APSC Current Affairs: Assam Tribune Notes by SuchitraACS 17-12-2024

APSC Current Affairs: Assam Tribune Notes with MCQs and Answer Writing (17/12/2024)

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 (17-12-2024). These issues are key for both APSC Prelims and Mains preparation, offering insights into the APSC CCE Syllabus.

1.  Infrastructure Cost Overruns in Assam’s Central Projects

GS Paper 3: Infrastructure, Governance

Introduction

Infrastructure development is a crucial driver of economic growth in Assam, with multiple Central government-sponsored projects underway. However, recent reports indicate significant cost and time overruns in several infrastructure projects in the state, raising concerns about resource management and project execution.

Key Points

  1. Magnitude of Cost Overruns:
    • Seven infrastructure projects have incurred a 61.45% cost overrun, increasing from the original cost of ₹17,766.23 crore to ₹28,683.66 crore.
  2. Major Projects Affected:
    • Guwahati LGBI Airport: Construction of a new integrated terminal building.
      • Original Cost: ₹1,142 crore
      • Revised Cost: ₹2,333 crore
      • Current Progress: 68.99%; Revised Completion Date: May 2025.
    • Refinery Expansion Projects: Numaligarh Refinery and Guwahati Refinery expansions.
    • Road Transport: Construction of NH 37, NH-54B (Balacheraharangajo section), and Bongaigaon-Goalpara-Guwahati NH stretches.
  3. Primary Causes for Cost Overruns:
    • Underestimation of initial costs.
    • Increase in land acquisition costs.
    • Shortage of skilled labor and delays due to monopolistic pricing by vendors.
    • Cost of environmental safeguards and rehabilitation measures.

Prelims Pointers

  • Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (LGBI): The largest airport in Northeast India.
  • Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL): Key refinery contributing to energy production in Assam.
  • PRAGATI Initiative: Proactive Governance and Timely Implementation, launched to review delayed infrastructure projects.

Mains Pointers

Importance of Infrastructure Projects in Assam

  1. Economic Development:
    • Enhances connectivity, promotes trade, and creates job opportunities.
  2. Energy Security:
    • Refinery expansion ensures greater energy production and reduces reliance on imports.
  3. Boost to Tourism:
    • Improved airport facilities boost Northeast India’s tourism potential.
  4. Regional Integration:
    • National highways enhance connectivity within the state and with neighboring regions.

Challenges in Implementation

  1. Cost Overruns and Delays:
    • Budget overruns hinder fund allocation for other critical sectors.
  2. Environmental Concerns:
    • Delays due to clearance for environmental safeguards.
  3. Administrative Inefficiencies:
    • Ineffective coordination among stakeholders and implementing agencies.
  4. Labor and Skill Gaps:
    • Shortage of skilled manpower for specialized infrastructure projects.

Government Measures

  1. PRAGATI Mechanism:
    • Regular monitoring and reviews of Central projects via video conferencing by the Prime Minister.
  2. Cost Committees:
    • Establishment of committees to identify reasons for overruns and fix accountability.
  3. Central Sector Project Coordination Committees (CSPCC):
    • Set up in states to resolve bottlenecks.

Way Forward

  1. Strengthen Project Monitoring:
    • Use real-time monitoring tools like GIS and AI for tracking physical and financial progress.
  2. Improve Stakeholder Coordination:
    • Foster better coordination between state and central agencies to resolve bottlenecks.
  3. Skill Development Initiatives:
    • Train local youth in project-related skills to reduce labor shortages.
  4. Focus on Accountability:
    • Implement penalties for delays and incentivize timely completion of projects.

Conclusion

The infrastructure projects in Assam are critical for the state’s economic growth and regional connectivity. Addressing cost overruns and administrative inefficiencies through rigorous monitoring, accountability, and improved coordination can ensure their timely completion and sustainable benefits.

2. Assam’s Initiative to Promote Bamboo-Based Industries

GS Paper 3: Economy, Sustainable Development, and Agriculture

Introduction

Assam, endowed with abundant bamboo resources, is focusing on promoting bamboo-based industries to drive sustainable economic growth. Recent initiatives aim to harness bamboo’s potential for creating employment, reducing environmental impact, and diversifying rural livelihoods under the National Bamboo Mission.

