APSC Current Affairs: Assam Tribune Notes with MCQs and Answer Writing (09/12/2024)
For APSC CCE and other Assam Competitive examinations aspirants, staying updated with current affairs is vital. This blog covers most important topics from the Assam Tribune today (09-12-2024). These issues are key for both APSC Prelims and Mains preparation, offering insights into the APSC CCE Syllabus.
1. Palashbari-Sualkuchi Bridge Project
GS Paper 3: Infrastructure Development
Introduction
The Palashbari-Sualkuchi Bridge Project, a 3.6 km-long infrastructure initiative across the Brahmaputra River, aims to revolutionize connectivity between the northern and southern banks of Assam. This strategic project, expected to be completed by June 2028, promises to boost economic growth and ease logistical challenges in the region.
Key Points
- Project Overview:
- 3.6 km long bridge with a 5.3 km four-lane road connecting Palashbari and a 2 km route to Sualkuchi.
- Elevated roads to protect wetlands near Sualkuchi.
- Significance:
- Enhances connectivity to locations like Guwahati University, Tura (Meghalaya), and Goalpara.
- Facilitates easier implementation of government initiatives in remote areas.
Prelims Pointers
- Sualkuchi: Known as the “Manchester of Assam,” famous for its silk weaving industry.
- Elevated Corridor in Kaziranga: A similar project to protect wildlife from floods, estimated at ₹8,000 crore.
- Ongoing Projects: Bridges connecting Jorhat-Majuli and a tunnel road between Gohpur and Golaghat.
Mains Pointers
Importance:
- Economic Growth:
- Boosts trade and commerce between the northern and southern banks of the Brahmaputra.
- Supports industries like handloom and tourism in Sualkuchi.
- Improved Connectivity:
- Reduces travel time, enhancing access to educational institutions and healthcare facilities.
- Disaster Resilience:
- Elevated roads safeguard against seasonal flooding, ensuring uninterrupted transportation.
- Regional Development:
- Addresses logistical challenges in Hajo, Ramdia, and other nearby areas.
Challenges:
- Environmental Concerns:
- Potential impact on wetlands and aquatic ecosystems near Sualkuchi.
- Land Acquisition Issues:
- Difficulty in acquiring land for construction, particularly in densely populated areas.
- Funding and Delays:
- High project cost and potential delays in execution.
Government Initiatives:
- National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP): Supports large-scale infrastructure projects across India.
- North East Road Sector Development Scheme (NERSDS): Focuses on improving road connectivity in the region.
- State-Level Measures: Enhanced budget allocation for infrastructure in Assam.
Way Ahead:
- Environmental Safeguards:
- Implement measures to minimize ecological damage during construction.
- Stakeholder Engagement:
- Involve local communities to address land acquisition challenges.
- Technology Integration:
- Use modern construction technologies to ensure timely completion.
- Monitoring and Accountability:
- Establish robust mechanisms to monitor progress and ensure transparency.
Conclusion
The Palashbari-Sualkuchi Bridge Project is a transformative step toward improving Assam’s infrastructure. By addressing implementation challenges and adopting a sustainable approach, the project can serve as a catalyst for regional growth, connecting communities and fostering economic resilience.
2. Assam’s First Climate-Resilient Agriculture Plan
GS Paper 3: Environment, Agriculture, and Climate Change
Introduction
Assam has unveiled its first-ever Climate-Resilient Agriculture Plan to address the dual challenges of climate change and agricultural sustainability. The plan emphasizes adaptive practices, technological interventions, and community involvement to enhance productivity and safeguard livelihoods in the state’s agro-economy.
Key Points
- Focus Areas:
- Adoption of drought-tolerant crop varieties and precision farming techniques.
- Restoration of degraded lands and promotion of organic farming.
- Technology-Driven Approach:
- Use of GIS and satellite-based monitoring for agricultural planning.
- Emphasis on micro-irrigation systems and energy-efficient pumps.
- Pilot Projects:
- Initiated in flood-prone districts like Dhemaji and Barpeta.
Prelims Pointers
- Drought-Tolerant Crops in Assam: Varieties of rice, maize, and pulses.
- Micro-Irrigation Systems: Includes sprinkler and drip irrigation for efficient water usage.
- UN FAO Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA): A global framework guiding Assam’s initiative.
Mains Pointers
Importance of Climate-Resilient Agriculture in Assam:
- Adaptation to Climate Change:
- Assam experiences frequent floods and droughts, impacting nearly 30% of its cultivable land annually (Source: Assam State Disaster Management Authority).
- Sustainability in Agriculture:
- Reduces dependency on chemical inputs, promoting eco-friendly farming practices.
- Food Security:
- Ensures stable agricultural production despite erratic weather patterns.
