Flood Governance in the Flood-Prone Districts of UpperAssam, India: An Analysis of Flood Management Policies

Abstract

Flood is a recurring hazard in Assam, India, particularly in Upper Assam, which causes widespread damage to lives, livelihoods, and infrastructure. This study investigates the flood management of this region by analyzing secondary data from government reports and disaster management plans, focusing on five flood-prone districts: Dhemaji, Golaghat, Jorhat, Lakhimpur, and Sivasagar. Despite the presence of a multi-tiered institutional framework, including the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) and District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs), coordination gaps, poor policy enforcement, and inadequate maintenance of flood mitigation infrastructure remain persistent issues. Initiatives such as the Aapda Mitra volunteer program, Flood Early Warning System (FLEWS), and the inclusion of indigenous knowledge reflect steps toward resilience, yet the focus remains largely on short-term emergency response. The study highlights the urgent need for a more integrated and sustainable flood governance model that strengthens coordination among agencies, enhances community participation, and invests in capacity-building. Raising disaster awareness through education, improving communication systems, and involving local stakeholders in decision-making are essential to bridging the gap between planning and implementation. Strengthening grassroots preparedness and ensuring timely, actionable information can significantly reduce flood vulnerability and foster long-term resilience in the Upper Assam region.