Key Points

  1. Bamboo Resources in Assam:
    • Assam accounts for 20% of India’s bamboo production.
    • Over 50 commercially viable bamboo species are grown in the state.
  2. Recent Developments:
    • Establishment of Bamboo Processing Units in districts like Kokrajhar, Udalguri, and Goalpara.
    • Promotion of bamboo-based handicrafts, furniture, and bioenergy production.
    • Bamboo parks for industrial clusters to attract private investment.
  3. Economic and Environmental Significance:
    • Bamboo-based industries are labor-intensive, generating employment for rural and tribal communities.
    • Bamboo products, including bamboo charcoal and biofuel, offer eco-friendly alternatives.

Prelims Pointers

  • National Bamboo Mission (NBM): Launched in 2018 to promote the bamboo sector through plantation, processing, and value addition.
  • Bamboo Charcoal: Used in energy production and water purification.
  • Assam Bamboo Policy: State policy focused on boosting bamboo-based industries and exports.

Mains Pointers

Significance of Bamboo-Based Industries

  1. Economic Diversification:
    • Provides rural employment opportunities through small-scale industries.
    • Boosts exports of bamboo products like furniture, handicrafts, and mats.
  2. Sustainability:
    • Bamboo has a short harvest cycle (3–5 years), making it a renewable resource.
    • Reduces deforestation by replacing timber in construction and furniture industries.
  3. Boost to Rural Economy:
    • Creates entrepreneurial opportunities for local communities and Self-Help Groups (SHGs).
  4. Environmental Impact:
    • Bamboo-based bioenergy and charcoal are cleaner alternatives to coal.
    • Bamboo plantations help carbon sequestration, mitigating climate change.

Challenges

  1. Lack of Infrastructure:
    • Absence of modern processing units limits large-scale production and exports.
  2. Market Access:
    • Poor marketing and branding strategies hinder global recognition.
  3. Skill Gaps:
    • Limited training for artisans and manufacturers in producing high-value bamboo products.
  4. Policy Implementation Delays:
    • Slow progress in establishing bamboo parks and industrial clusters.

Government Initiatives

  1. National Bamboo Mission:
    • Promotes bamboo plantations, research, and the establishment of processing units.
  2. Bamboo Value Chain Development:
    • Focuses on integrating production, processing, and marketing of bamboo products.
  3. Export Promotion:
    • Encourages the export of bamboo-based handicrafts and biofuel products through financial incentives.

Way Forward

  1. Skill Development Programs:
    • Train rural artisans and entrepreneurs in modern bamboo-based technologies.
  2. Investment in Infrastructure:
    • Set up bamboo processing parks with access to modern tools and supply chains.
  3. Global Branding and Marketing:
    • Develop Assam’s bamboo products as a green alternative in global markets.
  4. Research and Innovation:
    • Encourage innovation in bamboo-based bioenergy, packaging, and construction materials.

Conclusion

Bamboo-based industries have the potential to transform Assam’s economy by generating employment, boosting exports, and promoting sustainability. By addressing infrastructure, skill, and market challenges, Assam can emerge as a leader in eco-friendly bamboo production and value addition, aligning with SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).

3. Flood-Resilient Infrastructure Development in Assam

GS Paper 3: Disaster Management, Infrastructure, and Environment

Introduction

Assam faces annual devastation due to floods caused by the Brahmaputra and its tributaries. Recent initiatives by the state government and central agencies focus on creating flood-resilient infrastructure to mitigate the economic and human impact of these recurring disasters.

Key Points

  1. Flood Scenario in Assam:
    • Assam experiences floods affecting 40% of its landmass annually.
    • Major flood-prone districts include Dhemaji, Lakhimpur, Dibrugarh, and parts of Majuli.
  2. Recent Developments:
    • Construction of raised embankments along the Brahmaputra river to protect vulnerable areas.
    • Creation of elevated roads and flood shelters in low-lying regions for safe human and livestock evacuation.
    • Introduction of geo-synthetic materials in embankments to improve durability against strong currents.
  3. Integration of Technology:
    • Use of satellite imagery and drones for real-time flood monitoring and early warnings.
    • Digital mapping to identify vulnerable regions and infrastructure gaps.

Prelims Pointers

  • Flood Shelters: Elevated multi-purpose shelters to house people and livestock during floods.
  • Geo-Synthetic Embankments: Innovative flood-control structures using synthetic material for reinforcement.
  • Brahmaputra Board: A statutory body to manage flood and erosion control in the Brahmaputra Basin.

