ABSTRACT

This chapter examines the contributory role of human factors in climate hazards to improve climate hazard management strategies in Indus River basin. Historically, the average coastal discharge of the Indus River was 106,000 cusecs (cubic feet per second). However, diversions for irrigation reduced this discharge to 28,000 cusecs with long periods without any flow. About 22.05 million hectares of the Indus basin are classified as cultivated area and the canal irrigation system is making cultivation possible over large swathes of land. The high rainfall during the monsoon season in the foothills of the Himalaya often causes additional flooding in the eastern Indus tributaries. In the past, flood plains along the Indus River had a very dynamic flow pattern; however, now it is constrained by embankments on both sides and by several constructed barrages. The irrigation management and flood control measures in the Indus plains are primarily aimed to save cities and villages with strong political connections.