Assam Geography - Questions and Answers

Land Area: Assam covers an area of 78,438 square kilometers, which is about 2.4% of India's total geographical area.

Population (2011 Census): 31.2 million people, making it the 15th most populous state in India.

Population Density: 397 persons per square kilometer, which is higher than the national average of 382 persons per square kilometer.

Urban Population: About 14% of the total population lives in urban areas.

The literacy rate in Assam has shown significant improvement over the decades:

• 2001 Census: 63.3% literacy rate
• 2011 Census: 72.2% literacy rate
• Male Literacy: 77.8%
• Female Literacy: 66.3%

Factors contributing to increasing literacy:

• Government initiatives like Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan
• Establishment of new schools and colleges
• Increased awareness about education
• Improvement in female education
• Adult education programs

According to the 2011 Census:

• First Class Towns: 23 towns with population of 100,000 and above
• Second Class Towns: 26 towns with population between 50,000 and 99,999
• Total Urban Population: About 4.4 million people living in urban areas

The population growth trend in Assam from 1901-2011 shows significant variations:

• 1901-1951: Moderate growth rate
• 1951-1971: High growth rate due to migration and natural increase
• 1971-1991: Very high growth rate, reaching peak during 1971-81 (36.9%)
• 1991-2011: Gradual decline in growth rate
• 2001-2011: Growth rate of 17.07%

The population increased from about 3.3 million in 1901 to 31.2 million in 2011.

Regional distribution of population in Assam:

• Brahmaputra Valley: Most densely populated (about 70% of state population)
• Barak Valley: Moderately populated (about 15% of state population)
• Hill Districts: Sparsely populated (Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao)
• Northern Bank: Higher density due to fertile land
• Southern Bank: Moderate to high density

The distribution is uneven due to variations in topography, soil fertility, and economic opportunities.

Causes of population distribution variation:

• Physical Factors:
  • Fertile river valleys (Brahmaputra, Barak) attract more settlement
  • Hilly areas have sparse population (Karbi Anglong)
• Historical Factors:
  • Ancient settlements along river banks
  • Tea garden areas developed during British period
• Economic Factors:
  • Urban centers like Guwahati, Dibrugarh attract migration
  • Industrial areas have higher population density
• Infrastructure:
  • Better transport connectivity in some regions
  • Educational and healthcare facilities concentration

Highest Population Districts:

• Nagaon (2.8 million)
• Dhubri (1.9 million)
• Sonitpur (1.9 million)

Highest Population Density:

• Dhubri (1,331 persons/sq km)
• Barpeta (1,214 persons/sq km)
• Kamrup (1,020 persons/sq km)

Lowest Population Districts:

• Dima Hasao (214,000)
• Baksa (950,000)
• Chirang (482,000)

Lowest Population Density:

• Dima Hasao (44 persons/sq km)
• Karbi Anglong (78 persons/sq km)
• Chirang (253 persons/sq km)

Causes of population growth in Assam:

• Natural Increase: High birth rate compared to death rate
• Migration: Historical and contemporary migration from neighboring states and countries
• Improved Healthcare: Reduced mortality rates, especially infant mortality
• Agricultural Economy: Large families preferred for agricultural labor
• Social Factors: Early marriages, low literacy in some areas
• Refugee Influx: Migration during Bangladesh liberation war and other political events

Historical migration streams to Assam:

• Ancient Period: Austro-Asiatic, Tibeto-Burman groups
• Medieval Period: Ahoms from Myanmar (13th century)
• British Period: Tea garden laborers from Central India
• Pre-Independence: Bengali Hindus from East Bengal
• Post-Independence: Refugees from East Pakistan/Bangladesh
• Recent: Economic migrants from Bihar, Nepal, other states

The Ahoms are a Tai ethnic group who originally migrated from the Shan region of Myanmar (Burma) in the 13th century. They established the Ahom kingdom in Assam that ruled for nearly 600 years.

Ethnic Identity:

• Originally Tai-speaking people from Southeast Asia
• Adopted Assamese language and culture over time
• Practiced their traditional religion initially, later adopted Hinduism
• Developed a distinct Ahom identity while assimilating with local populations
• Recognized as a Scheduled Tribe in Assam

Role of transport system in Assam's economy:

• Agricultural Marketing: Connects rural producers to urban markets
• Industrial Development: Facilitates movement of raw materials and finished goods
• Tourism Promotion: Improves accessibility to tourist destinations
• Employment Generation: Creates jobs in transport sector
• Regional Integration: Connects Assam with other northeastern states
• Trade and Commerce: Enables movement of goods for domestic and international trade

Water transport has been historically significant in Assam due to the extensive river network, particularly the Brahmaputra and Barak rivers.

Features:

• Brahmaputra is navigable for about 1,620 km in Assam
• Important for transportation of bulk goods like timber, coal, oil
• National Waterway 2 on Brahmaputra from Dhubri to Sadiya
• Ferry services connect river banks
• Important river ports: Pandu (Guwahati), Dhubri, Neamati

Advantages: Cost-effective for heavy goods, environmentally friendly, connects remote areas.

