Table of Contents

APSC Answer Writing (Daily) based on Assam Tribune – 05/08/2025

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 (05-08-2025).

Mains Question (GS Paper 3 – Environment | Disaster Management | Internal Security)

Q. China’s construction of a mega dam near the Great Bend of the Brahmaputra poses complex environmental, strategic, and disaster-related challenges for India. Critically examine its implications for Assam and suggest a comprehensive policy response.

Model Answer:

🔹 Introduction

The construction of a 60,000 MW mega hydropower dam by China near the Great Bend of the Brahmaputra (Yarlung Tsangpo) has raised serious concerns in India. Located just upstream of Arunachal Pradesh, this project is seen as a potential hydrological weapon in the context of India-China border tensions and climate vulnerabilities, especially affecting Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, two ecologically fragile and densely populated states downstream.

🔑 Implications for Assam and India

1. Environmental and Ecological Threats

Sudden release of water or dam failure can cause catastrophic flooding in Assam’s Brahmaputra Valley.
Change in sediment flow could disrupt the natural fertility and aquatic biodiversity of the region.
Potential disruption of monsoon flow synchronization affecting agriculture.

2. Strategic and Security Concerns

China’s dam construction with no bilateral treaty raises fears of hydro-hegemony.
Weaponization of water in a conflict scenario could be used as leverage against India.
Intelligence and monitoring gaps in the high-altitude region exacerbate vulnerability.

3. Socioeconomic Fallout

Assam’s flood management becomes more complex due to unpredictable river behavior.
Disruption of livelihoods dependent on agriculture, fishing, and riverine trade.
Erosion, already a major problem in Assam, may intensify with altered flow dynamics.

⚖️ Existing Policy Gaps

No legally binding India-China river water sharing agreement
Delay in constructing the Upper Siang Dam (India’s buffer response) due to local opposition
Weak disaster early warning systems for transboundary water releases
Limited use of satellite-based hydrological monitoring

🛠️ Comprehensive Policy Response

✅ A. Strategic Infrastructure Development

Expedite Upper Siang Hydroelectric Project with full stakeholder consultation
Develop multipurpose flood-mitigation cum power-generating structures in Arunachal-Assam border

✅ B. Regional Cooperation and Diplomacy

Pursue confidence-building measures (CBMs) with China on river data sharing
Push for regional hydro-diplomacy mechanisms through BIMSTEC or SCO platforms

✅ C. Technological Surveillance and Preparedness

Strengthen satellite and drone-based river flow monitoring
Integrate AI-based flood forecasting systems with Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA)

✅ D. Local Capacity and Resilience

Build community-based flood preparedness in Assam
Promote climate-resilient cropping and riverbank stabilization programs

🧩 Conclusion

China’s mega dam near the Great Bend is not merely an infrastructural project—it is a geopolitical signal and an ecological challenge. For Assam and India, the stakes are high. A nuanced response combining hydrological diplomacy, strategic deterrence, disaster preparedness, and local resilience is essential to secure both national interest and regional stability.

✨ Looking for top-quality APSC Mains Guidance with Personalised Mentor?

🔔 Join Our WhatsApp Study Group!

For exclusive access to premium quality content, including study materials, current affairs, MCQs, and model answers for APSC CCE and other Assam competitive exams.

Click here to join: SuchitraACS Study WhatsApp Group