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Rajya Sabha
Flood management being a State subject, the schemes for flood control are planned, funded and executed by the State Governments themselves as per their own priorities out of their State Plan funds which are made available to them through Planning Commission. The assistance rendered by the Central Government is technical, catalytical and promotional in nature.
Further, the Ganga Flood Control Commission (GFCC) constituted by Government of India in 1972 has prepared comprehensive plans for flood management for all 23 river systems of Ganga basin. Similarly, the Brahmaputra Board constituted in 1982 under an Act of Parliament has also prepared Master Plans for the Brahmaputra & Barak basins and sub basins there under. These plans were sent to the concerned State Governments for follow up action.
As a long-term measure to control floods, agreement has already been reached between India and Nepal to take up filed investigations and preparation of joint DPR of Sapta Kosi and Sun Kosi Projects by a Joint Projects Office, which has been opened in Nepal on 17th August, 2004. The above Joint Project Office has also been entrusted to undertake the feasibility study of the Kamla Multipurpose Project and preliminary study of Bagmati Multipurpose Project. Agreement has also been reached in principle with Nepal for preparation of Detailed Project Report of Burhi Gandaki Hydro Electric Project.
The Central Government is also providing financial assistance to the State Governments for taking up critical flood management and anti erosion works. Further, Brahmaputra Board has also taken up critical anti erosion and drainage development schemes in North Eastern Region.
To look into the problem of recurring floods and erosion in Assam and other neighbouring States as well as Bihar, West Bengal and Eastern Uttar Pradesh, the Ministry of Water Resources, Government of India has set up a 21 Member Task Force headed by Chairman, Central Water Commission. The terms of reference for the Task Force inter alia including suggesting short term and long term measures for the management of floods and erosion control, examine international dimensions and suggest institutional arrangements for tackling the problem. The Task Force has been asked to give its report by 31st December, 2004.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Water Resources, Shri Jai Prakash Narayan Yadav in written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.
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