Discuss the factors responsible for the annual flooding in Assam, which affects over 31.05 lakh hectares of flood-prone land, and propose effective solutions to mitigate this issue. (15 marks, 250 words) [GS-1: Indian Geography]

Introduction:

Annual monsoon flooding plagues Assam, with approximately 40% of the state’s landmass being susceptible to floods.
Remarkably, Assam accounts for nearly 10% of the total flood-prone area in India.

Natural Causes:

• Assam boasts an extensive river network, notably the Brahmaputra, Barak River, and more than 50 tributaries.
  Additionally, Assam receives river waters from neighboring states like Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya.
• Bank erosion, primarily driven by the Brahmaputra River, significantly contributes to annual flooding as it widens the river and alters its course, making it the widest river in India.
• Frequent earthquakes and landslides in Assam and the northeastern region raise the riverbed, exacerbating flooding.

Anthropogenic Causes:

• Human activities exacerbate flooding, such as encroachments along riverbanks and wetlands, insufficient drainage systems, unregulated urban expansion, hillside deforestation, and haphazard dam construction.
• The construction of dams has also played a role in exacerbating flooding issues.

Remedies:

National Measures:

• The Brahmaputra Board proposed dam and reservoir construction in 1982 as a means to mitigate floods in Assam, with dams intended to regulate water flow.
• The establishment of an efficient flood forecasting system is crucial for timely alerts and preparedness.

International Measures:

• Collaboration with international organizations like the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) can provide valuable expertise and resources.

Local Area Measures:

• Implementation of flood-plain zoning to categorize areas based on vulnerability and restrict activities like farming and construction in high-risk zones.
• River channelization initiatives, including siltation devices through programs like the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).
• The Water Resources Department of Assam has undertaken projects involving embankments, flood walls, river training, bank protection, anti-erosion measures, and town protection.

Conclusion:

Effective flood management in Assam necessitates a combination of structural and non-structural measures.

Coordination between various sectors and collaboration between the central and state governments are essential for managing catchment areas and reducing the impact of annual flooding in Assam.