explain indias drianage system
India has a well-developed drainage system to efficiently manage the excess water and prevent flooding during heavy rainfall. The drainage system in India consists of two types: surface water drainage and underground drainage.
1. Surface Water Drainage: This type of drainage system focuses on managing the flow of water on the surface of the land. It includes various components such as:
a. Natural Drainage: India is blessed with several rivers, lakes, and natural depressions that act as drainage channels. Rivers like the Ganges, Yamuna, Brahmaputra, and Godavari, along with their tributaries, play a significant role in carrying excess water to the sea. Additionally, natural depressions like lakes and swamps act as storage areas during heavy rainfall.
b. Man-made Drainage: To enhance surface water drainage, man-made structures are constructed. These include canals, embankments, and reservoirs. Canals are artificially created waterways that divert water from overflowing rivers and distribute it to irrigation fields. Embankments, or levees, are raised banks constructed along river channels to control their flow and prevent flooding. Reservoirs are built to store excess water during the rainy season and release it during dry periods.
2. Underground Drainage: In addition to surface water drainage, India also has an extensive underground drainage system. It involves the construction of pipe networks, sewage treatment plants, and stormwater drains to manage wastewater and rainwater effectively.
a. Sewage System: In urban areas, an underground network of sewers collects and carries wastewater from homes, buildings, and industries. These sewers transport the sewage to treatment plants, where it undergoes various processes to remove pollutants and make it environmentally safe for disposal.
b. Stormwater Drains: To handle rainwater in cities and towns, underground stormwater drains are constructed. These drains collect rainwater from roads, pavements, and open spaces and channel it toward natural drainage systems or water bodies, preventing waterlogging and floods.
To gather specific information about India's drainage system, it is advisable to refer to government publications, academic resources, or official websites of organizations like India's Central Water Commission and Central Pollution Control Board. These sources provide detailed data, research, and maps related to the country's drainage infrastructure.