Lok Sabha Question No. 2617 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-08-02
Subject: Flood and Erosion in Assam
Ministry: WATER RESOURCES, RIVER DEVELOPMENT AND GANAGA REJUVENATION
Asked by: SIRAJUDDIN AJMAL

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES, RIVER DEVELOPMENT & GANGA REJUVENATION

## LOK SABHA UN STARRED QUESTION NO. 2617 ANSWERED ON 02.0 8.201 8

## FLOOD AND EROSION IN ASSAM

## 2617. SHRI SIRAJUDDIN AJMAL

## Will the Minister of WATER RESOURCES, RIVER DEVELOPMENT AND GANGA REJUVENATION be pleased to state:

(a) whether the State Government of Assam including other State level organisations have the Union Government to declare 'Flood and Erosion' in Assam as 'National Disaster' at the earliest and if so, the details thereof and the action taken thereon;

(b) whether the Union Government has chalked out any action plan so that the river Bra could be completely protected from soil erosion;

(c)if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor; and

(d) the details of alternative measures being considered by the Union Government in this re

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR WATER RESOURCES, RIVER DEVELOPMENT AND GANGA REJUVENATION & PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS

## ( SHRI ARJUN RAM MEGHW AL )

(a)  The State Government of Assam had requested the Union Government to declare  'Flood  and Erosion' in Assam as 'National Problem'. The Disaster Management Division of Ministry of Home Affairs has inform ed that the existing guidelines of State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF)/ N Disaster Response Fund (NDRF), do not contemplate declaring of a calamity as a 'National C Disaster'.  However,  in  the  event  of  disaster  of  a  'severe  nature',  financial assistance  towards  the notified natural calamities including flood is met from the SDRF which is further supplem NDRF in accordance with the established procedure.

(b) to (d) The subject of flood management including erosion control falls within the purvi States. The flood management & anti -erosion schemes are planned, investigated and implemented b the  State  Governments  with  their  own  resources  as  per  priority  within the  State.  The  Union Government renders technical guidance and promotional financial assistance to States.

The  Government  of  India  had  launched  Flood  Management  Programme  (FMP)  in  XI  Plan which was continued during XII Plan for providing Cen tral Assistance to States for works related flood control, river management, anti -erosion, drainage development, flood proofing, restoratio damaged flood management works, anti - sea erosion, catchment area treatment, etc.

In  the  State  of  Assam,  a  total  of  141 projects  costing  Rs. 2383.11  crore  were  approved  and included under FMP. During XI Plan, 100 projects with an estimated cost of Rs.996.14 cr approved  while  during  XII  Plan,  41  projects  with  an  estimat ed  cost  of Rs. 1386.97  crore  were approved. Central Assistance amounting to Rs. 748.86 crore was released during XI Plan and Rs. 64.8 crore during XII Plan. Further a Central A ssistance of Rs. 245.49 crore has also been released during year 2017 - 18 to State Government of Assam.  Since start of XI Plan, total Central Assistance r to State Government of Assam under FMP is Rs. 1059.24 crore until 3l - Mar - 18.

A High Level Committee (HLC) under the Chairmanship of Vice Chairman, NITI Aayog ha been constituted by Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region on October 4, 2017 fo management of water resources of the North Eastern Region. The Brahmaputra Board was const with the objective of planning and integrated implementation of measures for control of floods and bank  erosion  in  Brahmaputra  Valley  and  matters  connected  therewith.  The  Brahmaputra advises the North - Eastern States on water resources development matters including f management. Brahmaputra Board has prepar ed 57 Master Plans suggesting appropriate measures fo water resources development and flood control.

As  a  non - structure  measure,  Flood  Forecasting  activities  are  being  carried  out  in mitigate the losses of life and properties due to flood by Central Water Commission (CWC). There are 29 flood forecasting stations in Assam and Flood Bulletins are issued on daily basis by are communicated to all stakeholders including State & District Administration, Representatives, SD MA, Water Resources Department, Govt. of Assam and all concerned.

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