Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, while presenting the Union Budget 2024-25 on Tuesday, unveiled substantial financial assistance for states severely impacted by floods and other natural calamities. The aid will benefit Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, Assam, Uttarakhand, and Sikkim.
In her Budget speech in the Lok Sabha, Sitharaman said that Bihar, which frequently suffers from floods, will receive some relief as plans to build flood control structures in Nepal advance.
“Bihar has long faced challenges with floods, many of which originate beyond our borders. While plans for flood control structures in Nepal are progressing, we are committed to supporting Bihar through the Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Program and other funding sources. This includes an allocation of Rs 11,500 crore for various projects, such as the Kosi-Mechi intra-state link and 20 additional schemes focused on barrages, river pollution control, and irrigation,” Sitharaman said.
Sitharaman announced that the government will conduct surveys and investigations for flood mitigation and irrigation projects related to the Kosi River.
For Assam, the central government will provide support for flood management and related initiatives. “Assam faces persistent flooding from the Brahmaputra River and its tributaries, which originate outside India. We will assist Assam with projects aimed at managing these floods,” she said.
In response to Himachal Pradesh’s extensive flood damage last year, the finance minister announced aid for the state’s reconstruction and rehabilitation. “Our government will support Himachal Pradesh through multilateral development assistance to aid in its recovery,” Sitharaman said.
Uttarakhand and Sikkim, which have also been affected by cloudbursts and landslides, will receive financial assistance as well.
“Sikkim recently experienced severe flash floods and landslides. Our government will provide necessary support to help the state recover from these disasters”, Sitharaman said.