Report of the High Level Committee on Floods Volume I General Assessment Principals and Policies

Abstract

Inundation can be caused by a number of factors. When there is excessive precipitation and inadequate channel capacity to carry the flood waters, the rivers overflow their banks. Even when flooding is not due to excessive precipitation, inundation can occur on account of obstruction in the stream. Inadequate waterway at road and rail crossings or other encroachments aggravate flooding by causing afflux. Flooding can also occur due to congestion at confluences. Besides, rain water may stagnate on low lying areas for want of proper drainage.