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APSC Answer Writing (Daily) based on Assam Tribune – 04/12/2024

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 (04-12-2024).

Topic: Brahmaputra River Drying During Lean Season
GS Paper 3: Environment, Disaster Management, and Geography

The Brahmaputra River’s drying during lean seasons presents significant socio-economic and environmental challenges for Northeast India. Discuss the causes of this phenomenon and its implications. Suggest measures to ensure sustainable management of the river system.

Model Answer

Introduction:
The Brahmaputra River, originating in Tibet as the Yarlung Tsangpo, is a lifeline for Northeast India. However, abnormal drying during lean seasons has raised concerns over the river’s sustainability. Factors such as reduced rainfall, sedimentation, and climate variability are exacerbating the issue, impacting agriculture, biodiversity, and regional livelihoods.

Causes of the Brahmaputra River Drying:

Reduced Rainfall:
- A 20–30% decline in monsoon rainfall in Assam and Himalayan foothills over the last two decades.
Sedimentation:
- Increased sediment deposition raises the riverbed, reducing water-carrying capacity.
- Erosion from deforestation and unregulated construction exacerbates sediment loads.
Climate Change:
- Altered precipitation patterns and glacial melt cycles disrupt water flow.
Cross-Border Dynamics:
- A significant portion of the Brahmaputra’s water originates in China, where upstream interventions may affect downstream flow.
Human Activities:
- Over-extraction of water for irrigation, urbanization, and hydropower projects reduce downstream availability.

Implications of the Drying Brahmaputra:

Agriculture and Livelihoods:
- Decreased water availability for irrigation impacts crop productivity, endangering food security.
Biodiversity Loss:
- Aquatic ecosystems dependent on steady water flow are under threat.
Increased Flood Vulnerability:
- Sediment accumulation worsens floods during monsoons, damaging infrastructure and displacing communities.
Economic Impact:
- Declining water levels hinder navigation and hydropower projects, affecting trade and energy production.
Geopolitical Tensions:
- Cross-border disputes over water sharing may escalate, affecting bilateral relations with China and Bangladesh.

Measures for Sustainable Management:

Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM):
- Develop a basin-wide approach, combining hydrological modeling with local water conservation practices.
Sediment Control Measures:
- Afforestation in catchment areas and riverbank stabilization to reduce soil erosion.
- Large-scale dredging to restore water-carrying capacity.
Climate-Resilient Infrastructure:
- Invest in infrastructure that adapts to fluctuating water levels, such as multipurpose dams with ecological safeguards.
Strengthened Bilateral Agreements:
- Engage China and Bangladesh for transparent water-sharing agreements and joint climate adaptation projects.
Community Engagement and Awareness:
- Educate local communities on sustainable water use and involve them in conservation initiatives.
Research and Monitoring:
- Strengthen monitoring systems to study sedimentation, glacial melt, and water flow patterns.

Conclusion:
The drying of the Brahmaputra is a multifaceted challenge that requires coordinated efforts across environmental, technological, and geopolitical domains. Sustainable management of the river system can ensure ecological balance, economic stability, and regional cooperation, safeguarding the interests of the Northeast and the nation.

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