Assam CA Analysis 13 June

1.

Assam is set to witness a significant milestone in its political landscape as a new Assembly House is nearing completion and is scheduled to be inaugurated in August 2023. The current Assam Legislative Assembly building, which was originally a Tea Warehouse, had served as a temporary arrangement when the state’s capital shifted from Shillong to Dispur in September 1972. However, after decades of operation in the makeshift building, the need for a modern and permanent structure became evident.

The construction of the new assembly building faced its fair share of challenges and delays, resulting in a revised cost of Rs 351 crore, exceeding the original estimated budget of Rs 234 crore. The project has been meticulously supervised by the Assam Public Works Department, with the expertise of chief architect Dullal Mukherjee and architectural firms Simplex Structure and JD Creations, responsible for the exterior and interior design, respectively.

Spread across a sprawling 10-acre plot, the new Vidhansabha or Legislative Assembly building complex comprises three distinct structures: the main assembly building, Annexe I building, and Annexe II building. The centerpiece, the main assembly building, covers an impressive area of 18,459 square meters and boasts a distinctive pitched roof with a glass top, allowing ample natural lighting to grace its interior. The two-story structure has been thoughtfully designed to accommodate the needs of the Legislative Assembly members.

The first floor of the main assembly building has been specially crafted to house approximately 180 members of the Legislative Assembly. The space has been meticulously planned to facilitate effective discussions, debates, and decision-making processes that shape the future of Assam. Additionally, the new building is equipped with modern infrastructure and amenities, including central air conditioning, seven lifts, including a glass lift and an escalator, ensuring convenience and accessibility for all.

The interior of the assembly building has been adorned with natural stones such as granite, marble, and limestone, showcasing a blend of elegance and durability. Advanced mechanical methods have been employed to install these stones, utilizing embedded metal anchors and ties for secure connections.

2.

In a notification issued on June 12  by the Office of the Inspector of Schools, it has been announced that all schools located in the greater Haflong, Harangajao, Mahur, and other landslide-prone areas of Dima Hasao District will remain closed for five days. The closure comes in anticipation of heavy rainfall, as forecasted by the Indian Meteorological Department, which is expected to affect various parts of the district.

With the safety and well-being of students in mind, the government of Assam has taken this proactive measure to mitigate any potential risks that may arise due to the inclement weather conditions. The closure will be effective from June 13, 2023, and will continue for a period of five days.

The decision to close the schools is aimed at ensuring the safety of students, teachers, and staff members, considering the vulnerability of these areas to landslides during periods of heavy rain. By temporarily suspending academic activities, the authorities aim to prevent any untoward incidents and facilitate a secure environment for all educational institutions.

The Office of the Inspector of Schools has urged all school authorities and management to strictly adhere to the closure orders and take necessary precautions during this period. They have also advised students and parents to stay informed about the weather updates and follow the instructions provided by the concerned authorities.

Dima Hasao District, known for its scenic beauty and hilly terrain, is prone to landslides and other natural calamities during the monsoon season. The district administration, along with various departments, is actively monitoring the situation and taking measures to ensure the safety and well-being of the residents.

During this closure period, it is essential for parents and guardians to keep a close watch on their children and make suitable arrangements to ensure their safety and comfort. The authorities will closely monitor the weather conditions and assess the situation before deciding on the reopening of schools in the affected areas.

The Office of the Inspector of Schools, Dima Hasao District, has requested all stakeholders to cooperate and support these precautionary measures taken in the interest of the students and the community at large.

Causes of Landslides

Landslides can be triggered by both natural and anthropogenic means.

Natural Causes of Landslide

Climate: Soil stability may be significantly impacted by long-term climatic changes.

Earthquakes: Seismic activities have, for a long time, contributed to landslides across the globe. Any moment tectonic plates move, the soil covering them also moves along.

Weathering: Weathering is the natural procedure of rock deterioration that leads to weak, landslide-susceptive materials.

Erosion: Slope support is destroyed by erosion brought on by sporadic running water, such as streams, rivers, wind, currents, ice, and waves, which makes landslides more likely to happen.

Volcanoes: Volcanic eruptions can trigger landslides. The stratovolcano is a typical example of a volcano responsible for most landslides across the globe.

