The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 21 approved the proposal of Department of Water Resources, RD & GR for continuation of centrally sponsored Scheme, “Flood Management and Border Areas Programme (FMBAP)” with a total outlay of ₹4,100 cr for a period of five years from 2021-22 to 2025-26 (The 15th Finance Commission period).
An elated Assam Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma took to his social media handle on X to express his appreciation. Dr. Sarma highlighted the importance of the scheme for a State like Assam, which has a long-standing history of being flood-prone and shares riverine boundaries with neighbouring countries. The Chief Minister emphasised that the FMBAP encompasses various components tailored to mitigate the unique challenges faced by Assam, thereby aiding in the realisation of the State’s vision to build a flood-free Assam.
Assam Water Resources Minister Pijush Hazarika said the Union Cabinet’s decision will augment the State’s existing efforts to mitigate floods and river erosion.
“This is excellent news that will augment our existing efforts to mitigate floods and river erosion. Assam will greatly benefit from the River Management and Border Areas component of the FMP. The funding plan has been extremely generous for NE States. My gratitude to the Government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for this record outlay in conserving our rivers,” the Minister tweeted on his social media handle on X.
The Scheme has two components. Under the Flood Management Programme (FMP) component of FMBAP with an outlay of
₹2,940 crore, Central assistance will be provided to State Governments for taking up critical works related to flood control, anti-erosion, drainage development and anti-sea erosion, etc. The pattern of funding to be followed is 90% (Centre): 10% (State) for Special Category States (Eight North-Eastern States and Hilly States of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and UT of Jammu & Kashmir) and 60% (Centre):40% (State) for General/ Non-Special Category States.
Under River Management and Border Areas (RMBA) component of FMBAP with an outlay of ₹1,160 crore, flood control and anti-erosion works on common border rivers with neighbouring countries including hydrological observations and flood forecasting, and investigation and pre-construction activities of joint water resources projects (with neighbouring countries) on common border rivers will be taken up with 100% central assistance.
Although, primary responsibility of flood management rests with the State Governments, the Union Government has decided that it is desirable to supplement the efforts of the State Governments in flood management, encouraging promotion & adoption of modern technology and innovative materials/approach. This is particularly relevant as the increased incidence of extreme events have been witnessed during the last few years in view of the likely impact of climate change and the situation may further aggravate in times to come exacerbating the problem of floods in terms of extent, intensity and frequency.
