Union Cabinet Approves Rs. 4,100 Crore Flood Management and Border Areas Programme

New Delhi: The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has given its nod to the Department of Water Resources, RD & GR’s proposal for the continuation of the centrally sponsored scheme, “Flood Management and Border Areas Programme (FMBAP).” The scheme, with a total outlay of Rs. 4,100 crore, will span a period of five years from 2021-22 to 2025-26, covering the 15th Finance Commission period.

The FMBAP consists of two integral components aimed at addressing critical aspects of flood control, anti-erosion measures, and the management of river resources in border areas.

Flood Management Programme (FMP):
Outlay: Rs. 2,940 crore
Pattern of Funding:
90% (Centre): 10% (State) for Special Category States (8 North-Eastern States and Hilly States of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and UT of Jammu & Kashmir).
60% (Centre): 40% (State) for General/ Non-Special Category States.
Under this component, central assistance will be extended to State Governments for crucial works related to flood control, anti-erosion measures, drainage development, and anti-sea erosion activities. The collaborative funding model acknowledges the specific needs and challenges faced by different states.

River Management and Border Areas (RMBA):
Outlay: Rs. 1,160 crore
Funding: 100% Central Assistance
The RMBA component focuses on flood control and anti-erosion works on common border rivers with neighboring countries. It includes hydrological observations, flood forecasting, and pre-construction activities for joint water resources projects with neighboring countries on common border rivers.

While the primary responsibility for flood management lies with the State Governments, the Union Government recognizes the importance of supplementing these efforts, especially in light of increasing extreme events attributed to climate change. The scheme encourages the promotion and adoption of modern technology and innovative approaches. Additionally, it offers incentives to states implementing flood plain zoning, a recognized non-structural measure for effective flood management.

The implementation of the RMBA component also plays a crucial role in protecting vital installations, security agencies, and border outposts along border rivers from the impact of floods and erosion.

This approval underscores the government’s commitment to addressing the challenges posed by floods, especially in border areas, and adopting a collaborative approach to ensure the effective management of water resources and safeguarding communities and infrastructure from the impacts of floods and erosion.