Budget 2024: Govt allocates ₹11,500 crore for flood control in Bihar; assistance for Assam, Uttarakhand, Himachal

Budget 2024: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday announced rehabilitation and irrigation projects and monetary assistance for flood-affected states such as Bihar, Assam, Sikkim, Uttarakhand, and Himachal Pradesh.

The finance minister presented the first Union Budget of the Modi 3.0 government and her seventh consecutive one in Parliament on July 23. The budget session of Parliament began on July 22 and, according to schedule, will end on August 12.

The first budget after this year's general elections focused on employment and the middle class.

Bihar

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced an allocation of ₹11,500 crore for flood control measures in Bihar. The state has frequently suffered from floods, many originating outside the country.

“Plans to build flood control structures in Nepal are yet to progress. Our government, through the Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme and other sources, will provide financial support for projects with an estimated cost of ₹11,500 crore,” the FM said.

A survey and investigation of Kosi-related flood mitigation and irrigation projects will be undertaken, she said.

Assam

Assam grapples with floods every year due to the Brahmaputra River and its tributaries originating outside India. “We will provide assistance to Assam for flood management and related projects,” Sitharaman said during the budget speech. 

Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand suffers losses due to cloudbursts and massive landslides. The Union Budget will allocate funds to provide assistance to the state.

Himachal Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh faced extensive losses due to floods last year. “Our government will provide assistance to the state for reconstruction and rehabilitation through multilateral development assistance,” the finance minister stated.

Sikkim

FM Sitharaman, in her Budget 2024 presentation, aimed at supporting the state's recovery from the devastating Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF). “Recently, Sikkim witnessed devastating flash floods and landslides that wreaked havoc across the state. Our government will provide assistance to the state,” she said.

The assistance package is expected to bring much-needed relief to the affected regions, enabling the states to rebuild and revitalise their infrastructure, economy, and communities.