Floods and riverbank erosion have long been the bane of Assam, an agriculturally rich state crisscrossed by the mighty Brahmaputra River and its numerous tributaries. Each year, these natural calamities wreak havoc, displacing thousands, destroying livelihoods, and causing immense economic damage. Despite the daunting nature of these challenges, the Government of Assam, under the leadership of Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma, has made commendable strides in addressing the flood and erosion crises. These efforts are further bolstered by the Government of India’s focused interventions and international partnerships aimed at fostering long-term resilience in the region.
The issue of floods is not unique to Assam, but the State’s geographical positioning, coupled with the unique behaviour of the Brahmaputra River, exacerbates the problem. The river’s propensity to swell during the monsoon, carrying vast amounts of sediment, contributes to both severe flooding and erosion, particularly along its banks. Historically, addressing these challenges has been fraught with difficulties, but recent initiatives reflect a renewed commitment to finding sustainable solutions. This article delves into the multifaceted approach taken by the governments of Assam and India, including the significant role of international financial institutions like the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in combating floods and riverbank erosion in Assam.
Flood Management in Assam under Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma
● For decades, Assam’s flood management strategies were constrained by limited financial resources and a lack of cohesive planning. The Congress Government that preceded the current administration often allocated a meagre annual budget of Rs 250 crore to Rs 300 crore to the Water Resources Department, which was grossly inadequate to tackle the State’s monumental challenges. However, this scenario has changed drastically under the current administration, which has recognised the critical need for a robust response to these perennial issues.
● The Assam State Government, under Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma, has increased the annual budget of the Water Resources Department to approximately Rs 2,000 crore, significantly boosting the State’s capacity to implement effective flood and erosion control measures. This increase is a combination of funds from both the Union and State Governments, underscoring the collaborative effort needed to address such a large-scale issue. Furthermore, the State Government has taken a proactive approach by allocating more than Rs 1,100 crore from its own budget specifically for flood and erosion control, marking a stark contrast to the limited allocations of the past.
● The Government’s strategy involves not just the construction of new Embankments but also the reinforcement and improvement of existing flood protection infrastructure. Between the fiscal years 2021-22 and 2023-24, Assam has constructed 189 kilometres of new Embankments using State funds, a significant achievement in a relatively short period. Additionally, reinforcement and erosion control measures have been implemented over a 440-kilometre stretch of existing Embankments. This has provided enhanced protection to vulnerable areas, reducing the impact of floods and preventing the loss of life and property.
● Looking ahead, the Assam Government has ambitious plans to construct an additional 220 kilometres of new Embankments in the fiscal year 2024-25. These projects are critical to ensuring the safety and security of communities living in flood-prone areas, as they provide a first line of defence against rising waters.
Flood becoming National: Narendra Modi’s commitment
● Recognising the scale of the challenge, the Government of India has taken significant steps to support Assam’s flood management efforts. In her Budget 2024 speech, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman assured that the Union Government would extend necessary assistance for flood management projects in Assam, Sikkim, and other states impacted by severe weather events. Although specific fund allocations for Assam were not detailed in the budget, the Government’s commitment to supporting the State was evident through other initiatives, including international collaborations.
● A notable development in this regard is the USD 200 million loan agreement signed between the Government of India and the Asian Development Bank in February 2024. This agreement is aimed at strengthening flood and riverbank erosion risk management along a 650-kilometre stretch of the Brahmaputra River. The project, titled the Climate Resilient Brahmaputra Integrated Flood and Riverbank Erosion Risk Management Project, builds on the success of previous ADB-financed initiatives and represents a critical step towards mitigating the risks posed by floods and erosion.
● Key components of this project include the stabilisation of 60 kilometres of riverbanks, the installation of 32 kilometres of pro-siltation measures, and the construction of 4 kilometres of climate-resilient flood embankments across five high-priority districts in Assam. These infrastructural developments are essential for reducing the region’s vulnerability to natural disasters and protecting both lives and livelihoods.
● In addition to physical infrastructure, the project places a strong emphasis on capacity building among state agencies and affected communities. This includes training programs and resources aimed at enhancing the ability of local authorities and residents to manage flood and erosion risks effectively. By empowering communities and improving institutional capabilities, the project ensures that the benefits of these initiatives are long-lasting and sustainable.
The project also prioritises the empowerment of women through disaster-resilient economic activities, aiming to benefit approximately 1 million people and augment crop production over 50,000 hectares. This holistic approach not only addresses the immediate challenges posed by floods but also contributes to the region’s overall economic development.
A Collaborative Approach to Flood Management
● The Government of India’s commitment to supporting flood management in Assam is further demonstrated by the continuation of the centrally sponsored Flood Management and Border Areas Programme (FMBAP). With a total outlay of Rs 4,100 crore for five years from 2021-22 to 2025-26, this scheme includes two key components: the Flood Management Programme (FMP) and the River Management and Border Areas (RMBA) component. The FMP, with an outlay of Rs 2,940 crore, provides central assistance to state governments for critical flood control works, including anti-erosion and drainage development.
● For Special Category States, such as Assam, the funding pattern under the FMP is particularly favourable, with 90 per cent central assistance. This ensures that the State has the necessary resources to implement vital flood management projects, reducing the financial burden on the State Government. The RMBA component, with an outlay of Rs 1,160 crore, supports flood control and anti-erosion works on common border rivers with neighbouring countries, with 100 per cent central assistance.
● The Government’s decision to supplement State efforts in flood management reflects a proactive stance on managing the increasing incidence of extreme weather events, which have been exacerbated by climate change. This approach includes promoting modern technology and innovative solutions, such as floodplain zoning, which is recognised as an effective non-structural measure for flood management. Additionally, the RMBA component aims to protect critical security installations along border rivers from flood and erosion, further underscoring the strategic importance of these initiatives.
The Political Dimension: Criticism and Reality
● Despite the significant steps taken by both the State and Union Governments, the opposition, particularly the Congress party and its I.N.D.I Alliance partners have criticised the 2024 budget, labelling the announcements related to flood management in Assam as an “eyewash.” Their primary contention is the absence of a specific fund allocation for Assam’s flood management in the budget, a criticism that has sparked debate among agenda-driven analysts.
● However, it is crucial to understand that flood management and protection from river erosion are traditionally state subjects. The criticism overlooks the fact that previous Congress Governments did not declare specific budgetary allocations for these issues, leaving States like Assam to fend for themselves. In contrast, the Modi Government has taken bold steps by allocating funds for state subjects, including Assam’s flood management. Moreover, the signing of the USD 200 million loan agreement with ADB underscores the Government’s seriousness in addressing the erosion caused by the Brahmaputra and its tributaries.
The efforts to manage floods and control riverbank erosion in Assam represent a significant shift from the past. With the combined efforts of the State and Union Governments, backed by international financial institutions like the ADB, Assam is better equipped than ever to tackle the challenges posed by its unique geography. The proactive approach taken by the Assam government, under the leadership of Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma, has already yielded tangible results, with substantial increases in the State’s flood management budget and the successful implementation of crucial infrastructure projects.
Looking forward, the continued collaboration between State, national, and international entities will be essential to sustaining these efforts and ensuring that the people of Assam are protected from the devastating effects of floods and erosion. The future of Assam’s flood management is one of hope, resilience, and innovation, paving the way for a more secure and prosperous State.