Mains Pointers

Significance of Flood-Resilient Infrastructure

  1. Protection of Livelihoods:
    • Safeguards agricultural land and livestock, preventing economic losses for farmers.
  2. Minimizing Human Casualties:
    • Elevated shelters and real-time monitoring save lives during peak flood seasons.
  3. Infrastructure Durability:
    • Flood-resilient roads and embankments ensure connectivity during disasters.
  4. Economic Resilience:
    • Reduces damage to critical infrastructure like bridges, schools, and health centers, fostering economic stability.

Challenges in Flood-Resilient Infrastructure Development

  1. Resource Constraints:
    • High costs of constructing durable embankments and raised infrastructure.
  2. Maintenance Issues:
    • Embankments often breach due to poor upkeep, requiring regular monitoring and repair.
  3. Sedimentation and River Dynamics:
    • Brahmaputra’s heavy sediment load accelerates erosion, weakening embankments.
  4. Delayed Implementation:
    • Bureaucratic delays and funding bottlenecks slow down the progress of flood-control projects.

Government Initiatives

  1. Assam Integrated Flood and Riverbank Erosion Risk Management Project (AIFRERM):
    • A World Bank-funded project to strengthen flood infrastructure and manage erosion.
  2. Highlands in Kaziranga National Park:
    • Elevated areas constructed for wildlife protection during floods.
  3. State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF):
    • Provides financial support for flood relief and rehabilitation efforts.
  4. Brahmaputra Board:
    • Formulates and implements flood control measures, including embankments and reservoirs.

Way Forward

  1. Sustainable Embankments:
    • Use of advanced materials like geo-synthetics and vegetative reinforcements to strengthen embankments.
  2. Early Warning Systems:
    • Expand flood forecasting infrastructure and integrate community-based warning systems.
  3. Eco-Friendly Infrastructure:
    • Design infrastructure that adapts to river dynamics without harming the ecosystem.
  4. Public Participation:
    • Involve local communities in flood-preparedness programs and maintenance efforts.

Conclusion

Flood-resilient infrastructure is essential to mitigate Assam’s annual flood devastation. By combining modern technology, community involvement, and sustainable practices, Assam can build a robust flood-control system that protects lives, livelihoods, and critical infrastructure, ensuring long-term resilience.

4. Assam’s Efforts to Combat Human-Wildlife Conflict

GS Paper 3: Environment, Conservation, and Disaster Management

Introduction

Human-wildlife conflict (HWC) in Assam has been on the rise due to habitat loss, agricultural expansion, and population pressure. Species like elephants, leopards, and rhinoceroses often stray into human settlements, resulting in damage to property, loss of life, and retaliation killings. Recent initiatives aim to mitigate these conflicts through community participation, technology integration, and habitat management.

Key Points

  1. Current Scenario in Assam:
    • Elephants: Frequent crop raiding incidents in districts like Udalguri, Sonitpur, and Goalpara.
    • Leopards: Increasing sightings in urban and semi-urban areas like Guwahati.
    • Rhinos: Straying from protected areas like Kaziranga due to floods and shrinking habitats.
  2. Recent Measures Taken:
    • Establishment of early warning systems using GPS collars to track elephant herds.
    • Construction of bio-fencing and solar-powered electric fences around vulnerable villages.
    • Deployment of Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) for wildlife rescue and conflict resolution.
  3. Community-Led Conservation:
    • Introduction of ‘Gaj Yatra’ (Elephant Awareness Campaign) to educate communities about peaceful coexistence.
    • Involvement of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in promoting alternative livelihoods to reduce dependence on forest resources.

Prelims Pointers

  • Gaj Yatra: A nationwide awareness campaign on elephant conservation.
  • Bio-Fencing: Use of natural barriers like thorny plants and bamboo to deter wildlife entry.
  • Project Elephant: Launched in 1992 for the protection of Asian elephants and their habitats.
  • Kaziranga National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to the world’s largest population of one-horned rhinoceroses.

Mains Pointers

Causes of Rising Human-Wildlife Conflict in Assam

  1. Habitat Loss:
    • Deforestation for agriculture and infrastructure reduces wildlife habitats.
  2. Seasonal Floods:
    • Annual Brahmaputra floods force animals, particularly rhinos and elephants, to move into human settlements.
  3. Population Pressure:
    • Expanding human settlements encroach on wildlife corridors and buffer zones.
  4. Lack of Awareness:
    • Limited understanding among locals about conservation and mitigation strategies.