Human causes of landslides

Mining: Landslides are greatly amplified by mining activities that use blasting techniques. The explosives’ vibrations have the potential to damage the soil in other regions prone to landslides.

Timber Harvesting: Clearcutting is a method of harvesting timber that involves cutting all old trees from the area. This method is hazardous since it completely destroys the local mechanical root system.

3.

 the state of Assam is gearing up for the looming threat of floods as the monsoon season approaches. As of now, floodwaters have not yet engulfed the region, but the government and district authorities are leaving no stone unturned in their efforts to tackle the potential disaster.

In the latest report released by the Flood Reporting and Information Management System of the Assam Government on June 12, it has been revealed that floods have caused widespread devastation in the Biswanath district of Assam. A total of 575 individuals have been affected by the floods, with all of them hailing from Biswanath district. The situation is further exacerbated by the impact on four villages in Biswanath and six districts in Udalguri, bringing the total count of affected villages to 10.

The report indicates that three revenue circles in Biswanath, Cachar, and Udalguri districts have also been significantly affected by the floods. Despite the gravity of the situation, no rivers are currently flowing above the danger level or highest flood level

The floods have also resulted in substantial damage to infrastructure, particularly embankments. In Biswanath, the embankment near Gohpur’s Dubia River was breached over a 20 ft section, posing a significant threat to the nearby residence of Amulya Charengia. Additionally, three embankments in Darrang district and one in Lakhimpur district have suffered breaches, leading to further concerns for affected communities.

Apart from embankment damage, mild erosion has been observed in the Nalbari Marginal embankment in Gohpur, Biswanath, stretching over a length of 150.00 m. Similarly, erosion has been reported in the Dakhin Deonabari R/bank embankment in Deonabari area of River Solengi, measuring approximately 30.00 m in length.

In the urban areas, Silchar in Cachar district has experienced flash floods in various locations, including National Highway, Link Road, Ambicapatty, N.S. Avenue, and Sonai Road. The heavy rainfall on June 12 has resulted in flooding in different parts of Silchar Town, causing significant disruptions for approximately 15,000 residents.

Consequences of Floods

Though floods are temporary inundation, they cause extensive damage as the frequency, intensity, and magnitude of floods are increasing day by day. Floods cause more damage than any other single disaster now a day.

• Floods are taking thousands of lives and loss of property every year.
• The crops get adversely affected by the temporary loss of the agricultural season and fertile soil cover.
• It leads to changes in habitats, destruction of habitats, and loss of animals due to drowning.
• Disruption of the lines of rail, road communication, and essential services creating great problems for the movements of people and goods.
• Spread of water-borne and infectious diseases like cholera, gastro-enteritis, etc. immediately after floods.
• Positive consequences – Floods also make a few positive contributions. Every year floods to deposit fertile silt over agricultural fields which are good for the crops. It also recharges the groundwater table.

Flood distribution in India

• Floods have been a recurrent phenomenon in India and cause huge losses to lives, properties, livelihood systems, infrastructure, and public utilities. India’s high-risk vulnerability is highlighted by the fact that 40 million hectares out of the geographical area of 3290 lakh hectares are prone to floods, which is 12%.
• State-wise study shows that about 27% of the flood damage in the country is in Bihar, 33% in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, and 15% by Punjab and Haryana.
• The major flood areas in India are in the Ganges – Brahmaputra – Meghna Basin which accounts for nearly 60% of the total river flow of the country.
• Distribution of flood plains –
  • Brahmaputra River Region
  • Ganga River Region
  • North – West River Region
  • Central and Deccan India
• The middle and lower courses of North Indian rivers such as Ganga, Brahmaputra, Kosi, Damodar, Mahanadi, etc. Are prone to floods due to very low gradient. The flat plains do not have enough gradients for the outlet of drainage.
• Peninsular rivers are mature and have hard rock beds, so they have shallow basins. This makes them prone to flooding.
• Parts of the Eastern coasts of India are particularly prone to cyclones during October – November. These cyclones are accompanied by strong winds, storm surges, tidal waves, and torrential rains.

4.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma held a closed-door meeting with some Kuki tribal leaders and rebel groups under Suspension Of Operations in Guwahati

The KNO and UPF are umbrella bodies of different Kuki militant groups under Suspension Of Operation (SOO) with the Centre and the Manipur government.

