National News

New Ganga Floodplain Rules 2026

August 15 , 2026 10 hrs 0 min 16 0

The Centre amended the River Ganga (Rejuvenation, Protection and Management) Authorities Order, 2016, redefining the Ganga’s floodplain.
The amendment removes the term “construction-free zone” and introduces active floodplain, regulatory zone and warning zone.
The active floodplain is the area flooded by a 1-in-5-year flood.
The regulatory zone covers 1-in-5 to 1-in-25-year floods, while the warning zone covers 1-in-25 to 1-in-100-year floods.
The Ganga banks and floodplains must be maintained to reduce pollution and preserve natural groundwater recharge.