AssamPedia PDF

- Tipaimukh dam is a proposed embankment dam in the state of Manipur. - Sadarghat Bridge is the only bridge built on the Barak River in Silchar city. It is the only way to reach Kumbhirgram Airport, Silchar from Silchar. Other important rivers 1. Subansiri river: Also known as Gold ri...

- Tipaimukh dam is a proposed embankment dam in the state of Manipur. - Sadarghat Bridge is the only bridge built on the Barak River in Silchar city. It is the only way to reach Kumbhirgram Airport, Silchar from Silchar. Other important rivers 1. Subansiri river: Also known as Gold river famous for its gold dust. Originates from Mount Porom (trans-Himalayas) in Tibet.Enters the Assam Valley at Dulangmukh in Dhemaji district, where it joins the Brahmaputra River at Jamurighat in Lakhimpur district. Small tributaries of the Subansiri include Rangandi, Dikrong and Kamala. 2. Kameng river (or Jia Bharali river): Originates in Tawang from the glacial lake below snow-capped Gori Chen mountain.Enters Assam at Sonitpur district and joins Brahmaputra at Tezpur. 3. Manas river: The Manas River known in Bhutan Drangme Chhu and in China as Niamjang is a transboundary river in the Himalayan foothills between southern Bhutan and India. The total length of the river is 400 kilometres ,flows through Assam for 104 kilometres (65 mi) before it joins the mighty Brahmaputra River at Jogighopa. It passes through the Manas National Park. 4. Dhansiri river: It originates from Laisang Peak at Nagaland. One of the most important rivers of Golaghat district.It joins Brahmaputra at Dhansirimukh. 5. Kopili river: largest south bank tributary of Brahmaputra. Flood and Erosion Flood and Erosion are two main natural disasters being faced by the state. The flood prone area of the state is 31,500 Sq Km as assessed by the Rashtriya Barh Ayog.The flood prone area of the country as a whole is about 10.2 % of the total area of the country and flood prone area of Assam is 39.58 % of the area of the state(about 9.40% of total flood prone area of the whole country ) Study also reveals that an area of 4.27 Lakh Hectare of the state has been eroded by the rivers since 1950, which is 7.40 % of area of the state. The average annual erosion is 8000 Ha. Lakes/Ponds of Assam - The lakes/ponds of Assam cover 0.20% of the total geographical area of the state. - Highest number of ponds/lakes are in Golaghat district.But, areawise Kamrup district has the highest area covered by lakes/ponds. - Some of the important lakes are 1. Chandubi lake: A natural lake situated in Kamrup district at the foot of Garo hills.Migratory birds visit during winters.Created on 12 June 1987 due to a massive earthquake. 2. Deepor beel: Located in Guwhati, it is the only wetland from Assam which is a part of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance. 3. Dighalipukhri: It is a man-made pond located in Guwahati. It is believed that it was created by the mythological king King Bhagadatta during the swayamvar of his daughter Bhanumati. 4. Haflong Lake: Located in Dima Hasao district,its surroundings provide suitable ground for migratory birds in winter. 5. Son beel: Located in Karimganj district. It becomes a farm land for rice cultivation during winters till March and then the land fills with water and becomes a lake.Also called as Shon Bill,it is the second largest seasonal wetland in Asia and the largest wetland in Assam.  6. Joysagar Lake: Located at Sivasagar,it is the largest manmade pond in India.It was built during the reign of Ahom king Rudra Singh in memory of his mother.There are three set of temples on its north bank amongst which the most renowned is Joy Dol. 7. Borpukhri: Located in Sivasagar ,the tank is located near the Sivadol.It was built by Queen Ambika,queen of Ahom king Siva Singha. 8. Urpad beel: It is natural lake located in Goalpara district. 9. Hakama lake: It is located in Dhubri district. 10. Dalu Lake: Located in Silchar 11. Tamranga: Located in Bongaigaon district. 12. Dora Beel: Located in Kamrup district, this beel is fed by Kulsi River which acts both inlet and outlet for the lake. 13. Kumri beel: It is a natural beel located in Goalpara where a number of birds fly to during winters. 14. Mer beel: Located in Nagaon district. 15. Morikalang beel: Located in Morigaon district. 16. Borsola Beel: Located in Guwahati city, the beel is a part of Bharalu water system. 17. Kalpa Beel: Located in Barpeta district. 18. Maguri Motapung Beel: A wetland located to Dibru-Saikhowa National Park and Motapung Village of Tinsukia district. 19. Samaguri Beel: It is an ox-bow shaped wetland located in Nagaon district. It is located in Brahmaputra river basin. 20. Silsako Lake: Located in Kamrup Metro district. Islands from Assam 1. Majuli Island 3 rivers which make Majuli - Subansiri, Khetxutia xuti, Brahmaputra - The largest riverine island of the world. - Majuli was formed as a result of the southward migration of the Brahmaputra. - Majuli was an integral part of the present Jorhat district of Assam on its south bank. - The Brahmaputra and one of its major tributaries, the Dihing, once flowed parallel and close to each other.An extreme flood, which occurred around 1750, appears to have diverted part of the flow of the Brahmaputra through the channel of the Dihing about 190 km upstream of its confluence. When the two rivers joined, the intervening land area formed the Majuli Island. 2. Umananda Island - Umananda Island is the smallest inhabited river islet in the middle of river Brahmaputra, flowing through the city of Guwahati in Assam. - It was known as Peacock Island among the British Colonists who named it so based on its shape. - The Island is home to a very rare and endangered species called Golden Langurs - The legend goes that it is the very same place where Lord Kamdev (Lord of Love) was burnt into ashes by the third eye of Lord Shiva when the former tried to disrupt his meditation thereby giving it its alternative name Bhasmchal. - The island is famous for Umananda Devi Temple located at the island. Char/Chaporis of Assam - The extremely braided channels of the river along with its unique gradient, suspended load and bed load combine to form Char/Chaporis. - ‘Almond’ shaped and of Alluvial formations - Formed because of flood so height of char is never greater than the height of the highest flood. - Chaporis are low-lying flood-prone riverbanks. - Subjected to erosion on upstreams and deposition on downstreams so migrate downwards. Climate - The state of Assam lies in the region of monsoon climate of the subtropical belt. - The Himalayan ranges standing on the north and east of the Brahmaputra valley protect the area from the chilling cold winds of the given region in winter and obstructive and moist winds going from the south west in summer.The cloud brought by the Southwest monsoon that passes over the southern Hills including the Meghalaya plateau precipitate in the Brahmaputra valley. - The depression at the eastern end of the Himalayas permits the north-east monsoon during post winter months and has an influence on the precipitation of the valley. - Under varying intensities of the weather elements and resultant weather conditions Assam normally experiences four climatic seasons - 1. Pre monsoon/Summer: - The pre monsoon begins in the early part of March and continues up to the end of May. - In this season marked atmospheric instability develops and severe thunderstorms occur, sometimes preceded by dust-raising squalls. Ex. Bordoichila - It favours the cultivation of tea, jute and ahu rice. 2. Monsoon: - It sets in by the last week of May or in early June and it lasts up to September or the first part of October. - 70% of the total annual rainfall occurs during this period. - This is the most important season during which sali rice, the principal crop of the state, is cultivated. 3. Retreating Monsoon: - The south-west monsoon withdraws sometimes in between the last part of September and first part of October and continues up to the middle of November, when fog commonly occur. 4. Dry Winter: - The winter season begins in the middle of November and continues up to the end of February. - This season is characterised by low temperature, regular morning fogs and very little rainfall. - December and January are the driest months and generally, January is the coldest month. Rainfall Agro-climatic regions of Assam Sl. Agro-Climatic zones No. of Net cropped Area sown more Cropping intensity No. Districts area (ha) than once (%) 1 Lower Brahmaputra 10 9,29,757 4,69,422 150  Valley zone 2 North Bank Plain 5 5,36,598 3,36,323 163 Zone 3 Central Brahmaputra 2 3,27,637 85,615 126 Valley Zone 4 Upper Brahmaputra 5 6,20,320 1,94,629 131 Valley Zone 5 Barak Valley Zones 3 2,41,715 1,01,989 142 6 Hill Zones 2 28,10,597 12,88,865 165 Assam 27 28,10,597 12,88,865 146 Source:Department of Agriculture,Government of Assam Biodiversity - The recorded forest area (or GreenWash) of Assam is 26,832 sq km accounting for 34.21% of its geographical area. According to their legal status, Reserved Forests constitute 66.58% and Unclassed Forests 33.42% of the total forest area.