NEW DELHI: Union Ministry of Jal Shakti has convened a meeting of the Ganga Flood Control Board to discuss several important topics related to flood management in the Ganga basin. The key areas of focus included the development of risk-based river basin master plans, evaluating the adequacy of waterways and ventways under bridges, and restructuring the Ganga Flood Control Commission (GFCC) to enhance flood management efforts.
During its 19th meeting, held at Bharat Mandapam on October 27 and chaired by Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil, the board emphasized the need to improve the quality of detailed project reports (DPRs), ensure timely implementation of flood mitigation projects, and incorporate modern technologies in flood management strategies.
Minister Patil launched the Punah Bharan mobile app, developed by the Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications and Geo-informatics (BISAG-N) in collaboration with the National Water Mission. This app aids in the scientific identification of suitable locations for artificial groundwater recharge initiatives.
The revised mandate and restructuring of the GFCC will focus on strengthening flood management planning at the basin level, assessing various flood management schemes, studying river morphology and sedimentation, and developing a Flood Management Information System (FMIS). These new institutional arrangements aim to enhance coordination, technical evaluation, and timely decision-making.
The meeting underscored the need for improved cooperation among central ministries, state governments, and other stakeholders, particularly in addressing issues related to river morphology, drainage congestion, infrastructure development, and flood resilience.
The significance of modern survey techniques, comprehensive technical investigations, appropriate statutory clearances, and the prompt resolution of project implementation challenges was also highlighted.
Participants reaffirmed the necessity of an integrated, risk-informed, and technology-driven approach to flood management, supported by effective cooperation between the Centre and the states, improved technical standards, and coordinated implementation of flood management measures across the Ganga basin.
The Ganga Flood Control Board was established by the Centre on April 18, 1972, to facilitate coordinated planning and implementation of measures to address flood, erosion, and drainage issues in the Ganga basin.
Attendees included West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Ram Nath Thakur, NITI Aayog member K.V. Raju, Bihar Deputy Chief Minister and Water Resources Minister Vijay Kumar Choudhary, Uttar Pradesh Jal Shakti Minister Swatantra Dev Singh, and representatives from various Ganga basin states.