অসম বিশেষ

Topics of the week

1. Assam Floods
2. Neolithic Site in Assam
3. Satra Aayog in Assam
4. Srimanta Sankardev Award 2023
5. Legacy of Sarbananda Singha
6. New Cave Species
7. Tracking Assam’s Forest Loss
8. Mohanbari Airport
APSC CCE 2024 (PRELIMS)
APSC CCE 2024 (Prelims)
Assam Floods
Source : The Assam Tribune
Date : 3 June 2025
Syllabus : GS Paper V

In 2025, Assam faced

severe pre-monsoon
floods in late May,
with Sohra recording
470 mm and Silchar
420 mm in 24 hours—
the highest May
rainfall since 1901
Assam Floods
IMD Forecast for 2025 Monsoon
• Below Normal Rainfall Prediction: The India
Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts
below normal monsoon rains in Assam,
Meghalaya, and Arunachal Pradesh for June to
September 2025, with a 54% probability.
• Fifth Consecutive Year: If the forecast holds,
this will mark the fifth consecutive year of
below normal monsoon rainfall in the Assam-
Meghalaya subdivision. Historical Rainfall Trends in Assam-Meghalaya
• Normal Rainfall Benchmark: The normal
• 2024: Rainfall was 16% below normal.
monsoon rainfall for the Assam-Meghalaya
• 2023: Rainfall was 19% below normal.
subdivision is 1,762.2 mm.
• 2022: Rainfall was 9% below normal.
• Contrast with National Outlook: Unlike the
• Regional Trend: East and Northeast
rest of India, which is expected to receive
India have also seen below normal
normal to above normal rainfall, the Northeast
monsoon rains for the past four
is predicted to have a deficit.
consecutive years.
• 2021: Rainfall was 22% below normal.
Assam Floods
Multi-Decadal Variability:
• An IMD scientist notes that rainfall follows
multi-decadal patterns:
• Negative Epoch: Northeast India is
currently in a negative epoch (less rain),
which began after a positive epoch (more
rain) from 1910-1950.
• Positive Epoch: All-India rainfall is
currently in a positive epoch, leading to
higher rainfall years nationally.
• Flood Risk from Pre-Monsoon: Despite below
normal monsoon forecasts, Assam recorded
good pre-monsoon rains, triggering floods at
the monsoon onset.
Assam Floods
Flood and Erosion Crisis in Assam
• Scale of Flood-Prone Area: According to the
Rashtriya Barh Ayog, 31,050 sq km (39.58%
of Assam’s total land area) is flood-prone.
• Bank Erosion Impact: Since 1950, 4,270 sq
km (7.4% of Assam’s land) has been lost to
erosion over six decades.
• Majuli’s Erosion: The world’s largest river
island, Majuli, eroded at 3.1 sq km per year
(1915-2005), shrinking from 787.9 sq km to
508.2 sq km—a 35.5% loss.
• Financial Losses: Annual flood-related losses
are estimated at Rs 3,500 crore by the
government, but likely exceed Rs 10,000 crore
when including human and economic impacts.
Assam Floods
Historical Flood Management Efforts
• National Policy on Floods (1954): Post-1954
floods, India introduced a flood management
policy, prompting Assam to initiate projects
under its Second Five-Year Plan (1956-61).
• National Water Policy (1987): Led to a
detailed flood control blueprint for Assam,
resulting in:
• 4,474 km of earthen embankments.
• 911 anti-erosion and town protection
works.
• 875 km of drainage schemes.
• Limitations of Embankments: Designed for a
25-year return flood, these 50+-year-old
structures are prone to breaches, flooding
paddy fields and villages.
Assam Floods
Proposed Solutions and Challenges Proposed Solutions and Challenges
• Infrastructure Upgrades: Urgent need to • Government Initiatives and Projects :
redesign or rebuild embankments using • Storage Ponds Plan: The Government of
modern technology India plans 50 storage ponds along the
• Cost-Benefit: High investment required, but Brahmaputra (Sadiya to Majuli) to
long-term benefits in flood and erosion control manage excess flood flow: Brahmaputra’s
are promising. safe limit: 40,000 cumecs; flood flow:
• Dredging Brahmaputra: Proposed to 60,000 cumecs (24-hour volume: 1,728
enhance river discharge capacity, but sediment MCM).
is quickly replaced due to high erosion rates. • Each pond to store 35 MCM (10m depth,
• Highways and Dredging: Improve transport 350 hectares); with infrastructure, 400
infrastructure but fail to address core flood hectares per pond (20,000 hectares
control issues. total).
• Learning from China: Assam proposed
studying China’s Huang He river management, • High land and cost requirements may
which uses dams to control silt, floods, and render the project unviable.
develop hydroelectric and irrigation facilities.
Assam Floods
Guwahati Urban Flooding Solution:
• Both states aim to address urban flooding in
Guwahati, which affects both regions due to
water flow from the Khanapara area.
• NESAC (North Eastern Space Applications
Centre) will conduct satellite mapping of the
area within three months.
• Kulsi Irrigation Project: A joint irrigation
project to benefit farmers on both sides of
the border.
Assam Floods
Prelims Practise Question
Question: Which of the following statements is/are correct
regarding flood management and erosion issues in Assam?
1. According to the Rashtriya Barh Ayog, 39.58% of Assam’s
total land area is flood-prone, amounting to 31,050 sq
km.
2. Majuli, the world’s largest river island, has lost 35.5% of
its area between 1915 and 2005 due to erosion.
3. The Government of India’s plan to build 50 storage ponds
along the Brahmaputra aims to manage a flood flow of
60,000 cumecs, with each pond storing 35 MCM of water.
4. The National Water Policy of 1954 led to the construction
of 4,474 km of earthen embankments in Assam.
Options:
A) 1, 2, and 3 only
B) 1 and 2 only
C) 2 and 3 only
D) 1, 2, 3, and 4
Assam Floods
Mains Practise Question
Q. Assam faces recurrent floods every year causing extensive damage to life, property, and the economy. Examine
the major causes, impact, and suggest long-term sustainable flood management solutions for the state. (250
words)
Introduction: Causes of Floods in Assam:
• Assam faces annual floods, particularly [Link] Causes:
during May–September due to monsoon. 1. Heavy rainfall (avg. ~2,300 mm/year).
• Over 35% of Assam’s total area is flood- 2. Riverine flooding – especially from Brahmaputra and
prone (national average is 12%). Barak rivers and their 50+ tributaries.
Impact of Floods: 3. Glacial lake outbursts and landslides in upstream
• 2022 Floods: Affected 89+ lakh people, over 190 Arunachal, Bhutan, and Tibet.
deaths, and displaced lakhs. [Link] Factors:
• Agriculture loss: ~3.5 lakh hectares of crop area 1. Encroachment on floodplains, wetlands.
submerged annually. 2. Deforestation in catchment areas (esp. in Arunachal
• Destruction of homes, schools, roads, and health foothills).
centres. 3. Poor maintenance of embankments (many built in the
• Threat to biodiversity: Kaziranga floods affect 1950s–70s).
wildlife annually. 4. Rapid urbanisation in Guwahati & other riverine towns.
Assam Floods
Mains Practise Question
Q. Assam faces recurrent floods every year causing extensive damage to life, property, and the economy. Examine
the major causes, impact, and suggest long-term sustainable flood management solutions for the state. (250
words)
Measures & Solutions:
Short-Term:
• Strengthen & modernise embankments
• Real-time flood forecasting systems
• NDMA & SDRF rapid deployment
Long-Term:
• River interlinking and dredging of Brahmaputra
• Wetland rejuvenation (like Deepar Beel)
• Promote flood-resilient cropping & housing
• Adopt “Room for the River” approach (Netherlands model)
Conclusion:
• A shift from flood control to flood management with eco-
sensitive planning, technology, and community
participation is the need of the hour for sustainable
resilience in Assam.
Neolithic Site in Assam
Source : The Hindu
Date : 1 June 2025
Syllabus : Prelims/GS Paper I/V
Neolithic Site in Assam
Discovery of Neolithic Site
• Location and Context: An archaeological site in
Assam’s Dima Hasao district, within the Langting-
Mupa Reserve, was uncovered a 2700 years old
Neolithic Site.
Historical Excavations and Recent Surveys
• Initial Excavations: The site was first excavated
between 1962 and 1964 by professors T.C. Sharma
and others, following its uncovering during road
construction (Lumding-Haflong road).
• Further Investigations: Professor Sharma revisited
the site in 1985 for additional studies. The term Neolithic Period refers to the last stage of the Stone
• Recent Survey: A new survey followed Sharma’s Age.
cues, yielding a rich assemblage of artefacts and The Neolithic period is significant for its megalithic
undergoing radiocarbon dating and comparative architecture, the spread of agricultural practices, and the use
studies with other regional Neolithic sites. of polished stone tools.
Neolithic Site in Assam
About the site

