With only four states complying despite repeated reminders, the Centre is contemplating making it mandatory for states to enact floodplain zoning legislation if they want to access central flood management funds, officials have said.
The four states that have enacted such legislation are Manipur, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, and the erstwhile Jammu & Kashmir.
A senior official, said, that the Ministry of Jal Shakti has been tirelessly communicating with state governments, urging them to notify the Flood Plain Zoning Act and demarcate flood zones. Yet, the states’ response has been less than enthusiastic.
"The Ministry of Jal Shakti has been persistently urging states to take action. However, the progress remains limited to a few states. Water management, including flood management, is a state subject under the Constitution. States need to take proactive measures in this regard," another official said.
Recently, the Central Water Commission updated the Model Act, and the ministry plans to initiate another round of consultations with states, hoping for a breakthrough that doesn't feel like pulling teeth.
"We are going for a Cabinet approval for the next phase of the Flood Management and Border Areas Programme. For that, now the condition for any State to access resources under the FMBAP will be that the state must have enacted the Flood Plain Zoning Act. So, you will not get money if you have not enacted the Flood Plain Zoning Act," the official said.
"In May 2022, the Secretary of the Department of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation wrote to state Chief Secretaries, urging them to enact appropriate legislation. In a meeting in January 2023, the Secretary emphasized the importance of floodplain zoning for comprehensive flood management and minimizing flood damage," the official said.
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