Tackling flood problem in Assam

Flood is a recurrent problem in Assam.Almost every year,damaging floods leave a catastrophic impact on human lives,livestock and the economy of the state.In Assam,flood is caused by two major river systems-the Brahmaputra river in the North and the Barak river in the south.The geographical setting of the region,high intensity rainfall due to South-West monsoon,extensive siltation brought down by Brahmaputra river,easily erodible geographical formations and anthrop

ogenic(man-made) causes are primarily responsible for the flood problem in Assam.

The flood damage in the country is pegged in the range of Rs.6000 crore annually.In Assam alone,in 2014,the loss due to flood was estimated to be around 2000 crore.Notwithstanding the multitude of steps taken by the Central and the state governments,the flood situation in the state continues to be grim.We need innovative measures,both structural and non-structural,to tame the deleterious impact of the recurring floods.

First,there is a need of nationwide hydrological data with a decentralisation approach.That said,the state should be in a position to monitor real-time hydrological data without relying excessively on central help.The satellite imageries could be efficiently used to monitor the snow-melt and water distribution in upstream areas of the river.A significant cause of flood is the inadequate information on the amount of water flowing into or out of the reservoirs.The hydrological data would improve flood alert warning systems and would assist in rescue and rehabilitation efforts.

Second,underground taming of flood waters through the creation of artificial aquifers and storage systems would be an effective measure against flood.Moreover,in the dry seasons,the residual water could be used judiciously for irrigation purposes.A significant portion of water passes as run-off that causes flood in cities like Guwahati.A comprehensive plan to build underground structures at vulnerable locations would be an innovative solution.

Third,desiltation should be carried out through dredging the river-bed.The Brahmaputra is a braided channel river which brings down excessive silt from upstream areas.Consequently.the river exceeds its carrying capacity and overflows its beds,causing floods.Of all the dredgings carried out in the state so far,none turned out to be effective due to the corruption-ridden administration in the state.The development funds are siphoned off,thus creating hardships for the common people.

The customary approach for flood-prevention in Assam is of primarily two fold:embankment construction and building dams.Constructing embankments for decades have been unable to control floods effectively.Moreover,there are concerns about loss of soil-fertility and water-logging due to embankments.Majority of dams in the state are designed for power generation rather than flood prevention.Also,in a highly seismic zone,construction of dams could be carried out only after weighing the pros and cons through extensive research and studies.A harmonious mix of structural and non-structural measures would go a long way in mitigating the recurring flood problem in Assam.