A region long celebrated for its lush greenery and torrential rains is now grappling with an unfamiliar crisis. Western Assam is experiencing drought-like conditions, a stark and troubling shift that has taken both meteorologists and residents by surprise.
Unlike its eastern counterpart, where rainfall remains closer to seasonal norms, districts such as Goalpara, Dhubri, Bongaigaon, and Kokrajhar are seeing their driest July in over two decades. As a result, agriculture, drinking water supply, and local ecosystems are coming under stress.
Rain Deficit Hits Unusually Hard in Monsoon Season
Although July typically marks peak monsoon activity, this year Western Assam has recorded a rainfall deficit of over 60% compared to the 30-year average, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). This deficit is largely due to disrupted monsoon patterns influenced by El Niño and climate variability.
What Experts Are Saying
Dr. Rakesh Kalita, a senior climatologist at Gauhati University, said,
“This is not just a bad monsoon — it’s a warning sign. The climate in Assam is changing, and Western Assam is now feeling it first.”
Farmers Facing Immediate Crop Failure
The most direct impact of the drought in Western Assam is on agriculture. Paddy farmers who rely on early monsoon rains to prepare seedbeds are finding their fields parched and cracked.
Ground Reports from the Fields
In Bongaigaon, farmer Deben Rabha says he planted paddy in June but is watching the crops die.
“We haven’t seen rain in three weeks. The soil is dry, and the wells are nearly empty,” he said.
Due to this, agricultural productivity is expected to fall drastically unless rains resume in the coming weeks.
Drinking Water and Livelihoods at Risk
Apart from farming, drinking water scarcity is beginning to hit villages. Shallow handpumps are drying up, and rural water supply schemes are under strain. In areas near Dhubri and Goalpara, residents now rely on water tankers being sent in from nearby districts.
In addition, local fisheries — an important secondary income source — are also suffering as ponds dry up or become uninhabitable for aquatic life.
Government Response and Relief Efforts
The Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) has issued alerts and instructed district administrations to prepare contingency plans. While the state hasn’t declared an official drought yet, relief measures have already begun.
Key Actions Taken So Far
- Emergency irrigation from borewells in Kokrajhar
- Water tanker deployment in rural clusters
- Crop insurance claims activated under PM Fasal Bima Yojana
- Groundwater surveys ordered to assess depletion
The Agriculture Department of Assam has also advised farmers to switch to drought-resistant crops and has scheduled urgent training sessions in affected villages.
Environmental and Economic Concerns Rise
This drought is not just a short-term concern. Environmentalists warn that it could signal a broader ecological shift in the region. Forest patches in western Assam are drying out earlier than usual, increasing the risk of wildfires and biodiversity loss.
Economically, the region — heavily dependent on small-scale farming — may see a rise in seasonal migration, loss of income, and deeper poverty if conditions persist.
What Can Citizens Do Right Now?
The drought in Western Assam may continue unless significant rainfall occurs. In the meantime, both rural and urban citizens can contribute by:
- Conserving water at home and in agriculture
- Supporting local farmers through cooperatives
- Participating in afforestation and watershed programs
- Reporting early signs of crop and water distress to authorities
Community matters: Even small actions can make a big difference in water-stressed regions.
Raise Awareness Before It’s Too Late
The drought in Western Assam highlights the urgent need for climate resilience and proactive governance. Share this article to inform others and push for stronger environmental policies.
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