The article discusses a comprehensive biodiversity study conducted in the southern part of Ratnagiri district, located in the Konkan region of Maharashtra, India. This study, which spans from 2022 to 2024, highlights the unique ecology and environment of the area, particularly focusing on the sada landscapes—barren yet biologically rich flat-topped hills—during the monsoon season.

Summary:

• Konkan Region Description: The Konkan region is known for its beaches and temples, transitioning from the mountainous Western Ghats to rolling hills called sada, which are flat-topped and formed through prolonged erosion.

• Ecosystem and Flora: These sada landscapes become vibrant during the monsoon, displaying unique and endemic flora. A biodiversity survey recorded 459 plant species, with 105 being endemic, in addition to 31 reptile species, 13 amphibian species, 169 bird species, and 41 mammal species.

• Agricultural Practices: Locals employ traditional farming methods on the sada to cultivate rice and millets, avoiding chemical fertilisers and pesticides, emphasizing a sustainable agricultural ethos tied to the region's cultural practices.

• Water Availability: Research led by hydrogeologist Renie Thomas and hydrologist Divyanshu Pawar indicates that the sada’s geology allows for consistent freshwater access year-round due to the catchment properties of the lateritic soil. The community maintains various freshwater sources, like wells and springs, often linked to local rituals and communal hygiene rules.

• Biodiversity in Water Bodies: The water bodies in this region support various species, including the vulnerable Indian flapshell turtle and serve as vital resources for several wildlife species, including leopards and migratory birds.

• Threats to the Ecosystem: However, the region faces significant environmental pressures. Increasing land conversion for orchards and residential areas, developmental projects, and mining for laterites threaten the persistent habitats. The classification of sada as ‘wasteland’ in the Wasteland Atlas exacerbates the threat.

• Conservation Concerns: The study underscores the importance of the local ecosystems and calls attention to the need for conservation efforts amidst changing land-use patterns and threats from development and mining activities.

Important Sentences:

• The Konkan region is characterized by its beaches, temples, and unique landscapes transitioning from the Western Ghats to the sada hills.
• The biodiversity survey recorded 459 plant species, including 105 endemic species, and a rich variety of fauna in the region.
• Traditional agricultural practices on the sada utilize local resources sustainably without chemical inputs.
• Freshwater availability in the area is maintained through the geological properties of the lateritic soil, benefiting the local communities.
• Rituals and community rules associated with the maintenance of water bodies support biodiversity, providing habitats for vulnerable species.
• The ongoing conversion of land for development and the classification of sada as 'wasteland' pose significant threats to the ecosystem integrity.
• The essay advocates for conservation measures to address these environmental challenges and safeguard the biodiversity of the Ratnagiri district.

Recently, Bihar has been hit by significant flooding, affecting approximately 11.84 lakh people who are now displaced and dependent on air-dropped food supplies. This recurring problem, particularly prevalent in North Bihar, has led to widespread devastation of crops and livestock, forcing residents to attempt recovery every year only to face similar challenges again.

Key Factors Contributing to Flooding

• Geographical Positioning: Bihar is the most flood-prone state in India, with 76% of North Bihar's population exposed to recurring flood threats. It is traversed by multiple rivers, both snow-fed and rain-fed, which increases vulnerability to various types of floods.
• Types of Floods: The state categorizes floods into four classes:
  • Flash floods: Quick onset with a short lead time from rainfall in Nepal.
  • River floods: Moderate lead time and prolonged receding.
  • Drainage congestion: Lasting through the monsoon season.
  • Permanent waterlogging: Resulting from multiple environmental and infrastructural issues.

The sedimentation from Himalayan rivers due to their young geological structure causes them to overflow, exacerbated by local environmental management failures like encroachment of drainage channels and embankment structures.

Recent Flooding Events

This year's floods have been particularly severe due to heavy rainfall, floods in Nepal, and the release of large amounts of water from the Kosi River's barrage, with reports indicating the highest water discharge in six decades. The embankments designed to control the Kosi's flow have frequently breached, leading to extensive damages across multiple districts.

Failure of Structural Solutions

• Embankments and Their Dilemmas: Initially constructed post-independence, the embankments intended to manage river flow have, over time, made the Kosi river more prone to flooding by narrowing its channel, preventing sediment distribution, and causing increased riverbed elevation.
• Breach Reports: There have been multiple reported breaches in the embankment despite lower water levels than their initial design capacity, showcasing ineffective engineering responses to natural phenomena.

Economic and Social Impact

The economic toll of the floods is severe, affecting crops, infrastructure, livestock, and prompting distress migration. The state reportedly expends around Rs 1,000 crore annually on flood management and relief efforts.

Proposed Solutions

The persistent flood crisis has led to discussions about potential structural responses, including the construction of a dam and additional barrages on the Kosi and other rivers. However, engineering solutions face hurdles, such as bilateral cooperation from Nepal. Moreover, local experts emphasize the need for:

• Non-Structural Solutions: Improved flood management through legislative, policy-oriented approaches focusing on risk reduction, awareness, and preparedness.
• Targeted Policies: Recommendations from experts suggest adopting strategies that embrace risk minimization rather than relying solely on structural measures.

Conclusion

Bihar’s ongoing flooding issues present a complex challenge intertwined with the region's geography and historical management decisions. While emergency aid is imperative, a dual approach combining both structural and non-structural solutions is essential for effective long-term flood management and resilience building in the vulnerable areas of Bihar.

Important Bullets:

• Bihar experiences annual flooding affecting millions, leading to displacement and reliance on emergency food supplies.
• 76% of North Bihar's population lives under the constant threat of floods due to the state’s geographical features.
• Floods categorized into flash floods, river floods, drainage congestion, and permanent waterlogging highlight diverse causes and consequences.
• Past structural solutions like embankments have proven inadequate, leading to worsened flooding conditions.
• Economic impacts include damages across agriculture and infrastructure, costing the government significantly each year.
• Proposed solutions focus on both structural (dams, barrages) and non-structural (awareness, policy changes) approaches for effective flood management.