Central Government Push for Floodplain Zoning Legislation: Access to Funds at Stake

The Centre is urging states to enact floodplain zoning legislation to access central flood management funds. Only four states have complied so far. The Ministry of Jal Shakti is considering making it mandatory for states to enact this legislation to receive funds. States face issues in implementation, including evacuation of residents.

The Centre is intensifying efforts to make floodplain zoning legislation a prerequisite for states to access central flood management funds. With only four states—Manipur, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, and Jammu & Kashmir—complying, officials are considering stricter mandates.

The Ministry of Jal Shakti has been in continuous communication with states, urging them to notify and implement the Flood Plain Zoning Act. Recently updated by the Central Water Commission, the Model Act is set to undergo further consultations with state governments.

A senior official from the ministry indicated that without this legislation, states would be ineligible for resources under the Flood Management and Border Areas Programme. Despite substantial efforts, progress remains limited, largely due to challenges in evacuating residents and defining floodplain areas.

(With inputs from agencies.)