APSC Answer Writing (Daily) based on Assam Tribune – 25/03/2025
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 (25-03-2025).
Mains Question
“Floods and soil erosion have emerged as major environmental challenges in Assam. Discuss the impact of these issues on the state’s economy and ecology. Suggest integrated solutions to mitigate the risks while ensuring sustainable development.”
(GS Paper 3: Disaster Management, Environment, Sustainable Development)
Model Answer
Introduction
Assam, due to its geographical location and climatic conditions, faces severe floods and riverbank erosion every year, primarily caused by the Brahmaputra and Barak river systems. These disasters destroy agricultural land, displace communities, and weaken economic stability, making them a major challenge for sustainable development in the region.
With climate change, deforestation, and unregulated land use worsening these hazards, an integrated approach combining engineering solutions, ecosystem-based strategies, and policy reforms is necessary to mitigate their impact.
Impact of Floods and Soil Erosion on Assam
✅ 1. Economic Consequences
🔹 Agricultural Losses:
- Over 3 lakh hectares of farmland are submerged annually, leading to reduced crop yields.
- Soil degradation due to erosion affects long-term fertility and productivity.
🔹 Damage to Infrastructure:
- Floods damage roads, bridges, and public infrastructure, disrupting connectivity.
- Recurrent erosion destroys embankments, requiring high-cost maintenance.
🔹 Displacement & Livelihood Losses:
- Around 10,000 families are displaced annually due to riverbank erosion.
- Loss of arable land forces migration, increasing unemployment and urban overcrowding.
🔹 Impact on Trade & Commerce:
- Flood-affected transport routes disrupt supply chains, affecting the tea, tourism, and handloom industries.
- Reduced agricultural output raises food prices, impacting consumers.
✅ 2. Environmental & Ecological Impact
🔹 Loss of Wetlands & Biodiversity:
- Kaziranga National Park and Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary face frequent floods, endangering wildlife.
- Soil erosion increases sedimentation in rivers, altering aquatic ecosystems.
🔹 River Course Changes & Habitat Destruction:
- Brahmaputra’s shifting course leads to unpredictable erosion, destroying settlements.
- Loss of forest cover due to erosion disrupts ecosystem balance.
🔹 Water Pollution & Groundwater Contamination:
- Floods wash chemicals and sewage into water bodies, causing health hazards.
- Erosion-induced sedimentation affects river water quality and fisheries.
Integrated Solutions to Mitigate Floods & Soil Erosion in Assam
✅ 1. Infrastructure-Based Flood Control Measures
🔹 Constructing Multi-Purpose Reservoirs & Storage Dams:
- Regulates river flow during monsoons, reducing peak flood levels.
- Ensures water availability for irrigation & hydropower generation.
🔹 Strengthening & Modernizing Embankments:
- Geo-bag and bamboo-based embankments offer cost-effective, eco-friendly erosion control.
- Regular maintenance & use of flood-resistant materials enhance durability.
🔹 Implementing Smart Water Management & Drainage Systems:
- Dredging & deepening riverbeds to increase water-holding capacity.
- Urban drainage planning to prevent waterlogging & flash floods.
✅ 2. Ecosystem-Based Approaches for Erosion Control
🔹 Afforestation & Riverbank Stabilization:
- Planting deep-rooted trees (like bamboo & vetiver grass) along vulnerable areas.
- Rehabilitating degraded forest lands to reduce surface runoff.
🔹 Wetland Conservation & Floodplain Management:
- Expanding protected wetland areas (e.g., Deepor Beel, Maguri Beel) for flood absorption.
- Preventing encroachments in floodplains to maintain natural water retention.
🔹 Regulated Sand & Gravel Mining:
- Uncontrolled riverbed mining accelerates erosion, affecting natural sediment flow.
- Strict enforcement of mining policies is needed to prevent further degradation.
✅ 3. Use of Technology for Disaster Prediction & Management
🔹 AI-Based Flood Early Warning Systems (FEWS):
- Real-time satellite & drone monitoring for flood-prone areas.
- Automated SMS alerts to warn vulnerable communities in advance.
🔹 Geospatial Mapping & Risk Assessment:
- Mapping erosion-prone zones using GIS & remote sensing.
- Using digital models to predict flood intensity & impact.
✅ 4. Community Participation & Policy Reforms
🔹 Disaster-Resilient Housing & Relocation Strategies:
- Encouraging flood-resistant construction techniques.
- Providing government support for relocating erosion-affected communities.
🔹 Strengthening Assam’s River Management Policy:
- Creating a dedicated “Assam River Basin Authority” for multi-stakeholder coordination.
- Integrating flood control with hydroelectric & irrigation planning.
🔹 Encouraging Climate-Resilient Farming Practices:
- Promoting climate-resilient rice varieties & organic farming techniques.
- Incentivizing farmers to adopt soil conservation methods.
Challenges in Implementation & Solutions
✅ 1. High Cost of Infrastructure Development
- Solution: Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) and World Bank funding for flood mitigation projects.
✅ 2. Resistance to Land Acquisition for Flood Projects
- Solution: Transparent compensation & community engagement in decision-making.
✅ 3. Lack of Inter-State & International Coordination
- Solution: Strengthening India-Bhutan-China dialogues for upstream water management.
✅ 4. Climate Change Impact on River Behavior
- Solution: Expanding research on climate-resilient water management policies.
Way Forward
✅ 1. Integrating Flood & Erosion Management into Assam’s Development Plan
- Aligning with the National Adaptation Fund for Climate Change (NAFCC).
✅ 2. Expanding Flood-Resilient Infrastructure Projects
- Pilot projects for smart embankments & flood-resistant housing.
✅ 3. Strengthening Early Warning & Disaster Response Mechanisms
- Deploying AI-based monitoring tools in all flood-prone districts.
✅ 4. Promoting Sustainable Land Use & Afforestation in Erosion-Prone Areas
- Expanding agroforestry-based livelihood programs.
Conclusion
Floods and soil erosion remain severe challenges for Assam, impacting agriculture, biodiversity, and economic stability. While traditional flood control methods have had limited success, an integrated approach combining engineering solutions, ecological conservation, and technology-driven early warning systems can provide long-term resilience.
By ensuring strong governance, community participation, and sustainable infrastructure investment, Assam can effectively manage its water resources and protect vulnerable populations from the devastating impacts of floods and erosion.
✨ 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
📚 Want to know more about SuchitraACS’s most affordable courses?
Click here to know more: SuchitraACS Courses for APSC CCE and Assam Competitive Examinations