- Livelihood Protection:
- Agriculture employs nearly 70% of Assam’s rural population, making resilience critical for economic stability.
Challenges:
- Farmer Awareness:
- Low awareness of climate-resilient practices among small and marginal farmers.
- High Initial Costs:
- Implementation of technologies like micro-irrigation and GIS mapping requires significant investment.
- Policy and Infrastructure Gaps:
- Limited rural infrastructure and market linkages hinder scalability.
- Dependency on Monsoons:
- Assam’s heavy reliance on monsoons for irrigation complicates resilience efforts.
Government Initiatives:
- National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA): Supports state-level climate-resilient agricultural practices.
- Assam Agribusiness and Rural Transformation Project (APART): Focuses on market linkages and technological interventions.
- Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF): Funds irrigation and other agricultural projects in Assam.
Way Ahead:
- Capacity Building:
- Train farmers in climate-smart techniques through Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs).
- Financial Support:
- Provide subsidies for adopting precision farming and energy-efficient tools.
- Integrated Resource Management:
- Develop a robust framework for managing water, soil, and biodiversity.
- Strengthening Market Access:
- Build better market linkages to ensure fair prices for climate-resilient produce.
Conclusion
Assam’s Climate-Resilient Agriculture Plan is a significant step toward ensuring sustainable and inclusive agricultural growth. By addressing challenges through policy integration, technology adoption, and farmer empowerment, Assam can lead the way in building resilience against climate change in India’s agricultural sector.
3. Expansion of Assam’s Inland Water Transport System
GS Paper 3: Infrastructure Development, Economy
Introduction
The Assam government has initiated the expansion of its Inland Water Transport (IWT) system to enhance connectivity and boost economic activities along the Brahmaputra and Barak rivers. With the launch of new ferries and terminals, the project aims to modernize river transport, reduce road congestion, and create a sustainable mode of transport.
Key Points
- Project Highlights:
- Introduction of 12 modern Ro-Ro vessels (Roll-on/Roll-off) to improve connectivity between riverine towns.
- Construction of new terminals at Guwahati, Dibrugarh, and Dhubri.
- Digitization of ticketing and logistics to enhance efficiency.
- Focus on Sustainability:
- Use of eco-friendly vessels powered by hybrid energy sources.
- Integration with the National Waterways-2 (NW-2) development plan.
Prelims Pointers
- National Waterways-2 (NW-2): Covers the Brahmaputra River from Dhubri to Sadiya.
- Ro-Ro Vessels: Enable vehicles and passengers to be transported across rivers.
- IWT in Assam: Accounts for 10% of freight movement, with significant untapped potential.
Mains Pointers
Importance of Inland Water Transport (IWT) for Assam:
- Economic Growth:
- Promotes trade and commerce by reducing transportation costs.
- Supports industries like agriculture, fisheries, and tourism.
- Improved Connectivity:
- Enhances access to remote and rural areas along riverbanks.
- Reduces dependency on road transport, minimizing congestion.
- Environmental Benefits:
- IWT is a low-emission mode of transport, reducing Assam’s carbon footprint.
- Disaster Resilience:
- Provides an alternative mode of transport during floods and road blockages.
Challenges:
- Infrastructure Deficit:
- Lack of adequate terminals and modern vessels limits the scalability of IWT.
- Seasonal Variability:
- River navigation is hampered during the dry season due to reduced water levels.
- Skill Shortage:
- Need for trained personnel to operate modern vessels and manage IWT logistics.
- Safety Concerns:
- Frequent accidents and lack of safety standards deter public trust.
Government Initiatives:
- Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI): Oversees the development of NW-2 and related projects.
- World Bank-Assam IWT Project: Aims to modernize Assam’s river transport infrastructure with a $150 million loan.
- Digitization Initiatives: Launch of online ticketing platforms and GPS-based vessel tracking systems.
Way Ahead:
- Infrastructure Development:
- Expand terminals, dredge riverbeds, and deploy modern vessels.
- Safety Regulations:
- Enforce strict safety standards and provide mandatory training for operators.
- Integration with Multimodal Transport:
- Connect IWT with rail, road, and air transport for seamless logistics.
- Community Engagement:
- Promote awareness campaigns on the benefits of using inland waterways.
Conclusion
The expansion of Assam’s Inland Water Transport system has the potential to transform regional connectivity and boost economic activities sustainably. With strategic investments and policy support, the IWT system can emerge as a vital pillar of Assam’s infrastructure development, contributing to its economic and environmental resilience.
