Revisiting Flood Management Process in Transboundary Koshi River in Nepal and India

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the various aspects of flood management process in the transboundary Koshi River between India and Nepal focusing on the institutional framework. The technical and administrative cause of the most disastrous and most recent flood in 2008 are discussed. Existing policies and institutional mechanism between Nepal and India on the management of the Koshi River are analyzed. In reference to such policies and institutional mechanism, lack of proper co-ordination and complex organizational structure was identified as one of the major element that has hindered the effective flood management along with other few elements. Finally, based on the experiences of the transboundary river flood management around the world as well as considering the unique nature of Koshi, different key elements that might be helpful in improving the management of floods are proposed.