River Basin Management (RBM) Scheme

• A Central Sector Scheme (100% funded by the Government of India).
• Ministry: Department of Water Resources, River Development, and Ganga Rejuvenation under the Ministry of Jal Shakti.
• Implementing Agencies: 

1. Brahmaputra Board: Focused on the North Eastern Region (NER). 

2. Central Water Commission (CWC): Focuses on surveys, investigations, and DPR preparation. 

3. National Water Development Agency (NWDA): Focuses on the Interlinking of Rivers (ILR) programme and inter-basin transfers.

Geographical and Strategic Scope

• Priority Basins: Brahmaputra, Barak, Teesta, and Indus.
• Strategic Regions: North Eastern Region (NER), Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, and Sikkim.
• Support to States: It bridges capacity gaps in states like Mizoram, Manipur, and Nagaland that require central technical support.

Key Components and Functions

• Basin Master Plans: Preparation and periodic revision of Master Plans for flood control, bank erosion prevention, and drainage improvement.
• Project Investigation (IWRDS): Preparation of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for multipurpose projects, irrigation, and hydropower.
• Interlinking of Rivers (ILR): * NWDA has identified 30 river link projects under the National Perspective Plan.
  • Feasibility Reports for 26 projects and DPRs for 15 projects (including the Kosi–Mechi intra-state link in Bihar) have been finalized.

Modern Technological Interventions

The scheme emphasizes improving planning accuracy through:

• GIS and Remote Sensing.
• LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging).
• Drone-based surveys.
• Advanced hydrological modeling tools.

Major Achievements and Milestones (2021–2026)

• Protection of Majuli Island: Provided substantial protection from flood and erosion of the Brahmaputra river through bank revetment and spurs.
• Community Interventions: * Scientific improvement and dissemination of indigenous water management practices.
  • Implementation of Springshed management and water body development in hilly regions.
• Capacity Building: Training of officers from the NER and Brahmaputra Board at NEHARI (North Eastern Hydraulic & Allied Research Institute).
• Infrastructure: Construction of raised platforms in flood-prone areas to provide shelter.