APSC Answer Writing (Daily) based on Assam Tribune – 27/08/2025
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 (27-08-2025).
Q. Recurring floods in Assam highlight the limitations of the embankment-centric approach. Discuss the need for a holistic flood management strategy with reference to institutional, ecological, and technological dimensions.
Introduction
Floods in Assam are an annual phenomenon, affecting nearly 39% of the state’s geographical area—the highest in India. The Brahmaputra and Barak river systems, coupled with heavy monsoons, siltation, and embankment failures, make floods a structural disaster. Despite decades of embankment construction, the persistence of devastation shows the need for a comprehensive and multi-dimensional strategy for flood management.
Body
1. Limitations of the Embankment-Centric Approach
- Embankments breach frequently due to poor maintenance and excessive silt load.
- They create a false sense of security, leading to settlements in vulnerable areas.
- Riverbed aggradation due to siltation reduces carrying capacity, worsening floods.
2. Need for a Holistic Strategy
a) Institutional Dimension
- Brahmaputra Board (1980) – Limited impact; requires restructuring for basin-wide planning.
- ASDMA and NDMA – Need greater focus on mitigation, not just relief.
- Centre–State coordination – Stronger fiscal and technical support for Assam.
b) Ecological Dimension
- Wetland conservation (Beels, Deepor Beel) for natural water retention.
- Afforestation in catchment areas of Arunachal & Bhutan to reduce run-off.
- Riverbank protection through bio-engineering and vegetative cover.
c) Technological Dimension
- Satellite-based flood forecasting and real-time alerts.
- GIS mapping for hazard zonation and relocation planning.
- Flood-resilient housing using indigenous elevated structures.
- International cooperation (India–China rainfall data sharing on upstream Brahmaputra).
3. Government Initiatives
- Flood Management and Border Areas Programme (FMBAP, 2021–26) – Financial support for flood projects.
- NITI Aayog’s River Basin Management – Integrated basin-level planning proposed.
- World Bank-assisted Assam Integrated River Basin Management Project (AIRBMP) – Multi-pronged resilience initiative.
4. Way Forward
- Shift from control (embankments) to management (basin approach).
- Encourage community participation in disaster preparedness.
- Establish Northeast River Basin Authority for integrated planning.
- Promote regional diplomacy with Bhutan and China for flood forecasting.
Conclusion
Recurring floods in Assam reflect not just a natural hazard but a developmental challenge. Moving beyond embankments to a holistic approach—combining institutional reforms, ecological restoration, and modern technology—is essential to make Assam flood-resilient. A long-term vision, rather than ad hoc relief, will ensure both human security and sustainable development in the state.n, Assam can leverage digital learning to build an equitable, skilled, and future-ready workforce.
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