the same dam delayed the release of water are still there. Within the ruined zone, the Bharuch and Narmada districts are the worst affected areas that have seen widespread damages and consequential destruction. The incident has caused great alarm and increased demands, besides generating questions about the official response.
Sardar Sarovar Dam, strategically placed on the Narmada River and possesses diversion water capacity, is a major asset in water management that helps prevent downstream floods. Although the unforeseen release of water from the dam led to horrific consequences for the affected areas, this delayed action can also be described as a mitigating factor overall.
Lives and properties have been lost; homes have been destroyed to a large extent, while businesses that used to be a source of income to these families before the flooding resumed lives and livelihoods of so many have been disrupted. Many villages went underwater, so people were uprooted and got to the point of no return. While rescue operations were ongoing, people desperately needed help. Rescue teams run to save people and provide them with emergency shelters. The Government is focusing on its main targets: bringing people to safe places and serving them with supplies.
As the extent of destructive forces emerges, there arises more and more voices calling for reimbursement for the harmed citizens. Instead of being thankful that the water release was put off and measures were taken to prevent similar disasters, the audience demands an explanation of why the release was delayed and whether the measures were taken on time. The challenges during this disaster management process are evaluated peacefully by local and international authorities. Moreover helping the affected get back to their initial state is the core responsibility of this time.
The Gujarat flood was a grim demonstration of what happens when no proactive measure to mitigate the disaster is taken; this scenario is forthcoming. The disaster clearly points out the need to review old disaster management plans and devise new policies so that the future can be guaranteed to suffer as little as possible.