(Ministry of Environment,Forest and Climate Change,Government of India) - The protected area network of Assam includes 7 National Parks and 18 wildlife sanctuaries covering an area of 4938.53 km Table: Forest Cover in Assam (2021 Assessment) (in sq km) Geograp Very Percenta Moderat Percenta Open Percenta Total Percenta Change Scrub hical Dense ge of ely ge of Forest(O ge of OF ge of in forest Area(GA Forest(V VDF Dense MDF F) area Forest cover ) DF) area Forest Cover to w.r.t. (MDF) GA ISFR  area 2019 78,438 3,017 3.85 9,991 12.74 15,304 19.51 28,312 36.09 -15 228 Source:India State of Forest Report,2021 - The districts with highest forest cover are Dima Hasao (4,206.93 sq km, 86.07% of total GA), Karbi Anglong (7,889.18 sq km, 75.61% of total GA) and Cachar (2,222.34 sq km, 58.70% of total GA) - The districts with lowest forest cover are Dhubri(98.46 sq km,4.52% of total GA), Barpeta(115.18 sq km,5.05% of total GA) and Darrang(89.43 sq km,5.64% of total GA) Flora Forests types As per the Champion & Seth Classification of Forest Types (1968), the forests of Assam belong to seven Forest Type Groups: - Tropical Wet Evergreen Forests - Tropical Semi-Evergreen Forests - Tropical Moist Deciduous Forests - Littoral and Swamp Forests - Tropical Dry Deciduous Forests - Subtropical Broadleaved Hill Forests - Subtropical Pine Forests Generally, however, the forests in Assam can be divided into: Evergreen: - Occurs mainly in the eastern and southern areas covering parts of Tinsukia, Dibrugarh, Sibsagar,Jorhat, N.C. Hills, Cachar and Hailakandi districts.Small areas also occur in the Himalayan foothills, especially in Lakhimpur, Dhemaji and Sonitpur districts. Ex. Hollong(state tree of Assam), Nahor, Gurjan, Mekai etc Semi-Evergreen: - Occurs along the bhabar tract in the dwars in Kokrajhar, Bongaigaon, Barpeta, Darrang and Sonitpur districts. They are also found in Jorhat, Golaghat, Nagaon, Karbi Anglong, Barak Valley etc.Ex. Siris, Kadam, Ou-tenga, Kolajam etc Deciduous: - Districts of Nagaon, Morigaon, Kamrup, parts of Nalbari and Barpeta, Darrang, Dhubri, Kokrajhar and Goalpara. Dominance of Sal tree. Other trees include Gomari, Teeta Champa etc Sub-tropical Broad Leaf Hills forests and Subtropical Pine forests : - They occur in the districts of Karbi-Anglong and N. C.Hills. Species commonly occurring are Ban-hanwalu, Higher up pure stands of Khasi-pine are found particularly in the Hamren sub-division in Karbi-Anglong district. Wetlands - According to the ISFR,2019,total number of wetlands inside Recorded Forest(or Green Wash) Area is 2,622{both natural(1,038) and man-made(1584)} and total percentage of Wetland area inside Recorded Forest (or Green Wash) Area is 2.46%. - Deepor beel is the only Ramsar site from Assam. Wetland/Beel District name Bardolino Dhemaji Batha Beel Darrang Bhakatgaon Beel Morigaon Bhota Beel Kamrup Metro Boralimori Beel Jorhat Bordoibam Beel Lakhimpur Chalta Haor Cachar Danduwa Beel Morigaon Deepor Beel Kamrup Metro Deobali Beel Nagaon Dheer Beel Dhubri  Dighali Beel Jorhat Dinjan Gereki Beel Tinsukia Diplai Beel Kokrajhar Doloni Beel Bongaigaon Haribhanga Beel Nagaon Jamjing Sengajan Wetlands Jonai Khamti Guwali Beel Tinsukia Kurua Beel Kamrup Rural Kuzi Beeel Nagaon Lali River Beel Morigaon Mach Bhandar Beel Kokrajhar Maguri Beel Tinsukia Mer Beel Golaghat Misamari Beel Jorhat Monoha Beel Morigaon Morikolong Beel Morigaon Nandini-Karmari Beel Morigaon Patakalang Beel Nagaon Salmari Beel Morigaon Samoguri Beel Nagaon Sareshwar Beel Gauripur Sariyani Beel Lakhimpur Sataryajan Beel Lakhimpur Son Beel Hailakandi Tamranga Beel Bongaigaon Udari Beel Morigaon Urpad Beel Goalpara Wetland are locally known as beels in Assam. The riverine tracts of the Brahmaputra and Barak Valley provide a favourable geo-ecological conditions for the growth and development of wetlands. Bamboo - According to the ISFR,2019, total Bamboo bearing area inside RFA/Green Wash (in sq km) is 10,525 or 6.58% of the country's total Growing Stock of Bamboo. - Around 23% of bamboo resources of North East are from Assam. - Altogether 38 naturally growing species of bamboo are recorded in Assam. - Out of all the species, Bambusa jaintiana and Melocanna arundiana are found only in Assam - Pure bamboo occurs only in N.C. Hills and Karbi Anglong. - There is a bamboo park in Chaygaon, Kamrup named Bamboo Technology Park. Orchids - In Assam as many as 293 species of Orchids are reported representing 44.39% of North East species and 24.42% of species occurring in India. - State flower is Kopou Phul (Foxtail Orchids). Cane - Around 14 species of cane grow in cane breaks in forests of Assam. - Plectomia assamica and Plectomia bractealis are endemic species. Aquatic species More than 100 such aquatic species have been identified and they can be described into the following broad categories. 1. Free floating hydrophytes: Eichhornia cressipes, Pistia stratioles, Lemna mino etc. 2. Suspended submersed hydrophytes: Ceratophyllum demersum, Utricularia gibba etc. 3. Anchored submerged hydrophytes: Hydrilla, Potomogeton, vallisnaria etc. 4. Anchored hydrophytes with floating leaves: Nelumbo, Euryle etc. 5. Anchored hydrophytes with floating shoots: Ludwigia, Ipomea etc. 6. Emergent amphibious hydrophytes: Sagittaria, Scrirpus. 7. Wetland hydrophytes: Cyperus, Hygrophylla etc Fauna Mammals - Home to all the primate species of North East. - Around 193 species widely distributed - Rhinoceros unicornis(Greater one horned Rhino) is the state animal of Assam. Kaziranga National Park, is home to two-thirds of the world's population of the species.Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary has the highest rhino density. Primates - Out of 15 primate species 10 are found in Assam.Assam has the highest diversity of non-human primate species in the country. - Hollock Gibbon only ape found in India and Assam is home to Western Hollock Gibon. While Eastern Hollock Gibon is generally found in Eastern Arunachal Pradesh ,they were spotted in 2010 in three reserve forests of Assam.  - Assam is the only state with a wildlife sanctuary i.e. Hollock Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary dedicated to the conservation of a primate species. - Golden Langur is confined between Sankosh river in the West; Manas in the east; Brahmaputra in the south and mountains of Bhutan in the north. Primates Local Name Golden Langur Sonali Bandar Pigtail macaque Gahorinejia Bandar Stumped tailed macaque Senduiria Bandar Slow Lorries Lajuki Bandar Aves - Assam has 17 birds species that are endemic to the state and 77 that are globally threatened. - There are 55 Bird and Biodiversity Areas in Assam - White-winged Duck or White-winged Wood Duck (Asarcornis scutulata) is the state bird of Assam. Amphibians - Gangenophis fulleri and Ichthyphis garoensis are endemic to Assam Reptiles - Important reptiles include Khasi hills long- tailed lizard, gangetic gharial,Indian roofed turtle,Assam olive brown skink,tokay gecko,Assam greyish-brown gecko.etc. Fishes - Beels of Brahmaputra and Barak rivers are conducive habitat of various fish species. - Some important fishes from Assam are Pabho,Rou,Mirika,Magur, Ronga Kholihona,Darikona,Rani Mach etc. Butterflies - Swallowtail butterflies occupy an important place and the entire North East has been recognised as Swallowtail rich zone by the IUCN under its “Swallowtail Conservation Action Plan” Arunachal Pradesh - kaiser i Hind Sikkim - Blue duke Important census datas on wildlife of Assam Tripura - Common birdwing Animal Year of Census Number of individuals Tiger 2019 190 Rhino 2018 2652 Elephant 2017 5719 World Heritage Sites - Manas national Park (1985) - Kaziranga National Park (1985) Biosphere Reserve - Manas BR (1989) - Dibru-Saikhowa BR (1991) Project Tiger - Manas National Park (1973) - Nameri National Park (2001) - Kaziranga National Park (2007) Elephant Reserve - Sonitpur Elephant Reserve(Kameng-Sonitpur Landscape) - Dihing-Patkai Elephant Reserve(Eastern-South Bank Landscape) - Kaziranga-Karbi Anglong Elephant Reserve(Kaziranga-Karbi Anglong-Intanki Landscape) - Dhansiri-Lungding Elephant Reserve(Kaziranga-Karbi Anglong-Intanki Landscape) - Chirang Ripu Elephant Reserve(North Bengal- Greater Manas Landscape) Ramsar Site - Deepar Beel Biodiversity Heritage Sites - Majuli (March 2017) Conservation Reserves and Community Reserves - No recognised Conservation Reserves or Community Reserves Tiger Reserves - Manas National Park - Nameri National Park - Orang National Park - Kaziranga National Park Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas(IBAs) IBAs Districts 1.Amchang Wildlife Sanctuary and adjoining areas Kamrup 2.Barail Range Cachar/North Cachar Hills 3. Barnadi Wildlife Sanctuary Darrang 4.Bauwaa Beel Hailakandi 5.Behali Reserve Forest Sonitpur 6.Bherjan - Borajan Padumoni Wildlife Sanctuary Tinsukia 7. Bordoibum - Beelmukh Bird Sanctuary Dhemaji-Lakhimpur 8.Bordoloni - Sampora Lakhimpur and Dhemaji 9. Chakrasila Complex Dhubri / Kokrajhar 10. Chand Dubi Beel and Adjacent Area Kamrup 11.Deobali Jalah Nagaon 12.Dhansiri Reserve Forest Karbi Anglong 13.Dibru - Saikhowa Tinsukia, Dibrugarh and Dhemaji 14. Dipor Beel Kamrup 15.East and North Karbi Anglong Karbi Anglong 16.Garam Pani Karbi Anglong 17.Gibbon (Hollongapar) Jorhat 18.Habang & Umru Karbi Anglong 19. Innerline(East) and Barak Reserve forest Cachar and Hailkandi 20.Jamjing - Senghjans Dhemaji 21.Jatinga North Cachar 22.Jengdia