RBM 2.0: A ₹2,183 Crore Vision for India’s Rivers

The Centre has proposed to continue the River Basin Management (RBM) scheme during the 16th Finance Commission period from 2026–27 to 2030–31, with a total outlay of ₹2,183 crore, according to the Ministry of Jal Shakti.

This proposal builds on the earlier phase implemented between 2021–22 and 2025–26, which had an allocation of ₹1,276 crore, reflecting a stronger push toward integrated water resource planning and basin-level development. The scheme focuses on promoting sustainable and efficient water use while supporting key areas such as irrigation expansion, hydropower generation, and flood management across major river systems.

It places particular emphasis on strategically important yet underdeveloped regions, especially in the North East and the Indus basin covering Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, including rivers such as the Brahmaputra, Barak, and Teesta.

Key components of the scheme include basin-level master planning, flood control measures, erosion management, river interlinking studies, and the preparation of detailed project reports. The initiative is being implemented through agencies such as the Brahmaputra Board, Central Water Commission, and National Water Development Agency, with the aim of strengthening long-term water security and infrastructure resilience across the country.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.