Assam, the land of lush tea gardens, mighty rivers, and vibrant cultures, is caught in the crosshairs of a relentless adversary - Climate Change! Assam is more vulnerable to climate change than any other in the country, thanks to a deadly cocktail of geographic and socio-economic factors.
Let’s dive into the chaotic world of Assam’s climate woes and explore why the state seems cursed by the rain gods and roasted by the sun.
Assam’s climate crisis is a tragic tale of extremes. The state is no stranger to floods, with nearly 40% of its area prone to inundation. But in recent years, these floods have turned more devastating, courtesy of erratic and intense rainfall. Picture this: in June 2022, Assam received double its average rainfall in just three weeks. The result? Catastrophic floods that displace thousands, wash away homes, and wreak havoc on agriculture.
There’s more! Alongside these deluges, Assam also faces frequent droughts. The state’s rainfall pattern is so unpredictable that what should be a season of gentle, life-sustaining showers often transforms into either a torrent or a trickle. This twin threat of floods and droughts has left Assam’s farmers in a perpetual state of anxiety, juggling between saving their crops from drowning and praying for rain to save their parched fields.
The plight of Majuli, the world’s largest riverine island, is a glaring example of climate change’s impact on Assam. Over the years, Majuli has lost large parts of itself to land erosion, shrinking drastically. With high poverty rates and a predominantly agriculture-dependent population, the island’s residents are watching their livelihoods literally wash away.
Frequent floods and siltation have reduced farm productivity, forcing many to migrate to urban areas in search of work. It’s a sad irony that while Majuli’s landmass is disappearing, its people are becoming climate refugees.
If the floods and droughts weren’t enough, Assam is now grappling with rising temperatures. The state’s annual mean temperature has increased by 0.59 degrees Celsius over the past 60 years, and it’s expected to climb by another 1.7-2.2 degrees Celsius by 2050. This year, some parts of Assam hit a scorching 40 degrees Celsius—and it’s only May!
That’s hotter than a freshly brewed cup of Assam tea. This spike in temperature is not just uncomfortable; it’s a serious health risk, leading to heat strokes and exacerbating the spread of diseases.
Meanwhile, the economic costs of Assam’s climate woes are staggering. Agriculture, the backbone of Assam’s economy, is under constant threat from extreme weather events. Frequent floods and droughts have not only lowered crop yields but also pushed up the prices of agricultural commodities.
Tea plantations, synonymous with Assam, are also feeling the heat. Climate models predict decreasing tea yields due to rising temperatures and erratic rainfall. Imagine Assam without its world-famous tea—unthinkable, right? Yet, this could become a reality if climate change continues unabated.
Beyond the economic impact, the human cost of Assam’s climate crisis is immense. The loss of livelihoods has forced many to migrate, disrupting communities and family structures. Health issues are on the rise, with heat strokes becoming more common and the potential for a surge in climate-related diseases. The mental stress of dealing with constant natural disasters is taking a toll on the population’s well-being.
Despite these challenges, Assam’s response to climate change has been largely reactive. The focus has been more on recovery from disasters rather than building adaptive capacity. This needs to change. Assam’s State Action Plan for Climate Change outlines some key measures, such as improving flood forecasting, building resilient infrastructure, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
Additionally, raising awareness about climate change and its impacts is crucial. The people of Assam need to be informed and involved in decision-making processes. Community-based adaptation strategies, such as diversifying crops and adopting water-efficient farming techniques, can help mitigate some of the risks.
But Assam’s climate challenge is indeed formidable. With strategic planning, community involvement, and a shift towards sustainable practices, the state can navigate this crisis.
After all, Assam’s spirit is as strong as its tea, and with the right blend of action and adaptation, the state can weather even the fiercest of storms.
Let’s hope that Assam’s future is not just about surviving the climate onslaught but thriving despite it.
(The author is the IGP (Admn & STF), Assam. All views and opinions expressed in the article are the author’s own)
