Скачать или смотреть Chars - Terms in News - UPSC Prelims 2024

The Assam government has recently embarked on an ambitious mission to reclaim the chars, the riverine islands of the Brahmaputra, as part of a broader effort to safeguard the ecological integrity of the Brahmaputra Valley. These chars, formed from silt and sand depositions in the lower parts of the river basin, emerge naturally through the accumulation of sediment transported by water from melting glaciers and eroding riverbanks. This unique landscape, however, faces numerous challenges, including segregation due to the dynamic nature of the river, making development and connectivity a significant concern.

Addressing these challenges, the government's mission aims to integrate these land masses through the implementation of major schemes for road communication, irrigation, and power supply. The objective is to establish all-weather connectivity and communication across the chars, thereby enhancing the livelihoods of the communities that inhabit these areas. Regular flooding presents a recurrent threat to both the residents and the agricultural activities that predominate in the chars, necessitating robust flood management and mitigation strategies to protect lives and livelihoods.

Another pressing issue is the inhabitation and cultivation of these islands by illegal migrants, which complicates the social, economic, and environmental dynamics of the region. The government's initiative not only focuses on infrastructural development but also on the regularization and integration of these communities into the mainstream, ensuring that development efforts lead to inclusive growth and sustainable management of natural resources.

By reclaiming the chars, the Assam government is taking a critical step towards preserving the unique ecological and cultural heritage of the Brahmaputra Valley, while simultaneously addressing the socio-economic challenges faced by its inhabitants. This mission reflects a holistic approach to regional development, emphasizing the importance of ecological conservation, social inclusion, and sustainable development in one of India's most dynamic and diverse ecosystems.