Post-Flood Environmental Concerns in Upper Assam: Plastic Waste and Water Quality Issues

As floodwaters recede in Upper Assam, the region faces a dual environmental crisis: a surge in plastic waste and alarming declines in water quality. Over 1,200 kg of plastic has been collected, primarily from packaged drinking water bottles, as residents turn to these sources amid safety concerns. Testing reveals troubling changes in water quality, including reduced oxygen levels and increased organic pollutants. Authorities are working to manage the plastic recovery while assessing the long-term impacts on local ecosystems. This situation highlights the urgent need for environmental awareness and action in the aftermath of natural disasters.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 19, 2026, 10:48 IST

Emerging Environmental Challenges in Upper Assam

NGO workers collecting plastic bottles

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

Over 1,200 kg of plastic debris has been gathered from the flood-affected regions of Sivasagar and Charaideo, with a substantial portion consisting of packaged drinking water bottles. The Assam Pollution Control Board (APCB) has enlisted the help of three NGOs for this collection initiative, with additional support from recycling vendors and local gaon panchayat workers.

This extensive collection effort is prompted by the rising reliance of residents in flood-hit areas on packaged drinking water due to safety concerns regarding local water supplies. The distribution of relief materials during the floods has further contributed to the plastic waste, particularly through packaging and bottled water.

While the immediate goal is to clear the accumulated waste, officials are also evaluating the floods' impact on water quality in the affected regions.

Water samples have been collected for testing, revealing initial findings of reduced dissolved oxygen (DO) levels and increased biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and chemical oxygen demand (COD). A decrease in pH levels has also been noted.

The alterations in DO and BOD levels are particularly alarming. A drop in dissolved oxygen can stress aquatic life, while a rise in BOD indicates a higher presence of organic pollutants and increased oxygen consumption by microorganisms.

“These parameters do not meet the prescribed standards and could harm aquatic ecosystems. Further analysis is ongoing,” stated an official from the APCB.

Residents have also reported unusual changes in groundwater sourced from bore wells and tube wells, including strange odors and discoloration.

The results for heavy metal contamination tests are still pending.

In the meantime, the plastic collected during the clean-up is being transferred to recycling vendors for processing. Authorities are working to ensure that the recovered materials do not end up in water bodies or open dumps.

The extensive plastic recovery efforts, coupled with early indicators of declining water quality, have introduced a new environmental aspect to the post-flood recovery process in Upper Assam.