Beel and Satgaon Kamrup 23.Jhanjimukh - Kokilamukh Jorhat 24.Kaziranga National Park Golaghat/Nagaon/Sonitpur 25. Kuarbari Dalani Lakhimpur 26.Langting - Mupa North Cachar Hills 27.Laokhowa and Burhachapori Sonitpur and Nagaon 28.Lumding - Marat Longri Nagon, Karbi Anglong 29.Majuli Island Majuli 30.Manas Barpeta and Bongiagaon 31.Nameri Sonitpur 32.Orang Darrang And Sonitpur 33.Pabho Reserve Lakhimpur 34. Pabitora Morigaon 35. Panidihing, Phokolai Beel Sibsagar 36. Ripu Chirang Kokrajhar 37. Sibsagar Tanks Sibsagar 38. Son Beel Karimganj 39. Sonai - Rupai Sonitpur 40. Subansiri Dhemaji (Subansiri Reserve Forest), Lakhimpur 41. Tamranga - Dalani - Bhairav Complex Bongaigaon 42. Tirap - Patkai (Saliki - Adjacent) Tinsukia 43. Upper Dihing (East Complex) Tinsukia 44. Upper Dihing (West Complex) Dibrugarh / Tinsukia 45. Urpad Beel Goalpara 46. Barail Wildlife Sanctuary Cachar 47. Dum Duma,Dangori and Kumsong Reserve Tinsukia Forest 48. Chirang Reserve Forest Chirang 49. Dadara-Pasariya-Singimari Kamrup 50. Innerline(West) amd Katakhal Reserve forest Cachar 51. Krungming Forest Reserve Dima Hasao 52. Maguri and Motapung Beels Tinsukia 53. Manas Reserve Forest Baksa 54. Marat Longri Wildlife Sanctuary Karbi Anglong 55. Sareswar Beel Dhubri National Parks of Assam Kaziranga National Park - Area:Golaghat,Nagaon,Sonitpur and Biswanath - Districts:858 sq. km(extended area)(Statistical Handbook Assam 2021) - Declared Reserved forest in 1908 - Name changed to Wildlife Sanctuary in 1950 - Declared National Park on 11th February 1974 - Declared World Heritage Site in 1985 - In 2007, Kaziranga came under Project Tiger - It is the host for two-third of world’s population of endangered Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros.In fact, in the 14th census 2022, Kaziranga has registered a growth of 200 in the number of One -Horned Rhinos in 4 years taking the number to 2613. - It has the second highest density of tigers in the world. - Recognised as an Important Bird Area by Birdlife International. - A vast expanse of tall marshland and tropical broadleaf forests are found - Divided into the following ranges: 1. Burhapahar,Bagori(Western) 2. Kohora(Central) 3. Agaratoli(Eastern) 4. Biswanath(Northern) - Wildlife: One horned rhinoceros,elephants,Indian bison,swamp deer,sambar, hog deer, sloth bear, tiger, leopard, leopard cat, jungle cat, bog badger, capped langur, hollock gibbon, jackal. Goose. Hornbills, ibis, cormorants, egret, heron fishing eagle,etc. - Rivers: Brahmaputra,Mora Diphlu, Diphlu and Mora Dhansiri. - Nearest airport is Rowriah Airport in Jorhat. - Nearest highway is NH 37(old numbering)/NH 715(new numbering). Manas National Park - Location: Chirang and Baksa - Area: 500 sq. km(Statistical Handbook Assam 2021) - Recognised as a Wildlife Sanctuary in 1928 - Manas Biosphere Reserve was created in 1973 - It came under Project Tiger in 1973 - It was set up as a National Park in 1990 by adding Kahitama Reserved Forest, Kokilabari Reserved Forest and Panjabari Reserved Forest within the area of Manas Biosphere Reserve. - Declared World Heritage Site in 1985 - Has the largest number of rarely found wild animals of India which includes 22 species of endangered animals. - It registered a growth in the number of rhinos in 14th census 2018 taking the number to 40 from 38 four years earlier. - The park is divided into three ranges: 1. Panbari( the western range) 2. Bansbari( the central range) 3. Bhuiyapara(the eastern range) - Wildlife:Hispid hare,pigmy hog, golden langur, elephant, Indian rhinoceros, wild buffalo, wild boar, sambar deer, hog deer and hundreds of winged species. - It is especially famous for its population of wild water buffalo. - River: Manas - Nearest Airport: Guwahati Airport - Nearest Highway: NH 31(old numbering) Dibru-Saikhowa National Park - Location: Dibrugarh and Tinsukia - Area: 340 sq. km(Statistical Handbook Assam 2021) - Biogeographically, it exhibits properties of both Indian and Malayan sub-regions. - It was declared as Dibru Reserved Forest in 1890. - In 1986,an area 650 sq. km was declared as Wildlife Sanctuary but later in 1995 inly 340 sq. km was finally declared as Wildlife sanctuary. - In 1997, it was declared as Dibru-Saikhowa Biosphere Reserve. - Declared National park on 9th March,1999. - Largest Salix swamp forest in North-Eastern India. - The only forest reserve of the world where Wild Horses are found. - Wildlife: Various species of monkey,kand and aquatic bird and snake,deer, wild pig, tiger etc. - Rivers: Brahmaputra, Lohit, Dibru - Nearest Airport: Dibrugarh(Mohanbari) - Nearest Highway: NH 37(old numbering)/NH 27(new numbering) Nameri National Park - Location:Sonitpur - Area: 200sq. Km(Statistical Handbook Assam 2021) - Shares northern boundary with the Pakke Wildlife Sanctuary. - Declared Reserve forest in 1978. - Name changed from Nameri forest reserve to Naduwar Forest reserve in 1978.  - Set up as Sanctuary in 1985. - Officially established as a National Park in 1998. - Came under Project Tiger in 2001. - Rivers:Jia Bharali,Bor Dikorai - Nearest Airport:Tezpur Airport(Salonibari) - Nearest highway: NH 15 Orang National Park - Location: Sonitpur and Darrang - Area: 78.81 sq. km(Statistical Handbook Assam 2021) - In 1919,declared as Orang Game Reserve - Established as a sanctuary in 1985 and renamed as Rajiv Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary. - There was a massive agitation over its name and so it was renamed as Orang National Park on 13th April,1999. - Smallest national park of Assam - Wildlife: Great Indian one-horned rhinoceros, elephant, leopard, sambar, barking deer, tiger and varieties of water birds, green pigeon, floricon, teal, gees, etc. - Rivers: Dhansiri, Pachnoi, Brahmaputra - Nearest Airport: Tezpur Airport (Salonibari) - Nearest National Highway:NH 52(old numbering)/ NH 15(new numbering) Raimona National Park - Location: Kokrajhar district(Kokrajhar and Gossaigaon subdivision) - Area: 422 sq. km(Statistical Handbook Assam 2021) - named after the historical Capital of Bijni estate, Raimona - Part of contiguous forest patch covering the northern part of the notified Ripu Reserve Forest(forms the westernmost reserve to Manas Tiger Reserve). - Part of Chirang-Ripu Elephant Reserve. - Famous for Golden langur which is endemic to this region. - Wildlife: Primates, slow loris, Assamese macaque, Rhesus monkey and capped langur, Chinese pangolin, dhole or Asian wild dog, Himalayan black bear, crab-eating mongoose, jungle cat, leopard cat, Asiqn golden cat, Bengal tiger, leopard, clouded leopard, Asian elephant, guar, Himalayan serow, sambar, chital, hog deer, barking deer, crestless Himalayan porcupine and hispid hare. - Rivers: Sonkosh and Manas - Nearest Airport:Rupsi Airport - Nearest National Highway: NH 27(new numbering) Dehing Patkai National Park - Location: Dibrugarh and Tinsukia - Area::234.26 sq. km(Statistical Handbook Assam 2021) - Declared Wildlife Sanctuary on 13th June,2004. - Declared as Dehing- Patkai Elephant Reserve under ‘Project Elephant”.  - On 8 June ,2021, it was declared as a National Park.After declaration of this park as the 7th National park, now Assam becomes the second state having highest National Park) in the country followed by 12 in Madhya Pradesh. - The forests of Dehing Patkai are wet tropical evergreen.In fact,it is believed to be the last remaining contiguous patch of lowland rainforest in Assam. - Wildlife: Slow loris, Assamese macaque, stump-tailed macaque, pig-tailed macaque, Rhesus monkey, capped langur, hoolock gibbon, whitw-winged wood duck, slender-billed vulture,greater adjutant stork, lesser adjutant stork, yellow- vented warbler, great hornbill, broad-billed warbler etc. - Rivers:Dehing river - Nearest Airport: Dibrugarh Airport( Mohanbari) - Nearest Highway:NH 315 and NH 215(new numbering) Wildlife sanctuary Name of the Wildlife Sanctuaries Location (District) Bhejan-Borajan-Padumoni WLS Tinsukia Panidehing WLS Sivasagar Hollongpar Gibbon WLS Jorhat Nambor-Doigurung WLS Golaghat Garampani WLS Karbi Anglong Nambor WLS Karbi Anglong East Karbi Anglong-WLS Karbi Anglong Marat Longri WLS Karbi Anglong Burhachapori WLS Sonitpur Laokhowa WLS Nagaon Pabitora WLS Morigaon Sonai-Rupai WLS Sonitpur Barnadi WLS Udalguri Chakrasila WLS Kokrajhar Barail WLS Cachar, Karimganj Amchang WLS Kamrup (Metro) Deepor Beel Wildlife Sanctuary Kamrup (Metro) North Karbi Anglong WLS Karbi Anglong Bardoibam Beelmukh WLS Lakhimpur, Dhemaji Additional information ❖ Top 3 wildlife sanctuaries sizewise: 1. Marat Longri WLS(451 sq. km) 2. Barail WLS ( 326.25 sq. km) 3. East Karbi Anglong-WLS( 221.8 sq. km) ❖ Bottom 3 wildlife sanctuaries sizewise 1. Deepor Beel Wildlife Sanctuary ( 4.14 sq. km) 2. Garampani WLS ( 6.05 sq. km) 3. Bhejan-Borajan-Padumoni WLS ( 7.22 sq. km) ❖ In the Assam Budget 2021-22 ,it was announced that a new wildlife Sanctuary-Azgarh wildlife Sanctuary would be set up in Goalpara. ❖ Nambor – Doigrung Wildlife Sanctuary (Golaghat) and Garampani Wildlife Sanctuary (Karbi Anglong) - Famous for Hot water springs ❖ Garampani Wildlife Sanctuary has 51 rare species of Orchid ❖ Nambor Wildlife Sanctuary, spreading 37 sq. kms. contiguous to Garampani WLS is located in KarbiAnglong Autonomous District Council. It harbours 51 rare species of