Centre To Provide Flood Assistance To Sikkim, Assam & Other Flood-Hit States: FM

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman today announced a comprehensive financial support plan of Rs 11,500 crore to enhance flood control measures and irrigation projects across several states

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced today that Sikkim would receive substantial assistance in addressing the aftermath of the devastating Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF), which struck the Himalayan state last year.

Presenting her 7th budget, Finance Minister Sitharaman said, “Recently, Sikkim witnessed devastating flash floods and landslides that wreaked havoc across the state. Our government will assist the state,” the finance minister said during her budget speech.

Several lives were lost, and hundreds of houses were damaged when the South Lhonak Lake ruptured following continuous heavy rainfall and wreaked havoc on October 3, 2023. The rupture resulted in massive discharge of water, which led to severe flooding in the Teesta River. Mangan, Gangtok, Pakyong, and Namchi districts were severely affected by this flooding.

The Chungthang Hydro-Dam on the Teesta River was also breached in this flooding, which led to widespread displacement.

The finance minister also announced assistance to flood-hit Assam.

“Assam, which grapples with annual floods caused by the Brahmaputra and its tributaries originating outside India, will also receive assistance for flood management and related projects. We will assist Assam for flood management and related projects,” the finance minister said.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman today announced a comprehensive financial support plan of Rs 11,500 crore to enhance flood control measures and irrigation projects across several states.

During her budget speech, the finance minister highlighted that the government will provide financial support for various projects through the Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Program and other sources.

These projects include the Kosi-Mechi intra-state link and 20 other ongoing schemes, encompassing barrages, river pollution reduction, and irrigation projects.

“Additionally, survey and investigation of Kosi-related flood mitigation and irrigation will be undertaken,” Sitharaman said.

Also Read: After GLOF hit Sikkim in October last, govt conducts scientific expedition to East Rathong glacier

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