Q.2. A major paradigm shift in flood management in Assam has been planned with the proposed ‘Innovative Integration of Wetlands with River Brahmaputra for Floodwater Diversion’. Accordingly, an amount of Rupees 200 Crore has been earmarked for this purpose in the State Budget of 2024-25. Elaborate the main features of the project and examine its feasibility in flood management.
14,Oct 2024
Posted By : SPM IAS Academy
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The ‘Innovative Integration of Wetlands with River Brahmaputra for Floodwater Diversion’ project is a key initiative in the Assam Budget 2024-25 aimed at addressing the state’s chronic flooding issues by leveraging natural ecosystems, particularly wetlands, to mitigate flood risks. With ₹200 crore earmarked for the project, this initiative represents a significant shift from traditional flood management strategies towards more sustainable, nature-based solutions.
Main Features of the Project
A. Utilization of Wetlands for Floodwater Diversion:
The project seeks to integrate Assam’s natural wetlands into flood management by allowing them to function as natural floodwater reservoirs. These wetlands will absorb and store excess floodwaters during monsoon periods, which reduces pressure on the Brahmaputra and its tributaries.
Wetlands such as Deepor Beel, Sareswar Beel, and others along the Brahmaputra basin will be rehabilitated to increase their water retention capacity, offering a natural buffer during flood surges.
B. Restoration and Expansion of Wetland Ecosystems:
Many of Assam’s wetlands have been degraded due to urbanization, agricultural encroachment, and pollution. The project will focus on the restoration and conservation of these wetlands, enhancing their ecological functionality and ability to manage floodwaters.
By rejuvenating these wetlands, the project aims to re-establish their role as natural floodplain absorbers, reconnecting them with river channels.
C. Hydrological and Ecological Mapping:
A critical aspect of the project is to map floodplains and identify key wetlands that can effectively divert water during floods. Hydrological studies will be carried out using GIS mapping and remote sensing technology to ensure that the wetlands are strategically integrated into the flood management system.
Continuous monitoring will be conducted to assess water flow, flood patterns, and the health of these ecosystems.
D. Community-Based Management and Participation:
The project emphasizes community involvement in the management and protection of wetlands. Local stakeholders, including farmers, fishers, and local authorities, will be trained to manage and protect wetlands, ensuring the long-term sustainability of this flood management strategy.
The goal is to create community-led conservation efforts that align local livelihoods with wetland protection.
E. Sustainable Ecosystem Services:
The wetlands will not only serve flood control purposes but will also provide environmental benefits such as supporting biodiversity, recharging groundwater, improving water quality, and promoting ecotourism.
F. Allocation of ₹200 Crore:
The Assam Government has allocated ₹200 crore in its 2024-25 budget for this initiative, which will cover costs related to wetland restoration, infrastructure development, community engagement, and technological investments for monitoring and mapping.
Feasibility in Flood Management
A. Hydrological Suitability
Assam experiences recurrent flooding due to the Brahmaputra’s high water discharge during monsoons. Wetlands have the natural capacity to retain excess water, making them suitable for floodwater diversion.
According to the National Wetland Atlas, Assam has over 1,100 wetlands, covering 1.5% of its geographic area. Harnessing this natural resource can significantly reduce runoff and peak flow during floods, easing pressure on the river and flood defenses.
B. Environmental Sustainability
Traditional methods like embankments and dams often lead to environmental degradation and require high maintenance. In contrast, wetland-based flood management enhances biodiversity, improves water quality, and sequesters carbon, contributing to sustainable flood control.
Wetland restoration is a nature-based solution (NbS) that aligns with global initiatives like the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021-2030) and India’s National Wetland Conservation Programme.
C. Economic and Social Impact
Assam’s annual economic losses due to floods are estimated at around ₹2,000 crore. By diverting flood waters into wetlands, the economic cost of flood damage can be significantly reduced. Additionally, restored wetlands provide livelihood opportunities through fishing, aquaculture, and tourism.
The community-based model of the project is expected to create local employment, enhance community resilience, and reduce the economic burden on the state government for repeated flood relief efforts.
D. Challenges
Encroachment: Many wetlands have been degraded by urban sprawl and agricultural expansion. Reclaiming these areas for flood management may face opposition from local populations relying on these lands for livelihood.
Pollution: Industrial and agricultural pollutants often contaminate wetlands, reducing their capacity to absorb floodwaters and affecting biodiversity. Effective implementation of pollution control measures will be necessary.
Climate Change: The increasing frequency and intensity of rainfall due to climate change could challenge the capacity of wetlands to manage floodwaters if not properly maintained or expanded.
E. Long-Term Viability
The wetland restoration model has been successfully implemented in flood-prone areas worldwide, such as the Mississippi River Basin in the United States, where wetlands have reduced flood damages significantly.
In Assam, integrating wetlands into flood management can serve as a long-term solution, complementing existing infrastructure such as embankments and enhancing ecosystem resilience to future climate impacts.
The ‘Innovative Integration of Wetlands with River Brahmaputra for Floodwater Diversion’ is a feasible and environmentally sustainable approach to flood management in Assam. By restoring and integrating wetlands into the Brahmaputra floodplain system, the project promises not only to mitigate the devastating impacts of floods but also to enhance biodiversity, promote community-based conservation, and provide long-term economic benefits. With an initial budget of ₹200 crore, the project’s success will depend on effective implementation, addressing challenges like encroachment and pollution, and sustained community engagement.
