Centre gives nod to 8,000-crore-rupee package for flood-affected states

The Union Government today approved in principle a 8,000-crore-rupee package for flood control programmes that includes pending schemes in North Bihar and West Bengal, and prevention of erosion in basins of rivers Ganga and Bhagirathi.

New Delhi, Nov 2 : The Union Government today approved in principle a 8,000-crore-rupee package for flood control programmes that includes pending schemes in North Bihar and West Bengal, and prevention of erosion in basins of rivers Ganga and Bhagirathi.

The Union Cabinet gave its approval in principle to the project for taking up river management, flood control, anti-erosion works, drainage development, flood proofing, flood prone area development programme, restoration of damaged flood management works, in the entire country, Information and Broadcasting Minister Priyaranjan Dasmunsi said.

The National Common Minimum Programme (NCMP) mentions that pending flood control and, drainage schemes in North Bihar and West Bengal, including prevention of erosion in Ganga-Padma and Bhagirathi, would be completed expeditiously.

The NCMP also states that the Central Government would fully support flood control works in inter-state and international Rivers, the government release said.

An Empowered Committee of Secretaries headed by the Finance Secretary was constituted to select projects under the scheme in the Ganga Basin, Brahmputra and Barak basins and other areas on the basis of Detailed Project Report.

The Scheme will be implemented through State Government and monitored by Ganga Flood Board and Central Water Commission. Their progress will be evaluated through remote sensing techniques and through independent agency.

ANI