Budget 2024: Flood of funds to tackle disasters

The Centre is reaching out to help states that are vulnerable to natural disasters. The Budget has made a special allocation for flood relief in several states - including Bihar, Assam, Uttarakhand, Himachal and Sikkim.

Bihar alone gets a package of Rs 11,500 crore. This is in addition to the disaster relief fund given to states annually.

"Bihar has frequently suffered from floods, many of them originating outside the country. Plans to build flood control structures in Nepal are yet to progress. Our govt, through the Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme and other sources, will provide financial support for projects with an estimated cost of Rs 11,500 crore, such as the Kosi-Mechi intra-state link and 20 other ongoing and new schemes including barrages, river pollution abatement and irrigation projects," FM Nirmala Sitharaman said.

Assam, which grapples with floods from Brahmaputra that kill hundreds every year, has got a special package for flood mitigation.

Congress-ruled Himachal Pradesh, which suffered extensive losses due to floods last year, also found mention in the FM's speech where she promised to provide assistance for reconstruction and rehabilitation through multilateral development assistance. "Uttarakhand too suffered losses due to cloud bursts and massive landslides. We will provide assistance to the state," the FM said, adding that a similar assistance will be provided to Sikkim.

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