A Brainstorming Workshop on "Converting Extreme Rainfall Events into Opportunities" was organized by ICAR-Indian Institute of Water Management in collaboration with Indian Society of Water Management (Odisha Chapter) at ICAR-IIWM, Bhubaneswar on 22nd November. Dr. T. Mohapatra, Hon'ble Secretary (DARE) & DG (ICAR) graced the function as Chief Guest. Presentations on flash floods in hilly terrains, floods in plains and water logging in agriculture and urban areas caused due to extreme rainfall events occurring in different parts of our country in recent years and the management strategies/policies for flood with ultimate aim for betterment of the society/ farming community were made by some eminent Scientists/Professors/experts. Dr. G. Amaranth from International Water Management Institute, Colombo; Dr. Paul Pavelic from International Water Management Institute Southeast Asia Regional Office, Lao PDR; Prof. (Dr.) A. K. Gosain, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi; Prof. (Dr.) M. K. Jain from Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee; Dr. T. Thomas from National Institute of Hydrology Regional Centre Bhopal; Dr. Y.R. Satyaji Rao from National Institute of Hydrology Regional Centre Kakinada; Dr. A. Anandan from ICAR-National Rice Research Institute, Cuttack; and Dr. S. K. Ambast and Dr. S. Roy Chowdhury from ICAR-Indian Institute of Water Management were invited speakers in the workshop. The Scientists/Professors, Engineers and Officers from different Institutes and Regional Centres of ICAR; Orissa University of Agriculture & Technology; Department of Water Resources, Department of Agriculture, and Directorate of Soil Conservation & Watershed Development, Government of Odisha participated in the workshop and discussed on the issues pertaining to the topic. Secretary (DARE) & DG (ICAR) expressed his concern for more accurate forecasting of flood events and the effective management of flood water in agriculture under climate change scenarios. Secretary also stressed on the need for further strengthening of research on the issues and to make action plan for flood affected areas with collaboration among different Institutes in the Country.
Earlier, Dr. S. K. Ambast, Director, ICAR-Indian Institute of Water Management welcomed the dignitaries and briefed about the workshop. At the end of programme, Dr. P. Panigrahi presented the vote of thanks.