The Brahmaputra Board Act, 1980

The Brahmaputra Board Act, 1980, is a significant legislation that provides for the establishment of the Brahmaputra Board. This Board is tasked with the planning and integrated implementation of measures for the control of floods and bank erosion in the Brahmaputra Valley. The Act aims to promote sustainable development and mitigate the adverse impacts of floods and erosion in this region.

1: Act Background and ministry under which this act is:

The Brahmaputra Board Act, 1980, was enacted to provide for the establishment of a Board for the planning and integrated implementation of measures for the control of floods and bank erosion in the Brahmaputra Valley. This act falls under the purview of the Ministry of Jal Shakti (Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation), Government of India.

2: Enactment date, number of chapters, number of sections:

The Act was enacted on 1st September 1980. It is divided into six chapters and has 30 sections.

3: Act Governed By:

The Act is primarily governed by the Brahmaputra Board, which is a body corporate established under the Act. The Central Government oversees the Board’s functioning and provides directions and instructions on policy matters. The Act also involves the State Governments of Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, and Tripura, and the Administrations of Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram.

4: On Whom it is applicable:

This Act applies to the Brahmaputra Board, its members, officers, and employees, as well as the State Governments and Union Territories within the Brahmaputra Valley. It also applies to any person or entity involved in projects related to flood control, bank erosion, and drainage within the valley.

5: Penalties/Punishments:

The Act does not prescribe specific penalties or punishments. Instead, it focuses on the establishment of the Brahmaputra Board and its functions related to flood control and river management. The Act empowers the Central Government to take action against the Board if it fails to carry out its functions or directions.

6: Important Pointers:

• The Act establishes the Brahmaputra Board to manage flood control and bank erosion in the Brahmaputra Valley.

• It defines the composition, powers, and functions of the Board.

• It outlines the Board’s responsibility for preparing a Master Plan for flood control and drainage.

• The Act empowers the Board to conduct surveys, investigations, and research related to water resources.

• It includes provisions for the management of the Brahmaputra Board Fund.

• The Act emphasizes the need for cooperation between the Central Government and the State Governments in the region.

• It also includes provisions for the protection of action taken in good faith by the members and officers of the Board.

7: Act Copy: