India and ADB Sign $200 Million Agreement for Brahmaputra River Flood Management

New Delhi:  The Government of India and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have officially inked a $200 million loan agreement to enhance flood and riverbank erosion risk management along the 650-kilometer main stem of the Brahmaputra River in the state of Assam.

The signing ceremony for the “Climate Resilient Brahmaputra Integrated Flood and Riverbank Erosion Risk Management Project in Assam” took place with Ms. Juhi Mukherjee, Joint Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs in the Ministry of Finance, representing the Government of India, and Mr. Hoe Yun Jeong, Deputy Country Director of ADB’s India Resident Mission, signing on behalf of ADB.

This initiative builds on the success and lessons learned from the ADB-financed Assam Integrated Flood and Riverbank Erosion Risk Management Investment Programme implemented during 2010–2020. It also draws from similar investments in Bangladesh and aims to address the persistent challenges of flooding and riverbank erosion along the Brahmaputra River.

Ms. Juhi Mukherjee, after signing the agreement, expressed that the project interventions will play a crucial role in stabilizing the Brahmaputra River in high-priority flood and erosion-prone areas, contributing to the overall disaster resilience of the state.

Mr. Hoe Yun Jeong highlighted ADB’s commitment to a cost-effective, adaptive, and systematic river stabilization approach for the Brahmaputra River. He mentioned that the project would not only deploy riverbank protection technology but also enhance the capacity of state agencies and communities to manage flood and riverbank erosion risks effectively.

Key interventions under the project include stabilizing 60 km of riverbanks, installing 32 km of pro-siltation measures, and constructing 4 km of climate-resilient flood embankments in five high-priority districts. These efforts aim to secure living spaces, support livelihoods, create employment opportunities, and enhance river navigability. The initiative will also strengthen institutional capacities in flood forecasting, warning systems, erosion modeling, and land use planning.

By focusing on co-benefits and empowering women through disaster-resilient economic activities, the project is expected to benefit approximately 1 million people and boost crop production over 50,000 hectares.

The Flood and River Erosion Management Agency of Assam will lead, manage, and coordinate project activities, with the Water Resources Department of the Government of Assam implementing the works and the Assam Agroforestry Development Board utilizing nature-based solutions. Partner agencies include the Brahmaputra Board, the Assam State Disaster Management Authority, and the Assam Inland Water Transport Development Society.

ADB, established in 1966 and owned by 68 members, is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, with sustained efforts to eradicate extreme poverty.