Introduction
In a pivotal decision aimed at fortifying flood control measures and addressing erosion challenges in border regions, the Union Cabinet on 6th March, under the stewardship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has endorsed the continuation of the "Flood Management and Border Areas Programme (FMBAP)" for the period spanning 2021-2026.
This strategic initiative underscores the government's proactive stance towards mitigating the adverse impacts of natural disasters, particularly floods, on vulnerable communities residing in flood-prone and border areas across the nation.
Comprehensive Framework: The Two Pillars of FMBAP
The FMBAP is structured around two integral components: the Flood Management Programme (FMP) and the River Management and Border Areas (RMBA) segment. These components collectively aim to bolster flood control mechanisms, mitigate erosion risks, and enhance the management of river systems, especially in regions adjacent to international borders, ensuring the safety and security of inhabitants residing in these geographically sensitive zones.
Financial Allocations and Funding
The government has allocated a substantial total outlay of ₹4,100 crore for the forthcoming five-year period, spanning from 2021-22 to 2025-26, under the purview of the 15th Finance Commission. Within this allocation, the Flood Management Programme (FMP) receives a lion's share, with an allocated budget of Rs. 2,940 crore. This funding infusion is poised to facilitate critical interventions encompassing flood control measures, anti-erosion initiatives, drainage development, and strategies to combat sea erosion, among other vital undertakings.
The funding mechanism adheres to a nuanced approach, delineating between Special Category States and General/Non-Special Category States. Special Category States, comprising eight North-Eastern States and the Hilly States of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir, are slated to receive 90% central assistance, with a corresponding 10% contribution mandated at the state level. Conversely, General/Non-Special Category States are earmarked to receive 60% central assistance, with the remaining 40% to be sourced from the respective state governments.
Under the River Management and Border Areas (RMBA) component, which boasts an allocated budget of Rs. 1,160 crore, the primary focus remains on executing flood control and anti-erosion measures along common border rivers shared with neighboring countries. This encompasses a spectrum of activities ranging from hydrological observations and flood forecasting to pre-construction endeavors for joint water resources projects with neighboring nations, all under the ambit of 100% central assistance.
Collaboration and Innovation
While the primary onus for flood management rests with the state governments, the Union government acknowledges the imperative of augmenting these efforts, especially in light of escalating climatic uncertainties and the heightened frequency of extreme weather events witnessed in recent years. The government advocates for the adoption of modern technologies and innovative methodologies to bolster flood management strategies effectively, thereby enhancing the resilience of vulnerable regions against the onslaught of natural calamities.
Encouraging Flood-Plain Zoning
A notable provision within the FMBAP pertains to the incentivization of states that implement flood-plain zoning, recognized as a potent non-structural measure for flood management. Flood-plain zoning entails the delineation of areas prone to flooding and the imposition of regulations governing permissible developments aimed at minimizing damage during flood events. By incentivizing the adoption of this proactive approach, the scheme seeks to fortify the resilience of communities against the escalating threat posed by floods, thereby reducing the potential socio-economic repercussions.
Conclusion
The approval of the continuation of the Flood Management and Border Areas Programme (FMBAP) epitomizes the government's unwavering commitment to bolstering disaster resilience and safeguarding the interests of vulnerable populations inhabiting flood-prone and border regions across the nation.
Through a holistic framework encompassing financial allocations, strategic interventions, and collaborative endeavors between central and state authorities, the FMBAP endeavors to forge a path towards sustainable development and enhanced security in the face of evolving climatic uncertainties and natural hazards. By embracing innovation, fostering collaboration, and prioritizing the welfare of communities at risk, the FMBAP stands poised to chart a course towards a more resilient and secure future for all.
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