Kolhapur becomes first Maharashtra district to implement comprehensive flood management plan

Mumbai: In a pioneering move that could redefine disaster preparedness across India, Kolhapur has become the first district in Maharashtra to implement a Comprehensive Flood Management Plan (CFMP).

Kolhapur’s flood management model sets a benchmark for other vulnerable states in India, demonstrating what’s possible when science, governance, and communities converge with purpose.

As climate change intensifies extreme weather events, Kolhapur’s approach offers a replicable, sustainable path forward for disaster-prone regions nationwide.

Designed to protect lives, livelihoods, and infrastructure from the devastating impact of recurring floods, this initiative marks a watershed moment in climate resilience planning.

"Kolhapur has witnessed the fury of floods far too often, and each time we’ve responded with resilience. But now, with this comprehensive plan in place, we’re moving from reactive response to proactive preparedness. This isn’t just about infrastructure — it’s about empowering communities and putting life into the system, like a Pran Pratishtha,” said Kolhapur district’s Collector Amol Yedge.

“Through local participation, technology, and forward planning, we’re building a living, breathing system of resilience. This plan reflects our collective promise to safeguard Kolhapur’s people, heritage, and future,” he added.

Kolhapur’s vulnerability to floods—especially along the Panchganga River basin—has long been a concern. From the catastrophic floods of 2005 and 2006 to the prolonged inundation of 2019, the district has faced repeated devastation.

In response, the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) Kolhapur, in compliance with the Disaster Management Act 2005, has developed a robust Flood Management Plan for 2025.

Led by Palladium as the Technical Advisory Unit for disaster management to State Disaster Management Authority and District Disaster Management Authority, this initiative is the result of months of fieldwork, technical analysis, and consultations in collaboration with local authorities, signifying strong interdepartmental collaboration.

A dedicated budget under the State Disaster Mitigation Fund (SDMF) has been allocated by the Government of Maharashtra to support both the development and rollout of this plan. The integrated approach ensures that preparedness, prevention, and recovery are addressed in a unified framework.

Salient features

• Comprehensive flood history and risk mapping, identifying vulnerable zones across talukas

• Structural measures including strengthening of embankments and barrages, regular dredging of the Panchganga River, and drainage upgrades across urban and rural areas

• Non-structural strategies like community awareness campaigns, early warning systems, and the use of real-time hydrological models

• Technology-driven solutions such as GIS and remote sensing for flood forecasting and land-use planning

• Sustainable practices including forest regeneration and watershed management to reduce runoff and support natural absorption