• Historical Damage: The site, known as

Daojali Hading, was damaged by the
construction of the Lumding-Haflong Road
in the 1960s.
• Neolithic Habitation: Artefacts confirm it
as a Neolithic habitation zone dating back
over 2,700 years.
• Metallurgical Evidence: Discovery of a
furnace and iron slag indicates early
metallurgical activities in Assam,
supporting earlier hypotheses about
Daojali Hading as a major prehistoric
settlement in Northeast India.
Neolithic Site in Assam
Artefacts and Cultural Links

• Artefact Types: Polished double-shouldered

celts, cord-marked pottery, mortars, pestles,
and best-indicating stones were found,
confirming the site’s Neolithic affiliation.
• Cultural Connection: The artefacts link the
site to the broader Eastern and Southeast
Asian Neolithic culture complex.
Neolithic Site in Assam
Prelims Practise Question
Question: Which of the following statements
is/are correct regarding the archaeological
findings at the Daojali Hading site in Assam’s
Dima Hasao district?
1. The site, uncovered during the 1960s road
construction, has been identified as a
Neolithic habitation zone dating back over
2,700 years.
2. Artefacts such as a furnace and iron slag
found at the site indicate early metallurgical
activities in the region.
3. The unearthed artefacts link the site to the
broader Eastern and Southeast Asian
Neolithic culture complex.
Options:
A) 1 and 2 only
B) 2 and 3 only
C) 1 and 3 only
D) 1, 2, and 3
Satra Aayog in Assam
Source : The Assam Tribune
Date : 8 June 2025
Syllabus : GS Paper V
Satra Aayog in Assam
Government Initiatives for Satras
• Permanent Satra Aayog: CM Sarma
announced a permanent Satra Aayog with
financial and administrative powers to ensure
satra welfare, a notable government initiative.
• Long-Term Vision: The Aayog will develop a
25-year plan to revamp satras.

• Satra Aayog (Satra Commission) was • Over 2.5 years, the Commission visited 126
constituted on November 24, 2021 by the Assam Satras across Assam.
Government. • Focused on:
• Objective: To evaluate the status of Satra lands • Extent of encroachment
and assess encroachments and infrastructure • Physical condition of the institutions
conditions. • Heritage preservation issues
• Chaired by MLA Pradip Hazarika, with Mrinal • Identified growing threats to Satra lands due to
Saikia and Rupak Sarma as members. encroachment.
Satra Aayog in Assam
Ordination of New Satradhikar
• Dr. Pradip Goswami was ordained as the
Satradhikar of Sri Sri Mayamara Madarkhat
Basapather Satra.

• Cultural Importance for Assam: The Satra, a key

institution of Mayamara Vaishnavism, reflects
Assam’s rich Vaishnavite heritage initiated by
Srimanta Sankardeva in the 15th century

