Assam Sapcc PDF
Assam Sapcc PDF
Assam Sapcc PDF
2
3
Acknowledgement
4
Foreword
The world today is faced with the challenge of sustaining economic growth while
ensuring environmental conservation. Climate Change is a serious environmental
threat to humanity and has implications for sustainable development. Our climate is
already changing. Along with continued warming of the atmosphere, erratic rainfall
patterns are emerging and as result new patterns of droughts and floods are being
observed, which are likely to get more frequent and severe in future given the
warming of the earth because of the anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases.
The state of Assam has reason to be concerned about Climate Change, as we have
a large population dependent on agriculture and forests for livelihood. The state’s
economy is also dependent on natural resources and any adverse impact on these
and allied sectors will negate our efforts to alleviate poverty and ensure sustainable
livelihood for the population. This is an opportune time to integrate the concerns of
Climate Change into our policies and ensure ultimate objective of sustainable
development with inclusive growth.
The State Action Plan on Climate Change has flagged important issues which require
attention. The action plan has highlighted key sectoral concerns and strategies for
action in order to lead the way.
I appreciate the efforts of various state departments and professionals associated with
Climate Change for their commendable work.
Shri V. K. Pipersenia
Chief Secretary, Government of Assam
5
Preface
Climate change is the greatest global challenge facing us today which through a
multitude of impacts poses a risk to our ecology, economy and society. Observation
shows that changes being experienced in the climate of Assam are over and above
the natural climate variability prevailing in the region. Studies have shown that Assam
falls within areas of greatest climate sensitivity, maximum vulnerability and lowest
adaptive capacity. Already, water resources in the State are scarce and have a
highly uneven distribution both temporally and spatially. A threat such as climate
change thus calls for timely and coherent policy response and action that will help
reduce vulnerability and build resilience of the State to likely climate impacts.
I am pleased to see that the various departments of the Government of Assam, with
the help of a multi-disciplinary team of experts from Climate Change Innovation
Programme - Oxford Policy Management Ltd. (OPML) have drafted the Assam State
Action Plan on Climate Change. The SAPCC has been drafted so as to set up a
common but shared agenda for climate change mitigation and adaptation. This
State Action Plan is a document which aims to connect between evolving climate
science, policies and practices. SAPCC is a dynamic document and would be
subjected to periodic review so as to revisit the suggested strategies and constantly
refine them.
I hope that the priorities identified under the Climate Change Action Plan will lead to
sound implementation of strategies that will help to address the challenge of climate
change in the State and ensure a future of sustainable development.
6
Table of Contents
Executive Summary ................................................................................................................................................ 9
Setting the Context ............................................................................................................................................. 9
Strategies to combat climate change in Assam .................................................................................................. 9
Way Forward .................................................................................................................................................... 30
List of Figures ........................................................................................................................................................ 34
List of Tables ......................................................................................................................................................... 35
Abbreviations........................................................................................................................................................ 36
SECTION A: INTRODUCTION, STATE PROFILE AND VULNERABILITY DUE TO CLIMATE CHANGE .......................... 39
1. Background .................................................................................................................................................. 40
2. Principles ...................................................................................................................................................... 41
3. Process of Preparation of SAPCC ................................................................................................................. 41
4. State Profile ................................................................................................................................................. 44
4.1 Geophysical Situation ................................................................................................................................. 44
4.2 Natural Resources ....................................................................................................................................... 44
4.3 Demographic Profile and its Spread ........................................................................................................... 45
4.4 Economic Profile ................................................................................................................................. 46
4.5 Physical and Social Infrastructure ............................................................................................................... 47
5. Observed Changes in Climate and Projections ............................................................................................ 48
5.1 Observed weather and Climate trends ....................................................................................................... 48
5.2 Climate Projections ..................................................................................................................................... 51
6. Vulnerability of the State ............................................................................................................................. 52
6.1 Physical Vulnerability .................................................................................................................................. 52
6.2 Anticipated Economic Vulnerability............................................................................................................ 55
SECTION B: ADAPTING TO CLIMATE CHANGE ...................................................................................................... 57
7. Water Resources .......................................................................................................................................... 58
7.1 Water availability ........................................................................................................................................ 58
7.2 Managing Floods ......................................................................................................................................... 60
8. Agriculture ................................................................................................................................................... 63
8.1 Crops ........................................................................................................................................................... 64
8.2 Horticulture ................................................................................................................................................ 69
8.3 Assam Tea ................................................................................................................................................... 71
8.4 Animal Husbandry and Dairying ................................................................................................................. 73
8.5 Fisheries ...................................................................................................................................................... 78
9. Forests and Biodiversity.................................................................................................................................... 82
7
8. Habitats............................................................................................................................................................. 89
8.1 Water Supply .............................................................................................................................................. 90
8.2 Municipal Waste Management and Sewage treatment in cities................................................................ 94
8.3 Road Transport ........................................................................................................................................... 96
8.4. Inland Water Transport ............................................................................................................................. 98
8.5 Human Health ............................................................................................................................................. 99
8.6 Managing Urban Space ............................................................................................................................. 102
9. Energy ............................................................................................................................................................. 103
9.1 Access to Electricity .................................................................................................................................. 103
9.2 Energy Efficiency ....................................................................................................................................... 107
SECTION C: WAY FORWARD ............................................................................................................................... 109
10. Implementing SAPCC and Knowledge Management ............................................................................. 110
10.1 Implementing SAPCC .............................................................................................................................. 110
10.2 Knowledge Management ........................................................................................................................ 112
11. Integrating Climate Change finance in adaptation Planning ........................................................................ 114
Annexure 1 ......................................................................................................................................................... 115
Annexure 2 ......................................................................................................................................................... 120
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Executive Summary
Setting the Context
Given the unique physiography, climate and location of Assam in the North Eastern
Himalayas with mighty Brahmaputra flowing through, the State is endowed with
ample water resources and rich floral and faunal biodiversity. As a result, 86% of its
population thrives on agriculture and forest produce. Changing course of
Brahmaputra and recurrent floods have led to widespread damages, but people
residing in these regions have adapted to such hazards using indigenous approaches
developed since ages.
Discernable changes in these systems are now emerging due to changes in climate,
impacting the economy associated with these resources. Observations indicate that
since the last 60 years (1951-2010), the annual mean temperature in Assam has
increased by 0.59oC and the annual rainfall has decreased by -2.96/mm per year.
Frequent, heavy precipitation in the form of cloud bursts have been reported in recent
years which have led to devastating flash floods. Climate change projections for
Assam indicate that mean average temperature is likely to rise by +1.7-2.2oC by mid-
century with respect to 1971-2000. There is likely to be increase in extreme rain fall
events by +5 to 38%. All across the State, except in the southern districts, droughts
weeks are going to rise as well, by more than 75% with respect to the base line (1971-
2000). As regards floods, projections increase a rise in events by more than 25%.
It is essential that adaptation plans to combat the impacts of climate change are
factored in the development process now to avoid economic burden of adaptation
in the long run, and gain from new opportunities that will be thrown up along the way.
The following sections describe briefly the challenges and corresponding adaptation
strategies.
9
Sl. Strategy – Water Resources; responsibility: Responsible Cost Priority
no. Department of Water resources, Agency and (INR Cr)
time period
3 Assess water use efficiency potential in Deptt of VH
Agriculture at one location with respect to Agriculture
base line and replicate in later years using 1.00
the following technologies 0.50
- Reuse of waste water (1000 ha) 0.30
- Water efficient crops (1000 ha)
- SRI or multiple aeration for rice
cultivation (1000 ha)
4 Promote conjunctive use of surface and Deptt of Water 2.00 VH
ground water at a pilot scale covering 1000 Resources
ha to improve water use efficiency
TOTAL 10.40
Floods and Erosion: Given the fact that substantial increase in extreme precipitation
events are expected in the future, managing erosion and impacts of flooding events
will be a major challenge that the State will have to combat annually. The strategies
envisaged are as follows.
10
flooding in 14 major Urban agglomerates in
the 14 districts prone to floods
TOTAL 2282.40
11
Sl Strategy- Crops; Responsible Budget Priority
No. Agency (INR Cr)
12
4.1 Automatic weather stations (8 in number) DoA 17.52
at block level
4.2 Sustainable eco-friendly horticulture in hilly DoA 12.50
areas
4.3 Computerised weather recording and DoA 0.08
synthesizing centre
4.4 Establishment of Climate Change DoA 0.10
Agriculture research Centre
4.5 Training of department functionaries on CC DoA 0.10
adaptation for developing climate resilient
agriculture
4.6 Training of farmers on climate smart DoA 0.15
packages of practices
4.7 Documenting indigenous knowledge on DoA 0.005
adaptation for integration with modern
techniques
4.8 Publication and dissemination of success DoA 0.005
stories
4.9 Workshops/seminars on CC resilient DoA 0.10
agriculture system development
Total Strategy 4: 35.56
5.0 Strengthen accessibility to markets
5.1 Establish market intelligence cell DoA 1.00
5.2 Skill development towards producing DoA 14.00
beneficiated food products (cover 14
districts in Phase 1)
5.3 Establish farmers’ companies (village NABARD 28.00
cluster approach in 14 districts)
5.4 Strengthen cold storage networks (14 NABARD 14.00
districts)
Total Strategy 5 57.00
6 Strategy 6: Protect irrigation schemes from
siltation due to soil erosion
6.1 Plant planation trees every 25 m on both Department 124.48
sides of irrigation canals and reservoirs and Of Irrigation
beside inspection roads- cover 19244 km
6.2 Install 10 HP pumpsets in irrigation scheme Department 4.00
to offset emission from fuel combustion in Of Irrigation
motors (10 numbers)
TOTAL AGRICULTURE CROPS 318.74
13
2 Popularize indigenous thermal and -do- 2.50 H
water stress resistant varieties –
black Jamun (Polnial), Sapida
(Leteku), Jackfruit, Hog plum
(Amara) etc. Coverage: 1000 ha,
14
disaster risk reduction in different
agro-climatic zones
TOTAL 21766.57
15
1/4th of area
under small
holders in the
present plan
TOTAL 30.50
16
Sl.No. Strategy- Livestock Responsible Budget Priority
Department (INR Cr)
buffalos
simultaneously in the
above chosen
districts
17
Sl.No. Strategy- Livestock Responsible Budget Priority
Department (INR Cr)
genetically
upgraded
indigenous cattle
and buffalo in 219
blocks
18
Sl.No. Strategy- Livestock Responsible Budget Priority
Department (INR Cr)
infrastructure in all 27
districts
Scientific
management of
indigenous dairy
cow for higher
milk production
Improved milk
hygiene and
quality
Practices of
quality milk
production
technologies in
the changing
climate scenario
14 Develop and Animal 27.00 VH
disseminate husbandry and
package of dairy
practices amongst development
farmers for
mitigating disaster
risk reduction such
as during floods and
droughts (in all 27
districts)
TOTAL 10421.10
19
Sl.No. Strategy – Fisheries Responsible Budget (INR Priority
Department Cr)
20
Sl.No. Strategy – Fisheries Responsible Budget (INR Priority
Department Cr)
encourage them to
embrace State of the Art
package of practices for
fisheries
TOTAL 393.82
Forest and Biodiversity: Forests essentially play a key role in providing different
ecosystem services that include its role in conditioning the microclimate in and
around forests, conservation of watersheds originating from within forests, and
providing timber and biodiverse NTFPs that are harvested to sustain livelihoods of
forest dependent communities. In Assam, forests are increasingly getting degraded
due to population pressure and associated drivers. Further, climate change is
influencing the biodiversity, thus affecting forest produce and hence dependent
livelihoods. The State is also endowed with extensive biodiversity rich wetlands that
are increasingly being threatened by anthropogenic drivers and climate change
Strategies identified to combat the impacts of climate change are as follows.
21
Sl. Strategies – Forest and Biodiversity Costs Priority
No.
(INR CR)
22
Sl. Strategies – Forest and Biodiversity Costs Priority
No.
(INR CR)
TOTAL 19826.50
Habitats: As the population is rising in urban areas, and the changing climate is
causing higher temperatures in cities, flash floods due to extreme rains amongst
others, multiple challenges related to the following are compounding
o solid waste management,
o sewerage disposal,
o drinking water availability,
o adequate transportation and
o Managing Human Health
23
S.No Strategies- Potable Water availability in cities Department Costs Priority
Responsible (INR CR)
24
S.No Strategies Department Costs Priority
Responsible (INR CR)
1 Wastewater treatment
Department Cost
S.No Strategies- Road Transport Responsible Priority
(INR Cr)
Installation of CNG pump stations across major Department of
1 cities of Assam; 100 depots Transport 25.00 VH
25
Introducing intelligent traffic management Department of
5 systems, 10 major cities Transport 10.00 H
1. The IWT vessels rely on fuel oils for most Inland Water 10.00 H
powering needs, but tighter emission Transport
regulations and the need to ‘go green’ and Department
hence conversion of existing Diesel Marine
Engines to CNG driven engines proposed. (40
engines in 20 vehicles)
2. Solar powered passenger vessel in 10 vehicles Inland Water 100.00 H
Transport
Department
3 CNG Filling Station Inland Water 10.00 H
(Phase: I – Guwahati-02) Transport 10.00 M
(Phase: II- all over Assam-04) Department
4 Conversion of existing engines of IWT Vessels Inland Water 10.00 M
to CNG, 40 vessels Transport
Department
TOTAL 140.00
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Family
Welfare
4 Extending IDS to urban areas and to private Deptt of 10.00 VH
clinics Health and
Family
Welfare
5 Including heat wave incidences under IDSP in Deptt of 10.00 VH
Assam Health and
Family
Welfare
6 Conduct studies to assess links between Deptt of 1.00 VH
climate change and possible malnutrition in Health and
the State especially amongst children Family
Welfare
7 Review and retrofit disaster risk response Deptt of 0.25 VH
strategies of the department in view of climate Health and
change using CSDRM tool Family
Welfare
7 TOTAL 24.00
Energy: Energy generation capacity is not enough to meet the demand in the State,
especially in remote areas. The demand is likely to go up as temperature continues to
rise. Renewable energy as an additional source is being promoted in the State for
27
disaggregated generation of electricity. Additionally, energy efficiency in
conventionally produced fossil fuel based energy is another area where large
potential of energy saving exists, thus reducing existing levels of associated GHG
emissions. The strategies suggested by the State to achieve the above mentioned
objectives are as follows.
