Environmental Crisis in Assam: Plastic Waste Surges Post-Floods

As floodwaters recede in Assam, a new environmental crisis emerges with a significant increase in plastic waste and deteriorating water quality. Residents are turning to packaged drinking water due to concerns over local water safety, leading to a surge in discarded plastic bottles. The Assam Pollution Control Board is collaborating with NGOs to collect and recycle this waste, but the situation is compounded by packaging from relief supplies. Initial water tests indicate alarming declines in quality, raising concerns for aquatic life. With ongoing clean-up efforts, officials face the challenge of managing the long-term impact of this plastic footprint.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 19, 2026, 09:48 IST

Emerging Environmental Challenges in Assam

NGO workers collecting plastic bottles

Guwahati, Aug 19: As floodwaters begin to recede in upper Assam, a significant environmental issue is surfacing – an alarming increase in plastic waste and deteriorating water quality.

In regions affected by flooding, particularly in Sivasagar, Charaideo, Jorhat, and Golaghat districts, discarded plastic bottles are accumulating as residents opt for packaged drinking water due to concerns regarding the safety of local water supplies.

The Assam Pollution Control Board (APCB) has partnered with three NGOs to tackle the plastic waste issue in Sivasagar and Charaideo. To date, over 1,200 kg of plastic waste has been collected, with a substantial portion consisting of bottled water.

This clean-up initiative is bolstered by recycling vendors who are processing the collected plastic waste. Local gaon panchayat workers are also contributing to the collection efforts, ensuring that the recovered plastic is recycled instead of being discarded into water bodies or landfills.

“As water quality declines, the reliance on packaged drinking water increases. The plastic waste issue is likely to persist. Residents have reported that groundwater from bore wells and tube wells is emitting odors and changing color,” stated an APCB official.

The plastic waste problem is exacerbated by packaging from relief supplies distributed during the floods. The influx of bottled water and other relief materials has significantly increased the volume of plastic waste.

Environmental concerns extend beyond plastic waste. Water samples from the affected regions have been collected for analysis.

Preliminary tests have shown a decrease in dissolved oxygen (DO) levels, an increase in biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and chemical oxygen demand (COD), and a drop in pH levels.

An uptick in BOD is a critical indicator of heightened organic pollution in the water, while lower dissolved oxygen levels can adversely affect aquatic life.

“These measurements do not meet the established standards and could harm aquatic ecosystems. Further testing is ongoing,” the official added.

Results regarding heavy metal contamination are still pending.

As clean-up operations progress and recycling initiatives are enhanced, officials are now tasked with mitigating the long-term environmental impact of the flood-related plastic waste.