14th Meeting of the HPRB of the Brahmaputra Board held
REGIONAL: The 14th Meeting of the High-Powered Review Board (HPRB) of the Brahmaputra Board took place in Guwahati, chaired by Union Minister CR Patil. The meeting aimed to review river basin management initiatives and chart a future roadmap attended by various ministers, officials, technical experts and stakeholders.
During the event, the State Water Reforms Framework (SWRF) was launched, intended to enhance water governance across States and Union Territories. Patil stressed the importance of water security for India's development and emphasised a need for sustainable management that combines infrastructure, robust governance, policies and community engagement.
The HPRB reviewed the Board's achievements in river basin management, including the preparation of masterplans and flood management strategies. It noted progress in integrating advanced technologies like GIS and hydrological modeling for the effective management of 76 identified river basins. Discussions involved projects in Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland and Tripura for flood management and water conservation.
A highlight of the meeting was the proposed transformation of the Brahmaputra Board into a modern, technology-driven River Basin Organisation (RBO) through organizational reforms, digital governance, and enhanced technical capabilities. The revitalisation of the North Eastern Hydraulic and Allied Research Institute (NEHARI) and redevelopment of the Brahmaputra Board Office Complex in Guwahati were also discussed.
The meeting also celebrated the release of books and documentaries on traditional water management practices in Northeast India, emphasizing the integration of indigenous knowledge with modern management approaches. The SWRF is positioned as a guideline for progressive water sector reforms across the country.