APSC Answer Writing (Daily) based on Assam Tribune – 21/08/2025
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 (21-08-2025).
❓ Q. Despite decades of embankments and flood-control measures, Assam continues to face devastating annual floods. Discuss the causes and consequences of recurring floods in Assam. Suggest sustainable solutions for long-term flood management.
(GS Paper 3: Disaster Management | Environment; GS Paper 5: Assam & NE Issues)
🔹 Introduction
Floods in Assam are a recurrent annual disaster, largely driven by the dynamic Brahmaputra and Barak river systems. In 2025 alone, over 15 lakh people were displaced, and agriculture and infrastructure faced massive losses. Despite heavy spending on embankments and relief, floods continue to devastate Assam, highlighting a policy and governance gap in disaster management.
🔑 Causes of Recurring Floods in Assam
- Hydrological Factors
- Brahmaputra carries one of the highest sediment loads in the world (~735 million tonnes annually).
- Raised riverbeds cause overflow and erosion.
- Climatic Factors
- Intense monsoon rains, coupled with climate change-induced variability.
- Himalayan glacier melt contributes to river discharge.
- Geomorphological Factors
- Assam’s low-lying floodplains act as natural flood-prone zones.
- Riverine islands like Majuli eroding rapidly.
- Anthropogenic Factors
- Encroachment on wetlands and floodplains.
- Poorly maintained embankments — many built in the 1950s–70s.
- Deforestation in catchment areas (Arunachal, Nagaland).
🔑 Consequences
- Humanitarian Impact – Loss of life, displacement, health crises in relief camps.
- Economic Impact – Destruction of paddy, jute, fisheries; Assam loses ~₹2000 crore annually.
- Infrastructure Damage – Roads, bridges, embankments collapse.
- Ecological Impact – Kaziranga National Park submerged (~70% annually); wildlife deaths due to highway crossings.
- Security Dimension – Border districts (Dhubri, Karimganj) become vulnerable to migration and instability.
📝 Govt Efforts & Limitations
- Brahmaputra Board (1980) – Criticised for inefficiency.
- ASDMA – Strengthening early warning and rescue, but limited reach.
- Flood Management Programmes – Embankment repairs remain short-term.
- World Bank-Assisted Assam Integrated River Basin Management Project – Yet to show results.
🔑 Way Forward: Sustainable Flood Management
- Integrated River Basin Management (IRBM)
- Operationalise North East Water Management Authority (NEWMA) for Brahmaputra basin-wide planning.
- Embankment Modernisation
- Replace weak mud embankments with geo-synthetic & eco-engineering solutions.
- Wetland & Floodplain Protection
- Restore beels like Deepor Beel, Chandubi as natural sponges.
- Technology & Forecasting
- Use satellite imagery, AI-based flood prediction, community-level alerts.
- Regional Cooperation
- Engage with Bhutan (upstream dams), China (water data sharing), and Bangladesh (downstream flows).
- Community-Centric Preparedness
- Train local disaster response units; promote raised stilt housing.
🧩 Conclusion
Floods in Assam are not merely natural but also governance-driven disasters. The 2025 floods once again expose the failure of embankment-centric approaches. A shift towards basin-wide scientific management, ecosystem restoration, and regional cooperation can transform floods from a recurring tragedy into an opportunity for sustainable water resource management.y participation, scientific planning, and synergy with national water policies, making Assam resilient against the twin challenges of floods and droughts.
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