Table of Contents

APSC Answer Writing (Daily) based on Assam Tribune – 26/09/2025

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 (26-09-2025).

📝 Model Answer

Q. Large hydropower projects in Arunachal Pradesh, such as the recently cleared Oju Hydroelectric Project, are central to India’s clean energy and strategic goals. Critically examine their implications for downstream states like Assam.
(GS Paper III – Environment, Energy & Disaster Management | GS Paper V – Assam-specific)

🔹 Introduction

Hydropower forms a key pillar of India’s renewable energy strategy, with the Northeast holding nearly 40% of the country’s untapped hydro potential. The clearance of the 2,200 MW Oju Hydroelectric Project on the Subansiri River (Sept 2025) is part of this push. While it promises clean energy and strategic infrastructure, for Assam it raises concerns of flooding, erosion, seismic safety, and biodiversity loss.

🔹 Body

1️⃣ Importance of Hydropower in the Northeast

Energy Security: Reduces reliance on fossil fuels, supports India’s Paris Agreement targets.
Strategic Infrastructure: Strengthens presence near LAC with China.
Regional Development: Revenue and jobs in Arunachal Pradesh.
Grid Integration: Helps meet rising electricity demand in Assam and neighbouring states.

2️⃣ Downstream Concerns for Assam

Floods & Flash Surges: Sudden water release could inundate Dhemaji, Lakhimpur, Majuli.
Seismic Vulnerability: Entire Subansiri basin lies in Seismic Zone V; dam-break risk catastrophic.
Erosion & Siltation: Alters Brahmaputra morphology, worsening Majuli’s shrinkage.
Biodiversity Stress: Impact on Gangetic dolphin, migratory fish, and floodplain wetlands.
Social Conflict: Echoes of Lower Subansiri protests, reflecting trust deficit with local communities.

3️⃣ Governance & Institutional Dimensions

EIA & Cumulative Impact: Current assessments often site-specific; need basin-wide studies.
Inter-State Coordination: Assam’s concerns not fully integrated in Arunachal’s project clearances.
Judicial Interventions: Past cases (Lower Subansiri) saw Assam HC, SC, and expert panels intervening.
International Angle: China’s upstream dams on Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahmaputra) raise strategic anxieties.

4️⃣ Way Forward

Cumulative Impact Studies: Basin-wide ecological and seismic risk analysis.
Joint Monitoring: Assam–Arunachal–Centre coordination committees with civil society.
Dam Safety Upgrades: Earthquake-resilient design, sediment flushing, real-time flow monitoring.
Community Engagement: Consultations with downstream villages, compensatory livelihood plans.
Diversified Energy Mix: Balance large dams with smaller run-of-the-river, solar, and wind projects.
Transparency & Trust: Periodic public disclosure of safety audits and water flow data.

🔹 Conclusion

The Oju Hydroelectric Project highlights the double-edged nature of hydropower in the Brahmaputra basin. For India, it strengthens clean energy and strategic presence, but for Assam, it amplifies ecological vulnerability and social anxieties. A sustainable path requires inclusive river basin planning, strong safety standards, and downstream-sensitive governance so that hydropower becomes a bridge between development and ecology, not a faultline of conflict.ecology, not a faultline of conflict.adaptation governance in India’s Northeast.

✨ 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