Flood Plains or Floodplans? A Review of Approaches to Water Management in Bangladesh

Critical review of key aspects of water management on the floodplains of Bangladesh and looks at the lessons that can be learnt from past attempts at flood control intervention. Using the example of the Bangladesh Flood Action Plan, it illustrates the way contemporary approaches to flood control have not only failed to learn from past experience, but have addressed the wrong 'problems'. The reasons for these failures are explored and proposals made for an alternative, integrated approach to water management. Ultimately, this new approach must address the political economy of decision making and the involvement of the poor majority of Bangladesh in defining the 'problems' and 'solutions'.