Assam Home to 9 of India’s 20 Most Soil Erosion-Prone Districts
Why in News?
- Assam has been identified as home to 9 of India’s 20 most soil erosion-prone districts, highlighting a severe environmental and socio-economic challenge for the state. The findings raise concerns over the loss of agricultural land, displacement of communities, and the impact on Assam’s ecosystem.
Important Key Points:
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Affected Districts: The districts identified include Goalpara, Dhubri, Chirang, Baksa, and Kokrajhar.
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Contributing Factors:
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River Dynamics: Assam’s extensive river network, especially the Brahmaputra and Barak rivers with over 50 tributaries, leads to significant flood and erosion issues annually.
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Soil Composition: Regions bordering Bhutan and Arunachal Pradesh have soils comprising recently transported materials like coarse sand and pebbles, making them highly susceptible to erosion.
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Impact on Communities: Riverbank erosion severely affects the livelihoods of char (river island) dwellers, often leading to displacement and loss of agricultural land.
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Challenges in Mitigation: Experts emphasize the need for comprehensive strategies to address riverbank erosion, but the state currently lacks detailed data on land loss and affected populations, hindering effective policy-making.
