Context:
Recently, the Chief Minister of Assam said his government would undertake a mission to reclaim the chars from encroachers to safeguard the “ecological integrity” of the Brahmaputra Valley.
Relevance:
GS III: Environment and Ecology
Dimensions of the Article:
- About Char Area
- Issues with Char Area
About Char Area:
- Refers to the riverine areas, islands, or “Char/Chapori” formed by the river Brahmaputra.
- Characterized by a unique migration pattern influenced by erosion and deposition dynamics.
- Migration typically occurs downstream due to erosion upstream, impacting char geometry and location during floods.
Issues with Char Area:
- Migration Dynamics: The constant threat of erosion during the rainy season leads to migration downstream.
- Communication Challenges: Lack of all-weather communication with the main banks hinders connectivity.
- Mobility Constraints: Inadequate means of intra and inter-char mobility pose challenges.
- Infrastructure Gaps: Limited development of transport, surface roads, health services, drinking water facilities, farm input delivery, marketing, agro-services, electricity, and education.
- Unique Problems: The constant threat from floods and erosion presents unique challenges in the Char Areas.
- Segregation: Land masses are segregated and isolated, making major schemes for communication, irrigation, power supply, or educational institutions difficult to implement.
-Source: The Hindu