Orchid. ❖ Chakrasila Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Kokrajhar and Dhubri districts and is the second home of Golden Langur off the foothills of Himalaya. ❖ Marat Longri Wildlife Sanctuary is an important component of Dhansiri-Lungding Elephant Reserve ❖ Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary is a part of Laokhowa -Burachapori eco-system. ❖ Dehing Patkai Wildlife Sanctuary with an area of 111.19 Sq. Kms. is located in Dibrugarh and Tinsukia districts and is famous for Assam Valley Tropical Wet Evergreen Forests bordering Arunachal Pradesh. The Sanctuary is a part of the Dehing-Patkai Elephant Reserve having the World War II cemeteries nearby, along with the Stillwell Road and the oldest refinery of Asia in Digboi and 'open cast' coal mining at Ledo. ❖ Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary (Marigaon) - World's highest density of One horned Rhino ❖ Bornadi Wildlife Sanctuary (Udalguri) - Constituted especially for the protection and conservation of Hispid Hare and Pigmy Hog. ❖ Deepar Beel Wildlife Sanctuary (Kamrup) - The only Ramsar Site in the State ❖ The proposed Bordoibam Bilmukh Bird Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Dhemaji and Lakhimpur districts, the Bird Sanctuary covers an area of 11.25 sq. kms. and is a breeding ground of large Whistling Teal. ❖ In May 2022, the Assam government has granted wildlife sanctuary status to Behali reserve forest through a preliminary notification. Social Forestry - The social forestry programme was launched in Assam in 1980-81. - Objectives - 1. To meet the requirement of leaf-fodders, fuel wood and other forest products including small timber of the local people 2. To help the effort of individuals producing fuel wood, fodder and other forest products  3. To extend forest to all categories of land without affecting the ownership and also to bring a sense of responsibility for protection maintenance and care of forest 4. To provide employment and economic upliftment of the present and future generations particularly in the rural sector, and 5. To ensure maintenance of ecological balance. The people & the population - The first race to settle in Assam was Austrics or Austroasiatics or proto-Austroasiatics(entered through the sea routes), then followed the Mongoloids (entered through the Patkai hill range via Tibet, Nepal and Bhutan) and finally came the Caucasoids (entered via north-west route). 1. Austroasiatics - Khasis and Jaintias are believed to be descendents of this race.They are believed to have come from the islands of Pacific. 2. Mongoloids or Indo-Mongoloids - They speak different languages of Sino-Tibetian group. This language has two main branches: 2.1 Tibeto-Burman - They are believed to have come from upper course of Yangtze and the Hoang Ho (Yellow) rivers in North West China.They are subdivided into two 2.1.1. Assam-Burma : Bodos, arbhas, Tiwas, Kachari,Mech,etc. 2.1.2. North Assam: Misings 2.2. Siamese-Chinese or Thais- They came from Myanmar(Burma) to Assam. Some of the examples of this sub-group are Ahoms,Tai Phakes,etc. 3. Caucasoids - Comprises mainly the Aryans who entered from Western direction. Assam census data Area: 78438.08 Sq. km (16th in India, 2.39% of total territory of India) Population: 3,12,05,576 (15th in India, 2.58% of total population of India) 1. Male 1,59,39,443(51%) 2. Female 1,52,66,133(49%) 3. Rural 2,68,07,034(86%) 4. Urban 43,98,542(14%) Density: 398/ Sq. km (India - 382)(15th in India) Sex ratio (PER 1000 MALE): 958 (India – 943)(15th in India) Child (0-6yr) Sex Ratio 962( India - 914) (per 1000 male) SC/ ST: 6.85% / 12.41% Literacy rate: 72.19% (ranked 26th among the states of India) 1. Male 77.85% 2. Female 66.27% Percentage of Population Growth - Highest:Dhubri (24.40) - Lowest:Kokrajhar (5.19) Religion - ○ According to the 2011 census, 61.47% of the people of Assam are Hindus, 34.22% are muslims and 3.7% are Christians.  ○ Others - Jainism (0.1%), Buddhism (0.2%), Sikhism (0.1%) Language - ○ Assamese (48.8%), Bengali (20.05%), hindi (5.8%), Bodo (2.8%), Nepali (2.1%) Tribes- ○ Boro or Bodo tribe has the highest population amongst the tribes in Assam with 40.9% population.Overall population ,however, is 4.54%. ○ Miri tribe has the second highest population. District wise data( based on 2011 Census)* Parameter Top 3 Bottom 3 Total Population Nagaon(18,92,550 or 6.06%) Majuli(1,67,304 or 0.53%) Cachar(17,36,617 or 5.56%) Dima Hasao(2,14,102 or 0.68%) Barpeta(16,93,622 or 5.42%) West K.Anglong(2,95,358 or 0.94%) Urban population Kamrup Metro(10,37,011) Majuli(0) Cachar(3,15,464) Baksa(12,242) Tinsukia(2,64,743) West K.Anglong(17,863) Population density Kamrup Metro(1313) Dima Hasao (44) Dhubri (896) Karbi Anglong(92) Barpeta (742) Dhemaji(212) SC Population Cachar(2,64,897) Dima Hasao(4,337) Karimganj Charaideo Nagaon South Salmara ST Population Karbi Anglong(3,45,220) Hailakandi(691) Baksa Karimganj Dhemaji Dhubri  Literacy Kamrup Metro(88.71%) South Salmara(50.76%) Sivasagar(84.49%) Dhubri(61.23%) Jorhat (82.78%) Darrang(63.08%) Sex Ratio Baksa(974) Dima Hasao(932) Udalguri(973) Kamrup Metro(936) Chirang(969) Kamrup(949) *- Data has been interpolated (as per the Revised Census Data) so it also includes the districts created post 2011. Therefore, if one checks the original Census 2011 which excluded the recently created districts, he/she might find differences. Other important datas(based on Sample Registration Survey(SRS) and National Family Health Survey-5(NFHS-5)) Parameter Data Total Fertility Rate(TFR) (NHFS-5) 1.9 Sex Ratio(NHFS-5) 1012 Crude Birth Rate (CBR) (SRS) 21 Crude Death Rate (CDR)(SRS) 6.3 Infant Mortality Rate (IMR)(NHFS-5) 31.9 Under 5 Mortality Rate(NHFS-5) 39.1 Natural Resources Mineral Resources Crude oil - Assam is third largest crude oil producing state after(Rajasthan and Gujarat). - The commercial discovery of oil was made in 1889 at Digboi. - Digboi refinery commissioned on 11th December, 1901. - Earlier it was owned and operated by Assam Oil Company Limited - The management of the Digboi Oil field was taken by Oil India Limited in 1981. - Digboi refinery has been termed as the ‘Gangotri of Indian Hydrocarbon Sector”. - Other oilfields - ○ Naharkatiya Oilfield - discovered in 1953  ○ Moran Oilfield - discovered in 1956 ○ Rudrasagar Oilfield - Oil was struck at Rudrasagar field by ONGC in 1960 ○ Lakowa Oilfield - Discovered in 1965 - Refineries - 1. Digboi refinery - 1901 (capacity - 3 lakh tonnes) 2. Noonmati refinery (Guwahati refinery) - 1962 (capacity - 1 million tonnes) 3. Bongaigaon refinery - 1979 (capacity - 1.35 million tonnes) 4. Numaligarh refinery (Accord refinery) - 1999 (capacity - 9 million tonnes) Natural Gas - Assam is the highest Natural gas producing state in India. - In Assam almost all the petroleum producing areas of the Upper Brahmaputra valley, especially Naharkatia, Moran, Lakwa and Rudrasagar, contain ‘associated natural gas’. - The important industries so far built up on the basis of the natural gas of Assam are - Namrup Fertilizer Factory, Namrup Thermal Power Project, Assam Gas Company. Bongaigaon Refinery also uses natural gas as raw material to produce various chemicals. Coal - Assam has a coal reserve of 525 mn tonnes out of which a paltry 17.90 mn tonnes have been extracted so far. - Assam ranks 12 in coal reserves. - In NE states, Meghalaya is having largest reserves and is ranked at 11 overall. - Sulphur content of Assam coal is higher than Jharia and Raniganj.However, the ash content is much lower than Jharia and Raniganj. - Coal in Assam was first recorded by British Surveyor Lieutenant Wilcox in year 1825. - First coal mining was done by C. A. Bruce in 1828. - The first coal mining in the region was started in 1865 at the Makum coal fields under the initiative of H B Medicate.However, in sources it is also mentioned that coal mining started near Ledo in 1882. - Coal fields of Assam - ○ Tinsukia district - Makum Coal field, Saraipong Tarajan Coal Deposits, ○ Dibrugarh/Sivsagar - Dilli-Jeypore Coal Field ○ Karbi Anglong - Sheelveta, Koilajan ○ N. C. Hills - Garampani, Khota Arda Coal Deposit, Dithor Coal Deposit, - Since, the coal mines (Nationalisation) Act of 1973, the North Eastern Coal Field Limited (NECFL) of Coal India Limited has been operating in the Makum and Dilli-Jeypore Coalfield area with nine mining leases spread over an area of 62 sq. km. The mining lease areas are - i. Baragolai ii. Lekhapani iii. Tirap Coal grant iv. Namdang Coal grant v. Dilli vi. Jeypore vii. Bimalapore viii. Koilajan Mining lease and ix. Sheelveta. Limestone - Limestone deposits in Assam ○ Karbi Anglong - Dillai parbat, Sheelveta, Koilajan ○ N C Hills - New Umrangsho, Juipahar, Umrangsho. ○ Bokajan cement factory is based on the lime stone reserve of Koilajan Assam has only one large Cement factory in Bokajan (Karbi-anglong) The factory started production in 1977. Clay - Pottery clay (Kumaramatti) - occurs throughout Assam - Fire clay - in Ledo and Namdang area, the fire clay occurs with the coal seams. The fire clay deposits of Sheelveta and Koilajan were also investigated by DGM (Directorate of Geology and Mining) - China clay or Kaolin - Bering relatively pure clay, it is used in ceramic industry. Deopani, Sheelveta and Silanijan (all in Karbi