Why in News?
The Brahmaputra Board has approved a Standard Operating Procedure for upgrading river basin master plans across Northeast India to ensure scientific, participatory and integrated water resource management.

About the Development

The Brahmaputra Board, under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, has decided to update and strengthen river basin master plans covering major river systems of Northeast India. The initiative aims to improve flood management, erosion control, ecological conservation and sustainable utilization of water resources.

Key Highlights

• The upgraded master plans will adopt scientific surveys, advanced modelling techniques, Geographic Information System-based planning and stakeholder participation.
• Work on 15 river sub-basins covering Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Mizoram and Nagaland is currently underway.
• Additional river basin planning packages have also been initiated to expand coverage across the region.
• A draft policy framework for Brahmaputra riverine islands has been prepared focusing on sustainable development, ecological conservation, livelihood enhancement and disaster resilience.
• The Board reviewed studies on flood management in the Barak Basin and sedimentation dynamics in the Siang and Dibang river basins being conducted by the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati.

Objectives

• Strengthen integrated water resource management, reduce flood and erosion risks, improve river basin planning, enhance disaster resilience, promote sustainable livelihoods and support ecological conservation.

Exam Hook (Prelims)

Which statutory body, established under the Brahmaputra Board Act, 1980, is responsible for integrated water resource planning in the Brahmaputra and Barak basins?
Answer: Brahmaputra Board.

One-Line Wrap

The upgrading of Northeast river basin master plans marks a significant step towards scientific river management, sustainable development and enhanced resilience against floods and erosion in the region.