World Bank grants $108 million to improve Assam's flood and disaster preparedness

• Image Credit: Google

• Mar 25, 2023 | Dhupali Das

The World Bank has approved a USD 108 million loan to assist Assam in improving disaster preparedness and flood forecasting...

Digital Desk: The World Bank has approved a USD 108 million loan to assist Assam in improving disaster preparedness and flood forecasting.

According to a press release from the multilateral bank, the project will help approximately 6 million people and is part of the state's larger USD 500 million investment program.

The Assam Integrated River Basin Management Project will help the state reduce its vulnerability to floods and river erosion by constructing green infrastructure in the Beki and Buridehing river basins, protecting approximately 100,000 people.

The project will also help strengthen the state's disaster response by improving flood forecasting and early warning systems, including mobile alerts.

According to the release, it will provide better evacuation and shelter facilities, including access to climate-resilient flood shelters, to at least 10,000 people.

With upgraded state and district emergency operational centers, the project will also assist government agencies in responding quicker during times of crisis.

"The 2022 floods affected millions of people in Assam," said Auguste Tano Kouame, the World Bank’s Country Director for India.

"This initiative will build on Assam's disaster risk management strategy, thereby contributing to climate-resilient growth while protecting Assamese lives and property," Kouame said. 

The project will help Assam in addressing the immediate challenges of flooding and erosion while also assisting in the management of its complex river systems.

The Brahmaputra River system is Assam's economic lifeline and an important component of the state's rich natural resources and cultural heritage. However, flooding, riverbank erosion, sedimentation, and biodiversity loss have major economic and environmental consequences for the state, resulting in the loss of income for its people.

According to the World Bank, the Assam government has predicted that due to climate change, there will be an increase in extreme rainfall events of between 5 and 35% and an increase in flood events of more than 25%.

"Water resource management combined with disaster preparedness is a crucial method to protect natural resources and increase economic growth," said Greg Browder, Anup Karanth, and Satya Priya, the Task Team Leaders for the project. The project will help design climate-resistant communities and create flood shelters with enough room for livestock and local residents.

The USD 108 million debt from the World Bank's International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) has an 11.5-year maturity and a 4-year grace period.