28
Sr. Strategies- Energy Capacity Addition Implementing Costs Priority
No Agency INR in CR
Lighting System
20 Installation of 1 MW aggregate capacity of AEDA
Solar Wind Hybrid System with capacity 23.33 M
ranging from 600 W to 10 kW
Installation & Promotion of 150 nos. of Solar AEDA
21 Water Pumping systems for irrigation 9.00 H
purpose
Electrification of 75 nos. of remote villages AEDA
22 through Solar PV based power plant under 52.50 VH
DDG
Setting up 80 MW Grid Connected Solar AEDA
23 800.00 M
Power Plant through IPP in BOO Mode
996.70
Sub Total- AEDA
1530.69
GRAND Total- Energy generation
29
Sr. Strategy- Improving Energy Cost Sources of Priority Implementing
No Efficiency (INR Cr) fund Agency
Develop fiscal incentive for the 0.25
by back process
Ensure presence of only 3 star 0.10 VH AEDA
and above domestic
appliances (ACs, fridge) in
markets
Create a mechanism to extract 0.25 VH AEDA
heavy fine from any seller
selling Air Conditioner and
Refrigerator with energy
efficiency that is rated less than
3 star
Create awareness through 1.65 VH AEDA
media
5 Energy efficiency in Agriculture
Only star rated diesel/electricity 1.00 VH AEDA
driven pump sets to be sold in
the market-awareness
generation and enforcement
6. Energy efficiency in Industries
Identify energy intensive SME 1.0 VH AEDA
clusters and identify energy
efficient measures that can be
propagated- A study
Implement the measures 0.25 AEDA
through fiscal incentives
7. Street lighting
Promote energy efficiency in 0.25 AEDA
street lighting and external
lighting in housing societies by
introducing LEDs
TOTAL 37.15
Way Forward
30
Governing Body
Assam Climate Change
Headed By: Chief
Management Society
Minister
(ACCMS)
Members: State
Ministers
Steering Committee
Headed By: Chief Secretary
Members: Principal
Secretaries
Data
Water Forest and Urban
Agriculture manageme
Resources Biodiversity development
nt
31
S.No Action Implementing Costs Priority
Agency
(INR Cr)
2 Build capacity within the State to ACCMS 5.0
analyse climate change trends and
model projections
3 Build Capacity to run impact ACCMS 3.0
assessment models for various sectors
4 Assess district wise Climate Change ACCMS 1.0
vulnerability and hydro-meteorological
hazard risk and develop adaptation
plans for all sectors
5 Scan all programs and policies of the ACCMS 1.0
government and advise the
government as to how all can be
made climate resilient.
6 Develop advisory manuals on for all ACCMS 1.0
infrastructure design requirements to
address exacerbated impacts of
climate change in the State of Assam
in its various regions
7 Study & Documentation of ground Assam Science 0.048 VH
water level in the piedmont plain of and
northern Assam- Foot hills of Arunachal Technology
and Bhutan and
Environment
Council
(ASTEC)
8 Assessment of alternate agri-practices ASTEC 0.38 H
in highly flood prone districts, 19
districts
9 Study of hill-slope destabilisation and ACCMS 0.15 VH
urban flood management system
(Guwahati City), 1
10 Policy review in the context of climate ACCMS 0.20 H
change – Forest policy, agri-policy,
draft water policy, industrial policy, 4
11 Identification of wetlands for ASTEC 0.60 VH
protection and management with
proper study on hydrology, flora, fauna
and economic value, 4 zones
12 Identification and conservation ASTEC 0.40 M to H
strategies of Vulnerable biologically
sensitive species, 4 institutions
13 Institutional capacity building to ACCMS 0.50 VH
handle climate change programmes
(all concerned govt. directorates) *, 10
programmes, each 2-3 days
14 Development of core-group of climate ACCMS 0.60 H
change scientists in Assam (training for
32
S.No Action Implementing Costs Priority
Agency
(INR Cr)
project development, core-support), 6
institutions
This amount can be availing pieces from various sources. If adaptation is not
systematically undertaken, then this cost will go on increasing becoming a significant
portion of the total GDP. Therefore, it is imperative that adaption cost be factored in
each year within planning. Therefore, the next step is to understand how departments
can identify and factor in the adaptation budget requirements within their planning.
These will then get funding from new fiscal instruments on a regular basis.
33
List of Figures
34
List of Tables
35
Abbreviations
AASC – Assam Administrative Staff College
ACCMS – Assam Climate Change Management Society
ADB – Asian Development Bank
AEDA – Assam Energy Development Authority
AHDR – Assam Human Development Report
APDCL – Assam Power Distribution Company Ltd.
APFCB – Asian Pacific Federation of Clinical Biochemistry
APGCL – Assam Power Generation Company Ltd.
ARI – Acute respiratory Infection
ASAPCC – Assam State Action Plan on Climate Change
ASDMA – Assam State Disaster Management
ASEB – Assam State Electricity Board
ASTC – Assam State Transport Corporation
ASTEC – Assam Science Technology and Environment Council
ASWRC – Assam State Water Resource Council
BEE – Bureau of Energy Efficiency
BL – Base line
BRT – Bus Rapid Transport
CAMPA – Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority
CC – Climate Change
CDM – Clean Development Mechanism
CESPR – Centre for Environment, Social and Policy Research
CFL – Compact Fluorescent Lamp
CPHEEO – Central Public Health & Environment Engineering Organization
CNG – Compressed Natural Gas
CR – Crore
CSO – Civil Society Organization
CSS – Central Sponsored Scheme
CWC – Central Water Commission
DALY – Disability Adjusted Life Years
DDL – Disease Diagnostic Limited
DFID – Department for International Development
DoA – Department of Agriculture
DoHF&W – Department of Health and Family Welfare
DoNER – Development of North Eastern Region
DoUD – Department of Urban Development
EPC – Engineering, Procurement and Construction
GDD – Guwahati Development Department
GDP – Gross Domestic Product
GHG – Green House Gas
GIM – Green India Mission
GIS – Geographical Information System
GMC – Guwahati Municipal Corporation
GoA – Government of Assam
GoI – Government of India
36
GSDP – Gross State Domestic Product
GW – Giga Watt
H – High
Ha – Hectare
HH – House hold
HRF – Horizontal Roughing Filter
IBIS – Integrated Biosphere Simulator
ICAR – Indian Council of Agricultural Research
ICMR – Indian Council Medical Research
IEC – Information and Education Communications
IL & FS – Infrastructure Lease and Finance
IMD – Indian Meteorological Department
INECC – Indian Network for Ethics and Climate Change
IPCC – Inter-governmental Panel on Climate Change
IPP – Independent Power Producer
ISRO – Indian Space Research Organization
IWT – Inland Water Transport
JNNURM – Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission
KW – Kilo Watt
KNP – Kaziranga National Park
LED – Light Emitting Diode
LPG – Liquefied Petroleum Gas
M – Moderate
MNRE – Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
MoA – Ministry of Agriculture
MoEF & CC – Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change
MoF – Ministry of Finance
MSW – Management Solid Waste
MW – Mega Watt
NABARD – National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development
NAPCC – National Action Plan on Climate Change
NBA – National Biodiversity Authority
NBPGR – National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources
NE – North East
NEC – North Eastern Council
NEEPCO – North-eastern Electric Power Corporation Limited
NEIIPP – North East Industrial and Investment Promotion Policy
NESAC – North East Space Application Centre
NMEEE - National Mission on Enhanced Energy Efficiency
NMSA – National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture
NMSH – National Mission on Sustainable Habitats
NMSHE – National Mission on Sustainable Himalayan Eco System
NRHM – National Rural Health Mission
NTFP – Non-Timber Forest Produces
NWM – National Water Mission
OPML – Oxford Policy Management Limited
PA – Protected Areas
37
PCCF – Principal Chief Conservator of Forests
PHD – Public Health department
PHE – Public Health and Engineering
PRECIS – Providing Regional Climate for Impact Studies
REDD – Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation
SME – Small Medium Enterprise
SPV – Solar Photo Voltaic
SSS – State Sponsored Scheme
STW – Shallow Tube Well
SWM – Solid Waste Management
TA – Technical Assistance
T&D – Transmission and Distribution
TERI – Tata Energy Resource Institute
THI – Thermal Heat Index
TRAI – Telecom Regulatory Authority of India
TRI – Tea Research Institute
ULB – Urban Local Bodies
VH – Very High
VVH – Very, Very High
WATSAN – Water and Sanitation
WW – Waste Water
WRD – Water Resources Department
W.R.T. – With respect to
WTP – Water Treatment Plant
38
SECTION A: INTRODUCTION, STATE
PROFILE AND VULNERABILITY DUE TO
CLIMATE CHANGE
39
1. Background
Records of the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) assessed over the last 112
years in India, indicate a discernable increase in ambient temperature of the order of
0.60°C1, increase in heavy rainfall events and decrease in low and medium rainfall
events2. Changes in rainfall and temperatures have also been reported by various
other researchers3,4,5. Projection indicate that warming is likely to continue and the
impacts are likely to manifest more severely in the tropical countries such as India6.
The NAPCC also focuses on improving energy efficiency in industry and buildings and
lays down the pathway for increasing share of solar power in the total energy mix.
Following this, the States in India started drafting their respective State Action Plan on
Climate Change. The additional two missions therefore are:
o Enhanced Energy Efficiency Mission
o Solar energy missions
1
Attri, S.D. and Tyagi, A., 2010. “Climate Profile of India”. Met. Monograph Environmental Meteorology No
1/2010, pp. 1-122
2
Goswami, B.N., Venugopal, V., Sengupta, D., Madhusoodanan, M.S. and Xavier, P. K., 2006 “Increasing trend
of Extreme Rain Events over India in a Warming Environment”. Science, 314, 5804, 1442-1445
3
Guhathakurta, P. and Rajeevan, M., 2008. “Trends in the rainfall pattern over India”. Int. J. Clamoto., 28, 1453-
1469
4
Dash, S.K., Kulkarni, M.A., Mohanty, U.C. and Prasad, K., 2009. “Changes in the characteristics of rain events in
India”. J. Geophys. Res., 114, D10109, doi:10.1029/2008JD010572
5
NATCOM, 2012. “India’s Second National Communication to the UNFCCC”. Ministry of Environment and
Forests, Government of India, New Delhi
6
Sathaye, J., Shukla, P.R. and Ravindranath, N.H., 2006. “Climate change, sustainable development and India:
Global and national concerns”. Current Science, 90, 3, 314-325
40
2. Principles
The Strategies identified to for adapting to climate change are based on assessment
of vulnerability of the State largely based on available scientific literature. The
strategies formulated are essentially the various response measures formulated to
address the exacerbated impacts of climate change and future trajectories of socio-
economic change, in consultation with concerned departments and expert advice.
The State Action Plan on Climate Change (SAPCC) is being prepared with the
objective of identification of adaptation strategies that will make the State resilient, to
the extent possible to the ongoing climate variability, climate change and associated
extreme events. It is perceived that developing climate resilience would not hamper
the State’s developmental aspirations. It aligns itself with the guidance provided by
the missions of the National Action Plan on Climate Change and the principles of
adaption followed while developing the Assam SAPCC are as follows:
3. Protection and conservation of forests and bio resource within: Focus areas are
sustainable management of Forest, Wild Life and biodiversity and developing
resilience of eco-system services.
4. Making habitats climate resilient: Major concern is the expanding and high density
urban human settlements where proving sanitation, drinking water, transportation,
health, waste management and other amenities will be a challenge in the future
changing climate scenario.
41
o Water resources and Floods: Members- Water Resources Department,
Irrigation department, Public Health department, University of Guwahati;
Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA)
o Forest and Biodiversity: Forest Department, Biodiversity Board, Tourism, ASDMA
o Habitats: PHE (Public Health & Engineering), Urban Development Department,
Health and Family Welfare, Inland Water Transport, Road Transport, ASDMA
Town and Country Planning Department.
o Enhanced Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy: Department of Power,
Assam Energy Development Authority, Assam Power Distribution Company
Limited, Assam Power Generation Company Limited
The members of these working groups were drawn from the various departments,
prominent NGOs and research institutions. Figure 2 depicts the implementation
arrangement for the preparation of the Assam SAPCC. Further, the SAPCC contents
were discussed with larger group of Stakeholders such as Research institutions, NGOs
and individual experts through various forums [See Annexure 1 for List of Stakeholder
Consultations]. Any comments received have been incorporated within the
document.
2015 August
- Draft
finalized and
2015 August
resubmitted
– Workshop
2015 to MoEF
on
February – Validation
2014 October Workshop and
– Climate on ASAPCC Finalization
2014 Change with all of ASAPCC
August- Innovation departments
Observation Programme of
2014 August-
made by was assigned Government
Draft
2012- 2012 - for of Assam
finalized and MoEF & CC,
Draft consultations
resubmitted GoI
2008-12 – preparation and financial
to MoEF
Intimation of SAPCC projection
from MoEF & and
CC, GoI to submission
develop to MoEF.
SAPCC. Comments
Stakeholder received
consultations from
and Steering
departmental Committee
meetings
42
WG1: Floods and
Water Resources
WG2: Agriculture
WG5: EE Efficiency
and RE
WG6: Knowledge
Management
43
4. State Profile
4.1 Geophysical Situation
Assam, situated at the foothills of the eastern Himalayas, is the largest state in
northeast India and lies in the middle reach of the river Brahmaputra and Barak. The
State accounts for nearly 2.4% of India’s total geographical area The Brahmaputra
basin covers an area of 5,80,000 sq. km out of which 70,634 sq. km falls within Assam.
The land has undulating topography. The State is surrounded by Arunachal Pradesh
in the east, West Bengal, Meghalaya, Bangladesh in the west, Arunachal Pradesh,
Bhutan in the north and Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Meghalaya, Tripura in the
south. Its longitude lies at 88.25oE to 96.0oE and latitude at 24.5oN to 28.0oN and
temperature varies from 6oC to 38oC. The humidity that is brought into Assam by the
southwest monsoons, shower an average annual rainfall of 120 inches or more on the
Brahmaputra valley and the surrounding region. The monsoons are Assam's life line;
creating a bio-diversity that can compete with the equatorial rain-forests (State
profile, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, 2009). The topography and the warm
and humid climate are conducive to plant and vegetation growth. Assam is home to
51 forest and sub-forest types, and the confluence of diverse patterns of vegetation
(Assam Human Development Report, 2003).
The Brahmaputra River flows through Assam from east to west over a length of
approximately 650 kilometers. Its main branch originates in the Tibetan plateau,
flowing from west to east as the Tsangpo River, and then turns south through the
eastern Himalaya as the Dihang River to enter Assam, where it is joined by other
branches to form the Brahmaputra. The Barak River rises in the Indian state of
Nagaland at an elevation of approximately 2,300 meters and passes through the
Manipur Hills of Manipur state over a river length of nearly 400 kilometers. It then flows
generally westward from Lakhipur through the Cachar Plains region of Assam over a
river length of approximately 130 kilometers to enter Bangladesh near Bhanga (NHC,
Background paper, 2006). Each flood season, the Brahmaputra and its tributaries
forsake their earlier channels to cut new swathes through the soil. As the water
recedes, alluvial deposits remain in the river, giving rise to sandy islands. Some of these
islands are very large, and the annually enriched soil has attracted cultivation and
semi-permanent settlement. There is a distinct monsoon season in which a large part
of the annual rainfall is concentrated. There are also two months of cyclonic activity
preceding the monsoon, and rainfall at other times of the year as well.
The Eastern Himalaya and the Assam plains have been identified as an Endemic Bird
Area by the Royal Society for Protection of Birds, (Bibby et al.1992). Assam is also
famous for its megafauna including the rhino (Rhinoceros unicornis) golden langur
(Trachypithecus geei), hoolock gibbon (Hoolock hoolock) and other highly
endangered species like the pygmy hog (Porcula salvania), hispid hare (Caprolagus
hispidus) and the recently rediscovered white winged wood duck (Cairina scutulata).
44
Assam’s faunal wealth is matched by the diversity of its plant resources. The North East
region has been identified by the Indian Council of the National Bureau of Plant
Genetic Resources (NBPGR) has highlighted the North East region as being rich in wild
relatives of crop plants. Agricultural Research (ICAR) as a center of rice germplasm
(Chatterjee et al. 2006) and is a center of origin of commercially important plants such
as banana, citrus, Zizyphus and tea (Department of Environment and Forests,
Undated). The State is also very rich in medicinal plants. As many as 952 plant species
of medicinal value are found in Assam (Department of Environment and Forests,
Undated).
Assam’s richness of flowering plants is estimated at about 3010 (Chatterjee et al. 2006).
About 293 species of orchids have been reported from Assam representing 44.39% of
North East species and 24.42% of species occurring in India. Assam also has much
bamboo (41 species) and cane species diversity (14 species). Broadly speaking the
forest resources are divided into the following types Tropical Wet Evergreen forests,
Tropical Semi Evergreen forests, Tropical Moist Deciduous forests, Sub-Tropical
Broadleaf Hill forests, Sub-Tropical Pine forests, Littoral and Swamp forests and
grasslands and savannahs (Champion and Seth, 1968).
The State possesses an estimated 320 million tons of coal reserves, oil and natural gas
reserves, sufficient to sustain current production levels for at least another fifty years,
and a vast, though largely untapped, potential for power generation.
Assam has the largest urban population of 4.3 million people amongst the North-
eastern States, which accounts for 14% of the total States population. The largest
urban agglomerates are the cities of Guwahati with 0.9 million people, Nagaon (0.12
million), Dibrugarh (0.04 million) and Silchar (0.17 million).
7
http://online.assam.gov.in/web/population-census
45
Assam India
Total Population (million) 31.17 1210
Population Density (person/sq. 397 382
km)
Decadal Growth Rate of 16.93% 17.64%
population (2001-2011)
Female Percentage 48.8% 48.5%
(Percentage of total
population
Sex Ratio (females per 954 940
thousand males)
Literacy Rate 62.5% 74%
Urban Population (share in 14% 12.9%
total population)
Agriculture
23%
Services
57% Industry
20%
About 49.34% of the working population is engaged in Agriculture and allied services8.
Rice is the main cereal produced and about 105 million tons of rice was produced in
2012-13. The next brig crop is sugar cane, the production of which was 314 million tons
during the same period2. The Tea industry plays a vital role in the State as well as
national economy. The tea production in Assam constitutes more than 50 percent of
the total production of the country (Economic survey, Assam, 2009-10). Assam is also
the third-largest producer of petroleum and natural gas in the country and has ample
reserves of limestone. Bamboo artifacts, Muga silk, paper are some of the other
natural resource based industries thriving in the State. With its five national parks and
8
Statistical Handbook- Assam, 2014
46
15 wildlife sanctuaries, the state is a biodiversity hotspot and therefore this is a potential
area of growth.
About 49239.673km road connects Assam through its length and breadth. The
navigable waterways in Assam through which passenger and freight transportation
also takes place, extends over 1000 kms covering Brahmaputra and Barak rivers. The
river Brahmaputra is known as the National Waterway No 2 (The Ganges is known as
the National Waterway No 1)10. Railway route length covers a distance of 64.6
thousand kms and 6 airports are spread across the State.
According to Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), Assam had nearly 16.43
million wireless subscribers and 0.178 million wire-line subscribers, as of December
201411. In 2010-11, the state had 35,065 primary schools, 12,985 middle schools and
5,714 high schools. The State Government is taking several steps to encourage setting
up of various educational complexes for skill development.
About 38 government hospitals, 1196 health centers and 4609 sub centers dot the
state, with a bed strength of 11,459 beds, i.e., one bed per 2720 persons is available.
About 3574 doctors are practicing in the State, i.e., 1 doctor is available for every 8700
persons.
9
http://www.ibef.org/download/Assam-110313.pdf
10Directorate of Inland Water Transport of Assam
11
http://www.trai.gov.in/WriteReadData/WhatsNew/Documents/PR-TSD-120315.pdf
47
5. Observed Changes in Climate and Projections
5.1 Observed weather and Climate trends
With the "Tropical Monsoon Rainforest Climate", Assam is temperate (summer max. at
35–39 °C and winter min. at 5–8 °C) and experiences heavy rainfall and high humidity.
The climate is characterized by heavy monsoon downpours, which reduce summer
temperatures, enable formation of foggy nights and mornings in winters. Spring (Mar–
Apr) and autumn (Sept–Oct) are usually pleasant with moderate rainfall and
temperature.
For ascertaining long term climate trends, State level climate data for the period 1951
to 2010 has been analyzed by the India Meteorological department12. This analysis is
based on 282 stations for temperature and 1451 stations for rainfall across the country.
In Assam, the analysis is based on data collected from 6 Stations for temperature and
12 Stations for rainfall. The analysis indicates that the mean temperature in the State
has increased by +0.01oC/year. There is also an increase in seasonal temperatures
across seasons with pronounced warming in post monsoon and winter temperatures.
The annual rainfall has also decreased by -2.96 mm/years during the same period.
There
Additionally, when station wise data are analyzed for a period of 25-30 years at least,
significant variations are seen across seasons in number of rainy days and in 24 hr
maximum rainfall13. As per the guidelines of IMD, a rainy day is defined as that day
which receives rainfall amount of more than 2.4 mm. The 24 h maximum rainfall is
defined as the highest amount of total rainfall (in millimeter) occurring in a day in
particular year over a particular station.
12
Rathore L S, A D Attri and A K Jaswal, 2013. State Level Climate Change Trends in India. Meteorological
Monograph No. ESSO/IMD/EMRC/02/2013. India Meteorological Department. Ministry of Earth Sciences. GoI
13
Jhajh3aria D, B K Yadav, S Maske, S Chattopadhyay, A K Kar, 2012. Identification of trends in rainfa4ll, rainy
days and 24 hr max rainfall over subtropical Assam in NE India. C R Geoscience 344 (2012) 1-13
48
It can be seen from Table 2 that both upward and downward trends are experienced
in the 24 hr maximum rainfall in Assam. Only two stations witnessed statistically
significant trends. The decreasing trends in the 24 h maximum rainfall events at 5%
level of significance were observed at Rangia and Haflong. The 24 h maximum rainfall
has decreased to 43 mm at Rangia and 68 mm at Halflong for the total period of
records available at these two sites. As regards the number of rainy days, on annual
time scale, only two stations (Majbat and Mathungari) witnessed statistically
significant decreasing trends in the rainy days at 5% level of significance. Similarly, on
seasonal time scale, eight and six stations witnessed statistically significant decreasing
trends at 5% level of significance in the number of rainy days in monsoon and post-
monsoon seasons, respectively. The results of analysis of trends in rainy days in winter
and pre-monsoon seasons reveal that the majority of the stations observed statistically
non-significant trends obtained through the MK test at 5% level of significance in the
rainy days.
Though long term analysis is not picking up any trends in increase in extreme rainfall
events but two extremely intense cloud bursts of unprecedented intensity- one in the
western Meghalaya hills and Western Arunachal Pradesh in 2004 produced two
devastating flash floods in the Goalpara and Sonitpur districts of Assam bordering
Meghalaya and Arunachal respectively causing hundreds of deaths and enormous
loss to the animals and agriculture.
Table 2: Trends of number of rainy days and 24 hr maximum rainfall across various rain-
gauge Stations in Assam13
49
Region Sr Station District Rainy Days 24 hr Max
in no. rainfall
Assam
The most recent examples of such flash floods originating from extreme rainfall are
two events that occurred in the north bank of the Brahmaputra River and caused
significant damage to human life and property. The first of the two events occurred
during the monsoon season on June 14th, 2008 due to heavy rainfall on the hills of
Arunachal Pradesh north of Lakhimpur District causing flash floods in the rivers of
Ranganadi, Singara, Dikrong and Kakoi that killed at least 20 people and inundated
more than 50 villages leading to displacement of more than 10,000 people. The other
that occurred in the post monsoon season on October 26th, 2008 affected a long strip
of area of northern Assam valley adjoining foothills of Bhutan and Arunachal Pradesh
causing flash flooding in four major rivers (all are tributaries of the river Brahmaputra)
and a number of smaller rivers. This episode of flash floods caused by heavy downpour
originated from the Tropical Depression ‘Rashmi’, (a depression over the West Central
Bay of Bengal adjoining Andhra coast) and affected mainly the catchments of the
rivers Puthimari (Assam-Bhutan border), Jia-Bharali (Assam-Arunachal Border),
Ranganadi (Assam-Arunachal Border), and the Subansiri (Assam-Arunachal Border).
50
The southern part of Nagaon district in central Assam valley and adjoining parts of
Karbi Anglong form a rain-shadow zone where annual rainfall is as low as 800-1200
mm. Water scarcities are a potential constraint for the people living in this rain shadow
zone and absence of effective irrigation systems or water harvesting practices adds
to the vulnerability of the people. But what is of immediate concern is that rainfall in
this zone is decreasing slowly as found in Lumding where rainfall is on the decline at a
rate of 2.15 mm per year (Das, 2004). As a result, water crisis might aggravate in this
region in the coming years.
It is to be noted that such projections are only indicative in the very broadest sense of
the changes that are likely in the climate as high level of uncertainties are associated
with the projections, indicating the need for further research on these aspects.
Table 3 below shows the projected changes in various climate parameters till mid-
century. Temperatures continue to rise and may increase by 1.7-2.00C w.r.t. to base
line (BL). Only the western part of the State will experience slight decrease in rainfall
nut the rest of Assam is projected to have increase in rainfall. There is likely to be
increase in extreme rain fall event by 5% to 38% w.r.t.to base line. Droughts weeks are
going to rise, with Southern districts showing marginal reduction in drought weeks but
rest of the district show an increase by more than 75% w.r.t.BL. As regards floods, they
are going to rise by more than 25% in the southern parts of Assam (see Table 2).
14
http://www.mdoner.gov.in/sites/default/files/silo2_content/Kfw/Project_Document_NECCAP-
31052011.pdf
15
Parry, M. L., Canziani, O. F., Palutikof, J. P., Van der Linden, P. J. and Hanson, C. E. (eds), Contribution
of Working Group II tothe Fourth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate
Change, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK, 2007, p. 976.
51
2021-2050 wrt BL Remarks
16
IPCC-AR5, 2014. Impacts of Climate Change- Working Group II report.
52
120%
100%
100%
80%
61%
60% 53%
40% 34%
20%
0%
Total HH Access to Drinking Access to Access to
Water Electricity sanitation
At a micro scale, as per The Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER)
and the North Eastern Council (NEC) the people living on the small islands in the
Brahmaputra River are the most vulnerable to disease outbreaks. They are isolated
from the rest of Assam, have no permanent health care facilities and are prone to
frequent flooding as climate change continues, these islands will become increasingly
vulnerable and hence public health facilities need to be extended to such areas
effectively.
Strategies have been formulated to overcome these developmental gaps. But the
phenomenon of climate change provides another dimension to the existing
challenges by introducing risks to the inherent resilience of natural systems such rain
dependent resources - potable water availability and accessibility to electricity from
hydropower which currently constitutes of 24% of the total electricity produced in the
State. Policy making in such a context has to deal with uncertainty and critical gaps
in knowledge.
In the future agriculture economy will continue to dominate, as Assam would like to
ensure its food security through domestic production and
53
Urban 14%
Population in Rural
2011: 31.2 million; 86%
2.6% of India
Services
57% Industry
20%
Figure 5: Linking rural population with its share in GSDP of the State
Source: Assam Statistical Handbook, 2014, Planning department, Gov. of Assam.
Climate change will also negatively impact the water resources sector by increasing
freshwater scarcity, which is already a problem for Assam in the summer. The
predicted increase in average temperature and decrease in the number of rainy days
due to climate change will further stress water resources. This problem is compounded
by high levels of groundwater extraction, which can be expected to continue given
Assam’s growing population and reliance on agriculture. Assam’s water resource
policies are distributive rather than proactive and there is yet a dearth of programs
promoting water harvesting and water conservation or storage.
Forests can improve ground water recharge, reduce soil erosion and runoff, regulate
flooding and temperature of a place. Assam forest and tree outside forests together
17
http://www.agriassam.in/etc/state_agriPolicy.htm
54
cover 37.29% of the States geographical area. Recent reports18 indicate that area is
Increasing under moderately dense forests and open forests especially in tribal
dominated district lying in the hilly areas adjoining Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland and
Meghalaya, Dependency on fuel wood, mining, logging, urbanisation,
encroachment, higher frequency Jhum cultivation etc. are some of the
developmental factors leading to degradation of forests. As floods and droughts are
likely to intensify, it is very likely that a further reduction in forest cover may occur in
these areas and may amplify the impacts on agriculture, water resources and the
composition of the remaining forestland.
Finally, it is clear that effects of climate change will be felt most strongly by the poor.
Poverty is yet a major challenge for Assam as the poverty rate is 36%, higher than the
Indian national average of 27% and also one of the highest in the northeast. Apart
from economic growth, availability and access to public health services has been a
challenge.
The key sectoral contributions to the economic impact of climate change are as
follows.
Agriculture will see the largest economic impact. For South Asia as a whole, the
agricultural impact is likely to reduce GDP growth by about 2%, partly as a result of
temperature trends and partly because of more variable and unpredictable rainfall.
In Assam, the net economic damage in the agricultural sector is likely to be roughly
similar to the South Asian average. Loss from temperature trends may be lower,
because extreme temperatures are less common, but the State is more vulnerable
than most states to loss from rainfall variability and because agriculture contributes a
higher than average share of State GDP.
Loss and damage in the forestry sector is likely to be higher than average in Assam,
because of the large forest area. However, there is limited evidence on the net
impact of climate change on forests, even at a South Asian level, and insufficient
evidence to provide an estimate of economic impact. If mechanisms could be
created to provide payments for mitigation benefits, these could add 5% to 10% to
forestry GDP, based on the relative value of net carbon sequestration, compared with
commercial benefits from forestry.
18
State of the Forest Report 2013, Forest Survey of India, Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of
India
55
There are likely to be some losses in the energy sector, partly from less reliable
hydropower generation and partly because of increased losses from distribution in
higher temperatures. The net impact on hydro power requires further study, but
international evidence on losses from distribution suggests they could amount to up
to 0.05% GDP.
Climate change will result in more frequent and severe floods which will increase the
costs of reconstruction and maintenance on State infrastructure, including roads,
irrigation, water and sanitation. Evidence for South Asia suggest that the total capital
value of infrastructure is about 30% of GDP and that annual rehabilitation and
maintenance costs are between 1% and 3%. If these costs double, in line with the
increased frequency and severity of floods, then the economic cost of climate
change on infrastructure would grow to between 0.3% and 0.9% of GDP by 2050.
The increase in flooding will also increase loss and damage to domestic and industrial
property and will affect labour productivity and result in increased health burden and
loss of life and injury. There is no estimate of the scale of this impact in South Asia, but
evidence from South East Asia suggests that flood damage can average about 0.75%
of GDP annually in areas that are vulnerable to flooding. Given the vulnerability of
Assam to flooding it seems unlikely that the economic impact in Assam will be lower
than this.
The evidence from South East Asia suggests that climate sensitive diseases result in the
loss of about 27 Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) per 1000 people, including loss
of productivity through ill health and loss of life. International evidence from World
Health organisation (WHO) suggests that climate change in tropical areas is likely to
increase the incidence of climate sensitive diseases by about 10%. India does not yet
have a yardstick for valuing DALYs, but the WHO yardstick is three times per capita
GDP, which would suggest that the increase in health burden would impose
economic costs of about 0.81% of GDP by 2050.
56
SECTION B: ADAPTING TO CLIMATE
CHANGE
57
7. Water Resources
The main objective of the National Water Mission (NWM) is “conservation of water,
minimizing wastage and ensuring its more equitable distribution both across and
within States through integrated water resources development and management”.
The five identified goals of the Mission are: (a) developing comprehensive water data
base in public domain and assessment of impact of climate change on water
resource; (b) promotion of citizen and state action for water conservation,
augmentation and preservation; (c) focused attention to vulnerable areas including
over-exploited areas; (d) increasing water use efficiency by 20%, and (e) promotion
of basin level integrated water resources management (IWRM).
Keeping in view the guidance provided by the Water Mission, this chapter 1st reviews
the water resources situation in Assam, then assesses the vulnerabilities of water
resources associated with climate change and then identifies the adaptation
strategies in line with the tenets of the National water mission wherever possible.
The Brahmaputra is the 6th largest river in the world. It is amongst the most flood prone
rivers, and with its 41 major and 121 minor tributaries that flow to Assam represents a
most complex river system. Another major river in Assam, i.e., Barak, originates from
Japvo mountain of Manipur hills at an altitude of 3,015 m and flows south through
mountainous terrain up to Tipaimukh near the tri-junction of the three states: Assam,
Manipur and Mizoram. Here, the river takes a hairpin bend and plunges into the plains
of Cachar district of Assam and forms the border of Assam and Manipur states up to
Jirimat, which is upstream of Lakhipur. The river then flows through the Barak Valley of
Assam. From the source to the Indo-Bangladesh border, the Barak River flows for 564
km. ln Assam, the Barak river basin covers an area of 7,224 kms.
Ground water is available at low to moderate depth almost in entire state. Annual
Groundwater in Assam is estimated to be 5.44 billion cubic meter20 of which 4.85 billion
cubic meter is for irrigation and 0.59 billion cubic metre18 is for domestic and industrial
uses. The overall Stage of Groundwater Development in the State is 22% - with the
lowest figure of 2% in Cachar District and highest 56% in Bongaigaon District - and has
been categorized as 'safe'.
Although there is seasonal and regional variation in the availability of water resources,
the annual availability of water resource remains almost same. As per Amarsinghe,
200421,
19
Das Prasenjit, 2012. WATER RESOURCES AND RESERVATION POLICIES IN ASSAM. International Journal of
Science, Environment and Technology, Vol. 1, No 1, 19-23
20
Das Prasenjit, 2012. WATER RESOURCES AND RESERVATION POLICIES IN ASSAM. International Journal of
Science, Environment and Technology, Vol. 1, No 1, 19-23
21
Amarsighe, 2004. Spatial variation in water supply and demand across the river basins of India. International
Water Management Institute, Sri Lanka.
58
o Withdrawal of water for irrigation is 81% of the total water available in the
Brahmaputra basin
o for meeting domestic water demand only 10% of water is withdrawn and
o for industrial activities only 9% of water is available
Ensuring water for irrigation in long dry period. The ratio of gross irrigated area to gross
cropped area has declined over the years and secondary crops are no longer
irrigated due to lack of adequate facilities. During moisture stress, the fields are of the
order of only 1 ton/ha as compared to 304 tons/ha elsewhere.
Meeting demand for fish. Extreme rain fall, may not enable filling up of enough water
in the tanks to meet the future fish demand of the State, which already is not able to
meet the demand of its population in the present context.
Meeting potable water demand. The population is likely to rise continuously and only
likely to peak in the 2050s, the rising demand in potable water has to be met by
devising strategies that harp on new technologies of water recycling amongst others.
59
Sl. Strategy Responsible Cost Priority Possible
No Agency (INR Cr) Financing
and time Source
period
- SRI or multiple aeration for
rice cultivation (1000 ha)
4 Improve water efficiency through Deptt of 2.00 VH Climate
conjunctive use of surface and water change
ground water over at a pilot scale resources fund
covering 1000 ha mechanism
5 Undertake study to explore the Deptt of 0.50 VH Climate
possibility of Improving water use Industry change
efficiency in industry fund
- Explore possibility of water mechanism
markets
- Through reuse of waste
water
6 Encourage use of recycled water ULBs 1,00 VH Climate
from domestic waste water in change
urban areas (2 wards in one city) fund
mechanism
7 Continuous awareness raising on PHE/ULBs 0,10 H Deptt
water conservation habits through budget
media
8 Enable spring shed development Water 3.50 VH Climate
in hilly areas to restore the resources change
perennial streams within forests deptt fund
(districts close to Nagaland) mechanism
9 Backyard fisheries in small tanks in Fisheries 1.00 VH Climate
same area where water use deptt change
efficiency will be piloted in fund
agriculture mechanism
TOTAL 10.40
Over the years, changes in river course of the Brahmaputra has been frequent and
continuous; resulting in a large amount of land loss due to riverbank erosion (the
average annual loss of land is estimated at around 8,000 ha). Since 1954, erosion has
destroyed and removed more than 3800 kms of highly productive farmland, leaving
thousands of farmers landless and homeless.
Observed annual trends of peak discharge, example at Pandu (1987 to 2013) and
Pagladia (1971 to 2013) along Brahmaputra show a high inter-annual variability but a
distinct decreasing trend in the peak discharges across the years is observed (See
60
Figure 6a and b)22. Continuous braiding and accompanying erosion, the river bed
area has expanded significantly from around 3,870 kms estimated between 1916 and
1928, to 6,080 km2 in 2006 and continuous load of silt has made the river bed shallow.
As a result, even lower peak discharges cause flooding. In addition, flash floods in
major tributaries emanating from hills surrounding Assam cause added misery.
Managing erosion and impacts of flooding events are major challenges that the State
has to combat annually. Box 1 below briefly describes the steps taken by GoA to
mitigate floods.
(a)
(b)
Figure 6: Annual peak discharge for Brahmaputra River from (a) Pandu and (b)
Pagladia site16
22
Homkala Devi and Pankaj Goswami, 2015. Analysis of Climate change on rainfall,
temperature and discharge of Brahmaputra, IJIRAE, issue 4, vol 2, April 2015
61
Box 1: Steps taken to contain and adapt to floods and erosion in the Brahmaputra-Barak river basin
River Bank Stabilisation: Work is under way through an ADB-funded project which is piloting out approaches
for river bank stabilization at three specific locations, introducing geotextile material for river bank training.
Maintaining embankments for flood protection: Embankments have been constructed at various points
across river banks for flood protection. They often breach, therefore efforts are on to avoid loss of
embankments by constructing spurs in some vulnerable location
Studies: Flood modelling study of the Brahmaputra River is being carried out in association with the Friedrich-
Schiller University, Jena, Germany.
Flood Early Warning System: FLEWS established in 2008, is an integrated flood warning system that combines
actual data and forecasts of rainfall and river water discharge through modelling in association with physical
properties of the river system. The IMD, CWC, NEEPCO, Water Resources Department, NESAC and ASDMA
together produce the early warning. This has led to reduction in loss of human lives.
Housing: The Mishing community in Assam dwell on the flood plains, and they live in traditional stilt houses
called ‘chang ghar’. These houses are thatched wood and bamboo houses. The average height of the
plinth is six to eight feet above the ground, the height in general conforming to the highest flood level of the
area adjudged from long-term observation, and experience of past floods. The base of the house (floor)
made of bamboo and wood is adjustable and can be raised to cope with rising flood waters.
Paddy Cultivation: After devastation of the crops and crop land in 2008 floods, alternative cultivating “Boro”
paddy for perennially flood-affected areas like Bahpora where mainstream paddy like ‘ahu’ and ‘sali’ are
difficult to grow because of the floods. With continued success of this cooperative, more and more families
are joining the group, making the switch to cultivating ‘boro’ paddy. In some other areas, such as Majgaon,
farmers are doing mixed cultivation of ‘ahu’ and ‘bao’ varieties of rice. ‘Ahu’ can be harvested by the end
of May and June, whereas ‘bao’ ripens in November and December. The logic behind mixed cultivation is
that, even if the ‘ahu’ paddy is damaged by early floods, farmers will still be able harvest the ‘bao’ rice. In
a normal flood year, both varieties can be harvested.
As indicated in the section 4.2, by the mid-century, the heavy precipitation days are
likely to dominate and the trend will continue till the end of the century14. If that is the
case, containing floods and avoiding damages will be one of the core areas of
expenditure for the State. The State of Assam has formulated the following Strategies
to adapt to exacerbated impacts of climate change.
62
global best practices and
technologies
8. Agriculture
The National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA), which is one of the eight
Missions under the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) seeks to address
issues regarding ‘Sustainable Agriculture’ in the context of risks associated with climate
change by devising appropriate adaptation and mitigation strategies for ensuring
food security, equitable access to food resources, enhancing livelihood opportunities
and contributing to economic stability at the national level.
Assam being an agrarian State lays great emphasis on ensuring the livelihood of its
people engaged in agriculture activities. Therefore, integrating climate change
adaptation in planning is the key area of thrust for the government. Following the
tenets of the National mission for sustainable Agriculture, the Assam SAPCC also
focuses on making agriculture climate smart so as to ensure its sustainability and
hence livelihoods of the people associated with it.
63
8.1 Crops
Agriculture plays a vital role in the economy of Assam as4174023 hectares area is
under cropping representing 56.84% of the geographical area of the state23. The
cropping intensity in 2012-13 was148% percent. Rice, which is the main grain
produced in the State, occupied an area of 176432 ha in 2013-14. Rice growing during
the kharif season, dominates the agriculture scenario in Assam. Ahu, Sai, and Bao rice
were grown in 565, 156.194 and 55 thousand ha respectively. In winters i.e during the
Rabi season, Ahu, Sali and Boro rice were grown in 10278 ha, 4844 ha and 4496 ha
respectively. The area under summer
rice has shown an increasing trend with Figure 7: Production trends of Rice in
advancement of irrigation facilities million tons
mainly by way of Shallow Tube Well 40
(STW). The other food grain crops 35
include wheat (46 thousand ha), pulses 30
(17thousand hectares), and maize etc. 25
(45 thousand hectares). The important 20
commercial crops are oilseeds (2005 15
hectares), sugar cane (3 thousand ha) 10
and jute (66thousand hectares). 5
0
Trends of rice production between 200-
01 to 2010-11 (Figure 7), indicates that
Autumn rice production in the State has
decreased annually at the rate of -3.7%. Autumn Rice Winter Rice
Whereas the summer and winter rice Summer Rice Linear (Autumn Rice)
production have increased at the rates
Linear (Winter Rice) Linear (Summer Rice)
of 3.82 and 5.02 percent respectively24.
Winter rice production clearly
Source: Statistical Handbook- Assam, 2014
dominating the total production of rice
in the State.
Low productivity in many crops due to low seed and varietal replacement rates,
deteriorating soil health and ground water; imbalances in agriculture development
across districts; post-harvest losses and inadequate processing facilities for fruits and
vegetables are some of the very critical problems for the agriculture sector in Assam.
The sectors overall growth rate since 2004-05 has been a little over 3.16 percent25,
which is below the desired level of 4%26, and therefore is not sufficient to generate
surpluses for investment, or create purchasing power in the rural sector to provide a
market for local industries. Cropping intensities and crop productivities remain low,
and crop diversification is, at best, nascent. Fragmentation of land holdings, low
23
Statistical Handbook of Assam, 2014. Deptt of Planning, Gov of Assam
24
http://www.agriassam.in/agriHorti_profile/Profile%20of%20Agri-Horti%20Sector%20of%20Assam-
February%202013.pdf
25
Assam Economic Survey, 2014-15. Available at:
http://planassam.info/contents_sub.php?username=&status=&q=25&link_name=25&ID=94&link_caption=Eco
nomic%20Survey%20&%20Statistics
26
http://www.agriassam.in/etc/state_agriPolicy.htm
64
irrigation coverage and the limited adoption of new technologies and practices are
some of the constraining factors which are detrimental to the advancement of the
sector.
With floods and droughts becoming a regular phenomenon, farm practices have
been observed to be changing. Some examples are as follows:
o Summer paddy (irrigated paddy) became popular in the state in order to escape
the crop damage due to recurring floods during Kharif paddy season. There have
been fluctuations in kharif and summer paddy areas anticipating the occurrence
of flood
o Summer paddy (irrigated) area has been increased due to coverage by this crop
in previously fallow land of low lying areas
o Winter vegetable areas have increased as measures of assured means of crop
production
The challenges that Assam’ agricultural sector is likely to face in the future may be
anticipated as follows:
Reduction in Availability of Water for irrigation: The emerging trends of rain fall indicate
that the number of rainy days are decreasing and number and extreme rainfall days
are increasing and so is their intensity, with total rainfall increasing in most of the areas
in the Assam in the future. It is likely that runoff will be high and as hardly any time will
be there for seepage of water into the ground, ground water recharge will go down,
therefore extraction of water will be done from deeper levels, making irrigated
agriculture vulnerable in Assam. Irrigation is required during summer and in winters.
Those are the seasons when rice production is increasing in the State due to
availability of assured irrigation (see Figure 6).
Erratic flood & drought condition: The state would have to tackle untimely flood and
drought conditions. Such incidents have been reported since 2003 in Assam. Not only
do floods wreak annual havoc, but the accompanying uncertainty prevents farmers
from taking risks and making investments in land improvement.
27
Jagadish S V K, K. Sumfleth, G. Howell, E. Redoña, R. Wassmann, and S. Heuer, 2007. Temperature effects on
rice: significance and possible adaptation. Available at: http://climaadapt.org/wp-
content/uploads/2011/12/Jagadish2007Rice_Impact.pdf
65
Emergence of new pests and pathogens: Changes in climate would normally shift the
host pattern and life cycles of various insects, pests and pathogens. Many non-pest
insects of cultivars might turn to be normal pests while many existing ones might perish
forever. These would lead to exploring of new resistant varieties and pest controlling
chemicals.
Making Agriculture climate resilient has the potential of uplifting rural poverty and
enhancing the adaptive capacity of the sector as a whole. Concerted efforts are
required to realize the untapped potential of this sector. Therefore, an integrated
adaptation approach is suggested as way forward for ensuring sustainability of
agriculture crops and horticulture in the State. The adaptation pathway is indicated
in Figure 8 below. Strategies for Adaptation are listed in Table 5.
Integrate climate
resilient relevant
research in Action
Ensure adequate Knowledhe
dissemination of management for
climate smart informed decion
pacakges making
Assessing Climate
vulnerability and Resilient
Strengthen
develop district Agriculture
accessibility to
specific climate and
markets
smart adaptation Horticulture in
Plans Assam
Figure 8: Adaptation Pathway for sustaining agriculture and Horticulture in the State.
66
Total Strategy 1 6.75
2 Strategy 2: Develop, disseminate, and DoA
practice climate smart packages at Pilot
scale.
Coverage: 90,000 ha
2.1 Preparation of DPR through PRA to record DoA 0.05
phonological variances in crops/plants, soil
types, soil and water conditions, new pest
host relationships
2.2 Application of climate smart agronomic DoA 0.15
practices to retain optimum production
2.3 Assessing and broadcasting knowledge on DoA 0.10
appropriate seed rate, soil moisture
conservation activities, water efficient
technologies including drip irrigation and
tillage operations
2.4 Redefining cropping pattern suitable for DoA 0.10
each agro-climatic zone
2.5 Establishing demonstrative integrated DoA 5.00
farming systems by introducing agro-
forestry and agro-pastoral practices
2.6 Restore natural water bodies to conserve DoA 40.00
run off.
2.7 Community vermin-composting DoA 5.00
2.8 Expansion of area under low water DoA 5.00
requirement crops
2.9 Integrated diseases management DoA 5,00
practices
2.10 Develop and propagate crop specific DoA 30.00
weather indexed crop insurance
2.11 Train farmers on disaster risk reduction ASDMA and 0.50
techniques DoA
Total (Strategy 2): 90.90
3 Research
3.1 Developing water and temperature stress DoA 0.05
tolerant varieties with focus on integrating
C4 characteristics in C3 Rice to make
photosynthesis efficient at higher
temperatures and hence make rice plants
temperature and water stress resilient
Total Strategy 3: DoA 0.50
4 Knowledge management, training and skill DoA 5.00
development
4.1 Automatic weather stations (8 in number) DoA 17.52
at block level
4.2 Sustainable eco-friendly horticulture in hilly DoA 12.50
areas
4.3 Computerised weather recording and DoA 0.08
synthesizing centre
4.4 Establishment of Climate Change DoA 0.10
Agriculture research Centre
4.5 Training of department functionaries on CC DoA 0.10
adaptation for developing climate resilient
agriculture
67
4.6 Training of farmers on climate smart DoA 0.15
packages of practices
4.7 Documenting indigenous knowledge on DoA 0.005
adaptation for integration with modern
techniques
4.8 Publication and dissemination of success DoA 0.005
stories
4.9 Workshops/seminars on CC resilient DoA 0.10
agriculture system development
Total Strategy 4: 35.56
5.0 Strengthen accessibility to markets
5.1 Establish market intelligence cell DoA 1.00
5.2 Skill development towards producing DoA 14.00
beneficiated food products (cover 14
districts in Phase 1)
5.3 Establish farmers’ companies (village cluster NABARD 28.00
approach in 14 districts)
5.4 Strengthen cold storage networks (14 NABARD 14.00
districts)
Total Strategy 5 57.00
6 Strategy 6: Protect irrigation schemes from
siltation due to soil erosion
6.1 Plant plantation trees every 25 m on both Department 124.48
sides of irrigation canals and reservoirs and Of Irrigation
beside inspection roads- cover 19244 km
6.2 Install 10 HP pumps sets in irrigation scheme Department 4.00
to offset emission from fuel combustion in Of Irrigation
motors (10 numbers)
TOTAL AGRICULTURE CROPS 318.74
68
8.2 Horticulture
Assam is traditionally rich in horticultural 50
production due to its diverse and unique
45
agro-climatic condition which is
conducive for growing wide range of 40
horticultural crops like various fruits, 35
vegetables, flowers, spices nuts tuber
crops and medicinal and aromatic plants. 30
The world citrus belt encompasses Assam 25
within it.
20
Horticulture has enormous potential for employment and income generation through
commercial exploitation therefore area expansion and raising productivity is the aim
of the Government. However, there are some inherent barriers to achieve the full
potential and that includes inadequate extension of scientific horticulture
technologies, accessibility to packages of input mixes, road communication,
marketing, processing and cold storage facilities.
28
Agricultural Statistics at a glance, Government of India, 2012
29
Datta S., 2013. Impact of climate change on Indian Horticulture, International Journal of Science,
Environment ISSN 2278-3687 (O) and Technology, Vol. 2, No 4, pp 661– 671.
69
will be the common phenomenon in tomatoes. The requirement of annual irrigation
will increase and heat unit requirement will be achieved in much lesser time.
Heavier precipitation events and floods: This is a concern in the plains as floods
devastate horticulture produce. In hilly areas flash floods due to heavy precipitation
will lead to heavier soil erosion.
Erratic rains: Unseasonal rains and heavy dew during flowering and fruiting period is
likely to aggravate the incidence of pests and diseases.
Long dry periods: This condition would require arrangements that would ensure water
for irrigation for horticulture produce, or else horticulture during long dry periods is likely
to be jeopardised. The indigenous genetic resources provide a buffer in times of
drought, heat and biotic stresses, and genetic resources with bio-alternatives may
reduce the vulnerability of production systems to climate change. Additionally, water
efficient technologies need to be embraced far and wide.
70
7 Developing disease prevalence -do- 0.05 VH
maps and tracking the same
across the years in the entire
State
Developing disease forecasting
systems and disseminating it to
farmers through SMS and other
media
8 Treat micro water sheds for soil Department 21733l97 VH
and water conservation (16 of soil and
thousand ha) in hilly Jhum areas water
conservation
9 Develop and propagate -do- with 0.50 VH
weather indexed crop insurance insurance
agency
10 Farmers training on climate ASDMA with 1.00 H
change adaptation and disaster Directorate
risk reduction packages of of
practices for different agro- Horticulture
climatic zones
TOTAL 21766,57
71
smallholder plots. Large-scale monoculture tea plantations (also called estates or
gardens) generally supply commercial cultivation. Contrastingly, local-scale
smallholder production is traditionally used to supplement subsistence agriculture and
there has been a steady increase in smallholder production for cash crop export in
recent years. Tea landscapes play a pivotal role in livelihood security at various global
localities e.g. harvesting of tea crops has traditionally been non-mechanised
therefore a large labour force is required which provides employment opportunities
Tea is a rain-fed perennial crop. The eco-physiology of tea plants is closely linked to
external environmental and climatic factors (elevation, precipitation, temperature,
soil moisture, temperature and fertility, light duration and intensity, humidity, shelter,
shade and CO2 concentration) and any adversity in these conditions can significantly
impact yield, revenue and livelihood security. The relationship between tea yield and
climatic factors implies that long-term climate change will impact the key
physiological and developmental processes that determine the yield of tea.
The industry has seen a steady decline in tea production from a high of 0.512 million
tons in 2007 to 0.49 million tons in 2010.Thereafter the production has been rising due
to addition in small holders’ area under tea plantation tea plantation (See Figure 11).
The number of tea gardens have jumped from 825 in 2007 to 78856 in 2012.
0.6
0.55
0.5
0.45
0.4
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
Unpredictable rainfall, intense rainfall events, and higher temperatures: The new
scientist reports31 that erratic rainfall pattern is being observed in the State. It is
characterised by too much rainfall, and at times too little. Planters are using sprinklers
or irrigation pipes to get better yields. The changes in climate, is bringing in pests such
as tea mosquito bugs (Helopeltis theivora) which are infesting the plants’ shoots. The
invaders eat foliage and infect the plants with diseases, thus lowering the yield. The
use of pesticides and fertilisers has in turn increased, resulting in an increase in
production costs and posing a potential risk to human health.
31
https://www.newscientist.com/article/dn27714-climate-change-causing-a-headache-for-assam-tea-growers-
in-india/
72
Future projections of production due to climate change: Modelling results indicate
that tea yields in north-east India are expected to decline by up to 40 per cent by
2050 due to climate change32. As yield is directly associated with revenue, changing
climate is also likely to impact economic structures of those reliant on tea, particularly
the smallholders given their increased vulnerability to changes in the system. Poverty
is a major social challenge in Assam and with the majority of the population reliant on
rural livelihoods, socioeconomic changes in the tea industry, driven by changes in
enviro-climatic factors, will have a severe adverse impact on livelihood security.
The population of bovine stock comprising of cattle and buffaloes were 10.3 million33
in 2012 in Assam. Ninety-two percent of these are low milk producing indigenous non-
descript type (see Figure 12). The per capita production of milk by indigenous cattle
32
http://teaclimate.com/climate-change/
33
Livestock Census, 2012- Assam
73
in the State is 1.01 litres per day and that of indigenous breed is 2.29 litres per day30. In
2012 Assam produced 8 million tons of milk in 2012. The per capita consumption in the
State is less than 1/3rd of the recommendation of ICMR which is 208g/day.
Indigeno Goat,
us cattle, 6169193,
9911702, 74%
92%
Cross bred cattle and indigenous buffalo which yield higher milk than the indigenous
cattle are only 4% each of the total bovine population in the State. The State has not
been successful in propagating cross breeds in the State, as the private artificial
insemination workers engaged in remote areas were not successful in generating
awareness amongst farmers34. Poor conception rate and marketing are some
additional causes of crossbred population not being high in the State35.
250
Crossbred Indigenous Cattle Buffalo Cattle
200
150
100
50
0
Summer Monsoon Winter
Figure 13: Seasonal Milk production trends (in million litres) across different bovine stock
in Assam in 2008-09
Unlike in other parts of India where cooperative farming has revolutionized livestock
sector, investment in cooperative farming in the State has remained largely
unsuccessful.
34
http://planassam.info/Economic_Survey_Assam_2010-11/Economic%20Survey_Chapter-
8_LIVESTOCK,%20ANIMAL%20HUSBANDRY%20AND%20DAIRY%20DEVELOPMENT.pdf
35
http://www.vethelplineindia.co.in/veterinary-livestock-sector-development-in-assam/
74
Pigs, Goat and Sheep are also an important part of livestock holding here. The
population of these two together was registered as 6.69 million in the 2012 census. Pigs
are also sought after for their meat and their number stood at 1.63 million in the same
year.
Climate Change concerns: Thermal Heat Index, a measure of heat Stress is a function
of temperature and relative humidity36. Temperatures in excess of 30-350C and RH >
50-65% lead to THI>99-110. When THI is just above 72, Livestock starts feeling
uncomfortable, leading to decrease in milk production and THI > 85 may lead to
fatality37. In Assam average temperatures in the month of June go up to 320C, when
humidity is also high as monsoon sets in. Heat stress conditions get created from
summer and it gets more intense during monsoon. As a result, the milk production is
maximum during winter and minimum during monsoon (see Figure 12)8.
As temperatures are increasing, even at lesser humidity index, the THI indices are likely
to intensify further and high THI indices may prevail from post monsoon period. The
high THI impact the cross breed milk production drastically. A recent on farm study
done by Kohli et al., 201438 indicate that when THI value exceeded 72, milk production
in crossbred cows decreased by 35% to 40% with respect to peak performance period
of the stock. In 2013, the temperatures for a few days in June in Guwahati went up
beyond 380C. This also had happened 34 years earlier39. Frequent recurrence of such
extreme temperatures due to climate change could lead fatality of livestock.
Further erratic rainfall patterns that are emerging are also creating conditions for
recurrent pests and diseases and new emerging diseases also will have to be tackled
in the future.
36
Hahn L G, 1999.Dynamic Response of Cattle to Thermal Heat Loads. Journal of Animal Science, Vol. 51, E. Suppl. 1,
(January 1999), pp. 10-20, ISSN 0021-8112
37
MoEF, 2011. India’s Second National Communication to UNFCCC.
38
Kohli S, U. K. Atheya and A. Thapliyal, 2014.Assessment of optimum thermal humidity index for crossbred dairy cows
in Dehradun district, Uttarakhand. Veterinary World, EISSN: 2231-0916 Available at:
www.veterinaryworld.org/Vol.7/November-2014/3.pdf
39
http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/six-die-in-assam-as-mercury-soars-to-highest-in-33-years-525231
40
G K das and FA Khan, 2010. Summer Anoestrus in Buffalo- A review. Reprod Dom Anim 45, c494
41
Roy DT, A R Bhattacharya, and S N Luktuke, 1972. Estrus and ovarian activity of buffaloes in different months.Ind Vet
J 49:54060.
42Razdan, M.W., 1988, Buffalo performance in relation to climatic environment. Proceedings of the II World Buffalo
Congress,173-186.
43Upadhyay R. C, S.V. Singh, A. Kumar, S.K. Gupta, Ashutosh, 2007. Impact of climate change on milk production of
75
resistant. The milk production in the State can be enhanced by upgrading these
indigenous disease resistant and heat resistant varieties with Indian indigenous breeds
of cattle and buffalo like Sahiwal and Murrah. Some of the indigenous breeds such as
Bachaur, Dangi, Kherigarh and Siri varieties of cattle, however, are declining and
need conservation44.
Table 8 below, gives the Strategies that Assam would require to combat rising
temperatures and emerging pests and diseases.
Sl. Strategy- Livestock Responsible Budget Priority Source of Funding
No Department (INR Cr)
1 Grading up of local cattle Animal 10.00 VH GoA, ICAR,
and buffalo stock with Husbandry Multilateral funding
suitable high milk yielding
Indian indigenous varieties
such as Murrah/Sahiwal
through Artificial
Insemination- Cover at
least 13 districts Assam,
including remote districts
2 Undertake Anoestrus Animal 10.00 VH GoA, ICAR,
management in buffalos Husbandry Multilateral funding
simultaneously in the
above chosen districts
3 Creation of gene bank for Animal 5.00
conservation of Husbandry
threatened breeds (Five)
4 Establish scientifically Animal 21.90 VH Rashtriya Gokul
designed community Husbandry Mission
based shelters in 219 blocks
to accommodate at least
300 cattle and buffalo of
small and marginal
farmers- with plantations
around for reducing
temperature of the
surrounding microclimate,
and water harvesting
structure
44
Assam Science Society, 2002climate resilient Animal shelters (community base)- with water harvesting
76
Sl. Strategy- Livestock Responsible Budget Priority Source of Funding
No Department (INR Cr)
5 Harness energy from dung Animal 219.00 H Entrepreneur
collected at community Husbandry based
centres- produce 1000 cu
m of biogas one in each
219 blocks
4 Undertake fodder Animal 10.95 VH ICAR/Entrepreneur
cultivation using Husbandry
hydroponic technique- in
the shelters in 219 blocks
5 Develop and propagate Animal 5.00 VH AHD, Insurance
Weather indexed Husbandry company, Any
insurance for loss in milk other
yield due to heat stress.
Coverage: All crossbred
and genetically upgraded
indigenous cattle and
buffalo in 219 blocks
6 Develop Disease Animal 1.00 VH AHD
diagnostic- disease Husbandry
forecasting system
7 Disease Management – Animal 233.68 VH AHD
vaccination, fumigation Husbandry
etc.
8 Disease diagnostic (DDL) Animal 78.00 H AHD
(Contractual Doctor, TA Husbandry
and other recurring
expenses) in 26 districts
9 Training / capacity building Animal 21.90 VH AHD
of technical and non- Husbandry
technical person on
adaptation to climate
change and relevant
technologies- 219 blocks
10 Safe, quick and effective Dairy 144.20 VH
transfer of milk from Development
producer to chilling plants
to avoid spoilage of milk in
all 27 districts
11 Establishment of new and Dairy 47.70 VH
refurbishment of existing Development
Milk collection Centres with
required technical
infrastructure in all 27
districts
12 Setting up of chilling plants Dairy 114.80 VH
to stop bacterial growth at Development
higher temperatures in all
27 districts
77
Sl. Strategy- Livestock Responsible Budget Priority Source of Funding
No Department (INR Cr)
13 Capacity Building of Dairy Dairy 31.78 VH
farmers in all 27 districts on Development
Scientific dairy cow
management
Improved milk hygiene
and quality
Transfer and practice
of quality milk
production
technologies
Capacity building of
farmers on climate
change adaptation
14 Develop and disseminate Animal 27.00 VH
package of practices husbandry
amongst farmers for and
mitigating disaster risk dairy
reduction such as during development
floods and droughts (in all
27 districts)
TOTAL 10421.10
8.5 Fisheries
Fish production in Assam is around 0.266
Figure 14: Fish production trends in
million tons and it is produced from 1.35
Assam- million tons
lakh ha of water bodies in the State45. The
fisheries sector comprised of 2.0 percent of 0.29
the States GDP, employing around 0.5
million populations. 0.27
0.19
0.17
0.15
45
Annual Report, 2013-14. Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying & Fisheries; Ministry of Agriculture, Government
of India.
78
years and in 2013-14 around 13000 tons46 were imported. This is much less than previous
years due to the fact that domestic production is increasing. However, the per capita
consumption is around 9kgs, whereas from nutritional point of view ICAR recommends
consumption of 11kg fish per capita.
The State is under utilizing its water bodies and has the potential to produce both
warm and cold water fish from 4.77lakh ha of water body cover in the State which are
in the form of rivers Brahmaputra and Barak and their tributaries, beels, forest water
bodies, derelict water bodies/swamps/low lying areas, reservoirs, household ponds
and community tanks.
In Assam, the important riverine fishery of Indian Major Carps has either collapsed or it
is at the threshold of collapse47. Also there has been drastic depletion in availability of
the freshwater ichthyo fauna in north-eastern region due to destruction of the
breeding ground, overexploitation and various anthropogenic stresses48.
Also the growth of fisheries in the State is affected by Indiscriminate harvesting of fish
species from their natural habitat, damage and degradation of river systems due to
catchment land use change such as deforestation in the catchment area, river
corridor engineering and stream impacts, sand mining, urbanization, tourism,
construction of residence on both side of river bank, pollution from industries,
agriculture activities, bathing, cloth washing and sewage disposal including open
defecation, cultural activities, trapping consumable fishes with pesticides etc. are all
are affecting fish production growth in the State49,50. Besides the above factor,
overfishing, dynamiting, rampant killing of adult fish, brood fishes, spawn, fry,
fingerlings and juveniles are violating Fishery Laws and Act.
Climate change is an additional factor that will be impacting fisheries in the State.
Some of the concerns due to climate change are given below, and the Strategies
suggested are given in Table 9.
Rising ambient temperatures: Some studies indicate that with ambient temperature
rise, oxygen in water will reduce, resulting in reduction of growth and reproduction
success of fish and thus reducing their ability to deal with environmental changes. As
a result, regime shifts of certain commercial species may happen, which may affect
their regional availability and abundance, which in turn will impact the processing
sector, either negatively or positively51.
46
Assam Economic Survey 2014-15. Directorate of Planning. GoA
47
Sarma, Pradip Kumar, 2015. Fish Germplasm Diversity and their Conservation Status of River Kaldia in Lower
Brahmaputra Valley of Assam, India. Int. J. Pure App. Biosci. 2 (6): 46-54. Available
at:http://www.ijpab.com/form/2014%20Volume%202,%20issue%206/IJPAB-2014-2-6-46-54.pdf
48
Dutta, A. Choudhury, M. and Acharjee, B., 2007. Natural and anthropogenic hazards in cage and pen
aquaculture systems in North-east India. In: Natural and Anthropogenic Hazards on Fish and Fisheries. Ed. Umesh C.
Goswami, Narendra Publishing House, Delhi. 263-270pp.
49
Sharma, S. and Das, B., 2010. Global warming, climate change and its impact on fish diversity of Assam. In:
Proc. Int. Sem. on Climate change, Global warming and NE India: Regional perspectives, ERD Foundation,
Guwahati-29
50
Goswami, U.C., Basistha, S.K., Bora, D., Shyamkumar, K., Saikia, B. and Changsan, K., 2012. Fish diversity of
North East India, inclusive of the Himalayan and Indo Burma biodiversity hotspots zones: A checklist on their
taxonomic status, economic importance, geographical distribution, present status and prevailing threats.
International Journal of Biodiversity and Conservation,4(15): 592- 613.
51
Vision 2050. Central Institute of Marine Fisheries, ICAR, Min of Agriculture, Gov of India.
79
Erratic Rainfall pattern and extreme weather events: In the face of climate change
erratic rainfall may lead to increased water demand for drinking, agriculture,
electricity generation, industry and fisheries. Thus, access and availability of usable
water and other ecosystem services is envisioned to be a bone of contention among
stakeholders. Events like extreme rainfall and long droughts may bring unforeseen
changes to sensitive river systems
Table 9 below, gives the Strategies that Assam would need to embrace to achieve
its goals of production of fish in the State in the changing climate context.
80
Sl. Strategy Responsible Budget Priority Source of
No Department (INR Funding
Cr)
4 Conservation of indigenous fish Deptt of
species Fisheries 0.10
- Cataloguing and year wise
updating of indigenous
aquatic flora and fauna along 1.00 VH
with conservation Status
- Ecosystem based
conservation of threatened 2.00 H
species and indigenous
species and riverine system 0.10 M
- Declaring parts of beels as
protected areas (1000 beels) 0.40 H
- Declaring closed seasons in
natural waters
- Establishment of State level
gene banks in lower, upper,
central Assam and in Barak 1.30 VH
valley (4 nos)
- Preparedness/precautionary
measures for probable disease
outbreak (26 districts)
5 Reclamation of ponds and beels Deptt of 50.00
wherever possible (5000 ha) Fisheries
Rain water Harvesting at HH level for Deptt of 25.00 H
small tank fisheries especially in hilly Fisheries
areas (5000 HH)
6 Developing packages of practices for Deptt of 2.00 VH
farmers to sustain their production in a Fisheries
climate change context
7 Develop and disseminate weather Deptt of 0.50 VH
indexed insurance for fisheries sector- Fisheries.
to benefit small and marginal farmers ASDMA,
and link it to disaster risk reduction Insurance
agency
8 Community mobilisation for Deptt of 0.60 VH
embracing State of the Art package Fisheries
of practices
9 Establish block level kiosks for fishery Deptt of 10.05 VH
related information dissemination Fisheries
including SMS
10 Climate change Cell in department of Deptt of 1.77 VH
Fisheries Fisheries
- Will develop road map to deal
with CC,
- MIS, Data management,
- launching studies for strategic
knowledge,
- developing IEC material,
- imparting training for capacity
building – staff, farmers;
seminars and workshops)
TOTAL 393.82
81
9. Forests and Biodiversity
Fortunately, though the dense forest cover in Assam is depleting, but the total forest
cover in the State is just above 33% - the National aspiration. The forest cover in Assam
extends over an area of 27,671 sq. km. Together with tree cover outside the forests,
the total green cover in Assam extends over an area of253 sq. km which is 37.29% of
the total geographical area of the State52.
At the same time, Assam is a part of Biodiversity Hotspot exhibiting rich floral and
faunal diversity. Apart from an elaborate network of Protected Areas (PA) i.e.
National Parks and Sanctuaries, the State also has two World Heritage Sites, a Ramsar
Site, two Biosphere Reserve and most importantly, the only thriving population of
Asiatic one-horned Rhino in the world.
Moderately
Dense
Forest,
Open 11345, 39%
Forest,
14882, 51%
Apart from providing a variety of products for daily needs, such as, firewood,
fodders, medicinal plants, bamboos, fruits, essential oils and so on, the forest also are
the recharge zone of rain water in the spring sheds in the mountain areas. Further,
they also provide livelihood opportunities to over a million people in the State, who
trade in various timber and non-timber products.
Forests are home to very diverse biodiversity, including some very rare, threatened
and endemic species. It is believed that several of the commercial crops, such as
paddy and lemon originated from wild stock of these forests. A good number of
species/varieties of these wild-stock still flourish in Assam.
52
FSI, 2013. Status of Forest Report, Forest Survey of India, Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government
of India
82
Figure 16: Green cover in Assam52
However, open forests in the State in 2013, as recorded by the Forest Survey of India
(FSI) covered 51% (14,882 sq. km) of the total green cover of the State and very
dense forests were only 5% of the green cover (see Figure 14). This is because the
forest area is suffering from habitat degradation, encroachments, fuel wood
extraction etc. This is especially occurring in northern hilly areas bordering Arunachal
Pradesh, in the eastern hilly areas bordering Nagaland, and along the south western
hilly areas bordering Meghalaya (See Figure 15). This is becoming a double jeopardy
for wildlife, their home-range is depleted and conflicts with man are on the rise.
Plantation raised in degraded areas, especially in the Jhum areas, face immense
biotic pressures. Cattle grazing and removal of saplings as fodder and fuel pose
serious threat to natural as well as assisted regeneration in the forest areas.
Model projections: Projections into the future using IBIS model run with climate inputs
derived from regional climate model PRECIS with the IPCC A1B scenario53, further
point towards increase in vulnerability in 2050s in the areas that are currently
vulnerable, i.e. hilly areas bordering Arunachal, Nagaland and Meghalaya54.
Though uncertainties are associated with these projections, but can be used as
indicative directions in which things are likely to move.
Extreme Rainfall in Hilly areas: Extreme rain fall events are likely to lead to heavier
run off along the hills, thus the potential ground water recharge in the spring sheds
is likely to reduce, along with heavy soil erosion.
53
SRES 2010. IPCC Emission Scenarios, 2010. Published by the IPCCC.
54
N. H. Ravindranath1,*, Sandhya Rao, Nitasha Sharma, Malini Nair, Ranjith Gopalakrishnan, Ananya S. Rao,
Sumedha Malaviya, Rakesh Tiwari, Anitha Sagadevan, , Madhushree Munsi, Niharika Krishna1 and
Govindasamy Bala; 2011. Climate Change Vulnerability Profile for the North East India. Current Science, Vol
101, no 3, pp384 to 394.
83
Longer Dry periods: With longer drought periods, biodiversity- both floral and faunal
are likely to be affected and forest fires may become the norm, with increasing man-
animal conflict. Thus affecting the various types of timber and NTFP produce and
hence the livelihood of the people dependent on the same.
This situation calls for anticipatory actions beyond the business-as-usual approach.
The Forestry component of the State Action Plan for Climate Change (SAPCC) has
been so designed as to effectively mitigate climatic changes and adapt to new
situations, for maintaining a healthy and productive human-environment interface.
Keeping in view the Green India mission and the vulnerability of the State, the
strategies thus focus on:
This is in line with the Green India mission, which aims to protect, restore and enhance
India depleting forest resources through increase forest/tree cover;
improve/enhance eco-system services like carbon sequestration and storage (in
forests and other ecosystems), hydrological services and biodiversity; along with
provisioning services like fuel, fodder, and timber and non-timber forest produces
(NTFPs); and increase forest based livelihood income of about 3 million households.
Table 10: Strategies for sustaining Forests and the ecosystem produce from forests in
Assam
Sl. Action Department Costs Priority Sources of Fund
No Responsible (INR CR)
84
Sl. Action Department Costs Priority Sources of Fund
No Responsible (INR CR)
85
Sl. Action Department Costs Priority Sources of Fund
No Responsible (INR CR)
86
Sl. Action Department Costs Priority Sources of Fund
No Responsible (INR CR)
87
Sl. Action Department Costs Priority Sources of Fund
No Responsible (INR CR)
conservation needs,
strategies and
conservation actions
14 Improving Tree cover outside Deptt of 100 H GiM
Forest areas: Avenue, city Forests
forests, Panchayat Forests,
Homestead, Gardens, Parks,
Institutional lands etc
15 Plantation on special / Deptt of
difficult sites: Jhoom lands Forests
for soil conservation and in
Char areas (river islands) for
preventing erosion of banks
during heavy floods 20 H GiM
- Plantations /
5 H GiM
Protection
- -Community
participation in
rehabilitation
16 Protection against Forest Fires Deptt of 20 VH SSS/CAMPA/CSS
specially in Hill areas Forests
- Central Monitoring
Unit/Field (2 central
units)
- Stations/Field gears
(20 field stations)
17 Integrating criteria and Deptt of 6 VH GiM
indicators of SFM into Working Forests
Plans
18 Commissioning of Deptt of 5 H GiM
Preservation Plots: studies into Forests
change in vegetation is
response to CC – genetic
resource preservation
19 Pilot Studies on Carbon Deptt of 10 H GiM
stocking in forests: establish Forests
the protocol for measuring,
reporting and verification
systems for forest carbon.
20 Vulnerability Study of Forest Deptt of 100 H GiM
Ecology to Climate Change Forests
including assessment of
changes in Forest Types / sub-
types
21 Policy Review / Developing Deptt of 5 VH GiM /APFBC
Policy: State Forest Policy, Forests
Bamboo & Cane Policy,
Wetland Policy, Eco-tourism
Policy
22 Linking of Micro-plans with Deptt of 5 H GiM
Working Plans Forests
88
Sl. Action Department Costs Priority Sources of Fund
No Responsible (INR CR)
8. Habitats
As per Census 2011, 86% of Assam’s population lives in 26395 villages as compared to
only 14% that are spread across its 214towns55. Other than Assam, Bihar and Odisha
are the only two other Indian States, who have less than 20% of their total population
living in urban spaces now56. At all India level, 68.84% of the India’s population lives in
rural areas and 31.16% in cities52. Like elsewhere, the decadal growth rate of rural
population in Assam is declining. It has decreased from 17.29% in 2001 to 15.23% in
2011.
As the population is rising in urban Figure 17: Location of 13 prominent cities in Assam
areas, multiple challenges related
to the following are likely to be
encountered
55
http://ecostatassam.nic.in/ads_assam%20at_glance.pdf
56
http://www.nird.org.in/Rural%20Development%20Statistics%202011-12/data/section-1.pdf
57
http://tcpassam.gov.in/urbanisation_last_decade.pdf
58
Census of India 2011
89
o solid waste management,
o sewerage disposal,
o drinking water availability,
o adequate transportation and
o Managing Human Health
In the present context examination of public service delivery in the most prominent 13
cities in Assam indicates that the public service delivery of the water supply, sewage
disposal and Solid waste management (SWM) coverage is lower than the National
average (see Table 11).
(hpc
d)
There are numerous sources of drinking water (see Figure 18below) in Assam, but they
are minimum in Karbi Anglong and in further down south. Though the sources look
many, but water supply infrastructure is certainly inadequate as inferred from Table
10.
59
ADB 2011. Propose multi-tranche Financing Facility India: Assam Urban Infrastructure Investment Program.
Report and Recommendation of the President to the Board of Directors. Project number 42265.
90
Figure 18: Location of potable water sources in Assam
The dearth in infrastructure for reaching out to entire population can be complicated
by climate change. Some of the concerns due to climate change can be as follows:
60
Cotton, W. R. and R. A. Pielke, 2006. Human Impacts on Weather and Climate (2nd edition). Cambridge, UK:
Cambridge University Press
91
Therefore, augmentation and minimizing evapotranspiration is a key strategy for
ensuring availability of potable water. In case of Assam, addressing water shortages
and water contamination during floods is another area of concern. The 3rd might be
reviewing all water harvesting structures and aligning their structure and water supply
operations with projected climate change. Next strategy can be to promote water
use efficiency through various methods. These strategies are outlined in Table 11.
These concerns have been raised in the mission on Sustainable Habitats which is a
part of the National Action Plan on Climate Change India’s. The mission aims to
promote energy efficiency as a core component of urban planning, the plan calls for
Extending the existing Energy Conservation Building Code; A greater emphasis on
urban waste management and recycling, including power production from waste;
Strengthening the enforcement of automotive fuel economy standards and using
pricing measures to encourage the purchase of efficient vehicles; and Incentives for
the use of public transportation. Additionally, we believe that urban spaces are
vulnerable to climate change as is the human health. These together therefore form
the core areas where strategies have been suggested to build resilience to Climate
change (see Table 12).
Table 12: Strategies to address climate change impacts for sustainable water
availability – potable and for agriculture
92
Sl. Action Department Costs Priority Sources of Fund
No Responsible (INR
CR)
Metering of water supply PHE 100.00 VH Loan
connections in at least 13
major cities- to cover at least
5 cities in 5 years
5 Increasing solar energy
penetration and reducing
load on conventional source
Solar pumping in PWSS; 2000 PHE 200.00 VH Solar mission
numbers
Solar lighting in Head office PHE 4.25 H Solar mission
6 Research H
Assessing risk due to climate PHE 1.00 VH Bilateral funding/
change and designing Multi-lateral
required Infrastructure and funding
System Operation for water
supply systems in one key city
in Assam
7 Capacity building
93
8.2 Municipal Waste Management and Sewage treatment in cities
Considering that 4.3 million people
live in urban areas in Assam61 and Box 3: Current scenario in Tezpur Solid waste
they produce on an average 300 management System
India's first integrated solid waste management project
tons of solid waste per day62, the
was planned at Boragaon, Kamrup for the city of
annual solid waste generated is
Guwahti. The Boragaon disposal and processing site is in
around 471Giga tons. Though door Kamrup district, northwest of Guwahati and 12 km away
to door collection of MSW has been from the city centre. GMC has got approved a grant of
introduced in some cities in Assam around Rs 35 crore for the project under the Centre's
but still scientific treatment and JNNURM scheme.
management of solid waste is not The project envisaged undertaking entire cycle of waste
the norm everywhere. India’ s first collection to power generation. The project costing
integrated waste management is around Rs 102 crore will be implemented on BOOT basis
being implemented in Guwahati, under a 20-year concession agreement. This involves
where the facility would develop entire waste cycle management, including primary
mechanisms for waste collection, (door-to-door) collection of municipal solid waste,
segregation, recycling and transportation of MSW to the processing site and
improved solid waste collection, processing/disposal of MSW. The last aspect would
include setting up a 650-tonne per day plant to convert
transportation, treatment, disposal
MSW into refuse derived fuel (RDF), a compost plant of
and energy generation. However,
50 tpd to produce manure and a 6-mw power plant, the
as the pace of the population electricity from which be supplied to Assam gov.
pressure increases in urban areas,
So far 40 acres has been handed over and the remaining
development of MSW management
would be transferred in due course. The municipal
infrastructure development has to
corporation has floated a special purpose vehicle,
be speeded up, as unscientific Guwahati Waste Management Company Pvt. Ltd, for
management of MSW leads to the project. Infrastructure Development Corporation of
many issues. Assam Ltd, a joint venture between Guwahati
Metropolitan Development Authority and IL&FS, is acting
Unscientific management of solid as project management consultant.
waste may lead to ground water However, the project has not started. Instead recycling
contamination by the leachate of HH waste is being practiced within some wards of
generated by the waste dump; Guwahati at HH level.
surface water contamination by the
run-off from the waste dump; bad odor, pests, rodents and wind-blown litter in and
around the waste dump; generation of inflammable gas (e.g. methane) within the
waste dump; bird menace above the waste dump which affects flight of aircraft if
the dump areas are nearby the airports; fires within the waste dump leading to
emission of toxic materials; erosion and stability problems relating to slopes of the
waste dump; epidemics through stray animals; acidity to surrounding soil; and
release of greenhouse gases. These are likely to escalate in the future as more and
more population moves into the urban spaces, unless arrangements are made to
avoid the situation.
Domestic waste water constitutes of human excreta, urine and the associated sludge,
(collectively known as black water), and waste water generated through bathing
and kitchen (collectively known as grey water)63. Untreated waste water percolates
61
Census 2011
62
Based on “Manual on Solid Waste Management” prepared by Central Public Health & Environment
Engineering Organization (CPHEEO), Ministry of Urban Development, Govt. of India.
63
http://cpcbenvis.nic.in/cpcb_newsletter/sewagepollution.pdf
94
into the soil and goes into water streams, ponds and rivers, as a result of which it poses
a huge public health problem. In Assam, management of domestic waste water
(sewerage) is absent in the State (See Table 11). Per capita waste generation in India
is estimated to be 121 liters/capita/day59. Considering that the urban population in
Assam is around 4.3 million, the urban Assam produces around 189910 million liters of
domestic waste water. Even if the population rises in a business as usual scenario, at
the end of the next 10 years, the waste water generation is likely to be at least 1.14
times more than what is generated now. Without creating waste water treatment
facilities, the public health problem can become a menace.
Some of the Strategies suggested to ensure solid waste management and waste
water treatment in the State, at least in the urban space are as follows:
Table 13: Strategies to ensure waste water treatment and solid waste management
within urban habitats impacted by climate change
Sl. Action Department Costs Priority Sources
No Responsible (INR of Fund
CR)
1 Wastewater treatment
Community Waste Management PHE 0.20 VH JNNURM
System in peri-urban areas (approx. 4
nos in each block)-1000 in number
Trailer mounted community Bio-toilet PHE 0.32 VH JNNURM
for areas affected with climate
change resulted flood- 45 in number
Colony based sewage treatment Department 2.00 VVH JNNURM
plants- recycled waste water will be of Urban
used for parks, gardens and other uses development
in all cities (at least cover 2 cities in 1st 5
years)- 60 in number
2 Solid waste management
95
Also most of the cities and townships in Assam do not have appropriate infrastructure
for sewage treatment and this is a key issue for the sustainability of water resources on
which the urban areas are dependent.
1984880
(a) 2500000
1725222
1528269
1363625
1320867
2000000
1180177
1074763
1074763
983488
1500000
777328
670580
534885
1000000
500000
2-wheeler,
1126997, 57%
Due to lack of adequate public transport system where buses comprise of only 1% of
the total population of vehicles on road, and due to availability of easy loans, most of
96
the people are aspiring to buy their own vehicles. As a result, two wheelers are 57%
of the total vehicle mix in the State, and cars follow suit with a 21% share in 2013-14.
The road transport sector being a direct consumer of fossil fuel, emits GHG into the
atmosphere. With increase in population and per capita rise in number of personal
vehicles, GHG emissions are likely to rise. Use of public transport system need to control
future emissions in the future and also to ease off the pressure of vehicles on the roads,
hence. This would require policy changes in the way lending is done by banks,
enabling fuel mix with biofuels, and also behavioral changes of the population
whereby they use more and more non-motorized transport at short distances and
public transport for long distances. The Guwahati city is already in the process of
developing the Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS), but further development of the public
transport system is required. Other major cities also need to embrace the same for an
orderly functioning road transportation system in the cities of Assam.
The roads and bridges built for the transport sector are also susceptible to floods and
landslides in the State, the intensity of which is likely to increase in the future. In this
context therefore roads, bridges need to be built keeping in view the maximum
projected intensity of extreme events.
97
Vulnerability assessment study of Department
State
transport system of Guwahati and of Transport
9 0.50 Govt./Central VH
other important cities due to
Govt.
climate change
Developing manual for building Department
climate resilient roads and State of Urban
10 bridges and train engineers on 14.00 Govt./Central VH development
retrofitting old ones and new Govt.
designs (all Districts)
TOTAL 438.00
The water ways thus also are a source of GHG emissions. As passenger transport and
goods transport are relying more and more on water transport, the ferry services are
likely to increases. Spillage of fuel also a common phenomenon which affects the
aquatic life in the rivers. Keeping this in view it is proposed that the vessels need to go
green. In this respect the strategies proposed are:
98
4 Conversion of existing engines of IWT 10.00 IWT M Inland Water
Vessels to CNG, 40 vessels Transport
Department
TOTAL 140.00
99
Climate related disease incidences reported in 2009 and 2010 in
Assam
2000000 2009 2010
1593272
1500000
1058548 1114463
949965
1000000
445580
500000
246176
201051 180495
0
Bacillary Dysentry Malaria ARI/ILI Pyrexia
40000
31717
30000
20000
10000 7191
4108 4729
783501 1283 2225
1183
333 217 2 64 21342
0
Dengue AES/JE Measeles Diptehria Chicken AFP H1N1 Viral Enteric
pox hepatitis fever
Figure 20: Climate related disease Incidences reported in Assam in 2009 and 201064
It is clear from figure 19 that ARI/ILI disease incidence are the highest followed by
Malaria in the State. ARI is related to pollutant levels in the atmosphere which
originate from various anthropogenic activities that use fossil fuel such as transport
vehicles, industries, power plants etc. ARI incidences are likely to increase with
continued increase in anthropogenic activities into the future and increase in ambient
temperature.
On the other hand, malaria which is not dependent directly on fossil fuel burning but
is a function of temperature, precipitation and humidity and vegetation cover
continues to be one of the major Public Health problems in Assam. Out of total 31.53
million populations in the state, 9.71 million populations (31%) are living in malaria high
risk areas. Malaria is particularly endemic in Karbi Anglong, Kokrajhar, N.C.Hills (Dima
Hasao), Chirang, Goalpara, Baksa, Hailakandi and in Udalguri.
64
Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme of Gov of Assam, 2009-10, Available
at:http://www.nrhmassam.in/state_pip/idsp.pdf
100
Further it is clear from figure 19, that morbidity related to heat waves – a consequence
of an extreme climate event is not reported as a part of the Integrated Disease
Surveillance Program (IDSP). Heat waves are already reported in the State and are
likely to be more frequent and more intense in the future. Similarly, injuries and deaths
due to floods, landslides are also missing in this list, which will escalate as climate
change rolls out into the future.
If climate change continues as projected, the major changes in ill health compared
to no climate change will occur and will be in the form of:
o More number of morbidity and mortality death due to more intense heat waves,
cyclonic winds, landslides, mud slides, and flooding events and fires
o Increased risk of under nutrition resulting from diminished food production
o Increased risks of food and water-borne diseases (very high confidence) and
vector-borne diseases
o Opening up of windows of transmission of disease-carrying vectors due to
exceedance of thermal thresholds at higher altitudes
o More water and food borne disease incidences
o Effects of food and water shortages
o Air pollution-related health effects
o Psycho-social impacts on displaced populations
o Health impacts from conflicts over access to vital resources
Improving Basic Public Health and Health Care Services, creating policies that help
towards prevention of certain diseases related to climate change, developing early
warning systems through disease forecasting mechanisms etc. can be some of the
adaptation strategies that can be brought in. Table 16 below gives some of the
necessary strategies that can be implemented to adapt to climate change vis a vis
emerging health issues in a climate change context.
101
Family
Welfare
6 Conduct studies to assess links 1.00 State/ VH Deptt of
between climate change and Central Health and
possible malnutrition in the Fund Family
State especially amongst Welfare
children
7 Review and retrofit disaster risk 0.25 State/ VH Deptt of
response strategies of the Central Health and
department in view of climate Fund Family
change using CSDRM tool Welfare
7 TOTAL 24.00
102
temperatures in summers w.r.t.
other cities in Assam)
4 Strengthen disaster response 6.5 ASDMA & ASDMA
of ULBs through Capacity Adaptation
Building (Cover: Guwahati, Fund
Silchar & Dibrugarh and 10 budget
Towns viz. Tinsukia, Sivasagar,
Jorhat, Tezpur, Bongaigaon,
Nalbari, Nagaon, Mangaldoi ,
Dhubri & Kokrajhar)
5 Training and capacity building JNNURM
of Community, NGOs, CBOs
and Govt. Officials, educators,
students on Disaster Risk
Reduction and Climate
Change Adaptation
TOTAL 40.00
9. Energy
9.1 Access to Electricity
The total power generation capacity in the State in 2014 has been reported as 0.51
Giga watt, of this 75% is thermal based, 19% hydro and 6% is renewable energy that
includes biomass and solar65. Bifurcation of thermal based power generation and
renewable energy sources is shown in figure 21.
The energy requirement in 2013-14 was around 7434 MU, and supply available was
6965 MU66. The peak demand was 1362 MW and in comparison supply was only 1218
MW- a shortage of 10.52%62. The transmission and distribution losses were of the order
of 26.3% in 2013-14, as compared to loss of around 30% in 2011-12, indicating that T&D
losses are reducing62.
Currently, while the city of Guwahati getting an average supply of 20 hours’ other
urban areas are getting an average supply of only up to 15 hours. Rural areas have
much poorer power availability with an average duration of supply being just about
12 hours.
65
Energy Statistics, 2015. Ministry of Statistics and Programme implementation. Gove of India.
66
Statistical hand book- Assam, 2014
103
Renewables
6%
Hydro
19%
Steam
12%
Gas
59% Diesel
4%
67
http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/hlo/Data_sheet/India/Source_Lighting.pdf
104
Small Hydro Policy The Govt. of Assam has decided to encourage generation of power
through SHP sources of energy and has framed a policy, which was
notified in the gazette of March 2007. On publication of the policy,
an investment avenue for approximately Rs 900.00 Cr has been
opened up for Independent Power Producers (IPP)/User societies.
The SHP Policy of the State Govt. included 90 nos. of potential small
hydro generating stations ranging from 0.1 MW to 20 MW (total 148.50
MW), in different parts of the state. However, out of this 148.50 MW
only 91.5 MW has the proven potential for small hydro power as per
recent investigations carried out.
Strategies for augmenting power generation capacities include the use of renewable
energy sources to complement its current shortfall in power generation. This should be
augmented to start to replace conventional fossil fuel generation given the seemingly
good potential for utilizing renewable energy, particularly hydro, solar and biomass.
This is in line with the aspirations of the National Solar Mission that aims to implement
100,000 MW of solar power by 2022.
105
Sl. Action Costs Sources Priority Implementing
No INR in CR of fund Agency
gas intake station at Lakwa TPS &
accumulator tank for Gas
compressor lubrication drain
8 Lower Kopili Hydroelectric Project 0.28 VH APDCL
(120 MW), Dima Hasao and Karbi
Anglong Districts, Assam
9 Development of Small Hydro 0.60 H APDCL
Electric Projects
10 Switchyard illumination at Namrup 0.20 H APDCL
TPS-LED
11 Street lighting at Namrup TPS- LED 0.20 H APDCL
12 Additional thermal Insulation on GT 0.14 H APDCL
Unit #1, #2, #3 & #4 at Namrup TPS
13 Anti-erosion measure at Dillighat 1.0 VH APDCL
Intake of Namrup TPS
14 Renovation / Repairing of cooling 1.00 VH APDCL
system of Steam Turbine unit-5,
splash bar changing at Namrup TPS
15 Research and Development 0.75 H APDCL
Sub TOTAL- APDCL 533.92
106
Sl. Action Costs Sources Priority Implementing
No INR in CR of fund Agency
1530.69
GRAND Total- Energy generation
The Government of Assam issued Notification in July 2007 to use energy efficient lamps
in Government buildings, Institutions, Board, Corporations and promotion of Energy
Efficient Building Designs as per the Energy Conservation Building Code published by
the BEE.
Keeping this in view some energy efficiency measures have been suggested which
can be taken up by the government.
Table 19: Some of the Strategies suggested for improving energy efficiency include:
Sl. Action Cost (INR Sources of Priority Implementing
No Cr) fund Agency
1 Explore fiscal mechanisms for 0.25 VH AEDA
supporting energy efficiency
activities in the State
2 Ascertain energy efficiency 0.50 VH AEDA
potential in various sectors
3 Energy Conservation in AEDA
buildings
Customize the ECBC code 0.50 VH AEDA
according to the various
climate zones and seismic zones
in Assam
Enforcing BEEs energy 14.00 H AEDA
conservation building code
(ECBC) in all 14 major towns
for
-efficient lighting systems
-Efficient cooling systems
-Efficient heating systems
107
Sl. Action Cost (INR Sources of Priority Implementing
No Cr) fund Agency
Promote Energy efficiency in 1.00 H AEDA
religious places through
awareness generation
Design fiscal incentives for 0.25 H AEDA
supporting private owners to
follow energy efficiency
regulation
Train managers on green 14.00 VH AEDA
building practices and
auditing in all the 14 cities
4 Promote energy efficient Household appliances
Introduce scheme to 1.65 H AEDA
replace 4 CFLs with 1 LED-
awareness generation.
Tie up with LED producer, 0.25
recycler.
