Centre redefines Ganga floodplain, drops 'construction-free zone' provision
The Indian government has redefined the Ganga floodplain and introduced regulatory and warning zones based on flood return periods. The updated definition removes the 'construction-free zone' provision, instead focusing on reducing pollution sources and preserving groundwater recharge functions. The active floodplain, now defined as the area inundated during a one-in-five-year flood, will be maintained to prevent pollution and preserve natural functions.
The 2026 amendment also established regulatory zones for floods with a one-in-25-year and one-in-100-year frequency, but did not specify construction permissions or prohibitions for these areas.
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