About SoO agreement-

• The SoO pact was signed on August 22, 2008, with the primary objective of initiating political dialogue.
• Talks are ongoing under AB Mathur, former special secretary of the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), as the interlocutor. 
• The Kuki outfits who were initially demanding a separate Kuki state have come down to a ‘Kukiland territorial council’, which would have financial and administrative powers independent of the Manipur Assembly and government.
• There are nearly 30 Kuki insurgent groups in Manipur, of which 25 are under tripartite Suspension of Operations (SoO) with the Government of India and the state. 
• As many as 17 are under the umbrella group Kuki National Organisation (KNO), and eight are under the United People’s Front (UPF).

5.

Sonowal participated in a stakeholder meeting to unlock the EXIM trade potential of Dhubri Port in Assam

Highlighting the role of Dhubri and the region in the overall growth of the region, the ports, shipping and waterways said Dhubri, with its rich history as a thriving river port, is poised to unlock huge value by acting as a lynchpin of growth for the region.

 : considering building a modern integrated office complex where offices of Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Home Affair will be present.

A new warehouse as well as a new road are also being considered to be built at Dhubri port which will not only make it an attractive proposition but also allows our stakeholders an opportunity to unlock mutual growth in the region

Issues of enhancement capacity of weigh bridge, installation moveable conveyor, exploring business 24*7 for swift movement of heavy vehicles, dredging needs especially during dry season for smooth passage of vessels, were raised

 all the customs process will be digitised at Dhubri Port while the Port at Jogighopa is also likely to be operational within this year.

6.

Assam has registered a decline of 5.95 per cent in school enrolment, with a total of 70,95,759 students registering this year as against 75,44,956 for 2022-23

According to the Student Database Management Information System (SDMIS), there has been a shortfall of 4,49,197 students compared to the previous year

Some reasons cited by the district officials include students taking admission in other private schools not registered on the UDISE portal, clearing duplicate enrolment from the database, and migration

7.

“Suroxito Xaishab, Sonali Axom: A 90 day Campaign on Child Protection” was launched in Sonitpur district on Monday at a function held at the conference hall of the Deputy Commissioner’s office

The campaign is being organized by the District Child Protection Unit, Sonitpur in collaboration with Sonitpur district administration and supported by State Child Protection Society, Department of Women and Child Development, Assam.

The 90-day campaign has been launched with the objective to ensure that children are protected from harm and their rights recognized in order to provide a conducive environment for the children to grow and develop. The programme aims to create awareness among the masses about the need to protect children from physical, emotional and sexual abuse and ensure their access to education, healthcare and other basic needs. The programme which was organized on the occasion of World Day against Child Labour had child labour as the main theme. On the occasion, a street play was also organized at Court Chariali, Tezpur on the theme of child labour. A signature campaign and mobile announcements was also carried out.

8.

The first annual foundation day of Tai Xahitya Xabha, Assam was organized centrally in Thowra Doul premises near Demow on Sunday. The programme started with a cleanliness drive and plantation of saplings which was followed by lighting of earthen lamps in Thowra Doul. After that Jasingfa was remembered.

About Thowra Doul

Built by Alon Burhagohain.(Alon Burha Dihingia Barbarua, who was a close aide of Ahom King Swargadeu Gadadhar Singha) during 1683 to 1685. This 300+ years old Dol is preserved by Assam Government.
A pukhuri (tank) is also present nearby. Dols with tanks alongside is a characteristic of the Ahom era construction.

9.

In the near future, the Assam government intends to launch a city bus service in Nalbari District. Assam’s Minister of Public Health, Engineering, Skill Development, Employment & Entrepreneurship, and Tourism, Jayanta Mallabaruah, met with ASTC representatives and discussed whether it would be feasible to start a city bus service in the Nalbari area.

10.

Assam University Vice Chancellor Prof Rajive Mohan Pant on Saturday evening ceremonially released Unique Influence of Ancient India on South Asian : Harmonious Assimilation of Culture and Heritage, a book authored by noted researcher Anupa Biswas.

The influence of ancient Indian culture and heritage was widely spread over the entire south east Asia and a dedicated research on this was indeed a timely venture. India after surpassing the torment of the British rule is now celebrating the Amritkaal and such a book is a real tribute to this celebration

Research on ancient India will definitely help the young generation to understand the glorious past of our nation