Assam is one of the largest and most significant states in Northeast India. Its geographical location, natural features, and boundaries make it unique. This article provides a detailed discussion on Assam’s geographical location, boundaries, climate, landforms, rivers, mountains, biodiversity, and natural resources.
Geographical Location of Assam
Assam is located between 24°08'N to 27°59'N latitude and 89°42'E to 96°02'E longitude. It lies in the northeastern part of India and is geographically known as the state of the Brahmaputra and Barak river valleys. Assam covers an area of approximately 78,438 square kilometers (30,285 square miles).
The geographical location of Assam significantly influences its natural resources, climate, and biodiversity. The state is situated south of the Himalayas, which results in heavy rainfall. Assam is also considered the gateway to Northeast India, as it connects the region with the rest of the country.
Climate of Assam
Assam has a subtropical climate. Its climate is significantly influenced by factors such as average elevation, mountain ranges, and climatic belts. During summer (April–June), the temperature generally ranges from 25°C to 35°C, but in some places, it can rise up to 40°C. Due to high humidity during this season, the heat feels more intense. Monsoon (June–September) is an important phase in Assam’s climate, bringing 1,500–2,500 mm of rainfall. The influence of monsoon winds often leads to flooding, especially as the Brahmaputra River and its tributaries overflow.
Autumn (October–November) is a beautiful time in Assam when the weather is dry, and the sky remains clear. The temperature usually stays between 20°C and 30°C, creating a pleasant atmosphere. Winter (December–February) is quite cold, especially in the hilly regions, where temperatures can drop to 5°C. In the plains, the temperature usually remains between 6°C and 16°C. Heavy fog during this season sometimes disrupts transportation. Spring (March–April) is a delightful season, known for its scenic beauty, especially during Rongali Bihu celebrations.
A key feature of Assam’s climate is its high rainfall, with annual precipitation ranging between 2,000 and 3,000 mm. This makes the state ideal for tea plantations, contributing to the global popularity of Assam tea. The Brahmaputra River and its tributaries play a crucial role in regulating the natural climate pattern. Assam’s climate is also associated with natural calamities like thunderstorms, landslides, and hailstorms. These climatic conditions have a deep impact on agriculture, forest resources, and the overall lifestyle of the people in Assam.
Rivers of Assam
Assam is a state rich in rivers. The geographical structure of the region is deeply influenced by its river systems. Two major river systems significantly impact Assam’s climate, agriculture, and lifestyle—the Brahmaputra River and the Barak River.
Brahmaputra River
The Brahmaputra River is considered the lifeline of Assam. It originates near Lake Manasarovar in the Tibet region of China and flows through Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and Bangladesh, finally merging into the Bay of Bengal. The river stretches 910 km across Assam. It plays a crucial role in rainfall distribution, soil fertility, and flood occurrences in the state.
Barak River
The Barak River is one of the major rivers in southern Assam. Although it originates in Nagaland, it flows through southern Assam and later enters Bangladesh. The Barak Valley is rich in mineral resources and highly suitable for agriculture.
Apart from the Brahmaputra and Barak Rivers, Assam has several important tributaries, such as:
Manas River: Originates in Bhutan and merges into the Brahmaputra. The Manas Wildlife Sanctuary is located near this river.
Subansiri River: A significant tributary of the Brahmaputra, originating in Arunachal Pradesh.
Dihing River: Originates in Arunachal Pradesh and merges into the Brahmaputra.
Kopili River: Originates in Meghalaya and is highly important for agriculture in Assam.
The rivers of Assam play a crucial role in agriculture, hydroelectric power generation, water transport, and biodiversity conservation. However, due to heavy rainfall and river course changes, the state faces annual flood problems.
Mountains of Assam
The mountains of Assam hold significant importance from both geographical and environmental perspectives. These mountain ranges greatly influence the landforms, climate, and biodiversity of the state. Assam’s mountains can be broadly classified into two main categories—the mountain ranges of northern and eastern Assam and the mountain ranges of southern Assam. The northern and eastern parts of Assam are influenced by the Himalayan mountain system, which has led to the formation of several mountain ranges. One of the most notable among them is the Patkai Bum Range, which lies along the border of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam and is an extension of the Naga Hills. The Naga Hills stretch between Assam and Nagaland, with Saramati Peak as the highest point, standing at 3,841 meters. The Dihing River originates from these mountains. Additionally, the Mikir Hills are part of the Karbi Anglong district and are located near Kaziranga National Park, forming a distinct landform separate from the Brahmaputra Valley.
The southern mountain ranges of Assam include the Meghalaya Hills and the highlands of the Barak Valley. The Karbi Anglong Hills, located in central Assam, are rich in forest resources and minerals. Although the Khasi and Jaintia Hills are part of Meghalaya, their influence extends into southern Assam. These mountain ranges are home to the wettest places on Earth—Cherrapunji (Sohra) and Mawsynram. In the northern part of the Barak Valley, the Borail Mountain Range extends, forming a connection between the Dima Hasao (North Cachar Hills) and Naga Hills. The highest peak in the Borail Range is La Khun Pandan, with an elevation of 1,866 meters.