Challenges: Seasonal variations in water level, siltation, lack of modern infrastructure.

Major hindrances to transport development:

• Geographical Constraints: Hilly terrain, frequent floods, landslides
• Poor Road Conditions: Many roads in bad condition, especially in rural areas
• Limited Railway Network: Sparse coverage in hill districts
• Financial Constraints: Limited funds for infrastructure development
• Maintenance Issues: Difficult to maintain roads due to heavy rainfall and floods
• Security Concerns: Insurgency affected areas have transport limitations

Resource: Any substance, material or factor that can be used to satisfy human needs and wants and has utility and value.

Major natural resources of Assam:

• Mineral Resources: Petroleum, natural gas, coal, limestone
• Forest Resources: Timber, bamboo, medicinal plants
• Water Resources: Rivers, groundwater, potential for hydroelectric power
• Agricultural Resources: Fertile soil, favorable climate for various crops
• Biodiversity: Rich flora and fauna, wildlife sanctuaries
• Tourism Resources: Natural beauty, cultural heritage, wildlife

Major oil fields in Assam:

• Digboi (oldest oil field in Asia)
• Naharkatiya
• Moran
• Rudrasagar
• Lakwa
• Geleki
• Baghjan
• Borpukhuri

These oil fields are mainly located in Upper Assam districts like Tinsukia, Dibrugarh, and Sivasagar.

Assam is endowed with abundant water resources:

• River Systems: Brahmaputra (main river), Barak, and their numerous tributaries
• Annual Rainfall: High rainfall (average 2,500 mm) replenishes water sources
• Groundwater: Extensive aquifers with good quality water
• Wetlands: Numerous beels (ox-bow lakes) and marshy areas
• Potential Uses: Irrigation, hydroelectric power, navigation, fisheries
• Challenges: Floods, erosion, water pollution, siltation

Causes of natural resource degradation:

• Deforestation: Clearing forests for agriculture and settlement
• Soil Erosion: River bank erosion, deforestation
• Water Pollution: Industrial effluents, agricultural runoff
• Over-exploitation: Unsustainable extraction of minerals and forest products
• Urbanization: Encroachment on natural areas
• Floods: Annual floods damage soil and vegetation
• Mining Activities: Oil and coal mining cause environmental damage

Impact of growing population on natural resources:

• Increased Demand: Higher consumption of resources
• Deforestation: Clearing forests for agriculture and habitation
• Water Scarcity: Overuse of water resources in some areas
• Land Degradation: Intensive farming reduces soil fertility
• Pollution: Increased waste generation and pollution
• Biodiversity Loss: Habitat destruction threatens wildlife
• Urban Sprawl: Expansion of cities consumes agricultural land

The large population of Assam can be seen as both a resource and a burden:

As a Burden:

• Pressure on limited land resources
• Strain on infrastructure and public services
• Unemployment and underemployment
• Environmental degradation due to overexploitation
• Increased competition for resources

As a Resource:

• Large labor force for economic activities
• Market for goods and services
• Human capital for development
• Cultural diversity and richness

The challenge is to transform population burden into human resource through education, skill development, and proper resource management.

Steps for human resource development in Assam:

• Quality Education: Improve school and higher education infrastructure
• Skill Development: Vocational training aligned with market needs
• Healthcare Improvement: Better health facilities for healthy workforce
• Technical Education: Promote ITIs, polytechnics, engineering colleges
• Entrepreneurship Development: Encourage self-employment and startups
• Research and Innovation: Support research in local problems and opportunities
• Language and Computer Skills: Enhance employability through language and IT training

Role of agriculture in Assam's economy:

• Employment: Provides livelihood to about 50% of workforce
• GDP Contribution: Contributes about 25% to state's GDP
• Food Security: Ensures food supply for population
• Raw Materials: Provides inputs for agro-based industries
• Export Earnings: Tea, jute, horticulture products earn foreign exchange
• Rural Economy: Backbone of rural economy and development

Agro-climatic regions of Assam:

• Brahmaputra Valley:
  • Fertile alluvial soil
  • High rainfall and humidity
  • Suitable for rice, tea, jute, horticulture
• Barak Valley:
  • Similar to Brahmaputra valley but smaller
  • Good for rice, horticulture, rubber
• Hill Regions:
  • Undulating terrain, lower temperatures
  • Suitable for horticulture, plantation crops
  • Practice of jhum cultivation

Types of rice cultivated in Assam:

• Ahu (Autumn Rice): Sown in spring, harvested in autumn
• Sali (Winter Rice): Sown in rainy season, harvested in winter (main crop)
• Boro (Summer Rice): Sown in winter, harvested in summer
• Deep Water Rice: Grown in flood-prone areas

Assam is known for indigenous rice varieties like Joha (aromatic rice), Bora (sticky rice), and Chokuwa rice.

