Centre proposes to continue river basin management scheme with Rs 2,183 crore outlay for 2026- 31
In the previous phase from 2021-22 to 2025-26, the program had a budget allocation of Rs 1,276 million, reflecting the increasing commitment to integrated water resources planning and development, the statement said.
The program aims to address challenges related to water resource planning and development at the basin level by promoting sustainable use of water while supporting irrigation, hydropower and flood management.
It focuses on strategically important and water-rich but underdeveloped regions, especially river basins in the north-eastern region and the Indus basin in Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh, including major systems such as the Brahmaputra, Barak and Teesta.
“These basins are prioritized due to their importance for national water security, transboundary water management, flood control and ecological stability,” the ministry said. he said.
The program also aims to address capacity gaps in states such as Jammu-Kashmir, Sikkim, Mizoram, Manipur and Nagaland, which need centralized support for project planning and development.
It is implemented through the Ministry, Brahmaputra Board, Central Water Commission and National Water Development Agency. “The program aims to facilitate integrated planning, research and development of water resources at the river basin level, including both surface water and groundwater systems.” he said.
Under the programme, surveys, surveys and preparation of detailed project reports are carried out for multi-purpose projects, especially in difficult terrains in the north east and Jammu & Kashmir.
Completion of detailed project reports is expected to lead to expansion of irrigation capacity, hydropower generation and improved flood control, it said.
The Brahmaputra Board component includes preparation of basin master plans, flood management, erosion prevention works and drainage development in the north-eastern region, including protection of sensitive areas such as Majuli island.
While the Central Water Commission undertakes survey and review of projects in the Brahmaputra, Barak, Teesta and Indus basins, the National Water Development Agency carries out studies, including preparation of pre-feasibility, feasibility and detailed project reports, under the river interconnection programme.
The statement stated that modern tools such as geographic information systems, remote sensing, LiDAR and drone-based surveys are used to improve planning accuracy and project development.
The program also includes community-based interventions such as watershed management and dissemination of improved water management practices in mountainous and tribal areas.
It was stated that the continuation of the plan will help strengthen infrastructure readiness and support sustainable and coordinated management of river basins.