Government and Community Efforts to Mitigate HWC

  1. Early Warning Systems:
    • Deployment of radio collars and drones to track wildlife movements.
  2. Infrastructure Measures:
    • Construction of elevated wildlife corridors and underpasses to reduce road and rail accidents.
  3. Compensation Schemes:
    • Providing timely compensation for crop damage and human casualties to reduce retaliation killings.
  4. Eco-Development Programs:
    • Promote alternative livelihoods like mushroom farming, beekeeping, and handicrafts to reduce forest dependency.

Challenges

  1. Resource Limitations:
    • Insufficient funds and manpower to handle rising incidents.
  2. Ineffective Fencing:
    • Poorly maintained fences fail to deter elephants and leopards.
  3. Community Frustration:
    • Delays in compensation lead to hostility toward wildlife conservation efforts.

Way Forward

  1. Technology Integration:
    • Expand GPS tracking, drones, and AI-based solutions for real-time monitoring.
  2. Habitat Restoration:
    • Reforest degraded wildlife corridors and protect buffer zones.
  3. Strengthen Community Participation:
    • Educate and involve locals in conservation programs to foster coexistence.
  4. Policy Focus:
    • Implement a State Human-Wildlife Conflict Mitigation Policy to coordinate efforts across departments.

Conclusion

Assam’s efforts to address human-wildlife conflict reflect a balanced approach of conservation, technology, and community involvement. By restoring habitats, leveraging technology, and empowering communities, Assam can effectively reduce conflicts while safeguarding its rich biodiversity and promoting peaceful coexistence.

APSC Prelims Practice Questions

Topic 1: Infrastructure Cost Overruns in Assam’s Central Projects

Q1. Which of the following is the main reason for cost overruns in infrastructure projects in Assam?
a) Increase in land acquisition costs
b) Inadequate labor supply
c) Poor environmental safeguards
d) Frequent changes in project design

Answer: a) Increase in land acquisition costs

Explanation:

  • Cost overruns are largely due to delays and rising land acquisition costs, as reported in major infrastructure projects in Assam.

Q2. The PRAGATI initiative, related to infrastructure monitoring, is led by:
a) NITI Aayog
b) Ministry of Finance
c) Prime Minister’s Office
d) Ministry of Road Transport and Highways

Answer: c) Prime Minister’s Office

Explanation:

  • PRAGATI (Proactive Governance and Timely Implementation) is a real-time monitoring system chaired by the PM to review delayed infrastructure projects.

Topic 2: Assam’s Initiative to Promote Bamboo-Based Industries

Q3. Assam accounts for what percentage of India’s total bamboo production?
a) 10%
b) 15%
c) 20%
d) 25%

Answer: c) 20%

Explanation:

  • Assam contributes 20% of India’s total bamboo production, positioning it as a significant bamboo-producing state.

Q4. The National Bamboo Mission (NBM) was launched in which year?
a) 2016
b) 2017
c) 2018
d) 2019

Answer: c) 2018

Explanation:

  • The NBM was launched in 2018 to promote bamboo plantations, value addition, and industrial use of bamboo products.

Q5. Bamboo charcoal is primarily used for:
a) Organic fertilizers
b) Water purification and biofuel
c) Industrial metal extraction
d) Textile manufacturing

Answer: b) Water purification and biofuel

Explanation:

  • Bamboo charcoal has multiple applications, including use as a biofuel and in water purification systems.

Topic 3: Flood-Resilient Infrastructure Development in Assam

Q6. Which World Bank-funded project focuses on flood and erosion risk management in Assam?
a) Namami Brahmaputra Project
b) Assam Flood Management Project
c) Assam Integrated Flood and Riverbank Erosion Risk Management Project (AIFRERM)
d) Northeast Water Resource Management Initiative

Answer: c) Assam Integrated Flood and Riverbank Erosion Risk Management Project (AIFRERM)

Explanation:

  • AIFRERM is a World Bank-supported project aimed at mitigating flood and erosion risks in Assam.

Q7. What innovative material is being used to strengthen embankments in Assam?
a) Reinforced concrete
b) Geo-synthetic materials
c) Steel girders
d) Stone cladding

Answer: b) Geo-synthetic materials

Explanation:

  • Geo-synthetics are being used to make embankments more durable and resistant to erosion caused by floods.

