River Basin Management scheme extended till 2031 with Rs 2,183 crore increased outlay
The scheme gives special attention to major river basins such as the Brahmaputra, Barak, Teesta and Indus, which are strategically and environmentally crucial
The Ministry of Jal Shakti has extended the River Basin Management scheme till 2031 with an increased outlay of Rs 2,183 crore to promote basin-level planning to ensure sustainable use, protection, and development of surface and groundwater resources.
The scheme gives special attention to major river basins such as the Brahmaputra, Barak, Teesta and Indus, which are strategically and environmentally crucial.
"The River Basin Management Scheme promotes basin-level planning to ensure sustainable use, protection, and development of surface and groundwater resources. It also uses advanced tools like Geographic Information System (GIS), remote sensing, LiDAR (light detection and ranging), and drone-based surveys to enhance data accuracy and support better project preparation," the ministry said.
The scheme also addresses capacity gaps in states such as Jammu and Kashmir, Sikkim, Mizoram, Manipur, and Nagaland, which require central support for project planning and development.
In the previous phase, covering 2021–22 to 2025–26, the total budget allocation for the scheme was Rs 1,276 crore.
"The scheme is designed to address the diverse challenges associated with water resource planning and development at the basin level. The objective of the scheme is to focus on promoting sustainable use of water while supporting irrigation, hydropower, and flood management. These objectives guide the overall planning and implementation of the scheme," the ministry added.
Water is one of the most critical natural resources, supporting ecosystems, livelihoods, and economic development. It plays a central role in agriculture, industry, energy generation, and overall human well-being.
As societies continue to rely on water for multiple purposes, the need for efficient and coordinated use of water has become increasingly important.
In India, where river systems are complex and interlinked, basin-level planning has become essential for addressing challenges such as floods, erosion, uneven water distribution, and ecological degradation.
The scheme is also significant in the context of growing water stress, uneven spatial distribution of water resources, rising frequency of floods and droughts, and the impact of climate change, all of which demand a basin-level, integrated approach rather than fragmented water management practices.
The scheme has been successful in preparing and updating of River Basin Master Plans for major river systems in the Brahmaputra and Barak basins, basin-level studies to support integrated water resource planning and flood management strategies, and substantial protection to Majuli Island from flood and erosion of the Brahmaputra.
It has also recorded extensive survey and investigation work across river basins in the North Eastern Region and the Himalayan areas, including topographical surveys, geological investigations and hydrological data collection, with these studies forming the basis for future irrigation, hydropower and multipurpose projects.
