The Union Government informed Parliament that it has provided ₹2,536.96 crore for 263 flood management projects across the Northeastern States, including Sikkim, under the Flood Management and Border Areas Programme (FMBAP).

Key Highlights

• Flood management and anti-erosion works are primarily the responsibility of State Governments, while the Union Government provides technical guidance and financial assistance under Flood Management and Border Areas Programme (FMBAP).
• Since its inception till March 2026, the Centre has sanctioned ₹2,536.96 crore for 263 projects covering flood control, anti-erosion works, drainage development and anti-sea erosion measures in the Northeastern region.
• The programme is implemented by the Ministry of Jal Shakti, with technical support from the Central Water Commission (CWC).

Flood Forecasting and Preparedness

• The Central Water Commission operates 360 flood forecasting stations across India, including 53 stations in the Northeast (15 inflow forecasting and 38 river-level forecasting stations).
• The Commission has developed basin-wise mathematical models capable of issuing seven-day advance flood forecasts, helping district administrations and disaster management authorities undertake timely evacuation and preparedness measures.
• Flood warnings are disseminated through the Flood Watch India mobile application, Common Alert Protocol (CAP) platform, online portals and social media for wider public access.
• Hydrological and meteorological data shared by neighbouring countries also strengthen flood forecasting and river basin management in the Northeast.

Other Important Initiatives

• The Ministry of Jal Shakti circulated Flood Plain Zoning Guidelines (2025) to promote scientific land-use planning in flood-prone areas.
• The Brahmaputra Board has prepared 52 master plans covering both structural and non-structural flood management measures across the Northeastern States.
• Immediate disaster relief is provided through the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF), while additional assistance for severe disasters is released from the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) after assessment.

Why is this Important?

• The Northeast experiences frequent floods due to heavy monsoon rainfall, Himalayan rivers, erosion and changing climate patterns.
• Scientific forecasting, integrated river basin planning and long-term flood mitigation are essential for reducing loss of life, protecting infrastructure and improving disaster resilience.

Exam Hook –Prelims Question

Which of the following statements regarding the Flood Management and Border Areas Programme (FMBAP) is correct?

(a) It is implemented by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
(b) It provides Central assistance for flood control and anti-erosion projects.
(c) It is applicable only to coastal States.
(d) It is implemented exclusively by the National Disaster Management Authority.

Answer: (b) It provides Central assistance for flood control and anti-erosion projects.

One-line Wrap

The Flood Management and Border Areas Programme strengthens flood resilience in the Northeast through Central financial assistance, scientific flood forecasting and long-term river basin management.