GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 10th Feb. The Government of India and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have inked a significant MoU, marking a $200 million loan agreement aimed at bolstering flood and riverbank erosion risk management along the Brahmaputra river in Assam.
The agreement was signed by Ms. Juhi Mukherjee, Joint Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs in the Ministry of Finance, representing the Government of India, and Mr. Hoe Yun Jeong, Deputy Country Director of ADB’s India Resident Mission, for ADB.
The project, titled the Climate Resilient Brahmaputra Integrated Flood and Riverbank Erosion Risk Management Project, is set to cover the 650 km long main stem of the Brahmaputra river in Assam. It draws upon the success of previous initiatives, including the ADB-backed Assam Integrated Flood and Riverbank Erosion Risk Management Investment Programme from 2010–2020.
Ms. Juhi Mukherjee expressed confidence that the project would significantly contribute to stabilizing the Brahmaputra river in flood- and erosion-prone regions, thereby enhancing the state’s resilience to disasters.
Mr. Jeong emphasized ADB’s commitment to employing cost-effective and adaptive strategies to manage the Brahmaputra river. The project will involve various interventions, including riverbank stabilization, pro-siltation measures, and the construction of climate-resilient flood embankments in five high-priority districts.
Notably, the project aims to benefit around 1 million people, particularly empowering women through disaster-resilient economic activities. It also seeks to enhance crop production over 50,000 hectares and improve institutional capacity in flood forecasting and warning systems.
The Flood and River Erosion Management Agency of Assam will spearhead project activities, with support from various governmental and non-governmental bodies including the Water Resources Department, Assam Agroforestry Development Board, and others.
This initiative underscores ADB’s commitment to fostering prosperity, inclusivity, and sustainability in the region while tackling extreme poverty, aligning with its mission since its establishment in 1966.
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