GOI and ADB signed $200 million Loan for Brahmaputra River Management

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Government of India have agreed to provide a $200 million loan to bolster flood and riverbank erosion risk management measures along the 650 km long main stem of the Brahmaputra river situated in the state of Assam.

Assam Integrated Flood and Riverbank Erosion Risk Management Investment Programme 

• The project is built upon the success and lessons learned from the Assam Integrated Flood and Riverbank Erosion Risk Management Investment Programme, which was financed by ADB and implemented during 2010–2020 in Assam, India and similar investments made in Bangladesh. 
• The objective of the project is to address recurrent flooding and riverbank erosion of the Brahmaputra river using ADB's cost-effective, adaptive and systematic river stabilization approach. 
• The project will also improve the capacity of state agencies and affected communities to manage flood and riverbank erosion risks. 
• The project interventions include stabilizing 60 km of riverbanks, installing 32 km of pro-siltation measures, and building 4 km of climate-resilient flood embankments in five high-priority districts: Dibrugarh, Goalpara, Kamrup Rural, Morigaon, and Tinsukia. 
• The project will secure living spaces, support livelihoods, create employment opportunities, and ultimately enhance the navigability of the river. 

Flood and River Erosion Management Agency of Assam 

• The Flood and River Erosion Management Agency of Assam will be responsible for leading, managing, and coordinating the project activities. 
• The Water Resources Department of the Government of Assam will be responsible for implementing the works, while the Assam Agroforestry Development Board will make use of nature-based solutions. 
• Additionally, the Brahmaputra Board, the Assam State Disaster Management Authority, and the Assam Inland Water Transport Development Society will serve as partner agencies.

Brahmaputra River

Origin: The Brahmaputra’s source is the Chemayungdung Glacier, which is southeast of Lake Mapam in southwestern Tibet. 

Other name: Upper course the river is generally known as the Tsangpo, it is also known by its Chinese name (Yarlung Zangbo) and by other local Tibetan names.

Countries: Tibet (China), Bhutan, India and Bangladesh.

States: Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Nagaland, Meghalaya, West Bengal and Sikkim. 

Tributary: Subansiri, Manas, Ronganadi, Dikrong, Buroi, Borgong, Jia Bharali, Dhansiri, Puthimari, Beki, Aie, Sonkosh, Noadehing, Buridehing, Desang, Dikhow, Bhogdoi, Kopilli, Kulsi, Krishnai, Dhdhnoi, Jinjiran

Other:

Kaziranga National Park gets flooded due to the Brahmaputra River system.

Majuli is a large river island located in Assam located on Brahmaputra River system.

Asian Development Bank (ADB)

Establishment: ADB was established in 1966 as a financial institution with an Asian character, aimed at fostering economic growth and cooperation in one of the world's poorest regions.

Members: 68 members—49 from the region

Headquarters: Philippines capital of Manila

Function: ADB supports its members and partners through loans, grants, technical assistance, and equity investments to foster economic and social development.

President: Masatsugu Asakawa 

Takeshi Watanabe was ADB's first President.