4. Wildlife Corridor Protection in Assam
GS Paper 3: Environment, Biodiversity, and Conservation
Introduction
Assam, home to iconic wildlife such as the one-horned rhinoceros and Bengal tiger, faces increasing challenges in safeguarding its wildlife corridors. These corridors are crucial for facilitating the movement of animals between protected areas such as Kaziranga, Manas, and Nameri National Parks, ensuring ecological balance and biodiversity conservation.
Key Points
- Current Status:
- Assam has identified 33 wildlife corridors, many of which are vulnerable to encroachments and infrastructure development.
- Major corridors include the Kaziranga-Karbi Anglong corridor and the Manas-Buxa corridor.
- Threats to Wildlife Corridors:
- Unregulated urbanization and agriculture expansion.
- Infrastructure projects like highways and railway lines cutting through corridors.
- Human-wildlife conflicts leading to animal mortality.
Prelims Pointers
- Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZ): Buffer zones around protected areas to regulate activities that may harm biodiversity.
- Wildlife Corridors in Assam: Kaziranga-Karbi Anglong and Kaziranga-Bokakhat are prominent examples.
- Project Tiger and Project Elephant: National-level initiatives aiding corridor conservation.
Mains Pointers
Importance of Wildlife Corridors:
- Ecological Connectivity:
- Facilitates genetic exchange between animal populations, reducing inbreeding risks.
- Maintains the ecological integrity of Assam’s biodiversity hotspots.
- Disaster Mitigation:
- Provides safe passages for animals during floods, especially in Kaziranga.
- Conflict Reduction:
- Minimizes human-wildlife conflict by reducing instances of animals straying into human settlements.
- Tourism and Economy:
- Healthy wildlife populations attract eco-tourism, benefiting the state’s economy.
Challenges:
- Encroachments:
- Illegal settlements and farming activities reduce the effective area of corridors.
- Infrastructure Projects:
- Roads and railways, like the NH-37 near Kaziranga, fragment habitats and increase wildlife mortality.
- Insufficient Monitoring:
- Lack of adequate surveillance systems to track animal movement and corridor usage.
- Policy Gaps:
- Inconsistent enforcement of eco-sensitive zone regulations.
Government Initiatives:
- Kaziranga Elevated Corridor Project:
- Proposes elevated highways to allow animal movement underneath.
- Eco-Sensitive Zone Notifications:
- Regulates activities around protected areas to preserve corridors.
- M-STrIPES (Monitoring System for Tigers – Intensive Protection and Ecological Status):
- Technology-driven monitoring of tiger populations and habitats.
Way Ahead:
- Sustainable Infrastructure Development:
- Incorporate eco-bridges and underpasses in projects intersecting wildlife corridors.
- Community Involvement:
- Engage local communities in conservation efforts through eco-tourism and awareness programs.
- Enhanced Monitoring:
- Use drones and GPS technology to monitor corridor health and animal movements.
- Policy Strengthening:
- Enforce stringent penalties for encroachments and illegal activities in wildlife corridors.
Conclusion Protecting Assam’s wildlife corridors is essential for maintaining ecological balance, ensuring the survival of endangered species, and promoting sustainable development. By integrating conservation with development and fostering community participation, Assam can safeguard its rich biodiversity for future generations.
APSC Prelims Practice Questions
Topic 1: Palashbari-Sualkuchi Bridge Project
Q1. Consider the following statements regarding the Palashbari-Sualkuchi Bridge Project:
- The bridge spans 5.3 km across the Brahmaputra River.
- It aims to connect Palashbari in the north to Sualkuchi in the south.
- Elevated roads are being constructed to minimize the impact on wetlands.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2, and 3
Answer: b) 2 and 3 only
Explanation:
- The Palashbari-Sualkuchi Bridge spans 3.6 km, not 5.3 km.
- Elevated roads are part of the project to protect the wetlands near Sualkuchi.
Q2. Sualkuchi, connected by the Palashbari-Sualkuchi Bridge, is renowned for:
a) Its tea estates.
b) Its silk weaving industry.
c) Its coal mining operations.
d) Its archaeological sites.
Answer: b) Its silk weaving industry.
Explanation:
- Sualkuchi is famously called the “Manchester of Assam” due to its silk weaving industry.
Topic 2: Assam’s First Climate-Resilient Agriculture Plan
Q1. Which of the following are features of Assam’s Climate-Resilient Agriculture Plan?
- Promotion of drought-resistant crop varieties.
- Use of GIS and satellite-based monitoring.
- Restoration of degraded lands for organic farming.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2, and 3
Answer: d) 1, 2, and 3
Explanation:
- The Climate-Resilient Agriculture Plan includes all these measures to adapt to climate change and improve sustainability in agriculture.
Q2. The UN FAO Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) framework focuses on:
a) Enhancing soil fertility through chemical inputs.
b) Adopting traditional farming methods exclusively.
c) Improving agricultural productivity, resilience, and sustainability.
d) Promoting monoculture practices to maximize output.
