Brahmaputra, one of Asia’s major rivers, begins in Tibet and runs through India, Bangladesh, and into the Bay of Bengal. The Brahmaputra has been an important resource in agriculture, hydropower and transportation due to its wide reach. The river has a number of water issues, which pose environmental, socio-economic, and political challenges. In the following sections, we will examine the Brahmaputra’s water-related issues in Indian context.
Table of contents
- Geo-Hydrological Significance
- Problems that Face You
- Government Policies and Initiatives
- International Diplomatic Efforts
- Case Studies
- FAQs (Frequently Asked Question)
Geo-Hydrological Significance
Brahmaputra river is one the biggest rivers in Asia, measuring around 2,880 km. About 580,000 sq km of its basin is covered. The river flows through a wide variety of landscapes from the Tibetan plateau at high altitude to the Assam plains and the deltaic area in Bangladesh.
The Issues Facing
Floods
Seasonal flooding
- Flooding during monsoons is a major problem that affects many millions of people, and can cause loss of property or life.
- Assam, and Arunachal are the states that have been most affected. Submerged fields of agriculture and disruptions to livelihoods is a common issue.
Example:
Assam was hit by severe flooding in 2020. It affected over 2.8million people spread across 26 districts. There were around 100 reported deaths.
Erosion
Riverbank Erosion
- The erosion of agricultural land leads to the displacement of communities.
- Brahmaputra’s constant course changes cause the river to engulf villages.
Example:
Majuli has lost almost a quarter of its land area in recent decades due to erosion.
Water-sharing Disputes
International Disputes
- India and China disagree over how to use the water of the River, particularly with China’s plan to build upstream dams.
- Lack of integrated basin management plans exacerbates the problems.
Example:
India was deeply concerned about the reduced flow of water after China announced in 2011 that it would build a dam in Zangmu, on upper reaches of the river.
Pollution
Industrial Waste
- Water pollution is caused by industrial activities on the banks of rivers, which affect aquatic life as well as human health.
Home Sewage
- Pollution from untreated domestic sewage in urban areas is a major problem.
Example:
Guwahati’s city dumps untreated waste into its river. The water quality is affected and downstream communities are also negatively affected.
Climate Change:
The changing patterns of the monsoon
- The severity of floods and droughts is exacerbated by unpredictability in rainfall patterns.
- The glacial melt that feeds into the Brahmaputra in the Himalayas has increased, causing the water to flow more unpredictable.
Example:
Flash floods were caused by heavy, unseasonal rains that fell in Arunachal in 2019. This exacerbated the precarious conditions.
The Government’s Initiatives and Policies
- Flood Management Systems: Flood forecasting and flood management are among the projects that National Disaster Management Authority has undertaken.
- The Erosion Plan: In collaboration with several institutes, the Assam Government is using geo-bags to fight erosion.
- Pollution Control Central Pollution Control Board efforts include monitoring and reducing the industrial discharges into the river.
- The Bilateral Dialogue: India and China have been negotiating water protocols and agreements with each other.
International Diplomatic Efforts
- Joint River Commission India’s collaboration with Bangladesh via the JRC is aimed at comprehensive river management.
- Memorandums of Understanding: India and China signed MoUs that focused on the data exchange related to river water flows, particularly during monsoon season.
Case Studies
Assam: Flood management
Project Highlights
- Installing early warning systems
- Construction of flood embankments.
- Programs for flood control at the local level.
Results:
The local community must be better prepared to reduce catastrophic loss and improve their response.
Majuli Island Erosion Control
The Project Highlights
- Geo-bags or concrete barriers can be used.
- The soil is strengthened by afforestation on the bank.
Results:
There has been some stabilization in the area of the island, but long-term sustainability is still a problem.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Question)
1. What are the main causes of floods in the Brahmaputra Basin?
Answer:
Inadequate drainage systems, heavy rains during monsoons, Himalayan glaciers melting, and excessive rainfall are the main causes of floods. Rivers are prone to flooding because of their narrow channels, high sediment content and the Himalayan glaciers melting.
2. How does riverbank erosion affect communities?
Answer:
Riverbank erosion causes the destruction of homes and agricultural land, forcing communities to move. The disruption of livelihoods leads to social and economic instability.
3. What is the pollution control strategy for the Brahmaputra?
Answer:
One of the measures is to enforce pollution laws more strictly, establish sewage treatment facilities, and monitor industrial discharges via agencies such as Central Pollution Control Board.
4. What is the dispute between India and China about Brahmaputra river?
Answer:
India is concerned that China may reduce the water flowing into India’s territory by building dams in its upper reaches. This could affect agriculture and water supply.
5. What role does the Joint River Commission play?
Answer:
JRC is India-Bangladesh collaborative initiative aimed at comprehensive water resource management. This project focuses primarily on the sharing of data, flood control, and harmony in river usage.
6. What is the impact of climate change on Brahmaputra river?
Answer:
Climate change changes monsoon patterns. This makes drought and flood cycles worse. Rapid glacial melting due to higher temperatures affects river flow and volume.
7. Exist any successful flood control projects along the Brahmaputra River?
Answer:
Assam has implemented flood embankments and early warning systems, reducing damage during the monsoon season.
8. What can be done to resolve the Brahmaputra Water Issues through international cooperation?
Answer:
The international cooperation of rivers can be achieved through the exchange of hydrological information, the development of joint management strategies, the resolution of conflicts via diplomatic channels and the use of shared data.
9. What are the technological methods used to control erosion?
Answer:
Geo-bags and concrete barriers are among the technological measures that can be used to reduce soil erosion and stabilize the soil.
10. Early warning systems are important in the management of floods.
Answer:
Early warning system alerts communities of impending flooding, which allows them to prepare, take necessary precautions, or evacuate in the event that it is needed, and reduce losses.
The Brahmaputra river presents many challenges that can be addressed more efficiently by coordinating efforts at both the national and the international level. This will ensure the wellbeing of the millions who depend on the Brahmaputra.
