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APSC Answer Writing (Daily) based on Assam Tribune – 09/08/2025

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 (09-08-2025).

Q. “River tourism in the North-East can be a catalyst for sustainable economic growth, but it requires careful planning and environmental safeguards.” Discuss.

📘 GS Paper 3 – Infrastructure | Environment | Sustainable Tourism
📘 GS Paper 5 (Assam) – Inland Water Transport | Brahmaputra Basin Development

🔹 Introduction

The North-East of India, with its vast river networks — especially the Brahmaputra (NW-2) and Barak (NW-16) — offers immense potential for river-based tourism. The recent initiative by the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) to develop river tourism circuits is part of a broader push for sustainable connectivity, economic growth, and cultural integration under the Sagarmala and Act East Policy frameworks.

🔹 Importance of River Tourism for the NE Region

Economic Diversification – Reduces overdependence on agriculture by creating jobs in hospitality, transport, and handicrafts.
Cultural Promotion – Showcases riverine heritage, including Majuli’s Raas Leela, tea garden experiences, and indigenous crafts.
Eco-Friendly Mobility – Inland waterways produce less carbon emissions compared to road transport.
Regional Connectivity – Links remote river islands and border areas to urban and cross-border trade hubs.
Integration with Act East Policy – Potential for joint tourism with Bangladesh under the Protocol on Inland Water Transit and Trade (PIWTT).

🔹 Challenges in Realising the Potential

Challenge	Explanation
Siltation & Depth Variability	Brahmaputra’s shifting channels and heavy sediment load hinder navigation.
Seasonal Disruptions	Flooding during monsoons and low water levels in winter affect schedules.
Infrastructure Gaps	Limited passenger terminals, safety measures, and repair facilities.
Environmental Risks	Pollution from vessels, disturbance to aquatic biodiversity like river dolphins.
Multi-Agency Coordination	IWAI, state governments, tourism boards, and local communities often lack a unified action plan.

🔹 Government Efforts

Sagarmala Programme – Includes inland waterways for port-led development.
Assam Inland Water Transport Project – World Bank-funded modernisation of ferries and terminals.
Brahmaputra Cruise Tourism Policy – Promotes luxury cruises and eco-tourism packages.
PIWTT with Bangladesh – Enables transboundary river tourism and trade routes.

🔹 Way Forward

1. Integrated Tourism Circuits – Link river cruises with wildlife sanctuaries (Kaziranga, Dibru-Saikhowa), tea estates, and cultural festivals.
2. Eco-Sensitive Planning – Use solar/electric ferries; enforce waste management on vessels.
3. Infrastructure Development – Build modern jetties, terminals, and real-time navigation systems.
4. Skill Development – Train boat operators, guides, and hospitality staff in sustainable tourism.
5. Cross-Border Collaboration – Joint tourism packages with Bangladesh and Myanmar.
6. Community Participation – Involve local artisans, performers, and entrepreneurs for inclusive growth.

🔹 Conclusion

River tourism in the North-East represents a convergence of sustainable mobility, cultural preservation, and economic opportunity. With strategic investment, environmental safeguards, and people-centric policies, it can become a model for balancing development with ecological sensitivity — turning the Brahmaputra and Barak into true lifelines for prosperity.

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