The Brahmaputra river discharge at Pandu in Assam has recorded a drastic drop this July, falling to just 17,000 cubic metres per second (cumec). This sharp decline from approximately 38,000 cumec last year has alarmed environmentalists, hydrologists, and communities alike.
Not only does the drop threaten the river’s channel stability, but it also jeopardizes irrigation, navigation, and ecosystem health across the Brahmaputra Valley. Clearly, the situation demands immediate attention.
Why the Brahmaputra River Discharge Matters
River discharge is the volume of water flowing through a river channel at any given point and time. At Pandu, a crucial monitoring site near Guwahati, discharge levels influence:
- Agricultural irrigation across Lower Assam
- Inland waterway transport on National Waterway 2
- Ecosystem health and fishery production
- Seasonal flood regulation
“This is the lowest July discharge we’ve seen in two decades,” confirmed a senior hydrologist from the Central Water Commission (CWC).
Key Reasons Behind the Decline in Flow
Multiple interlinked factors appear to be contributing to the unprecedented drop in Brahmaputra river discharge:
Weak Monsoon and Altered Rainfall Patterns
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Upper Assam and Arunachal Pradesh—critical catchment zones—received 27% below-average rainfall in June and July 2025. This deficit directly reduced tributary inflows into the Brahmaputra.
Reduced Snowmelt from the Himalayas
Glaciologists report that early summer heatwaves in the Tibetan Plateau resulted in premature and reduced snowmelt. This disrupted the typical seasonal flow pattern that boosts the river’s volume during July.
Suspected Upstream Interventions
Though unverified, analysts suggest that upstream water diversion or reservoir activity in China’s Yarlung Tsangpo (the Brahmaputra’s Tibetan origin) may be impacting downstream volumes in India.
“We urgently need transparent hydrological data sharing between countries,” said Prof. Bhaskar Dutta, water policy expert at Gauhati University.
Effects of the Reduced Brahmaputra Flow in Assam
River Morphology and Sediment Imbalance
Lower discharge levels are changing the river’s natural flow regime. In some areas, sedimentation is increasing, leading to sandbar formation, while in others, reduced flow is accelerating bank erosion.
Irrigation Disruption and Agricultural Stress
Farmers dependent on canal systems fed by the Brahmaputra are already feeling the pinch. Croplands in Barpeta and Nalbari districts report delayed sowing and declining soil moisture levels.
Transport and Navigation Setbacks
The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) has flagged low water depth issues on key shipping routes. Cargo vessels between Pandu and Dhubri face navigational delays due to insufficient draft.
“Unless the water levels rise soon, commercial river transport could come to a halt,” warned an IWAI official.
For more on how inland waterways operate, visit the IWAI website.
What’s Being Done: Emergency and Long-Term Measures
Short-Term Actions
- The Assam Irrigation Department is reviewing contingency water allocation plans.
- Dredging may be initiated in critical low-depth segments of the waterway.
- Farmers are being encouraged to shift to low-water-demand crops temporarily.
Long-Term Strategies
- Improved rainfall and glacial monitoring systems are being developed.
- Assam is pushing for a river basin coordination framework with neighbouring states.
- Calls for transboundary river management agreements with China are intensifying.
Local Voices React to the River’s Change
The changing face of the Brahmaputra is already visible to those who live by it.
“My boat got stuck in shallow water for two hours—this never used to happen in July,” said Hemanta Kalita, a ferry operator from Pandu.
Why This Drop Is a Red Flag for the Future
Assam and the wider Northeast region depend heavily on predictable river patterns. Disruptions in Brahmaputra river discharge point to deeper climate volatility and upstream management issues. These are no longer just seasonal anomalies—they signal systemic shifts.
“We can’t afford to take the Brahmaputra for granted anymore,” said environmentalist Anuradha Sarma. “This is a wake-up call.”
Reimagining River Resilience in Assam
The sharp drop in the Brahmaputra river discharge is a critical reminder that river systems are not infinite or immune to human and climatic interference. As Assam braces for more hydrological unpredictability, it must pivot to adaptive water governance, community-led monitoring, and eco-sensitive infrastructure.
READ MORE: Shillong Bicycle Sharing Launched to Promote Green Mobility