Coastal Drainage Systems

Needs Address

Measures against erosion, storm surges, flooding, inundation

Adaptation effects

• Reduced flood congestion and waterlogging
• Reduced losses and damage

Overview and Features

Infrastructure for flood drainage after monsoonal or heavy rain or storm surges including culverts, bridges, sluices and flow regulators. These can be used in tandem with embankments and other structural barriers.

Cost

• Equipment, etc.
• Labour

Energy source

• Fuel etc. for construction equipment and maintenance
• Human resources for maintenance

Ease of maintenance

• Drains and waterways must be kept free flowing to ensure smooth operation drainage facilities via e.g. regular de-silting of canals and rivers, cleansing of open roadside drains, trapping and removing flotsam & debris, float booms, mechanical debris removal facility, pumping stations & tidal gates
• Regular drain inspections can aid adequate maintenance

Technology performance

Enhancement of the site drainage to eliminate potential on-site detention can also result in increases in surface runoff

Considerations

• Strategies need to follow a comprehensive approach to planning that recognises drainage system complexity and interconnectivity of its elements such as storm water drainage, , wastewater, water pollution control, and water reuse
• Strategies should protect major urban services, including roads, traffic, water supply, electricity, and telecommunications. It should recognise the importance of open space and green areas as an integral part of city development

Co-benefit, suitability for developing countries

• Provides opportunities for non-farm employment, contributing to poverty reduction
• Coordination amongst different stakeholders including local authorities and communities for management of the system.

Information Resources

Agrawala, S., Ota, T., Ahmed, A.U., Smith, J. and van Aaist, M. 2003. Development and Climate Change in Bangladesh: Focus on Coastal Flooding and the Sundarbans. Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. Available at: http://www.oecd.org/env/cc/21055658.pdf [04 December 2014]