Patterns of flood in terms of magnitude, size and intensity undergoing changes: IIT Study | Current Affairs | Vision IAS
News Today Logo

Patterns of flood in terms of magnitude, size and intensity undergoing changes: IIT Study

Posted 08 Jul 2025

2 min read

IIT Delhi and IIT Roorkee have found that riverine floods in India are changing over the past 40 years (1970–2010) based on data  from >170 monitoring stations across the country.

Key highlights of the study

  • Decline in Flood Magnitude:  74% of stations showed decreasing flood magnitude trends whereas 26% showcased increasing trends. Larger catchment experienced reduced flood magnitudes
    • Region Specific:-
      • West and Central Ganga basin: 17% decline per decade in monsoon floods (due to declining precipitation and soil moisture)
      • Narmada basin: Consistent decrease in magnitude of floods(mainly on account of dam construction)
      • Marathwada region: River flows are decreasing at 8% during monsoon and 31% in pre-monsoon season
  • Rise in Pre-Monsoon Flood Intensity:  Malabar Coast (Kerala, Tamil Nadu): Increase of 8% per decade in pre-monsoon flood intensity (due to rising pre-monsoon rainfall). It affects rivers such as Chaliyar, Periyar, Bharathapuzha etc.
  • Shift in Flood Timing: Upper Ganga(delayed floods), Central India (earlier floods), Southern India (generally sees later floods) 

Implications

  • Reservoir operations & water security: Declining floods may mean lower reservoir levels affecting water supply, irrigation and hydropower.
  • Overhauling of Flood management system: Increased focus on early warning, green buffers, smart planning, and resilient infrastructure
  • Tags :
  • Flood
  • Changing Floods
Watch News Today
Subscribe for Premium Features