Why is Assam Prone to Flooding

Source: The post why is Assam prone to flooding has been created, based on the article “Why Assam keeps flooding” published in “Indian express” on 6th July 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper3-disaster management

Context: The article discusses how Assam, despite repeated floods and significant damage, has failed to effectively manage its flood situation. It highlights the geographical challenges, outdated flood control methods, and lack of modern infrastructure to predict and mitigate flooding. The text criticizes both state and central governments for inadequate response and planning.

For detailed information on Floods in India read this article here

What is the Current Situation in Assam Regarding Floods?

1. This year, floods in Assam have led to more than 50 fatalities.
2. Around 360,000 people have been displaced due to the rising waters.
3. The flooding has impacted over 40,000 hectares of agricultural land, causing significant crop damage.

4.Major areas of Dibrugarh and Guwahati, key cities in Assam, are submerged under floodwater.

Why is Assam Prone to Flooding?

1. Assam has over 120 rivers, many originating from extreme rainfall areas in Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, China, and Bhutan.
2. The Brahmaputra River, one of the largest in the world, flows through Assam, contributing significantly to flooding.
3. The state’s geography includes bowl-shaped lowlands like Guwahati, which are prone to waterlogging.
4. Historical flood control structures, built in the 1960s and 1970s, are outdated and not effective in current conditions.
5. Embankments and other flood control measures have not been adequately maintained or updated.
6. The lack of modern weather stations and flood warning systems hampers effective disaster management.
7. Continuous construction projects have damaged natural water channels and marshes, worsening flood risks.

What should be done?

1. Implement the proposed flood mitigation projects announced by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, which aim to secure the region from floods.
2. Modernize the flood warning systems by installing advanced weather stations and sirens, as suggested by a parliamentary panel in 2021.
3. Integrate indigenous knowledge to construct flood-resistant housing and infrastructure.
4. Conduct regular dredging of rivers to manage sediment and improve flow.
5. Arrest soil erosion along riverbanks to stabilize landscapes and reduce sediment load in rivers.
6. Enhance collaboration between state and central governments to ensure resources and efforts are adequately directed toward sustainable flood management solutions.

Question for practice:

Examine why Assam is prone to flooding and the measures that should be taken to mitigate it.