Characterization of river kosi in the monsoon of 2010-12

Abstract

Climatic change, unplanned land use pattern, deforestation, socio-economic change and human intervention are affecting the hydrology of Kosi river basin .In the absence of proper flood management, potential threat of flood damages is increasing in every extreme flood event. The existing structural counter measures in the basin will not be sufficient against probable extreme floods. So, it is necessary to develop non-structural counter measures. The methodology in this study is to develop non-structural counter measures for downstream reach of Kosi river basin so that losses and damages due to flood disaster could be minimized with the simultaneous application of structural as well as non-structural measures. This paper presents the results of statistical analysis as well as model analysis based on Kosi river basin data procured from Central Water Commission office, Patna and TRMM website in order to develop the relationship between various hydrological parameters like rainfall, soil moisture, runoff and hence to develop flood forecasting model using simple statistical tools ( least square methods of best fit technique )and doing inundation analysis using maps available in NRSC website for last three years during monsoon. The results found are satisfactory and can be used for flood forecasting and hence bring down the effect of the menace both in terms of life and property