Concerns Rise Over North East Water Resources Authority's Status

The North East Water Resources Authority, proposed to tackle flooding issues in Assam and surrounding regions, faces uncertainty regarding its status. Initially announced by former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, the authority's creation has stalled, leaving Assam vulnerable to flooding exacerbated by deforestation in neighboring states. Recent floods in Assam highlight the urgent need for a comprehensive approach to flood management. Despite receiving early warnings of heavy rainfall, the lack of a regional authority continues to pose significant challenges for the state. This article delves into the implications of the authority's absence and the ongoing struggles faced by Assam.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 9, 2026, 12:41 IST

Uncertainty Surrounds North East Water Resources Authority

Himanta Biswa Sarma inspects the food being prepared for the flood-affected people during a visit to a relief camp, in Darrang district.

Guwahati, Aug 9: Questions are being raised about the status of the much-discussed North East Water Resources Authority. Is the initiative on hold? The Central government has not provided any clarity on this matter.

The establishment of this authority was initially proposed by former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh as a comprehensive approach to address flooding issues across the Northeast.

While Arunachal Pradesh initially resisted the formation of this authority, its current status remains unclear.

According to official sources, the need for such an authority is critical, as Assam cannot manage flood challenges alone, especially since many rivers in the state originate from or flow through neighboring regions.

“Assam's geographical positioning is a disadvantage, being surrounded by hilly states, which leads to significant water flow issues,” the sources noted.

Recent flooding in three districts of Assam was attributed to heavy rains in Nagaland, exacerbated by extensive deforestation in that state, leading to increased siltation in affected areas. Assam is left with no option but to appeal to Nagaland to halt deforestation.

Similarly, heavy rainfall in Arunachal Pradesh has caused flooding in Assam’s Dhemaji and Lakhimpur districts, with deforestation in that state worsening the situation. However, Assam often receives timely alerts about heavy rainfall in Arunachal from the North East Space Application Centre, allowing for precautionary measures to be implemented.

Deforestation in Meghalaya also poses significant challenges for Assam, particularly in the Jorabat area, which frequently experiences flooding after even short periods of rain.

Experts argue that establishing a regional authority to manage flood-related issues could provide a comprehensive solution. Unfortunately, the commitment to create such an authority has yet to materialize, leaving Assam to bear the brunt of the consequences.