Flood Mitigation Measures in the North Eastern Region

Why in news

The Union Government provides financial and technical assistance to North Eastern States for flood management and anti-erosion schemes through the Centrally Sponsored Scheme, Flood Management and Border Areas Programme (FMBAP).

Exam relevance

GS1, GS3 · Geography, Disaster Management, Governance · Prelims · Mains

Key facts

1. Flood management and anti-erosion schemes are primarily implemented by State Governments.
2. The Union Government supports States through the Centrally Sponsored Scheme, Flood Management and Border Areas Programme (FMBAP).
3. FMBAP provides central assistance for flood control, anti-erosion, drainage development, and anti-sea erosion works.
4. Up to March 2026, Rs. 2,536.96 crore has been provided under FMBAP for 263 flood management projects in North Eastern States.
5. The Central Water Commission (CWC) issues short-range flood forecasts (up to 24 hours lead time) and reservoir inflow forecasts.
6. CWC issues forecasts at 360 stations, including 53 stations in the North-Eastern region.

Prelims pointers

• Flood Management and Border Areas Programme (FMBAP) is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme.
• FMBAP supports flood control, anti-erosion, and drainage development.
• Central Water Commission (CWC) issues flood forecasts.
• North Eastern States are major beneficiaries of FMBAP.

Mains practice question

Discuss the role of the Union Government in flood mitigation in the North Eastern Region, highlighting the significance of schemes like the Flood Management and Border Areas Programme (FMBAP) and the challenges faced in their implementation.

Static linkage

Flood management is a critical aspect of disaster management and disaster risk reduction, falling under the purview of both central and state governments in India. The Constitution of India, while placing 'water supplies, irrigation and canals, drainage and embankments' on the State List (Entry 17), also allows Parliament to legislate on such matters if it is in the public interest, and empowers the Union Government to enter into agreements between States with respect to the use, distribution or control of any inter-State river or river valley (Union List Entry 56). Schemes like FMBAP reflect this shared responsibility.

Significance

The North Eastern Region is highly vulnerable to floods due to its unique geographical and hydrological characteristics, including heavy rainfall, numerous rivers, and seismic activity. The FMBAP scheme, along with CWC's forecasting capabilities, plays a crucial role in mitigating flood damage, protecting lives and property, and supporting the socio-economic development of this strategically important region. Effective flood management is essential for ensuring regional stability and economic progress.