THIS year flood warning is no doubt serious as compared to the floods of 2010. In my opinion, which is subject to correction by flood experts/engineers, etc., there should be no danger of floods, particularly in Sindh which has natural disposal of flood water in sea. This is only possible if the river dykes are regularly maintained and made strong enough to fight against the strong flow of water.

Apart from this, usually there are other causes of floods such as non- dredging of river beds, wave wash, and slopes along protection bunds being devoid of vegetative cover.

Actually trees fell on the upper reaches where the melting snow in the shape of water flows with full speed towards rivers. If these slopes are devoid of vegetation, the speedy flow of water by creating cavities on the surface along with the slopes in the hills takes away all the silt on the surface as well as along the slopes and throws it in the beds of river. As a result huge amount of silt gets deposited in the beds of river and, therefore, water rises up and starts overflowing the banks.

If trees on these spots are protected this hazard can be vigorously dealt with otherwise dredging through machinery is beyond the financial resources of the country.

As far as wave wash is concerned, the tree strip plantation in the toe of the protection, bunds in a width of say 100 feet or more, will suffice to reduce the wave wash effect to a great extent. Now the abkalani season is in full swing, if babul seed is sown during the flood as well as after the flood water recedes, there will be profuse growth of babul which, if taken care of, will be of great benefit during the floods of next year.

This measure is less expensive as compared to other expensive techniques. In case where stone pitching etc., is deemed necessary and essential, then these costly works will become more durable. This is the right time to take the opportunity.

Apart from this, grass should be grown along the top of the protection bund as well as its slopes to keep the soil intact. If these measures, which are neither tedious nor so expensive, are taken I am sure the main cause of breaches can be controlled/reduced to a great extent.

LALA FAZAL BALAEEHyderabad