Why in news?
The Ministry of Jal Shakti has proposed continuing the River Basin Management (RBM) scheme for the next Finance Commission cycle from 2026–27 to 2030–31. The scheme will receive a fully funded outlay of about ₹2,183 crore, up from ₹1,276 crore in the current period. It seeks to strengthen integrated water‑resource planning across India’s major river basins with a particular focus on underdeveloped but water‑rich regions.
Background
India’s river basins support irrigation, hydropower generation, drinking water supply and ecological services for hundreds of millions of people. Managing these basins requires coordination across states and sectors. The RBM scheme, first approved for 2021–26, aims to prepare master plans and project reports for multipurpose projects that balance irrigation, flood control and power generation. The programme is implemented through the Central Water Commission, the Brahmaputra Board and the National Water Development Agency.
Key components
- Focus on underserved basins: The scheme prioritises water‑rich but economically lagging basins in the north‑eastern region, such as the Brahmaputra, Barak and Teesta, along with the Indus basin in Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.
- Capacity building: It addresses gaps in technical and institutional capacity in states like Sikkim, Mizoram, Manipur and Nagaland by funding training, workshops and data‑collection systems.
- Surveys and master plans: Comprehensive surveys using modern tools—GIS, remote sensing, LiDAR and drone mapping—will inform basin‑level plans, detailed project reports and pre‑feasibility studies for multipurpose infrastructure.
- Flood management and drainage: The scheme supports flood forecasting, riverbank protection, spring‑shed management and drainage interventions to reduce disaster risks.
- Community involvement: Local stakeholders will be involved through participatory planning and community‑based water conservation, recognising traditional knowledge and livelihoods.
Why it matters
- Integrated basin planning can reduce conflicts between states and sectors by providing a holistic view of water availability and demands.
- Better management of north‑eastern rivers can unlock hydropower potential, enhance irrigation and improve navigation while conserving fragile ecosystems.
- Using modern technology for surveys and monitoring enables more accurate data and early warning systems for floods and droughts.
- Community involvement ensures that development projects consider local needs and minimise displacement.
Conclusion
Continuation of the River Basin Management scheme signals a long‑term commitment to integrated water‑resource planning. By combining scientific tools with participatory approaches, the programme can pave the way for sustainable development in some of India’s most water‑rich yet economically marginalised regions.