Anglong district) have good Kaolin deposit - Lithomerge(white clay) - Silanijan in Karbi Anglong. - Fuller’s earth - used by the washer man to clean clothes. Occurs at Subankhata (Kamrup). It can bleach vegetable oil but is not suitable for petroleum refining. - Drilling clay - it is of so fine consistency that when mised with water, it forms a kind of emulsion and remains in suspension for a long time with very little treatment. It is found at Mathurapur of Sivsagar district. Sillimanite deposit - The wonder rock that can be used without processing. - Recent discovery in Karbi Anglong. Feldspar - Chiefly used in manufacture of glass, pottery, ceramic glaze, enamels, vitreous enamels etc. - Occurs at Hahim (Kamrup) and Rangchali (Karbi Anglong). - There is a promising occurrence of feldspar near Pancharatna of Goalpara district. Gold - Alluvial gold occurs in many rivers of Assam such as - Subansiri, Dikrang, Sissi, Dihing, Dibong and Noa-Dihing. - Besides these rivers, placer gold is also represented from all the other tributaries of the Brahmaputra River in Upper Assam Iron ore - Occurs at - Chandardinga (Dhubri), Len Gupara (Goalpara), Kumri (Goalpara) Quartz - Hahim (Kamrup), Sheelveta and Rangchali (Karbi Anglong) Mica - Mainly two types of mica occur in Assam - ○ Muscovite - Borduar Reserve Forest of Kamrup and Dholamura Hills of Goalpara district ○ Lithium (lepidolite) - Chakrashila Hills Agriculture and Allied sector Agriculture and Allied Sector comprises of: - Crop sector - Livestock sector - Forestry & Logging sector - Fishing and Aquaculture sector Crop Sector - About 63% of the State’s working force or 70% of the rural population are engaged in agriculture and allied activities. - The State has a gross cropped area of about 39.75 lakh hectares (2019-20)(Assam Economic Survey 21-22) , more than 79% accounting for foodgrain crops. - Net cropped area is about 26.99 lakh hectares(2019-20)(Assam Economic Survey 21-22) - More than 85 percent farmers are either small or marginal with average land holding of just about 0.36 hectares - Cropping intensity is about 147%(2019-20)(Assam Economic Survey 21-22). - Fallow land is about 2.16 lakh Hectares(2019-20)(Assam Economic Survey 21-22). - Data from Agricultural census,2015-16 1. Average size of operational landholding (ha.)- 1.09 2. Number of operational land holding- 27 lakh - Principal food crop of Assam is rice occupying the highest area. - Cash crops - jute, tea, cotton, sugarcane etc. - Agricultural inputs 1. Fertilizers:The consumption of fertilizer in the state is around 67 kg/Hectare(2020-21)(Assam Economic Survey 21-22).There is a large fertiliser plant in Assam owned by Fertilizer Corporation of India in Namrup. It started production in the late 1960’s by using the natural gas. The plant was expanded in 1987. There is a small fertiliser plant Chandrapur Guwahati. It was started in 1962 by Assam State Fertilisers and Chemicals Limited. Overall production of fertilisers is very much limited in Assam. 2. Pesticides: Chemical Pesticides is used more than Bio- Pesticides. 3. Seeds: ssam State Seed Certification Agency (ASSCA) is the Nodal Agency, which has been entrusted with the responsibility of seed certification namely paddy, mustard and seeds of pulses as per feasibility.Under ASSCA there are three notified Seed Testing Laboratories located at Guwahati, Jorhat and Silchar. 4. Farm Mechanization: The factors like fragmented and small land holdings, farmers’ poor economic conditions and nonavailability of situation specific prototypes of farm implements stand as serious hindrance to mechanization of agriculture of the state. 5. Irrigation: The gross irrigated area is 2.9 lakh Hectare and net irrigated area 2.5 lakh hectare(2020-21)(Assam Economic Survey 21-22).Karbi Anglong has the highest gross irrigated area while Udalguri has the highest net irrigated area.The main crops Rice : - Rice is cultivated in the state in three seasons - Boro rice during summer , Ahu during autumn and Sali during winters. - The total area under paddy cultivation during the year 2020-21 was 23.60 lakhs hectares(highest amongst all the crops)(Assam Economic Survey 21-22). - Around 19% area is the area under HYV variety of rice and around 12% under hybrid rice variety(Assam Economic Survey 21-22). - About different types of rice: 1. Ahu or Autumn rice (March / April – June / July) - These are early maturing varieties (80-130 days) - These can be seeded or transplanted - Ahu rice can be further classified as Dumai, Murali and Chengri mainly depending on duration 2. Boro or summer rice (Nov / Dec – May/June) - Transplanted traditionally in the beel and marshy land situations with minimum or no tillage - It has the highest yield. 3. Other famous varieties of Rice - - Boka Saul (mud rice) - GI tagged, Used during festival season - Hill rice - traditionally grown in Jhuming areas - Bao-Dhan - Iron rich ‘red rice’ is grown in Brahmaputra valley of Assam, without the use of any chemical fertilizer.Export of ‘Bao-dhaan’ or Red rice from Assam started in March 2021.In a major boost to India’s rice exports potential, the first consignment of ‘red rice’ was flagged off to the USA by Agriculture Processed Food Products Exports Development Authority(APEDA). - Mala, IR-36, Lachit, Masuri, Joya, Ranjit, Ratna, China, Biplob, Krishna are different varieties of HYV seeds for rices Wheat: - It is grown as a Rabi crop (November - March). Leading districts are Kamrup, Nalbari, Barpeta, Dhubri but are not relegated to these districts. Maize: - Maize is cultivated in the state by the farmers for their own consumption and not commercially. Leading districts are Karbi Anglong and Dima- Hasao. - It has the highest productivity index of around 500%. Pulses : - Pulses are the second most staple food in Assam after rice. These are Rabi crops (grown during winter season). However,some of the pulses can also be grown during the Kharif season Kharif Pulses Rabi Pulses - Arhar (Tur) - Gram - Urd (Blackgram) - Lentil - Moong (Greengram) - Pea - Lathyrus  - Lobia (Cowpea) - Rajmah - Kulthi (Horsegram) - Moth Oilseeds : - A variety of oilseeds is produced in the state like mustard, sesamum, castor, groundnut ,soybean,etc.Leading districts - Karbi Anglong, Marigaon, Barpeta. Cash crops Jute - The required condition for jute cultivation (high rainfall and high temperature) are filled by Brahmaputra and Barak valley. - The state produces about the highest i.e. 81% of total jute cultivation in NE India and second in rank among the states of India after WB. Cotton - Second most important producer of cotton in North East. Mainly two hill districts of Karbi-Anglong and North Cachar Hills have favourable climate and physiography for cotton cultivation Sugarcane - It is widely produced in the districts of Golaghat, Jorhat, Sibsagar, Nagaon, Kamrup, Nalbari and Barpeta. - Based on raw materials, a sugar mill in Baruabamun gaon in Golaghat district and another near Kampur in Nagaon district were established. Rubber - Rubber plantation started in Assam for the first time in 1960s / 1970s. - The area under rubber cultivation has grown from 16 thousand hectares in 2006-07 to 59 thousand hectares in 2020-21(Assam Economic Survey 21-22). - Assam is the second largest rubber grower after Tripura in the region. - Karimganj district has emerged as one of the largest rubber growing district in Assam. Coffee - Coffee cultivation in NE Region started at Cachar District of Assam in 1853. Commercial cultivation started 1970s at on started 1970s at Garo Hills (Meghalaya ) to wean away local community from Jhum cultivation practices. - Assam is the second important state in NE India for coffee production after Nagaland. Most of the coffee gardens in Assam are located in Karbi-Anglong and Dima Hasao districts. - Gunjang is the largest coffee garden in Assam. - Regional Coffee Research Station (RCRS), Diphu in Karbi Anglong district of Assam was established to support coffee plantations in 1980 - Assam grows arabica coffee and coffee plantation is intercropped with Pineapple, Pepper, Jackfruit, Vegetables Tea - Tea is the main cash crop of the state. - The state produces the largest amount of tea in the country. - About 17% of the workers of Assam are engaged in tea industry. - Tea in Assam was discovered by Rober Bruce in 1823. - The drink was locally known as Fanap. - 1834 - The then Governor General formed a committee to examine the possibility of commercial cultivation of tea. - 1839 - A company known as the Assam Company was formed to take over the experimental holdings of the EIC administration over the tea gardens established in Assam till then. Nazira was the HQ of this company until it was shifted to Calcutta in 1965. - 1839 - A private British Entrepreneur started a tea garden near Chabua (Dibrugarh) - 1840 - A group of British planters formed Assam Company at Nazira for commercial plantation of tea in a large scale. - 1859 - Jorhat Tea Company was formed - Assam produces the largest quantity of tea among all the Indian states. Assam alone produces more that 50% of India’s tea production and about 1/6th of the tea produced in the world. - 1911 - Toklai tea research centre was started (Jorhat) - 1970 - Tea Auction centre was established in Guwahati. This is the world’s largest CTC tea auction centre and the world’s second largest in terms of total tea - The government has secured a Geographical indication for the tea produced in the state. As a result “Assam Tea” is known as “Assam Orthodox Tea”. - As per Tea Board of India,2021, in there are 121675 nos. registered Small Tea Growers and number of big grower tea estates (i.e. with holding above 10.12 hectares) in the state is 765 - Area under tea cultivation is 3.47 lakh hectare and 1781kg/hectare is the average yield for the year 2020 according to the Tea Board of India. Soybean and Sunflower - Both are source of oil. They were ​not grown traditionally ​in Assam. - They have been introduced recently in Assam on ​experimental basis​in Karbi Anglong, Barpeta, Morigaon districts. Tobacco - It is done in very small quantities by the farmers for domestic use only. - Phulaguri ​area of south Nagaon is popular for its flavour of tobacco Horticultural Crops - Horticulture crops occupy about 15%(about 8 lakh hectares) of gross cultivated area of the State with an annual productio n of more than 67 lakh metric tonnes.