HISTORICAL REVIEW OF FLOOD CONTROL IN ASSAM

Abstract

Assam is one of the most flood affected states of India. Every year devastating flood causes great loss to life and property in Assam. It is believed to be the measure cause of poverty and backwardness of the state. The task of flood control thus took the centre stage in Assam’s political sphere, beginning from the colonial time itself, it continued after independence also. Various committees and commissions are formed time to time to suggest the flood control measures and to form a roadmap in this regard. This article explains how far the recommendation of these committees and various government policies are successful in controlling floods in a historical perspective. Further, it also suggests how future planning in this regard can be done by learning from past experiences. It also throws light on the different projects undertaken at several places to control flood and erosion. This article relies on the primary data collected from Archives as well as all the secondary sources are also consulted.