Rice as principal crop in Assam:

• Staple Food: Main food grain consumed by population
• Climatic Suitability: Ideal tropical climate with high rainfall
• Soil Conditions: Fertile alluvial soil of river valleys
• Cultural Significance: Traditional crop with historical importance
• Economic Importance: Major source of income for farmers
• Multiple Cropping: Can be grown in different seasons (Ahu, Sali, Boro)

Major pulses cultivated in Assam:

• Black gram (Matimah)
• Green gram (Mung bean)
• Pigeon pea (Rahar)
• Lentil (Masoor)
• Chickpea (Chola)
• Pea (Motor)

Pulses are mainly grown as subsidiary crops along with rice in crop rotation systems.

Jhum cultivation in Assam:

• Traditional agricultural practice in hill areas
• Also known as slash-and-burn agriculture
• Practiced mainly by tribal communities in Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao
• Process: Clear forest → Burn vegetation → Cultivate for 2-3 years → Leave fallow for regeneration
• Crops: Rice, maize, vegetables, millets
• Problems: Soil erosion, deforestation, low productivity
• Current Status: Declining due to government restrictions and awareness

Major aims of Assam Industrial and Investment Policy, 2014:

• Promote sustainable industrial development
• Attract investment in priority sectors
• Generate employment opportunities
• Promote MSMEs (Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises)
• Develop infrastructure for industries
• Promote export-oriented units
• Encourage agro-based and food processing industries
• Promote tourism and service industries

Service sector industries are economic activities that provide services rather than producing goods.

Examples from Assam:

• Tourism: Hotels, travel agencies, tour operators
• Banking and Finance: Banks, insurance companies
• Transport: Road transport, railways, airways
• Education: Schools, colleges, coaching centers
• Healthcare: Hospitals, clinics, diagnostic centers
• IT and ITES: Software companies, BPOs
• Retail Trade: Shopping malls, local markets

Major agro-based industries in Assam:

• Tea Industry: Largest organized industry
• Jute Industry: Jute mills for jute products
• Sugar Industry: Sugar mills from sugarcane
• Food Processing: Rice mills, fruit processing units
• Sericulture: Silk production (Muga, Eri, Pat)
• Poultry and Dairy: Milk processing, poultry farms
• Bamboo and Cane: Furniture and handicrafts

Tea industry in Assam:

• Largest tea producing region in India
• Contributes about 50% of India's tea production
• First tea garden established in 1837 in Chabua
• Major tea growing districts: Dibrugarh, Tinsukia, Sivasagar, Jorhat, Golaghat
• Types of tea: CTC (Crush, Tear, Curl) and Orthodox
• Employment: Provides livelihood to millions of workers
• Export: Major foreign exchange earner
• Challenges: Climate change, labor issues, competition

Present status of fish industry in Assam:

• Significant contributor to state's economy and food security
• Annual fish production around 3 lakh metric tonnes
• Both capture fisheries (rivers, beels) and culture fisheries (ponds)
• Provides employment to about 5 lakh people
• Government initiatives for pisciculture development
• Potential for growth due to abundant water resources
• Challenges: Lack of modern technology, marketing infrastructure

Problems of agricultural development in Assam:

• Natural Calamities: Frequent floods, droughts in some areas
• Fragmented Land Holdings: Small and scattered plots
• Traditional Methods: Lack of modern farming techniques
• Irrigation Facilities: Inadequate irrigation infrastructure
• Soil Degradation: Declining soil fertility
• Marketing Problems: Lack of proper market linkages
• Credit Facilities: Limited access to agricultural credit
• Pests and Diseases: Crop losses due to pests

Reasons for slow industrial development in Assam:

• Geographical Isolation: Landlocked location, connectivity issues
• Infrastructure Deficiencies: Poor power supply, transport facilities
• Investment Climate: Perceived risks, bureaucratic hurdles
• Raw Material Constraints: Limited availability of some industrial inputs
• Market Limitations: Small local market, distance from major markets
• Skilled Labor Shortage: Lack of technically skilled workforce
• Security Concerns: Past insurgency affected investor confidence
• Natural Calamities: Floods disrupt industrial activities

Problems of tourism industry in Assam:

• Infrastructure: Inadequate accommodation and transport facilities
• Connectivity: Poor air and road connectivity to tourist spots
• Seasonal Nature: Tourism concentrated in winter months
• Marketing: Insufficient promotion at national and international level
• Security Perception: Past insurgency affects tourist inflow
• Service Quality: Lack of trained personnel in hospitality sector
• Environmental Concerns: Balancing tourism with conservation

Prospects for economic development of Assam:

• Natural Resources: Rich mineral, forest, and water resources
• Agricultural Potential: Fertile land for diverse crops
• Tourism: Unexplored potential in cultural and eco-tourism
• Act East Policy: Strategic location for trade with Southeast Asia
• Human Resources: Young population with potential for skill development
• Industrial Growth: Opportunities in agro-processing, IT, handicrafts
• Infrastructure Development: Ongoing road, rail, and air connectivity improvements
• Government Initiatives: Various state and central government schemes