Q.15 What do you mean by vulnerability and resilience? Assam is among the top climate change vulnerable States in India. What could be the factors for high vulnerabilities in Assam? What measures are required to be taken up to build climate resilience to minimize climate change vulnerabilities?
27,Jan 2025
Posted By : SPM IAS Academy
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Vulnerability reflects a community’s exposure and sensitivity to climate-related risks, while resilience denotes the ability to adapt, recover, and maintain essential functions in the face of such challenges. Assam, as one of India’s most climate-vulnerable states, faces recurring threats from floods, erosion, deforestation, and socio-economic challenges. These issues, if left unchecked, can have cascading effects on its ecosystems and livelihoods. To mitigate risks and build resilience, Assam must adopt comprehensive strategies rooted in policy support, ecosystem restoration, and community empowerment.
Factors Contributing to Assam’s High Vulnerability
Annual Floods and River Erosion ○ Assam experiences severe flooding annually, impacting nearly 1.9 million hectares of land. The Brahmaputra and its tributaries erode approximately 8,000 hectares of land each year, displacing thousands and damaging infrastructure. ○ The Assam Integrated Flood and Riverbank Erosion Risk Management Project (AIFRERM) has been initiated to mitigate the impact of erosion, but recurring floods still pose significant risks.
Loss of Forest Cover ○ Deforestation for agriculture, timber, and urbanization has degraded ecosystems. Assam’s forest cover decreased by 1,100 sq km between 2011 and 2021, reducing its capacity to regulate floods and store carbon.
Decline in Wetlands ○ Wetlands like Deepor Beel have shrunk due to urban encroachment and pollution, limiting their role as natural buffers during floods. Over 90% of wetlands in Guwahati alone are affected.
Agriculture Dependency ○ With 70% of Assam’s population reliant on agriculture, erratic monsoons and crop failures due to floods and droughts pose severe threats to livelihoods.
Frequent Extreme Weather Events ○ Assam has witnessed a 26% rise in extreme weather events over the past decade, including floods, cyclones, and heatwaves, disrupting lives and the economy.
Poverty and Lack of Infrastructure ○ High poverty rates (over 32% in rural areas) and inadequate disaster-resilient infrastructure reduce the adaptive capacity of communities, particularly in flood-prone zones.
Measures to Build Climate Resilience
1. Flood Management and Mitigation
Strengthen embankments and drainage systems under the AIFRERM to reduce flood and erosion risks.
Use satellite-based flood forecasting systems, supported by the North Eastern Space Applications Centre (NESAC), to enhance early warning mechanisms.
Example: The embankments strengthened under the project in Dhubri district have reduced flood impacts on over 15,000 hectares of agricultural land.
2. Ecosystem Restoration and Afforestation
Rejuvenate wetlands under the Wetland Conservation and Management Rule, 2017 to restore their ecological balance and flood-mitigation capacity.
Promote reforestation initiatives such as the Mission Amrit Brikshya Andolan, which aims to plant 1 crore saplings in a single day to combat deforestation.
Example: The community-driven afforestation program in the Kaziranga-Karbi Anglong landscape has improved biodiversity and soil stability.
3. Climate-Resilient Agriculture
Introduce flood-tolerant crop varieties such as Ranjit Sub1 rice and Bina Dhan to withstand submergence during floods.
Expand the coverage of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) to provide insurance for climate-induced crop losses.
Example: Farmers in Nalbari district have reported 30% lower losses using flood-resilient crops compared to traditional varieties.
4. Disaster Preparedness and Community Participation
Conduct community-based disaster risk management programs through the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA).
Establish climate-resilient infrastructure in vulnerable villages under the National Adaptation Fund for Climate Change (NAFCC).
Example: The NAFCC-funded project in Majuli Island integrates early warning systems and flood-resilient infrastructure, benefiting over 5,000 households.
5. Sustainable Urban Planning
Implement green infrastructure projects such as urban wetlands, floodplains, and rainwater harvesting systems to reduce urban flood risks.
Enforce building codes mandating flood-resistant designs under the Assam State Action Plan on Climate Change (SAPCC).
Example: Guwahati Smart City initiatives include modernizing drainage systems to address urban flooding.
6. Investment in Renewable Energy
Expand solar power generation under the Assam Solar Energy Policy, 2017, which targets 200 MW capacity addition by 2025.
Promote decentralized renewable energy projects like mini-grids and biogas plants to reduce dependence on conventional energy.
Example: Solar installations at Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport have reduced its energy costs by 30%.
Assam’s high vulnerability to climate change stems from its geography, ecological fragility, and socio-economic constraints. However, with strategic initiatives like flood mitigation, ecosystem restoration, resilient agriculture, and renewable energy expansion, the state can strengthen its climate resilience. A collaborative approach involving the government, communities, and private sector is vital to safeguard Assam’s future and minimize the adverse impacts of climate change.