• Satradhikar Role: Dr. Goswami, now named ‘Sri

Purushottam Deva’, underwent the ‘Satradhikar
Abhishek’, a traditional ordination ritual to lead
the Satra, emphasizing the continuity of
Vaishnavite traditions. • Satras were an institute of Neo-Vaishnavite movement by
Sankardeva.
• The name Mayamara was thus created to erase the name
Moamara.
Satra Aayog in Assam
Historical and Religious Significance
• Mayamara Vaishnavism: Dr. Goswami highlighted the
teachings of Mahapurush Sri Sri Aniruddhadeva, the
founder of Mayamara Nava Vaishnavism, a sect known for
its role in Assam’s socio-religious reforms during the Ahom
period.
• Ceremony Details: The event included a procession with
ghosas, kirtans, and Bhagavad Gita recitals.
Satra Aayog in Assam
Important Satras of Assam • Garamur Satra
• Founded by Lakshmikantadeva. During
• Auniati satra the end of Autumn, traditional Raasleela
• Founded by Niranjan Pathakdeva, the is shown with great enthusiasm. Some
Satra is famous for "Paalnaam" and ancient weapons called "Bortop"
Apsara dances. Also remarkable is it's (canons) are preserved here.
extensive assortment of ancient • Kamalabari Satra
artefacts, Assamese old utensils, • Founded by Badula Padma Ata, it is a
jewellery and handicrafts. centre of art, culture, literature and
• Dakhinpat Satra classical studies. The finest boats on the
• Founded by Banamalidev, an exponent island are made here. It's branch, Uttar
of Raasleela, which is now observed as Kamalabari Satra, has showcased the
one of the main festivals of Assam. Satria Art in several states of India and
During Rasotsava several thousand abroad.
devotees visit these holy Satras every • Shamaguri Satra
year. • The satra is famous worldwide for it's
Mask-making tradition.
Satra Aayog in Assam
Prelims Practise Question
Question: Which of the following statements is/are
correct regarding the sattras of Assam and recent
developments in 2025?
1. Dr. Pradip Goswami was ordained as the
Satradhikar of Sri Sri Mayamara Madarkhat
Basapather Satra in Dibrugarh on June 7, 2025.
2. The Satra Aayog, formed in November 2021,
submitted its final report on June 10, 2025, after
visiting 126 satras to assess issues related to satra
lands.
3. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced
that a permanent Satra Aayog will develop a 50-
year vision plan to ensure the sustainability of
sattras across Assam.
Options:
A) 1 and 2 only
B) 2 and 3 only
C) 1 and 3 only
D) 1, 2, and 3
Satra Aayog in Assam
Mains Practise Question
Q. Discuss the historical significance of the Sattras in Assam’s cultural heritage. Examine the present-day
challenges faced by them and suggest measures for their preservation and revitalisation. (250 words)
Introduction:
Sattras are socio-religious institutions founded by Srimanta Sankardev during the 15th–16th
century Bhakti movement in Assam.
They served as centres for Vaishnavite religious practices, education, arts, and community
life.
Historical & Cultural Significance: Government & Community Initiatives:
• Promoted Neo-Vaishnavism (Ekasarana Dharma). • Assam Government’s ₹200 crore plan to develop Batadrava Than.
• Acted as centres of learning, manuscript preservation, and • Steps to revitalise Barpeta’s Patbaushi Than and other major
spiritual discourse. sattras.
• Encouraged performing arts like Ankiya Naat, Bhaona, and • Proposals to integrate Sankardev’s works in academic curricula
Sattriya Nritya (now a classical dance form). (e.g. Tezpur University).
• Played a role in socio-political unity and caste inclusivity.
Present Challenges: Way Forward:
• Land encroachments and legal disputes. • Legal protection of Sattra lands and heritage sites.
• Declining patronage and reduced participation of youth. • Promote digital archives and academic research.
• Erosion of traditional practices and knowledge systems. • Encourage cultural tourism and infrastructure
• Lack of adequate documentation, digital preservation, or academic development.
integration.
• Infrastructure issues and poor tourism management.
• Environmental threats (flooding in riverine areas like Majuli).
Srimanta Sankardev Award 2023
Source : Govt. of Assam
Date : 12 June 2025
Syllabus : Prelims
Srimanta Sankardev Award 2023
Key Highlights
• Recipient: Dr. Sonal Mansingh, eminent
classical dancer (Bharatanatyam & Odissi)
• Occasion: Award conferred on the tithi of
Sri Sri Madhavdev, disciple of Shrimanta
Sankardev
• Award Instituted: 1986 by Govt. of Assam
• Given for: Significant contributions to art,
culture, literature, and mass
communication
• Frequency: Annual until 2008, now once
every 3 years
Receiving the award, the dance guru said, "Awards are of many kinds,
but some of them are special. I cannot contain my joy and gratitude for
