Table of Contents

APSC Answer Writing (Daily) based on Assam Tribune – 10/02/2026

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 (10-02-2026).

GS Mains Model Question

Paper: General Studies – III (Environment | Infrastructure | Disaster Management)

Q. Linear infrastructure projects in ecologically sensitive regions often create irreversible impacts on wildlife.

In the context of the recent electrocution of a hoolock gibbon near Hollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary, critically examine the challenges of balancing infrastructure development with biodiversity conservation in Assam. Suggest policy and administrative measures to reconcile the two.
(15 marks)

Model Answer

Introduction

As reported in The Assam Tribune (10 February 2026), the death of an endangered hoolock gibbon due to electrocution along an electrified railway track passing through Hollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary has highlighted the conflict between rapid infrastructure expansion and biodiversity conservation in Assam. The incident raises serious concerns regarding environmental compliance, mitigation planning, and governance accountability in ecologically fragile landscapes.

Body

A. Challenges in Balancing Infrastructure and Conservation

Habitat Fragmentation

Linear projects such as roads and railways fragment continuous forest canopies, critically affecting arboreal species like the hoolock gibbon.

Inadequate Mitigation Planning

Absence or poor design of species-specific safeguards (e.g., canopy bridges, insulated overhead lines) increases wildlife mortality.

Compliance and Monitoring Gaps

Environmental Impact Assessments often focus on pre-clearance stages, with weak post-construction ecological audits.

Inter-Agency Coordination Deficit

Limited alignment between implementing agencies (e.g., Railways) and State Forest Departments hampers effective mitigation.

Cumulative Impacts

Multiple linear intrusions amplify ecological stress beyond the impact of individual projects.

B. Policy and Administrative Measures Required

Avoidance and Design Optimisation

Reroute projects away from critical habitats; where unavoidable, adopt underground cabling and wildlife-friendly designs.

Species-Specific Mitigation

Mandatory installation of canopy crossings, insulation of electrified lines, and speed restrictions in sanctuary stretches.

Strengthened EIA and Post-Project Audits

Independent, time-bound ecological monitoring with public disclosure and corrective action mechanisms.

Institutional Coordination

Binding Standard Operating Procedures between infrastructure agencies and Forest Departments, with shared accountability.

Landscape-Level Planning

Cumulative impact assessments to guide approvals of linear projects in biodiversity hotspots.

Conclusion

The Hollongapar incident is a preventable tragedy that underscores the need to integrate ecological sensitivity into infrastructure planning. For Assam—home to unique and endangered fauna—development must proceed with science-based safeguards, robust governance, and cooperative institutional action. Reconciling growth with conservation is not a trade-off but a prerequisite for sustainable and resilient development.

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