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APSC Answer Writing (Daily) based on Assam Tribune – 20/06/2025

For APSC CCE and other Assam Competitive examinations aspirants, practicing Daily Answer Writing is vital. This blog covers the most important Main question and its model Answer from the Assam Tribune today (20-06-2025).

📝 Mains Question:

Q. “Scientific tools like flood hazard zoning atlases can transform disaster management from reactive relief to proactive resilience.” Examine the role of space-based data in flood management in India with a special focus on Assam.

📘 Model Answer

Introduction

Floods are the most frequent and destructive natural disasters in India, affecting over 30 million people annually, with Assam among the worst-hit states. Traditionally reliant on post-flood relief, the state has now turned to scientific planning through space-based flood mapping. The recent Flood Hazard Zoning Atlas prepared by ISRO’s NRSC in collaboration with NDMA and ASDMA marks a crucial shift toward data-driven disaster preparedness.

Why Assam Needs Scientific Flood Management

~40% of Assam’s land is flood-prone
18 lakh hectares of cropland impacted annually
Increasing flood frequency due to climate change and Brahmaputra siltation
Lack of real-time early warning and long-term mitigation planning

Role of Space-Based Tools in Flood Management

Tool or Application	Function
Satellite Mapping (IRS/INSAT)	Tracks flood extent, recurrence, and vulnerable zones
Digital Elevation Models (DEM)	Identifies low-lying areas for drainage planning
Flood Hazard Atlases	Classifies villages/districts by flood severity for zoning policies
Remote Sensing + GIS	Supports infrastructure planning (roads, embankments, shelters)
Cloud Cover & Rainfall Monitoring	Enables real-time flood alerts and crop advisory integration

Benefits of the ISRO-Assam Flood Atlas

Maps 18,000+ villages into 5 risk categories
Covers flood data from 1998 to 2023, ensuring historical accuracy
Enables prioritised funding and embankment work
Helps reduce loss of life, livestock, and infrastructure
Promotes climate-resilient agriculture through informed planning

Challenges in Integration

Challenge	Explanation
Low Local Capacity	Panchayats and districts often lack GIS-trained officers
Coordination Deficit	Revenue, WR, and ASDMA departments work in silos
Funding Bottlenecks	Long-term flood mitigation projects often face delays
Encroachment on Floodplains	Weak land enforcement undermines hazard zoning
Data Accessibility	Scientific data often remains underutilised at grassroots level

Way Forward

Recommendation	Action Plan
Policy Integration	Make flood atlas part of district planning and MNREGA floodproofing
Digital Dashboards	Live flood data with public access for transparency and alerts
Capacity Building	Train local officials in reading satellite data and GIS tools
Community Engagement	Involve SHGs, youth, and schools in flood education
AI-Powered Forecasting	Integrate machine learning into rainfall-runoff models

Conclusion

Space-based flood mapping is not just a scientific advancement—it is an equity tool for vulnerable regions like Assam. By enabling predictive governance, targeted resource allocation, and community resilience, such tools transform flood management from a humanitarian crisis to a solvable planning challenge. Science must flow into policy and reach the last mile to make this transformation real.

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