Union Cabinet Approves Rs. 4,100 Crore Flood Management and Border Areas Programme
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 22nd Feb. The Union Cabinet on Wednesday gave its approval to the proposal put forth by the Department of Water Resources, RD & GR for the continuation of the centrally sponsored Scheme titled “Flood Management and Border Areas Programme (FMBAP).” The program is set to span a period of 5 years, running from 2021-22 to 2025-26, aligning with the 15th Finance Commission period.
The Scheme encompasses two main components:
1. Flood Management Programme (FMP): With a total outlay of Rs. 2940 crore, this component will extend central assistance to State Governments for the execution of critical works related to flood control, anti-erosion measures, drainage development, anti-sea erosion initiatives, and more. The funding pattern will vary, with a 90% (Centre) : 10% (State) allocation for Special Category States (comprising 8 North-Eastern States and Hilly States of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and UT of Jammu & Kashmir), and a 60% (Centre) : 40% (State) allocation for General/ Non-Special Category States.
2. River Management and Border Areas (RMBA): With an outlay of Rs. 1160 crore, this component will focus on flood control and anti-erosion projects along common border rivers with neighbouring countries. It will also include hydrological observations, flood forecasting, and pre-construction activities for joint water resources projects with neighbouring countries, all with 100% central assistance.
While the primary responsibility for flood management lies with the State Governments, the Union Government acknowledges the necessity to bolster their efforts in this domain.
The program aims to promote and adopt modern technology and innovative approaches, recognizing the increasing incidence of extreme weather events in recent years, likely influenced by climate change.
The Scheme also intends to protect vital installations of security agencies and border out-posts along border rivers from flood and erosion.
Moreover, the Scheme incentivizes States that implement flood plain zoning, acknowledged as an effective non-structural measure for flood management.
