Assam is a state in northeastern India known for its wildlife, archaeological sites, and tea plantations.
The recent flood in Assam has led to heavy casualties, displacement of people, and animals and destruction of property and environment.
The flood has caused the destruction of houses, crops, roads and bridges at several places. More than 27 lakh people have been affected in 26 out of 33 districts and the death toll has risen to 79.
It has also led to an inundation of 80% of the area of Kaziranga National Park.
The poorly constructed or ill-maintained river embankments are the main reason behind the flooding. The construction of embankments began in the 1960s and many of these started breaching from the 1990s and more seriously in the 2000s.
Massive deforestation in catchment areas of rivers or the release of waters by dams upstream.
Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve is located between the Brahmaputra river and the Karbi Anglong Hills. The whole area is made up of alluvial deposits from the Brahmaputra and its tributaries.
Experts believe that floods are necessary for Kaziranga by virtue of its riverine ecosystem. The system won’t survive without water.
The regenerative nature of floods helps replenish Kaziranga’s water bodies and maintain its landscape.
The ASDMA said authorities have set up 649 relief camps and distribution centers across 21 districts, where 47,465 displaced people are taking shelter currently.
The authorities have distributed rice, dal, salt and mustard oil along with other relief materials such as tarpaulin, baby food, candle, matchbox, mosquito net, biscuit, soap, drinking water, cattle feed, mask and wheat bran.
The authorities keep a track of updates from the Central Water Commission and monitor water levels of the Brahmaputra tributaries.
Also camps are organised to create awareness against poaching and harming wild animals that are rendered vulnerable during the floods.
In the absence of long-term alternatives, the government has to invest in strong, durable embankments to ensure that the situation does not deteriorate every year.
Checkout more such content at: https://gogomagazine.in/category/social/
5
4.5