Answer: c) Improving agricultural productivity, resilience, and sustainability.
Explanation:
- The CSA framework integrates productivity, climate adaptation, and sustainability, aligning with Assam’s initiatives.
Topic 3: Expansion of Assam’s Inland Water Transport System
Q1. National Waterway-2 (NW-2) refers to:
a) The Barak River.
b) The Brahmaputra River.
c) The Subansiri River.
d) The Manas River.
Answer: b) The Brahmaputra River.
Explanation:
- NW-2 spans the Brahmaputra River from Dhubri to Sadiya.
Q2. Which of the following are advantages of the Inland Water Transport (IWT) system?
- It is a low-emission mode of transportation.
- It requires minimal investment compared to road and rail infrastructure.
- It provides year-round navigability in all Indian rivers.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
a) 1 only
b) 1 and 2 only
c) 2 and 3 only
d) 1, 2, and 3
Answer: b) 1 and 2 only
Explanation:
- IWT is eco-friendly and cost-effective but is subject to seasonal variability, making year-round navigability unfeasible in some rivers.
Topic 4: Wildlife Corridor Protection in Assam
Q1. Consider the following statements about wildlife corridors in Assam:
- Wildlife corridors connect fragmented habitats, facilitating genetic diversity.
- The Kaziranga-Karbi Anglong corridor is one of Assam’s key wildlife corridors.
- Eco-sensitive zones are part of wildlife corridors under India’s Wildlife Protection Act.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2, and 3
Answer: a) 1 and 2 only
Explanation:
- Eco-sensitive zones regulate activities around protected areas but are not legally designated as part of wildlife corridors under the Wildlife Protection Act.
Q2. Which of the following are national initiatives aiding corridor conservation in India?
- Project Tiger
- Project Elephant
- Green India Mission
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 1 and 3 only
c) 2 and 3 only
d) 1, 2, and 3
Answer: d) 1, 2, and 3
Explanation:
Project Tiger, Project Elephant, and the Green India Mission all contribute to protecting habitats and corridors for wildlife conservation.
APSC Mains Practice Question
Q. Assam’s initiatives such as the Palashbari-Sualkuchi Bridge Project and the Climate-Resilient Agriculture Plan reflect a commitment to sustainable development. Discuss how these projects contribute to Assam’s economic growth and environmental resilience while addressing associated challenges. (250 words)
Model Answer
Introduction
Assam, a vital state in India’s Northeast, is focusing on sustainable infrastructure and agricultural development to address its socio-economic and environmental challenges. The Palashbari-Sualkuchi Bridge Project and the Climate-Resilient Agriculture Plan are two landmark initiatives aimed at fostering economic growth and improving resilience against climate change impacts.
Contribution to Economic Growth
- Enhanced Connectivity:
- The Palashbari-Sualkuchi Bridge will boost trade, tourism, and commerce by improving accessibility across the Brahmaputra River.
- Reduces travel time and transportation costs, supporting industries like silk weaving in Sualkuchi.
- Agricultural Productivity:
- The Climate-Resilient Agriculture Plan enhances farm incomes by introducing drought-resistant crops and organic farming practices.
- Promotes sustainable practices like micro-irrigation, reducing water usage while improving yields.
- Employment Generation:
- Infrastructure projects and modern agricultural techniques create jobs for skilled and unskilled workers.
Contribution to Environmental Resilience
- Flood Mitigation:
- Elevated roads near wetlands in the bridge project protect critical ecosystems and mitigate flood risks.
- Climate-smart agriculture reduces dependency on chemical inputs, restoring soil health.
- Climate Adaptation:
- Use of GIS and satellite-based monitoring in agriculture improves disaster preparedness.
Challenges
- Environmental Concerns:
- Bridge construction may disrupt wetlands and aquatic habitats near Sualkuchi.
- Farmer Awareness and Resources:
- Limited awareness of climate-smart practices and high initial costs hinder widespread adoption.
- Execution Delays:
- Land acquisition and funding challenges could delay both projects.
Way Ahead
- Sustainable Practices:
- Incorporate eco-bridges and underpasses in infrastructure projects to protect wildlife.
- Conduct awareness campaigns for farmers on climate-resilient practices.
- Monitoring Mechanisms:
- Establish robust systems to track environmental impacts during project implementation.
Conclusion
The Palashbari-Sualkuchi Bridge and Climate-Resilient Agriculture Plan exemplify Assam’s balanced approach to development, integrating economic progress with environmental sustainability. By addressing challenges through community involvement and technological innovation, Assam can set an example for sustainable development in India’s Northeast.
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