APSC Answer Writing (Daily) based on Assam Tribune – 13/07/2026

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 (13-07-2026).

📘 GS Mains Model Question (APSC CCE)

Q. “Urban flooding is no longer merely a consequence of extreme rainfall but also a manifestation of unsustainable urbanisation and governance deficits.” Discuss with special reference to the recurring floods in Guwahati. Suggest a multi-dimensional strategy to build urban flood resilience. (15 Marks, 250 Words)

Model Answer

Introduction

According to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), urban flooding is distinct from riverine flooding and is primarily caused by inadequate drainage, rapid urbanisation and encroachment of natural drainage systems. The recurring floods in Guwahati exemplify how environmental degradation and governance failures amplify the impacts of intense rainfall.

Body

1. Factors Responsible for Urban Flooding in Guwahati

Wetland encroachment: Shrinkage of wetlands such as Deepor Beel and Silsako Beel has reduced the city’s natural water retention capacity.
Hill cutting and deforestation: Increased surface runoff, soil erosion and landslide risks.
Inadequate drainage infrastructure: Storm-water drains are undersized, poorly maintained and frequently clogged by solid waste.
Rapid urbanisation: Expansion of impervious surfaces limits groundwater infiltration and increases runoff.
Climate change: Higher frequency of short-duration, high-intensity rainfall events.
Weak urban planning: Construction in flood-prone zones and insufficient enforcement of land-use regulations.

2. Impacts

Disruption of transport corridors, including NH-27, leading to economic losses.
Damage to homes, public infrastructure and utilities.
Increased incidence of water-borne diseases and public health risks.
Traffic congestion and reduced productivity.
Ecological degradation of wetlands and urban biodiversity.

3. Government Initiatives

Disaster Management Act, 2005 and NDMA Guidelines on Urban Flooding (2010).
AMRUT and Smart Cities Mission for urban infrastructure improvement.
Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) initiatives on preparedness and response.
Drain desiltation, early warning systems and wetland restoration undertaken by State agencies.

4. Way Forward

Restore and legally protect wetlands and natural drainage channels.
Adopt the Sponge City concept using permeable pavements, rain gardens and green roofs.
Develop GIS-based urban flood-risk maps and integrate them into master plans.
Modernise storm-water drainage with regular desiltation and smart monitoring systems.
Strictly regulate hill cutting and prevent encroachments.
Strengthen inter-agency coordination among GMC, GMDA, ASDMA and Water Resources Department.
Promote citizen participation through waste segregation and community flood preparedness.

Conclusion

Urban flooding in Guwahati is fundamentally a challenge of climate resilience, environmental conservation and urban governance. A combination of nature-based solutions, scientific urban planning, resilient infrastructure and effective institutional coordination is essential to transform Guwahati into a flood-resilient and sustainable city, in line with SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction.

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