(Assam Economic Survey 2021-22) - Different types of horticultural crops cultivated in Assam are: 1. Fruit Crops - Banana, Pineapple, Orange, Papaya, Assam Lemon, Gauva, Litchi ,Jackfruit, Mango 2. Tuber Crops - Potato, Sweet Potato, Tapeoca 3. Spices Crops - Chillies, Turmeric, Onion, Ginger, Garlic, Coriander,Black Pepper 4. Vegetable Crops - Kharif Vegetables, Rabi Vegetables 5. Plantations - Coconut , Cashew nut  - About some important horticultural crops: 1. Banana: Assam’s banana varieties are partially domesticated or still in their wild form.Goalpara and Kamrup are the leading producer districts. The area of Chhayagaon in south bank of Kamrup district upto Area of Goalpara is popular for a variety of Banana called Malbhog.Important varieties are - Jahaji, Bar Jahaji, Malbhog, Chenichampa, Kani Bansi, Sapkal, etc. Darrangiri is Asia's largest Banana market 2. Potato: The state of Assam has the maximum area and production under potato crop within the North East.Majorly grown at Barpeta, Darrang, Kamrup, Sonitpur, Nagaon, Dhubri, Nalbari 3. Sweet Potato: Grown majorly at Dhubri and Kamrup. 4. Orange: Tinsukia is the largest producer in the state. 5. Assam Lemon: It’s unique for the high percentage of Vitamin C besides Vitamin B and Niacin and high peel oil that can be used in cosmetics industry. G.I. Tags from Assam under the category of Agriculture - Assam (Orthodox) Logo - Karbi Anglong ginger - Tezpur Litchi - Joha Rice - Boka Chaul - Kaji Nemu - Chokuwa Rice Livestock sector - 20th Livestock census,2019 related important facts: 1. Total livestock is about 1.8 crore 2. Assam has the 8th highest population of cattle in India. 3. Assam has the 7th highest poultry population. 4. Assam , with 2.1 million pig population, has the largest pig population in India. - According to the Directorate of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary, Assam, around 1000 million litres of milk was produced in 2020-21. Forestry & logging sector - Major forest products from Assam: Timber,Agar chips,Agar Oil,Agar dust, broom grass, firewood, sand, silt, clay. - Bamboo industry: 1. Assam is the largest bamboo producing states in India. 2. The main bamboo growing areas of Assam are the districts of Cachar, Karbi Anglong, North Cachar Hills, Nagaon and Lakhimpur. 3. As many as 51 species of bamboo grow in Assam Fishery sector - Fishery sector has been identified as one of the Ratnas among the selected Navaratnas under the Chief Minister’s Samagra Gramya Unnayan Yojana (CMSGUY).  - Fish Production in the state has reached a level of 3.93 Lakh MT during 2020-21 against the corresponding nutritional requirement of around 4.00 Lakh MT.(Assam Economic Survey 2021-22) - The per capita consumption has been enhanced to 12 kg for the year 2020-21 from 11 kg in 2019-20.(Assam Economic Survey 2021-22) - Total number of registered beels for fishery: 1904 - Jagiroad is world’s largest dry fish market. Industries - The industry sector comprises of : 1. Mining & Quarrying 2. Manufacturing 3. Electricity,Gas, Water Supply & Other Utility Services 4. Construction - In terms of Net Value Added with a share of 1.12 percent at All-India level the State is in the 19th position out of 34 states & union territories whereon ASI was conducted and reported in the ASI 2018-19. However, it is at the 16th position in respect of number of workers engaged in the sector. Mining and Quarrying - Major details on this provided in “Natural Resources” section Manufacturing - Clothing and Textiles 1. Silk(Sericulture): Assam produces all the four varietes of silk - Golden Muga Silk, Eri Silk, Mulberry(Pat) Silk, Oak tassar Silk. However, the state accounts for highest production of non-mulberrry silk like muga and eri. More than 97% of Golden Muga Silk and about 65% of Eri silk is produced in Assam.The largest seed producing centre is at Goreshwar in Kamrup district. Second one is at Jamugurihat in Sonitpur district. Silk variety Silkworm feed on Muga silk Som and Sualu leaves Pat silk Mulberry leaves Eri silk Endi or Errandi silk 2. Handloom: Assam is having the highest number of looms in the country as indicated by the Handloom Census Report. Women are involved in significant number, primarily with subsidiary capacity.The state had an estimated number of 1.7 lakh full time weavers and 10.7 lakh nos of part time weavers during 2020-21.There are 33 Yarn Banks in the state. - Petroleum and Natural Gas : Refer to the “ Natural Resources “ section. - Brass and bell metal products(under Metals sector): 1. Existence since the Mauryan period (321-185 BC) and also trace its existence to 7th century AD when Kumar Bhaskar Barman, king of Kamrupa, presented a Kangsha patra (a bell metal item) to king Harshavardhana of north India.  2. Mostly the bell metal industries are located in Sarthebari town of Barpeta district and Hajo region of Kamrup( Rural) district of Assam. 3. The people in the town are experts and make high quality utensils and other items, such as sarais, ban batis, glasses, plates etc. this is part of the cultural tradition of Assam, which has passed from one generation to the other. - Paper Industry : 1. The first paper mill of the state was set up at Jogighopa in 1971 by the Ashok Paper Mills limited. 2. Most successful paper mill in Assam was set up by Hindustan Paper Corporation at Jagiroad in Marigaon district in 1985. 3. Hindustan Paper corporation set up another plant at Badarpur in Karimganj district. In handicrafts part, just read the prelims specific Handicrafts information that is, which place is famous for what product, details can be avoided Bamboo and cane craft Introduction - North eastern regions host around 90 species of bamboo. - There are at least 1500 recorded uses of Bamboo. - Bamboo groves are found mostly along the edge of Reserve forest. Pure Bamboo forest occur in Dima Hasao and Karbi-Anglong districts. Products - There are at least 1500 recorded uses of Bamboo. - Utility products :Japi, mats, baskets, fishing contraptions, murha, table, chairs, etc. - Industry : Paper mills - Decoration : Japi, wall hangings, flower vase, etc. - Social functions : Japi is used for felicitation. - Construction: Building materials, scaffolding. Employment - Bamboo base craft is now mainly a household industry - All the members of the family, both male and female, take part in it. - A subsidiary occupation to the cultivators - Full-time occupation to the highly skilled artisans Challenges - Lack of skilled employees. - Distribution and operation: it is technically and economically difficult to set up new branches and offices across the state since the product is yet to catch up with the market. - Competition posed by timber wood products. - Lack of promotion - Severe drop in demands - Inadequate infrastructure - Rural notion; lack of modernisation. Way forward - Government as well as private initiative for promotion. - Awareness for environment friendliness. - More bamboo wood manufacturing units - Government should take initiative to promote private investment.  - Policy to encourage export Measures taken by the government - Foot overbridge at Khanapara made of bamboo. - Bamboo technology park at Chaygaon - set up at the initiative of Industries & Commerce department of Government of Assam with the help from Department of Industrial Policy & promotion, Government of India through a Special Purpose Vehicle of Assam Industrial Development Corporation (AIDC) and private entrepreneurs. - It has a modern Common Facility Centre for producing many innovative bamboo products - Bamboo Industrial Park - Assam CM laid the foundation stone of the park at Manderdisa in Dima Hasao district. - The project will be implemented with Rs 50 crore from the DoNER ministry. Bell Metal Industry of Sarthebari - It is the second largest handicraft sector in Assam after bamboocraft. - Sarthebari is famous for Bell Metal work - Reference can be found of Bhaskar Varman gifting Bell metal articles to Harshavardhan. - Initially the raw materials and other consumables were provided by the “Mahajans” of Rajasthan and Bengal. Artisans were paid the wages only. - In 1930, a cooperative society “Assam Samabai Kohar Sangha '' was registered. From then on, it provided the raw materials and other consumables. - Range of products - Utensils - dish, bows, bowls with stand (ban-bati), water vessels etc. - Utility items - bota, xorrai, tamulor tema, etc. - Items for musical and religious purposes - cymbals, idols, etc. - Items for decoration - flower vase, lamp stand, clock stand, etc. - Raw Material - Scraps collected from different regions are converted to bell metal in private rolling mills in Guwahati and Sarthebari. - Other important raw material - charcoal - Technology - The scarp is melted in a crucible called “Muhi”. - The molten bell metal is poured into the moulds called “Aak” - Converted to a thick circular lump called “Guti” or “Pitha”. - These pithas or “gutis” are taken to re rolling mills to obtain sheets (“fali”) and circles (“chak”) of required thickness. - The sheets and circles are then converted to different articles by cold forming process. - Tools used - Niyari (Anvil), Chalti, Sara (Tong), Kun (Hand operated lathe). Khonta (File), Hammer etc. - Employment - Approximately 1057 people engaged in Sarthebari - Craftsman is called ‘Kohar’ or ‘Oja’ - Work place is called ‘Sal’ - In one ‘sal’, one ‘Oja’ is assistants are called ‘bhagias’ - Challenges - Lack of promotion  - Lack of market strategy - Insufficient supply of raw materials - Dependence of middlemen for raw materials, working capital and sale of finished products. - Migration to urban areas for job - Machine made products. - Measures taken by the Government - Government waived 5 Cr. loan borrowed by the bell metal entrepreneurs of Sarthebari. - Way forward - Social security should be ensured through policy making - Institutional support should be given for capital and training - Bridging of market gaps can bring positive changes Sital Pati (Coolmat) - The most notable and popular product among the handicrafts of Assam. - The makers are usually Kayasthas in caste, not a traditional craftspeople caste. - The raw material is the Murta cane - The production of sital pati is purely a household industry. Generally, men prepare the cane slips, while women do the weaving work. - The highest concentration of artisans pursuing this craft is noticed in the district of Cahar, Karimganj and Goalpara. - Process - Canes are washed with water mixed with some amount of soda - Then the canes were sun dried. - Then the ‘boka’ (soft inside portion) from these is chopped out with the help of a ‘chip’ (chopping tool). - Weaving of ‘pati’ is generally done in twill or check pattern. - Colouring of the splits is done by indigenous methods. - White (ivory) - by boiling the splits in water with ‘bhatar phen’ (boiled rice juice), ‘amrapata’ (hibicus safdariffa) and tamarind leaves etc. - Black - packing into bundles and wrapped up with mango barks and kept under the mud for about 7 days. - Red - by boiling in water mixed with ‘mezenta’. Fireworks Craft in Barpeta - The industry is around 140 years old. - Late Lakshiram Pathak of Majorhati, was the founder of the fireworks industry in Barpeta. - The industry was also patronised by Queen Victoria who awarded the industry with a Gold medal along with two bighas of land at Bilortari Hati, Barpeta. - At present there are only 5 (five) units engaged in manufacturing various products of firecrackers. - This is a household product and located nearby residences - Around 1000 employees are directly involved in the manufacturing of fireworks activities. Engagement of persons normally high during the pre-festival seasons. Challenges  - Covid-19 pandemic - Blanket ban of firecrackers during Diwali - Confusion with the concept of Green crackers - Supply of raw materials - Financial constraints - Poor branding Water Hyacinth (“paani meteka”) - Water hyacinth is normally available in beels , road side ponds etc. - Rampant growth of this fast-growing weed obstructs the penetration of sunlight, inhibiting planktonic growth and contributing to eutrophication by slowing down water currents and depositing debris at the bottom. - Raw water hyacinth is abundant in Assam and presently used for the following: - As Organic manure in dry or wet condition. (This compost is important for growing Jute, Potato, etc.) - As mulching materials by the farmers. Very recently, several Tea gardens of Assam have started using water hyacinth as mulching materials. - As animal feed mostly for Cows & Buffalo in Assam. - From July, 2008, (an initiative of NEDFi) water hyacinth is now being used for manufacturing of various Craft items, Furniture, Varieties of baskets etc. - Merits of using water hyacinth - Raw Material is free and abundant. - It is eco friendly in nature - Its removal helps to conserve water and rejuvenate the environment. - It helps to create Sustainable livelihoods & inclusive growth in rural areas. - It provides an opportunity to earn as per the skills of the artisans. - Women can build the complete value chain of this craft. - Water Hyacinth Craft Products under ASOMI Brand developed by Assam State Rural Livelihoods Mission (ASRLM) - Initially the project has been started with 600 people in 6 clusters across Assam on a pilot basis. - Initially, ASRLM had planned this initiative as a source of an additional income for SHG members and thus will be a part time activity. - North Eastern Development Finance Corporation Ltd (NEDFi) has been taken to provide the technical support in the project. - Further, ASRLM has established six Common Facility Centres (CFCs) in all the six clusters and equipped those with manpower and resources to make them sustainable in the long run. - Production has started from February, 2018 onwards in phased manner and so far the income from this activity reaches an amount of around 64 Lakh till the month of March 2020, with an average income of Rs. 9000/- per member. - As per the norms of the government procurement system, ASRLM has already registered 6 products in the Government e-Marketplace (GEM) portal and other items will also soon be available in the same. - These products have also made a mark in the, ‘India Garment Fair & India Home Furnishing Fair’ held at Osaka, Japan in the month of July, 2019.  - The project has executed one of the biggest bulk orders by supplying beautifully crafted bordered “Yoga Mat” on the occasion of International Yoga Day on 21st June, 2019, where the SHG weavers had delivered the consignments only in 20 days time. Mask making - Majuli in Assam has carved a special place for itself especially for its craft of mask-making. - Masks are used in Bhaonas. - Mask making was introduced by Sri Sankardeva when he first used it in Chihna Yatra. - These masks are made from indigenous material of the island and not Plaster of Paris, and without the use of synthetic colour. - Special attention is paid to intricate details and technicality. - The traditional art of making masks is passed down from father to son or from the guru or teacher at the Satra to the students. - Among all the satras, Samuguri Satra is the most prominent one for Mask Making. - Three different types of masks are made - - The Mukha bhaona covers the face, - Lotokoi, which is bigger in size, extends to the chest and - Cho Mukha is a head and body mask. - The technique - Making a three-dimensional bamboo framework onto which clay-dipped pieces of cloth are plastered. - After drying it, a mix of clay and cow dung is layered on it. - Jute fibres and water hyacinth are used for beard, moustaches and hair. - Once the mask is complete, a kordhoni (bamboo file) is used to burnish the mask. - And finally, drama is added to the masks with deft painting. Areca Nut Leaf ( Tamulor Dhakuwa) - It is a hard material and has good tensile strength and is available in abundance in most parts of Assam. - Arecanut sheaths (Tamulor Dhakuwa) can be utilised for manufacturing disposable plates and bowls. - Dhriti, an NGO, has been working on these products in Assam since the last 3 years. - Presently 39 units have been promoted by Dhriti in Barpeta, Baksa, Bongaigoan, Karbi-Anglong, Jorhat and Golaghat districts of Assam. - Some of the highlights of these products are as follows - Completely Eco-friendly, Biodegradable and Hygienic. - Sturdy and not easily crushable and at the same time very light in weight. - Microwave usable. - Can be easily moulded into different shapes and can hold liquid for 4-6 hours. - Natural and attractive appearance. - There are more than 70000 hectares of arecanut plantation in Assam. Around 10 sheaths fall from each areca nut plant every year. Others Pottery - Centres are found in Sonitpur, Darrang, Nagaon, Tinsukia, Cachar and Kamrup districts. - The state of affairs of the pottery industry in the State is not very encouraging. - Local pottery has mostly been replaced by the superior clay or porcelain goods , metal utensils, plastic goods imported into the State from outside. - The profits of the industry are also small and most of the traditional potters have left the trade and shifted to other lucrative occupations. Wood Carving - Wood carving is found extensively in Sonitpur district. - The artisans produce various types of wooden Rhino, Elephants , decorated pieces of wall hanging etc. - Around 100 artisans now depend on wood carving activities. Jewellery Craft - Assam has more than 48000 unregistered Jewellery units - More than 2.5 lakh artisans directly involved in this sector. - The traditional Assamese Jewellery are found in Barpeta ( 40 units), Jorhat ( 40 units) and Ranthali (450 units) in Nagaon district. - The main problem of this sector is shortage of Raw materials. Electricity,Gas, Water Supply & Other Utility Services : - Assam State Electricity Board (ASEB) formed the three utilities on 10 December, 2004 to meet the power requirement of the state. 