receiving this award. Srimanta Sankardev's borgeets, the xatriya dance,
the ankiya nat, and the songs and dances of Assam have their influence
on me.”
Srimanta Sankardev Award 2023
About Dr. Sonal Mansingh
• Career Began: 1962 (Arangetram in Mumbai)
• Founded: Centre for Indian Classical Dances
(CICD), New Delhi in 1977
• Honours:
• Padma Bhushan (1992)
• Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1987)
• Padma Vibhushan (2003) — only second
woman dancer after Balasaraswati
• Rajya Sabha Nominee for contributions
to Indian culture
• Her work embodies spiritual philosophy,
literary depth, and cultural heritage
Srimanta Sankardev Award 2023
Prelims Practise Question
Question:
With reference to Dr. Sonal Mansingh and the cultural
award conferred by the Government of Assam, consider
the following statements:
1. Dr. Sonal Mansingh, an eminent Bharatanatyam
and Odissi dancer, received an award instituted by
the Government of Assam in 1986 for contributions
to art, culture, and literature.
2. The award was conferred on the tithi of Sri Sri
Madhavdev, and its frequency changed from annual
to once every three years after 2008.
3. Dr. Sonal Mansingh is the first woman dancer to
receive the Padma Vibhushan for her contributions
to Indian culture.
Which of the statements given above is/are
correct?
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 1 and 3 only
c) 2 and 3 only
d) 1, 2, and 3
Legacy of Sarbananda Singha
Source : The Assam Tribune
Date : 12 June 2025
Syllabus : GS Paper V
Legacy of Sarbananda Singha
Overview of Sarbananda Singha
• Identity and Lineage: Swargadeo Sarbananda
Singha, also known as Majera, was a Matak
king from 1788 to 1805, belonging to the
Buruk Chutia clan or foid.
• Family Background: Lost his mother Patay
early; raised by his father Merutnandan. He
was a disciple of the 9th Mayamara
Satradhikar Aniruddha.
• Name Significance: Adopted the name
Sarbananda (also called Basana) after
initiation, a name specific to Mayamara Satra
disciples, reflecting his commitment to the
sect.
Legacy of Sarbananda Singha
Historical Significance
• Revolutionary Leadership: As a valiant
warrior, he led a revolution against the Ahom
kingdom, contributing to its decline by 1826.
• End of Matak Kingdom: The Matak kingdom,
the last sovereign in the region, was annexed
by the colonial regime in 1874.
• Legacy Commemoration: His 237th death
anniversary was observed on May 28-29,
2025, in Rangia, honoring his leadership and
vision.
Legacy of Sarbananda Singha
Contributions to the Matak Kingdom Governance and Reforms
• Establishment and Capital: Founded the • Abolition of Paik System: Abandoned the
Matak kingdom, initially setting the capital at oppressive Paik system, a remnant of Ahom
Rongagora, later shifting it to Bengmara administration, which had fueled the
(Tinsukia) in 1791. Moamoria rebellion due to its degeneration.
• Developmental Projects: Oversaw • New Policies: Introduced a progressive
infrastructure growth, including roads like revenue and administration system focused
Tamuli Ali, Godha Ali, and Hatat Ali, and dug on good governance, transparency, and
24 tanks (e.g., Napukhuri, Tinikunia Pukhuri) democracy, with a council of ministers from
for water supply, fishery, and beautification. various khels/foids.
• Fortification: Built a fort (garh) around • Economic Support: Promoted farmer
Bengmara for security, though its remains freedom and production-based revenue
were later destroyed by occupiers. sharing, fostering a healthy state economy.
Legacy of Sarbananda Singha
Cultural and Social Impact
• Currency System: Minted octagonal gold and
silver coins (e.g., one rupee, half rupee,
admahiya, charatia); only silver coins remain
extant (surviving).
• Sports and Festivals: Patronized sports and
amusements, organizing annual festivals at
Rongmela and Rongpuria on the banks of the
river Dibru.
• Religious Movement: Transformed a small
religious movement at Malow Pathar (Jorhat)
into a mass movement, uniting Mayamara
disciples against royal atrocities.
New Cave Species
Source : The Assam Tribune
Date : 1 June 2025
Syllabus : Prelims
New Cave Species
Key Facts of the Cave Fish Species Significance:
• Discovered by: Team from Gauhati • 9th cave fish species discovered by the team.
University led by Dr. Kangkan Sarma • Highlights biodiversity in unexplored
• Species Name: Schistura densicavus subterranean habitats.
(Loach fish)
• Location: Pitch-dark, limestone caves of • Found in caves located hundreds of metres
Meghalaya underground.
• Collaborators: • Caves are part of 1500–1700 limestone &
• Lady Keane College, Shillong sandstone systems in Meghalaya.
• ICAR-National Bureau of Fish Genetic
Resources, Lucknow

