The Brahmaputra Board is preparing master plans to tackle floods and erosion in Tripura and other north-eastern states using advanced technology, multi-agency collaboration, and long-term river basin strategies to safeguard lives, infrastructure, and sustainable water resources management.
After devastating floods and landslides struck Tripura and several other north-eastern states in June this year, the Brahmaputra Board has intensified its efforts to prepare long-term master plans to address the chronic issues of floods, erosion, and drainage in the region.
The north-eastern states of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Sikkim, Manipur, and Tripura bore the brunt of one of the worst monsoon seasons in recent memory. Lakhs of people were displaced, homes were destroyed, and critical infrastructure was severely damaged. According to media reports, Silchar in Assam witnessed record-breaking rainfall of 415.8 mm in a single day, while Mizoram alone recorded over 600 landslides, making it one of the most affected states.
Officials said that the Brahmaputra Board, which is mandated to ensure sustainable water resources management in the region, is engaged in preparing and updating master plans for 15 river sub-basins across the northeast using advanced technology and modern planning tools.
Focus on River Sub-Basins
The river sub-basins currently under focus include Dikhow and Jhanji (Nagaland and Assam), Dikrong (Arunachal Pradesh and Assam), Kolodyne and Tuichang (Mizoram), and 10 rivers in Meghalaya, such as Kynshi, Umngot, and Simsang. These rivers, prone to flash floods and bank erosion, pose a recurring threat to settlements, agricultural land, and critical road and rail networks.
The master plans are being designed to not only mitigate floods and erosion but also to promote holistic water resources management. This includes drainage development, multi-purpose river projects, and the sustainable use of water for drinking, irrigation, and hydropower.
Integrated Approach with Stakeholders
Recognizing the need for a “comprehensive and integrated approach involving basin states and stakeholders,” the Brahmaputra Board has initiated broad consultations. Requests for Proposals (RFPs) have been issued, and inputs from state governments, local authorities, and experts are being actively sought at every stage of the planning process.
To steer this effort, a special committee has been constituted with representatives from the state governments, the Central Water Commission (CWC), North East Space Application Centre (NESAC), Survey of India, Geological Survey of India (GSI), and reputed academic institutions. This multi-agency collaboration is expected to ensure that the plans are both scientifically robust and locally practical.
Preparation of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs)
The Board is also preparing Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for multi-purpose projects that aim to combine flood control with irrigation, hydropower, and environmental conservation. Under the Flood Management and Border Areas Programme (FMBAP), schemes are being monitored for effective implementation, while ongoing anti-erosion and drainage development works are being fast-tracked in vulnerable zones.
A High Powered Review Board (HPRB) has directed the Brahmaputra Board to prioritise advanced DPRs for urgent projects and to closely monitor their execution in coordination with state governments. This directive is expected to speed up interventions in high-risk areas and ensure accountability in implementation.
Future Master Plans
In addition to the ongoing projects, future master plans have been proposed for major rivers such as Sankosh-Raidak, Teesta, Ganol, Jinjiram, Umtru, Kopili, Kollong, Dhansiri (North), Tangani, Noanadi, Nanoi, Barnadi, Feni, Muhuri, and Gumti. Draft RFPs for these rivers have already been prepared, signaling the Board’s commitment to expanding its flood and erosion management strategy across the entire northeastern region.
Importance for Tripura and the Northeast
For Tripura, which has experienced severe riverbank erosion and seasonal flooding along rivers like Gumti and Muhuri, the master plans are crucial for safeguarding livelihoods, agriculture, and infrastructure. Similarly, in Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and Mizoram, the plans could help reduce the impact of annual floods that have devastated villages and farmlands for decades.
| Also Read: Agartala faces severe traffic jams as cover drain work drags on |
By integrating technology, stakeholder participation, and long-term vision, the Brahmaputra Board’s initiatives are being seen as a critical step toward building resilience in the disaster-prone north-eastern states. Experts believe that once executed, these plans could significantly reduce the socio-economic damages caused by floods and erosion, paving the way for more sustainable regional development.
