Question : EROSION OF MAHANANDA AND PULAHAR RIVER AREA

(a) the measures taken by the Government to prevent the erosion and protect the embankments of Mahananda and Pulahar river area; and

(b) the funds spent thereon in the Eleventh Five Year Plan?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES & MINORITY AFFAIRS ( SHRI VINCENT H. PALA)

(a) The subject of flood management/erosion control falls within the purview of the States. Accordingly, schemes of flood management / erosion control are planned, investigated, formulated and executed by the concerned State Government as per the priority within the State. The role of Union Government is technical, advisory, catalytic and promotional in nature. The Government of India is also providing central assistance to the States for better flood management and erosion control in critical areas. During Eleventh Five Year Plan, the Government of India provided central assistance to the States of West Bengal and Bihar for undertaking measures for control of erosion and protection of embankments of Mahanada river area. Regarding measures on Pulahar river no information is available.

(b) During Eleventh Five Year Plan, the Government of India released a total central assistance of Rs. 10730.68 lakh to the States of West Bengal ( Rs.3270.55 lakh) and Bihar (Rs.7460.13 lakh) for erosion control and bank protection measures of river Mahanada river.