Centre releases over Rs 342 crore for Assam flood control and anti-erosion works in five years
The Union government says it has released Rs 342.63 crore for Assam flood management and anti-erosion works over the past five years, highlighting embankment, e
The Union government told Parliament that it has released Rs 342.63 crore to Assam over the past five years for flood management and anti-erosion works. The information was shared in the Lok Sabha in response to a question raised by Congress MP Md. Rakibul Hussain.
Plan focuses on infrastructure, river protection and nature-based steps
The Minister of State for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) Sukanta Majumdar said the government is supporting state-led mitigation through financial assistance, technical support, and ecosystem-based interventions. He said Assam receives help under the centrally sponsored Flood Management and Border Areas Programme (FMBAP).
Majumdar outlined that the programme supports works connected to flood control, anti-erosion measures, drainage development, and anti-sea erosion activities. For Assam specifically, he said the released funds have been used for strengthening embankments, protecting vulnerable riverbanks, and improving flood resilience.
Majuli erosion protection and wetland rejuvenation
He also said a key project worth Rs 207 crore aimed at protecting Majuli from erosion caused by the Brahmaputra has been completed. The minister described the long-term value of the project for the river island, where erosion has affected settlements and agricultural areas.The Centre’s approach also includes wetland restoration. Majumdar said the Ministry of Home Affairs has initiated a wetland rejuvenation programme covering nearly 5,900 sq km of wetlands identified by the North Eastern Space Applications Centre (NESAC), along with another 3,500 sq km mapped by the Assam Remote Sensing Application Centre. Restored wetlands, he said, are expected to improve natural water retention and help moderate flood peaks during heavy rainfall.
Separately, the North Eastern Council has sanctioned six anti-erosion projects in Dhemaji, Kokrajhar and Baksa districts at a combined cost of Rs 33.40 crore. The projects target river stretches that are described as particularly prone to erosion.
