TECHNOLOGICAL SOLUTIONS SUPPORTING THE ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE (ANTI-FLOODING SOLUTIONS) IN AGRO-ECOSYSTEMS.

Global warming and climate change could affect India’s growth story unless a range of steps are taken to address the effects of increased surface temperature and its effect on monsoon pattern and river flows. The mean summer rainfall in India may increase by 10% — along with rainfall intensity — and this will be accompanied by more regional variations. This is likely to affect agriculture and GDP growth. The unprecedented heavy summer rains in 2008 had damaged standing paddy and cash crops. The southern districts had one of the worst floods in the last 16 years, with water rising to more than six feet in some areas. Strong currents aided by increased water flow from the high ranges along with non-stop rain shattered bunds at several areas. A host of man-made factors are responsible for making people more vulnerable to floods. But less recognized are the local damages. Over recent decades, Kerala had seen a higher rise in temperature than the global averages. The state had some of the driest years, side by side with years of abnormal monsoons and heavy flooding in low lying areas. In order to regulate the flood, water flow through the 5 major rivers (into Cochin backwaters) is to be balanced and facilitated. The natural flow of water in Kuttanadu region being south to north, the main East-West road had totally blocked the flow of flood water. One parallel canal beside the road has to be constructed and fully opened up to the nearby river for speedy drainage and for the flood control. The unscrupulous road construction across the canals obstructing water flow and the encroaching of water bodies brought water stagnation in paddy fields. All the drainages obstructed by road construction should be reopened and culverts to be constructed as a substitute besides rejuvenating the abandoned wastelands into paddy fields and fishponds.