Question : FLOOD AND EROSION IN ASSAM

(a) whether the Government has recognised the flood and erosion problems that uproot the agro-based economy of Assam, as a national problem; and

(b) if so, the remedial steps proposed to be taken by the Government in this regard?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES (SHRI JAI PRAKASH NARAYAN YADAV)

(a) and (b) Flood Management including river erosion being a state subject, investigation, planning and implementation of flood management schemes are within the purview of the State Govt. The Central Government renders assistance which are technical, catalytical and promotional in nature. Treating the problem of flood and erosion in Assam as a national problem would need to be understood as the flood management is a State subject and similar problems are also being experienced in other flood affected States of the country as well.

However recognizing the gravity and seriousness of the flood problem, the Brahmaputra Board was constituted by the Government of India under an Act of Parliament which prepared Master Plans for Brahmaputra and Barak basins and sub-basins thereunder and the same were sent to the concerned State Governments including Assam for follow up action. Brahmaputra Board has also taken up execution of Pagladiya Dam Project which was approved by Government of India in January, 2001 at an estimated cost of Rs.542.90 crore with full Central funding which will have flood control benefit to an area of 40,000 ha. in Assam as a long term measure. Besides above, a number of Drainage Development/Anti Erosion Schemes have also been taken up by the Board in Assam at an estimated cost of Rs.62.68 crore through 100% Central funding.

Further in order to assist the Government of Assam and other North Eastern States including Sikkim and North Bengal, the Government of India has formulated a Centrally Sponsored Scheme at an estimated cost of Rs.166.68 crore with 90% as Central share and 10% as State share for taking up critical anti-erosion/flood control schemes. The scheme has been approved by Planning Commission for implementation during 10th Five Year Plan.


In addition to above, the Central Assistance is also being provided to Assam under Non-lapsable Central Pool of Resources by Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region and through Additional Central Assistance by the Planning Commission to take up Critical Anti Erosion/Flood Control Schemes. The flood and erosion control is also included in the national Common Minimum Programme of the Government of India.