First published on
This article by Himanshu Thakkar, the Coordinator of the South Asia Network on Dams, Rivers and People, was first published in “Before the Deluge” the 2007 Dams, Rivers and Peoples report by International Rivers. It describes how floods and embankments have worsened floods and even caused floods in India, instead of preventing them. The author also describes a way forward that consists of a comprehensive flood management program, including flood coping mechanisms and flood-preparedness.