Develop fiscal incentive for 0.25
the by back process
Ensure presence of only 3 0.10 VH AEDA
star and above domestic
appliances (ACs, fridge) in
markets
Create a mechanism to 0.25 VH AEDA
extract heavy fine from any
seller selling Air Conditioner
and Refrigerator with energy
efficiency that is rated less
than 3 star
Create awareness through 1.65 VH AEDA
media
5 Energy efficiency in Agriculture
Only star rated 1.00 VH AEDA
diesel/electricity driven
pump sets to be sold in the
market- awareness
generation and
enforcement
6. Energy efficiency in Industries
Identify energy intensive SME 1.0 VH AEDA
clusters and identify energy
efficient measures that can
be propagated- A study
Implement the measures 0.25 AEDA
through fiscal incentives
7. Promote energy efficiency in 0.25 AEDA
street lighting and external
lighting in housing societies
by introducing LEDs
TOTAL 37.15
108
SECTION C: WAY FORWARD
109
10. Implementing SAPCC and Knowledge Management
10.1 Implementing SAPCC
It is proposed that a separate Assam Climate Change Management Society (ACCMS)
- A Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) will be created in the State, which will coordinate
all SAPCC related activities and other activities related to climate change and will be
an interface between line departments, State Government and domestic and
international funding agencies that are providing technical and financial assistance
to implement SAPCC and other Climate Change related activities. This agency will be
staffed with technical experts and will have a governing body headed by the
Honorable Chief Minister and a Steering committee headed by Chief Secretary. From
each department of the State, there will be a nodal officer, Climate Change who will
be dealing with all climate change matters in their respective departments and liaise
with the subject matter technical experts hired in the Society. Climate Change
Management Society vis-a-vis the implementation of the State Action Plan on Climate
Change. The nodal department for coordinating ACCMS would be department of
Environment and Forest, Government of Assam. Figure 22schematically represents the
implementation arrangement of all matters related to climate change in the state
including implementation of the SAPCC.
Governing Body
Assam Climate
Change
Headed by:
Chief Minister Management
Members: State Society
Ministers (ACCMS)
Steering
Committee
All line
Agri, Horti, Water Forest departments
Water
Livestock resource Biodiversity +
resource
Fisheries, Tea Irrigation Board Experts
Irrigation
Board Soil & Water Rural
Soil & Water
Rural Conservation development
Conservation
development PHE +
PHE +
+ Rural Experts
Experts
Experts development
110
The roles and responsibilities of the various components of the Society are briefly
mentioned below:
The Assam Climate Change Management Society: the roles and responsibilities the
ACCMS will include:
o Implementation of the State Action Plan on Climate change and the projects
and programmes emanating from it
o Update it on a regular basis as per the advancement of knowledge on climate
change,
o Addressing the requirements of the National Action Plan on Climate Change
from time to time
o Facilitate implementation of India’s commitment if any to the UNFCCC
o Create Knowledge management platform and data base for informed
decision for integrating climate change adaptation in planning in consultation
with various agencies in the country
o Liaise with all departments through their climate change nodal officers
o Will formulate Monitoring and Evaluation framework to assess progress of
projects and to assess that adaptation is taking place
o Will launch new studies that address mitigation and adaptation with funding
from the State Governments/ central government/ various missions of the
NAPCC/climate change funds – national and international
o Build capacity of natural resource and energy managers to address climate
change within their domain
o Any other
The Governing body: the governing body will be headed by the Chief Minister and is
responsible for policy planning and coordination, innovation, resource mobilization
and for synergizing the efforts of the various stakeholders. The members of governing
body will be the Ministers of various departments in the State and distinguished
experts.
The Steering Committee: Will be headed by the Chief Secretary of the State and the
members will be the head of departments. The role of the Steering Committee will be
to provide guidance on all activities that will be undertaken by the Society.
Technical experts: The technical experts will be subject matter specialist with an
overall knowledge of climate change science, impacts and mitigation. They will
ensure implementation of all the envisaged activities mentioned as the role of the
Society. The following specialists will be hired initially:
o Data Management, GIS and web portal hostile
o Water Resource
o Agriculture
o Forest and biodiversity
o Urban development
o Energy
o Any other
111
Cost implication for running the Assam Climate Change Management Society will be
in the tune of 5.00 Cr in five years.
Producing the knowledge acquired for use of various stakeholders will also be an
essential area of activity of the knowledge management component of the SAPCC.
112
change in the State of Assam in its
various regions
6 Some specific studies ASTEC
6.1 Study & Documentation of ground 0.048 VH ASTEC
water level in the piedmont plain
of northern Assam- Foot hills of
Arunachal and Bhutan
6.2 Assessment of alternate agri- 0.38 H ASTEC
practices in highly flood prone
districts, 19 districts
6.3 Study of hill-slope destabilisation 0.15 VH ASTEC
and urban flood management
system (Guwahati City), 1
6,4 Policy review in the context of 0.20 H ASTEC
climate change – Forest policy,
agri-policy, draft water policy,
industrial policy, 4
6.5 Identification of wetlands for due 0.60 VH ASTEC
protection and management with
proper study on hydrology, flora,
fauna and economic value, 4
zones
6.6 Identification and conservation 0.40 M to H ASTEC
strategies of Vulnerable
biologically sensitive species, 4
institutions
6.7 Institutional capacity building to 0.50 VH ASTEC
handle climate change
programmes (all concerned govt.
directorates) *, 10 programmes,
each 2-3 days
6.8 Development of core-group of 0.60 H ASTEC
climate change scientists in Assam
(training for project development,
core-support), 6 institutions
6.9 Hazard Risk Vulnerability including 2.00 ASTEC
impact of climate change
assessment including impact of
climate change
7. Capacity building of departments 0.135 VH ASTEC
across all levels of governance
MH
towards integrating CC in
Adaptation Plans
8 Education & Awareness on 0.81 H ASTEC
climate change related issues
through educational institutions
TOTAL 18.32
113
11. Integrating Climate Change finance in adaptation Planning
Recent modelling by the Asian Development Bank for South Asia suggested that
economic growth would be between 2% and 6% lower by 2050 if climate change
adaptation is not factored in development. However, funds required for undertaking
adaptation measures need to be available to the governments. It is well known that
the international funds are only a fraction of the fund required. Even in the case of
Assam, the entire SAPCC budget estimate is indicating a fund requirement of INR
58026.17 Cr over next 5 years. i.e., each year about 11605.30 crores will be spent. This
is only 7.3% of the State GSDP at current prices.
This amount can be availing pieces from various sources. If adaptation is not
systematically undertaken, then this cost will go on increasing becoming a significant
portion of the total GDP. Therefore, it is imperative that adaption cost be factored in
each year within planning. Now the question is where will this money come from-
either it can be through creation of some special fiscal instrument such as creating
green cess for the State that will generate enough finance and support annual
adaptation activities. However, if the budget is not enough considering the scale of
adaptation required, then other mechanisms need to be developed. Therefore, the
next step is to understand how every department can identify and factor in the
adaptation budget requirements within their planning and develop fiscal instruments
that can provide the financial support for undertaking such work on a regular basis.
114
Annexure 1
1. Meeting held on 23rd February, 2011
Venue: Assam Secretariat, Dispur, Guwahati
The meeting was presided over by the Chief Secretary of Assam Mr N.K. Das and
started at 10AM in the Assam Secretariat. The meeting was attended by high level
officials of the government agencies along with representation by Regional
Meteorological Centre, Borjhar, Guwahati. The meeting started off with a brief
introduction of Dr. Arabinda Mishra, Director, TERI by the nodal officer from the
Government of Assam for the SAPCC process, Mr. Saraswati Prasad, Prinicipal
Secretary, Department of Forestry and Environment.
Dr. Arabinda Mishra, first gave a presentation on the basics of climate change to the
gathered audience. There was a comment by Dr. H. Pathak, DDGM, Regional
Meteorological Centre, Borjhar, Guwahati, to incorporate studies of weather systems
along with climate projections. The second presentation by Dr. Mishra, dealt with
specific risks from climate change, vulnerabilities of the Assam state along with the
whole North Eastern state and key adaptation needs and also identified REDD+ as a
mitigation opportunity for the state. There was also a question on as to how much we
can say that climate change at present is from anthropogenic drivers and to what
extent we can slow process by going totally green. Dr. Mishra responded that currently
the anthropogenic causes have surpassed the natural drivers for such a global
change and referred to the IPCC scenarios for his second query.
There were questions related to a difference in the climate projections from modeling
and the observed data which was reviewed for the presentation. Dr. Mishra cleared
the doubt by stating the fact that the observed data was not for the whole state but
for a particular climate zone which included a portion of the state. He also brought
out the issue of non-linearity in cause and effect and knowledge gaps when it comes
to climate system. There was a suggestion by Dr. Satyendra Kumar Choudhury,
Director, Assam Science Technology and Environment Council, to run the climate
models with the resolution of agro-climatic zones of the state rather than the districts
and also to incorporate and design strategies through this plan for facilitating
indigenous coping capacities of various tribes of the state to weather variability.
In the end Chief secretary, Mr. Das suggested not to neglect issues of north east region
as a whole and suggested to widen the audience in the workshop to be held on
March 7-9, 2011. He also suggested incorporating mitigation as a strong point in the
SAPCC. There was a concern about the short deadline which is set to be March 25th,
2011 for the draft plan from the nodal officer.
115
2. Meeting held on 9th March, 2011
Venue: Assam Secretariat, Dispur, Guwahati
The Meeting was presided by the Additional Chief Secretary of Assam, Dr. Surajit Mitra
and was started at 10 am in the Assam Secretariat. The meeting was attended by
high level officials of the government agencies along with representation by Regional
Meteorological Centre, Borjhar, Guwahati.
At the outset, the Additional Chief Secretary welcomed all the stakeholders of
different divisions who are associated with the preparation of Assam State Action Plan
on Climate Change. Mr. Prabir Sengupta, Distinguished Fellow, TERI, said all the
stakeholders are free to express their ideas/ comments/ suggestions if any. After the
consultation, six major thrust areas were identified and erosion was considered as the
major concern for the state. They also pointed out CDM and REDD+ systems as a bit
complex to understand. In the end, it was decided to send the draft plan on March
25th, 2011 by the Additional Chief Secretary, Assam.
The meeting was presided over by the Additional Chief Secretary of Assam Dr. Surajit
Mitra and started at 10AM in the Assam Secretariat. The meeting was attended by
high level officials of the government agencies along with representation by Regional
Meteorological Centre, Borjhar, Guwahati. The meeting started off with a brief
introduction of all the participants and then Mr. Prabir Sengupta, Distinguished Fellow,
TERI gave a brief idea about the purpose of the meeting.
Dr. Arabinda Mishra, Director, TERI, first gave a presentation on the actions & strategies
taken for the Assam State Action Plan on Climate Change and feed-back/ comments
were welcomed from the other participants.
There were discussions on the Institutional arrangements for the State Action Plan on
Climate Change and strategies were prescribed for each of the thrust areas. There
were many valuable updates received from various departments. The Additional
Chief Secretary also provided some suggestions regarding the version, timeframe and
implementation plan of the document.
The meeting was presided over by Honorable Shri Atuwa Munda, Minister of
Environment & Forests and Tea Garden, Government of Assam. Shri Davinder Kumar,
Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Environment & Forests and Water
Resources, Government of Assam, welcomed the Minister and the workshop
116
participants. The workshop was attended by 44 participants from various Departments
of Government of Assam. He apprised all present in the workshop about the Assam
SAPCC and its status. Shri Atuwa Munda mentioned that given the vulnerabilities and
the multi -dimensional challenges posed by climate change, the government of
Assam, is committed to address the same and the 1st step it has taken is to draft the
State Action Plan and aims to implement it under the overall of India’s National Action
Plan on Climate Change. The government of Assam is focusing on climate resilient
agriculture, Biodiversity conservation, Climate resilient urban planning, renewable
energy - Solar, and improvement in rain-fed agriculture through extensive cultivation
of pulses. He also thanks CCIP-DFID team for the technical assistance extended to
govt. of Assam.
Mr. Abhay Kumar Johari, Addl PCCF, Government of Assam gave a brief presentation
on climate change challenges of Assam that needs to be addressed and how the
mandate of the Assam SAPCC can be aligned with the eight missions of the National
Action Plan on Climate Change. He mentioned that the Department of Environment
& Forests has sought financial projections for the strategies and actions articulated by
various departments managing the various sectors impacted by climate change and
a few departments are yet to submit the same.
All the departments were requested to reworked on the draft Assam State Action Plan
on Climate Change with the help of CCIP experts and also finalize the financial
projections against the strategies and actions proposed.
A one-day consultation was organized on July 22, 2015 by the Centre for Environment,
Social and Policy Research (CESPR) and the Indian Network for Ethics and Climate
Change (INECC) in collaboration with Assam State Disaster Management Authority
(ASDMA), CCIP – CPGD, UK Department for International Development (DFID) at the
Conference Hall of the NEDFI House, Ganeshguri where important sectors under
SAPCC and climate change were discussed.
The consultation was designed to discuss and deliberate on important issues and
areas in the state, including agriculture, water resources, energy, disaster, and forest
and wildlife, and challenges which Assam is likely to face as a result of the adverse
impacts of climate change.
117
development policy processes. The suggestions and recommendations from the
workshop will be put forward to the Assam Government, for necessary action on the
subject. The outcomes of the workshop were submitted to the nodal department for
SAPCC, Government of Assam
The meeting was scheduled to validate and finalize the SAPCC of the State of Assam.
The Inaugural session was presided over by the Honorable Chief Secretary, Govt. of
Assam Mr. V.K. Pipersenia and Shri Davinder Kumar, Additional Chief Secretary,
Environment & Forests and Water Resources Department presided the next sessions.
The workshop was attended by over 45 participants. The purpose and objective of
the meeting was to validate and obtain in principle approval of the State to take this
document forward for its finalization.
Shri Davinder Kumar, Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Environment & Forests
and Water Resources, Government of Assam, welcomed Honorable Chief Secretary,
Shri V K Pipersenia and the workshop participants. In the inaugural speech, he
apprised Chief Secretary and all present in the workshop about the Assam SAPCC
process and its status. We are in the final stages of preparing the State Action Plan on
Climate Change for Assam. The State Action Plan Climate Change is aligned with the
missions of the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) which are focusing
on Adaptation and Mitigation as well from the Energy perspective Assam is also
making its contribution towards increasing the share of Renewable in its total energy
mix and special thrust is being given on solar.
Mr. Rizwan Uz Zaman, Team Leader, CCIP – DFID and Member Secretary, Climate
Change Cell gave an overview of ASAPCC to the Chief Secretary and the
participants of the workshops.
On conclusion of the presentation of the SAPCC, the Chief Secretary conveyed his in
principle approval to the SAPCC and thanked the hard work of Environment and
Forests department and CCIP – DFID team for completing the SAP document.
However, he indicated that as the SAPCC is a dynamic document, it needs to be
updated on a regular basis and therefore it’s important to start implementing the
strategies already identified in the present SAPCC, which each department considers
a priority The Chief Secretary further mentioned that one climate change nodal
officer will be identified in each department and advised the departments to hire
relevant subject specific Climate Change technical experts who can support them in
taking forward the climate change actions being implemented by them.
Finally, Mr. Abhay Johri, addl. PCCF, took the session on the way forward for finalization
of the SAPCC document. The Environment and Forest Department, Government of
Assam will officially circulate the draft SAPCC report to all the departments. The state
118
departments are requested to l provide their final comments on the activities listed in
the document relevant to their departments and if no comments are received then
the action plan for that particular sector will be considered as approved. However,
an email notification from the relevant department that they approve the action plan
for their related sector would be appreciated by the CCIP team.
Mr. Rizwan Uz Zaman, Team Leader, CCIP – DFID gave the Long Range Planning
Exercise and gave vote of thanks to the all the members.
119
Annexure 2
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