**4.12 Paradigm shift**

Given the socio-economic conditions prevailing these days all over the world, it is vitally important to ask as to what the development paradigm should be. Thus far, there seems to have been a more focus on concentrated development rather than distributed development. That is one reason for mounting losses due to floods. It seems that a more appropriate way to alleviate social unrest, reduce flood-caused losses, and improve the environment is to distribute the development. That will also reduce urban congestion, eliminate traffic jams, save energy, and reduce health care cost.

Another point that seems to be overlooked is the connect between decision makers and stakeholders. Policies are made for people or stakeholders but their input is not often vigorously sought. That leads to the disconnect between policy makers and the people for who the policies are being made. This seems like a contradiction but is often the case. In democracy, policies should people-driven, not the other way round.

Further, in flood management the focus should be on apriori planning and management which is called proactive approach, but in most cases it is the reactive approach that is followed. It will require a concerted effort on the part of government agencies responsible for flood management to start adopting a proactive approach which will save lives and reduce damages.