1. Assam Electricity Grid Corporation Limited (AEGCL) 2. Assam Power Generation Corporation Limited (APGCL) 3. Assam Power Distribution Company Limited (APDCL) - There is a deficit of power. For instance, Energy requirement in Assam was worked out at 11463 Million Units (MU) for 2020-21.However, energy available was 11004 MU. - There are about 20% of Aggregate Transmission and Commercial Losses(%) - Population living in households with electricity (%): 92%( according to NFHS-5) - Population living in households with an improved drinking-water source(%) : 86%( according to NFHS-5) - Households using clean fuel for cooking(LPG/Biogas/Electricity) : 42%(according to NFHS-5) Construction: - A lot of construction is being done in Agriculture sector(like storage units), Manufacturing(like industries,godows),Service sector( like schools, hospitals).etc. Also, Government are also giving major push to the sector through schemes and policies. Service Sector - Service sector comprises of 1. Trade, Repair, Hotel & Restaurants 2. Transport,Storage, Communication & Services related to Broadcasting 3. Financial Services, 4. Real Estate, Ownership of Dwelling and Professional services 5. Public Administration and Other Services  The total length of National Highways in Assam is Major service sectors are: 3900.44 Km. This includes 15 nos. of newly declared Transportation and Communication NHs for a length of 1032.127 km. Roads(Statistical Handbook Assam 20210 source - https://pwdbnh.assam.gov.in/portlets/national- - The road network - 58944 Km highways-in-assam ○ National Highway - 3882.98 km ○ State Highway - 2530 km ○ Major District Roads - 4379 km ○ Urban Roads - 1615 km ○ Rural Roads - 37030 ○ Roads excluding National Highways - 54992 Km ○ Road Length per lakh of population (in Km)- 163.74 km ○ Road length per 100 sq. km. of Geographical Area (in Km)-75.15 Km National Highways passing through Assam Old Numbering system: 1. 31 Boxirhat Jalukbari 2. 31B North - Salmara Jogighopa 3. 31C Srirampur Rakhaldubi 4. 36 Nagaon Lahorijan 5. 37 Jogighopa Saikhowaghat 6. 37(extn) Saikhowaghat Santipur 7. 37A Kuwaritol Mission Charali (Tezpur) 8. 38 Makum Lekhapani 9. 39 Numoligarh Dimapur 10. 51 Paikan Bazengdoba 11. 52 Baihata charali Jonai Dirok Rupai 12. 52A(extn) Gohpur Assam-Arunachal Border 13. 52B Barbarua Kulajan  14. 52B(extn) Kanubari in Assam NH-37 near Bogibeel Bridge approach 15. 54 Silchar Lailapur 16. 54E Doboka Silchar 17. 61 Assam-Nagaland Border Jhanji 18. 62 Dudhnai Bhagmara 19. 152 Pathsala Indo- Bhutan Border 20. 153 Lekhapani Jairampur 21. 154 Dhaleswar Bhairabi 22. 53 Jiribam Badarpurghat 23. 44 Malidhar Churaibari 24. 151 Karimganj Sutarkandi New numbering System Sl. no. Highway Connectivity in Assam number 1. 2 Starts near Dibrugarh in the State of Assam and connects Sibsagar and Amguri with Nagaland, Meghalaya and Mizoram. Terminates at Tuipang. 2. 702 Enters from Nagaland connecting Sonari and terminates at near Sapekhati 3. 702C Starts at Sibasagar connecting Simalguri it terminates at Sonari 4. 702D Connects Mariami and terminates at Jorhat. 5. 6 Starts from Jorabat connecting Meghalaya and Mizoram ending at Zokhawthar,Mizoram 6. 306 Starts from Mizoram and terminates near Silchar 7. 8 Starts from Karimganj and connects Patharkandi,Agartala and finally ends at Indo-Bangladesh border 8. 15 Starts near Baihata-Chariali with Dum-Duma and terminates in Arunachal Pradesh. 9. 115 Starts from Dum Duma connects Saikhoaghat and terminates in Arunachal Pradesh. 10. 215 Starts from Arunachal and terminates near Dibrugarh 11. 315 Starts from Makum connecting Ledo and Lekhapani and terminates at India-Myanmar border 12. 415 Connects Gohpur with Itanagar 13. 515 Starts from Dhemaji and connects Jonai(Assam) with Arunachal Pradesh 14. 715 Starts from Tejpur and ends at Jhanji. 15. 715A From Nakhola to Indo- Bhutan border. 16. 17 Starts from Sivok in West Bengal and after passing through Bilasipari-North Salmara,Goalpara and Boko it terminates at Guwahati. 17. 117 Starts from North Salmara and terminates at Bijni. 18. 117A Starts from Bilaspara connecting Kokarajhar it terminating at Garubhasa. 19. 217 Starts from Paikan.Then after passing through Meghalaya it ends at Dudhnai 20. 27 Starts from Porbandar in Gujarat.Passes through Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal and then enters Assam. It terminates at Silchar by joining with NH-37. 20. 127 Starts from Silchar and ends at Jakhalabanda 21. 127A Starts from Patharkuch and ends at Indo-Bhutan border. 22. 127B Starts from Srimrampur,Dhubri and then enters Meghalaya. 23. 127C From Chirang district to Indo-Bhutan border. 24. 127D From Kamrup district to Indo-Bhutan border. 25. 127E From Baksa to Indo-Bhutan border. 26. 427 Starts from Howlia and terminates near Jalukbari 27. 627 From Nelle to Harangajao.It starts from and terminates with NH-27. 28. 29 Starts from Dabaka(Sutargaon) and passing through Nagaland it terminates in Manipur.  29. 129 Starts at Dimapur and terminates near Numaligarh. 30. 329 From Manja to Lumding. 31. 329A Starts near Diphu and terminates in Nagaland. 32. 37 Starting from Imphal ,it connects Barak Valley (Jirighat-Lakhipur-Silchar-Badarpur-Karimganj) and ends at Indo-Bangladesh border. 33. 2 The highway strts from Dibrugarh and passing through Sibasagar and Amguri, it enters Nagaland and through Manipur it finally terminates in Mizoram. 34. 702 The highway at Chantongia in Nagaland and terminates at Sapekhati in Assam. 35. 702C From Sibasagar to Sonari 36. 702D Starts from Mokochung,Nagaland and terminates at Jorhat. 37. 6 Starts from Jorabat in Assam and connecting Meghalaya it terminates in Mizoram. 38. 306 From Kampui,Mizoram to Silchar,Assam 39. 8 Starts from Karimganj, it then passes through important cities of Tripura and terminates at indo-Bangladesh border. 40. 208A Starts from Tripura and ends at Chankhera ,Assam. Railways - Assam comes under Northeast Frontier Railway(NFR) zone.The headquarters of NFR zone is Maligaon,Guwahati. - The divisions of NFR are Rangia(Assam),Lumding(Assam),Tinsukia(Assam),Alipurduar(West Bengal) and Katihar(Bihar). - The railway route length in Assam at the end of 2020-21 is 2520.1 Km( Out of which Broad gauge is 2519.8 km).(Statistical Handbook Assam 2021) - Till the end of March 2016, Assam shares only 3.7% of the total railway route length of the country. Air Transport Airports in Assam - Chabua Air Force Station - Dibrugarh - Dibrugarh Airport - Mohanbari - Jorhat Airport - Rowriah - Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport - Borjhar ,Guwahati(Primary International Airport of the North-East, Most busiest airport of Assam as well as the North East) - North Lakhimpur Airport - Lilabari (also serves the state of Arunachal Pradesh) - Rupsi India Airport - Dhubri  - Silchar Airport - Kumbhirgram(Build by the British in 1944,it is a Civil enclave airport) - Sookerating Air Force Station - Tinsukia - Tezpur Airport - Salonibari Inland Water Transport Major waterways of Assam: Name River Length(in Km) NW2 Sadiya-Dhubri stretch of 891 Brahmaputra river NW6 Aie River 71 NW16 Lakhipur- Bhanga stretch of 121 (navigable however, is Barak River 94) NW18 Beki River 73 NW30 Dihing River 114 NW31 Dhansiri River- Chathe River 110 NW32 Dikhow River 63 NW33 Doyang River 61 NW57 Kopili River 46 NW62 Lohit River 100 NW82 Puthimari River 72 NW95 Subansiri River 111 NW38 Gangadhar River 62 NW50 Jinjiram River 43 NW102 Tlawng(Dhaleshwari River) 86 - Important river stations/commercial centers along the river banks NW-2 are Dhubri, Jogighopa,Pandu/Guwahati, Tepur, Neemati, Dibrugarh, Sadiya and Saikhowa. Pandu/Guwahati is the most important river station on NW-2. The stretch downstream from Pandu up to Bangladesh Border (260Kms) is the stretch where IWT operations are presently most active. Assam Inland Water Transport - Established in 1958 - The IWT , Assam has 3 (three ) nos. of Divisions namely Guwahati , Dibrugarh & Silchar. - There are 5 (five ) nos. Sub-Division offices located at Guwahati, (PPC Sub- Division), Goalpara , Jorhat , Dibrugarh and Hailakandi - For imparting training to the Crews , one Crew Training Centre is established at Guwahati Tourism - Post COVID and its related lockdown, this sector along with the hospitality sector witnessed a steep decline both in terms of customers served and revenue. - Still at pre covid times,tourism was one of the fastest-growing contributors, accounting for 5.5 per cent of GSDP and approximately 10.5 per cent of total employment in the state. - Under the Centrally Sponsored scheme Swadesh Darshan “Manas – Pobitora – Nameri – Kaziranga– Dibru Saikhowa as Wildlife Circuit in Assam” and “Development of Tezpur – Majuli –Sivasagar as Heritage Circuit in Assam” - Development of Kamakhya under the PRASAD Scheme.