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APSC Answer Writing (Daily) based on Assam Tribune – 26/06/2025

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 (26-06-2025).

📝 Mains Question:

Q. Discuss the strategic and developmental significance of the Barpeta–Alipurduar six-lane expressway project. What challenges are associated with large-scale infrastructure projects in ecologically sensitive regions like Assam, and how can they be mitigated?

📘 Model Answer

Introduction

The proposed six-lane expressway connecting Barpeta (Assam) to Alipurduar (West Bengal) is a greenfield infrastructure project sanctioned by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) under the Bharatmala Pariyojana. It aims to enhance regional connectivity, trade, and strategic access, especially in the context of Assam’s integration with the rest of India and its neighbouring countries.

Strategic and Developmental Significance

Area	Importance
🛣️ Connectivity	Reduces Guwahati–Siliguri travel by 2+ hours
💼 Economic Growth	Eases logistics and supports Assam–Bengal–Bhutan trade
🧳 Tourism Boost	Facilitates access to Manas National Park, Vaishnavite pilgrimage routes
🛡️ National Security	Improves troop and supply movement near the Bhutan border
👷 Employment Creation	Stimulates local jobs in construction and transport

Associated Challenges

Challenge	Explanation
🧭 Land Acquisition	Resistance from tribal and agrarian communities
🌳 Environmental Impact	Alignment near Manas–Buxa corridor threatens biodiversity
🧱 Project Delays	Terrain complexity, monsoon disruptions in Assam
🤝 Federal Coordination	Assam–West Bengal coordination needed for seamless execution
📜 Legal Bottlenecks	Issues with forest clearance and environmental assessments

Relevant Policy Frameworks

Bharatmala Pariyojana – Focus on economic corridors and border roads
PM Gati Shakti Mission – Unified planning across ministries
National Logistics Policy (2022) – Aims to reduce logistics cost to below 10% of GDP
Environment Impact Assessment (EIA), 2006 – Mandates eco-clearances
Northeast Road Sector Development Scheme (NERSDS) – Dedicated to NE road projects

Mitigation Strategies

Solution Area	Recommendation
🧑‍🌾 Participatory Planning	Conduct Gram Sabha consultations and fair compensation
🌿 Eco-Friendly Alignment	Use eco-bridges, underpasses for wildlife
🛠️ Phase-Wise Execution	Start with least disruptive stretches to show benefits early
📡 Digital Monitoring	Geo-tagged dashboards for project transparency
🧑‍🔧 Local Workforce Use	Train and employ local youth in road-building and maintenance

Conclusion

The Barpeta–Alipurduar expressway is a crucial link for Assam’s economic and geostrategic aspirations. However, infrastructure growth in ecologically rich regions must follow the principle of green development—balancing connectivity with conservation. With inclusive planning and environmental safeguards, this project can become a model for resilient, sustainable infrastructure in the Northeast.

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