ABSTRACT

Socio-economic formation in a particular geographical space is always dependent on the type of climate and topography of the prevalent area. Human history is replete with examples of ancient civilizations mostly growing in and around sources of water, namely rivers, seas, lakes, etc. Such sources of water provided sustenance to these civilizations by helping agriculture and communication. Abundance of rainfall was and is a crucial factor that contributed to civilizational growth. For example, Indian civilization over the centuries has depended on timely monsoon and agricultural calendar of Indian peasants evolved as a response to it. But there is also another side of the story. Excess of rainfall have caused largescale flooding leading to destruction of not only property but also human and animal lives. The Andhra flood of 2009 is a case in point. But still, mankind over the centuries in every part of the globe had devised means to cope with natural calamities. It had shown more ‘prudence’ than ‘profligacy’ in dealing with ‘nature’ in pre-industrial/colonial age. However, with the coming of the industrial age, first in Europe and then gradually spreading to other parts of the globe since the nineteenth century, led to a change in the mentality of the people, particularly those in power. A new found confidence in science and technology began to shape their attitude. Developments in science and technology created an illusion that humans can control anything under the sun and be the master of all. ‘Nature’ was now to be controlled and ‘natural resources’ were now to be extensively harnessed and exploited for the use of man. In short, ‘nature’ is to be made subservient to ‘humans’. Natural calamities such as floods were now begun to be

viewed as obstacles to progress and development. Presence of largescale forested areas was considered as impediments to the spread of agriculture. Trees became valuable only as timber and state supervision was used for their synchronized and planned felling. All these ultimately led to deforestation, air and water pollution and unsuccessful attempts at controlling rivers by building large dams in different parts of the globe. In the name of progress natural drainage systems were undermined across the planet when railway and road networks were built across flood plains creating more problems and solving none.