The Union Cabinet, presided over by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has granted approval to the Department of Water Resources, RD & GR’s proposal for the continuation of the centrally sponsored scheme, the “Flood Management and Border Areas Programme (FMBAP).” The programme, encompassing a total outlay of Rs 4,100 crore, is set to span five years, covering the period from 2021-22 to 2025-26, aligning with the 15th Finance Commission period.
This comprehensive initiative consists of two key components:
Flood Management Programme (FMP):
- Allocated Rs 2,940 crore, this segment focuses on providing central assistance to state governments for critical flood control, anti-erosion, drainage development, anti-sea erosion, and related projects.
- Funding distribution follows a pattern of 90% (Centre) to 10% (State) for Special Category States (comprising 8 North-Eastern States and the Hilly States of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and the UT of Jammu & Kashmir), and 60% (Centre) to 40% (State) for General/Non-Special Category States.
River Management and Border Areas (RMBA):
- With an outlay of Rs 1,160 crore, this component focuses on flood control and anti-erosion projects on common border rivers with neighbouring countries.
- Initiatives include hydrological observations, flood forecasting, and the investigation & pre-construction activities of joint water resources projects with neighbouring countries on shared border rivers.
- This segment operates with 100% central assistance.
- While the primary responsibility for flood management resides with the State Governments, the Union Government recognises the need to complement their efforts, fostering the adoption of modern technology and innovative approaches. This becomes particularly crucial as the incidence of extreme events has surged in recent years, likely linked to climate change. The RMBA component of the programme also serves to safeguard vital installations, such as security agencies and border outposts, from floods and erosion.
- Additionally, the scheme incentivises states implementing flood plain zoning, acknowledged as an effective non-structural measure for flood management. As climate change continues to impact the frequency, intensity, and extent of floods, this initiative aims to address the evolving challenges, promoting a resilient and adaptive approach to flood management in the country.