Topic 4: Assam’s Efforts to Combat Human-Wildlife Conflict

Q8. Which of the following districts in Assam is NOT commonly associated with human-elephant conflict?
a) Udalguri
b) Sonitpur
c) Goalpara
d) Sivasagar

Answer: d) Sivasagar

Explanation:

  • Districts like Udalguri, Sonitpur, and Goalpara are hotspots for human-elephant conflict, whereas Sivasagar is not as affected.

Q9. The Gaj Yatra campaign focuses on:
a) Tiger conservation in protected areas
b) Creating awareness about elephant conservation and peaceful coexistence
c) Rhino conservation through anti-poaching measures
d) Leopard rescue and rehabilitation

Answer: b) Creating awareness about elephant conservation and peaceful coexistence

Explanation:

  • Gaj Yatra is a nationwide campaign to promote awareness and community involvement in elephant conservation.

Q10. What is the primary purpose of bio-fencing in human-wildlife conflict mitigation?
a) To deter animals using natural barriers
b) To electrify the perimeter of human settlements
c) To restrict animal movement through physical walls
d) To monitor animal activities using sensors

Answer: a) To deter animals using natural barriers

Explanation: Bio-fencing uses natural barriers like bamboo and thorny plants to prevent animals, particularly elephants, from straying into human settlements.

APSC Mains Practice Question

Q. Recurring floods and river erosion pose a significant developmental challenge in Assam. Examine the impact of these issues on the state’s economy, environment, and society. Suggest long-term structural and non-structural measures to mitigate their effects. (15M)

Model Answer

Introduction

Assam’s geographical location in the Brahmaputra and Barak river basins makes it prone to severe floods and erosion. Annually, nearly 40% of Assam’s landmass faces flooding, leading to widespread displacement, loss of livelihood, and environmental degradation.

Impact of Floods and River Erosion in Assam

  1. Economic Impact:
    • Agriculture Loss: 2-3 lakh hectares of cropland are affected annually, reducing yields and incomes for farmers.
    • Infrastructure Damage: Roads, bridges, and embankments are frequently damaged, increasing repair costs.
    • Livelihood Disruption: Floods displace thousands, disrupting economic activities like farming, fishing, and trade.
  2. Environmental Impact:
    • Erosion: The Brahmaputra erodes 8,000 hectares of land annually, shrinking riverine islands like Majuli.
    • Biodiversity Threat: Floods impact wildlife habitats in Kaziranga National Park, displacing animals and causing human-wildlife conflict.
    • Sedimentation: Excessive deposition of silt reduces river capacity, intensifying future floods.
  3. Social Impact:
    • Displacement: Over 2 million people are displaced annually, leading to loss of homes and livelihoods.
    • Health Issues: Contaminated water during floods leads to the spread of waterborne diseases like cholera and dysentery.
    • Education Disruption: Flood-affected schools often remain closed for weeks, impacting learning outcomes.

Structural and Non-Structural Measures for Mitigation

Structural Measures:

  1. Strengthening Embankments:
    • Use of geo-synthetic materials to reinforce embankments for long-term durability.
  2. Construction of Flood Shelters:
    • Build elevated multi-purpose shelters for displaced people and livestock.
  3. Dredging of Rivers:
    • Periodic dredging of the Brahmaputra to increase water-carrying capacity.
  4. Highlands in Protected Areas:
    • Develop elevated highlands in flood-prone wildlife areas like Kaziranga for animal refuge.

Non-Structural Measures:

  1. Early Warning Systems:
    • Use of satellite imagery and real-time data for accurate flood prediction and community alerts.
  2. River Management Policies:
    • Implement the Brahmaputra River Management Plan to manage sedimentation and flow dynamics.
  3. Afforestation and Soil Conservation:
    • Plant trees along riverbanks to prevent erosion and stabilize the soil.
  4. Community Awareness:
    • Educate local communities on flood preparedness, disaster resilience, and adaptive farming techniques.

Conclusion Assam’s flood and erosion crisis requires a multi-pronged approach combining technology, infrastructure, and community participation. By implementing structural solutions alongside non-structural measures like policy reform and capacity building, Assam can reduce the recurring damage and foster long-term resilience, aligning with SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 15 (Life on Land).

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