Assam: In a groundbreaking initiative to tackle Assam’s recurring flood crisis, the Assam government, in collaboration with the North Eastern Space Applications Centre (NESAC), has pinpointed 206 water bodies across 17 districts as potential flood mitigation sites.
Utilizing advanced space technology, NESAC’s comprehensive study aims to harness these wetlands to absorb floodwater, reducing the frequency and devastation of annual floods.
Flooding remains a severe challenge in Assam due to its unique geographic and hydrological landscape. The NESAC study, conducted in partnership with Union and State authorities, analyzed Assam’s wetlands to identify water bodies capable of diverting and storing floodwater. The study relied on flood hazard maps by the National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) to identify suitable wetlands and oxbow lakes situated in low-to-medium flood risk areas.
Each selected wetland spans over 10 hectares, is located within a 3.5 km buffer zone of flood-prone rivers, and meets the structural requirements for excavation and embankment enhancements, making them ideal for floodwater management.
The identified wetlands collectively cover 16,842 hectares, with an initial capacity of 575 million cubic meters. As part of the flood mitigation plan, the wetlands will undergo excavation to a depth of 2 meters, while 2-meter embankments will be constructed around them. This expansion is expected to double the capacity to approximately 1,291 million cubic meters, a measure anticipated to reduce flood frequency by 20% to 80% in vulnerable areas.
Complementing the wetland project, the Assam government is also rolling out additional flood-control measures, including check dams, catchment treatment in upstream regions, and sustainable land and water management initiatives. This comprehensive approach underscores the Union-State commitment to addressing Assam’s flood issues with science-based strategies, offering renewed hope for flood-prone communities.