Scientific Relevance:
• Adapted to lightless environments—represents
evolutionary changes.
• Unique physiology sets it apart from related species.
• Deepens understanding of cave ecosystems and resilience
of life in extreme habitats.
Tracking Assam Forest Loss
Source : The Assam Tribube
Date : 6 June 2025
Syllabus : Prelims/GS Paper III/V
Tracking Assam Forest Loss
New Portal for Forest Monitoring
• Launch Announcement: On June 5, 2025,
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma launched
a portal to track forest loss and deforestation
in Assam in real time.
• Technology Used: The portal utilizes Artificial
Intelligence (AI) and satellite imagery to
provide immediate information on
deforestation.
• Purpose: Aims to enable prompt action by
providing real-time data, unlike earlier
delayed information after significant forest
depletion.
• Public Participation Portal: Also launched
another portal where people can upload
information about trees they plant and track
their growth over time.
Mohanbari Airport
Source : The Assam Tribune
Date : 10 June 2025
Syllabus : Prelims

• The Assam Legislative

Assembly has passed a
resolution to rename Mohanbari
Airport (Dibrugarh) as Dr
Bhupen Hazarika Airport. Category Airports
• The resolution was introduced by
Minister Jogen Mohan.
International Guwahati
• Chief Minister Himanta Biswa
Sarma emphasized that the
Domestic Dibrugarh, Silchar, Lilabari, Rupsi
renaming is part of the year-long
celebration of Dr. Bhupen
Hazarika’s birth centenary. Civil + Military Jorhat, Tezpur
Thank you
- SPM IAS Academy