ENVIRONMENTAL FLOWS : FLOOD FLOWS

Clear objectives for managed flood releases must be defined through a study of the ecosystem, economy, and social structure of the floodplain. In this Note, a managed flood is defined as a controlled release of water from a reservoir to inundate a specific area of downstream floodplain or river delta to restore and maintain ecological processes and natural resources for dependent livelihoods. Such releases are undertaken in collaboration with stakeholders. This is distinct from planned releases to test floodgate operations or to optimize storage in multi-reservoir systems, and from unplanned releases made to prevent dam failures.