NEW DELHI, Dec 18 – In what could land Assam Government in an embarassing position, Central Water Commission (CWC) has scrapped 15 flood control projects of Assam because of non-response of the State Government for over a year. The 15 proposals deleted by the CWC were part of the 109 flood control proposals submitted by Assam Government since 1999. Out of these, 47 projects have been techno-economically cleared, while 31 others have been accorded investments clearance by the Planning Commission.
Another 27 projects after being examined by the CWC have been returned to the State Government by the CWC. This was revealed by Minister of State for Home Affairs I D Swami in the Lok Sabha through a written reply. The 15 projects deleted from the current list were due to either non-response of the State Government over a year or enhanced powers of the State Government for such clearances, the Minister added.
The Minister referring to measures taken to control floods in Assam said the State Government has constructed a 4454 km long embankments, 850 km long drainage channels and 660 town and village protection works so far as short term measures are concerned.
Government of India has been extending Central Assistance to the State Government for flood control schemes since 1974-75 in form of loan and grants. Till March 2000, a total amount of Rs 401.03 crore has been provided. The Planning Commission has further provided additional Central assistance of Rs 10 crore to Assam during 2001-2002.