The mountain ranges of Assam play a vital role in shaping the climate, river systems, agriculture, forest resources, and biodiversity of the state. These mountains contribute to a warm and humid climate, creating a favorable environment for agriculture and diverse flora and fauna. Additionally, these mountain ranges hold great potential for tourism. Thus, Assam’s mountains are not just geographical features; they are deeply connected to the state’s lifestyle and economy.
Biodiversity of Assam
Assam is one of India's most biodiverse states and is a part of the Indo-Burma Biodiversity Hotspot. The state's favorable climate, extensive forests, mountains, rivers, and valleys create a suitable habitat for a wide range of flora and fauna. Assam's biodiversity can be broadly classified into three categories: Floral Diversity, Faunal Diversity, and Avian Diversity.
1. Floral Diversity
Assam is home to a vast variety of plant species, including trees, medicinal plants, forest vegetation, and aquatic plants. The state is rich in tropical and subtropical forests.
Forestry Plants: Teak, Sal, Gmelina Arborea (Gamari), and Hollong.
Medicinal Plants: Adhatoda Vasica (Bhok), Withania Somnifera (Ashwagandha), Tulsi, and Gardenia.
Orchid Diversity: Assam hosts around 200–220 species of orchids, including Foxtail Orchid and Dendrobium Macraei.
Bamboo and Cane: More than 50 species of bamboo are found, including Jatuli Bamboo, Muli Bamboo, and Kituli Bamboo.
2. Faunal Diversity
Assam provides habitat to many rare and endangered species, particularly in protected areas such as Kaziranga, Manas, Orang, and Nameri National Parks.
Mammals: Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros, Wild Elephants, Leopards, Gaur (Indian Bison), Sloth Bear, Malayan Sun Bear, Hoolock Gibbon, etc.
Amphibians & Reptiles: Indian Python, Manipuri Kechua (Frog), King Cobra, Monitor Lizard, etc.
Aquatic Life & Fish: Assam has over 180 fish species, including Hilsa, Mahseer, Rohu, Catla, and Magur.
3. Avian Diversity
Assam is known as a "Bird Watchers' Paradise" due to its rich bird diversity found in its wetlands, forests, and valleys.
Endangered and Rare Birds: White-throated Bulbul, Black-crested Bulbul, Greater Adjutant Stork (Hargila), Hornbill, Peacock-Pheasant, etc.
Migratory Birds: In winter, migratory birds visit Sivasagar's Sata Rani, Deepor Beel, Manas National Park, and Hailakandi wetlands. Examples include Bar-headed Goose, Ruddy Shelduck, and Pintail Duck.
4. Protected Areas & National Parks
The Assam Government has established several protected areas to conserve its rich biodiversity.
National Parks:
| Sl. No. | Name | Location | Area (km²) | Date/Year of announced as National Park |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kaziranga National Park | Golaghat,Nagaon ,Sonitpur and Karbi Anglong | 430 | 1974 |
| 2 | Manas National Park | Kokrajhar, Chirang, Baksa, | 391 | 1990 |
| 3 | Nameri National Park | Sonitpur | 200.00 | 1999 |
| 4 | Dibru-Saikhowa National Park | Dibrugarh and Tinsukia | 340.00 | 1999 |
| 5 | Orang National Park | Udalguri and Sonitpur | 78.8 | 13 April 1999 |
| 6 | Raimona National Park | Kokrajhar | 422.00 | 8 June 2021 |
| 7 | Dehing Patkai National Park | Dibrugarh and Tinsukia | 234.26 | 9 June 2021 |
| 8 | Shikna Jwhwlao National Park | Kokrajhar and Chirang | 321.90 | 15 August 2024 |
Wildlife Sanctuaries:
| Sl. No. | Name | Location | Area (km²)w7suuu | Year of Notification |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hoollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary | Jorhat | 20.98 | 1997 |
| 2 | Garampani Wildlife Sanctuary | Karbi Anglong | 6.05 | |
| 3 | Bura Chapori Wildlife Sanctuary | Sonitpur | 44.06 | |
| 4 | Bornadi Wildlife Sanctuary | Udalguri and Baksa | 26.22 | 1980 |
| 5 | Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary | Sonitpur | 220 | 1998 |
| 6 | Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary | Marigaon | 38.80 | 1987 |
| 7 | Panidihing Bird Sanctuary | Sibsagar | 33.93 | |
| 8 | Bherjan-Borajan-Padumoni Wildlife Sanctuary | Tinsukia | 7.22 | |
| 9 | Nambor Wildlife Sanctuary | Karbi Anglong | 37.00 | |
| 10 | East Karbi-Anglong Wildlife Sanctuary | Karbi Anglong | 222.81 | |
| 11 | Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary | Nagaon | 70.13 | |
| 12 | Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary | Dhubri and Kokrajhar | 45.57 | |
| 13 | Marat Longri Wildlife Sanctuary | Karbi Anglong | 451.00 | |
| 14 | Nambor-Doigrung Wildlife Sanctuary | Golaghat | 97.15 | |
| 15 | Borail Wildlife Sanctuary | Cachar and Dima Hasao | 326.25 | |
| 16 | Amchang Wildlife Sanctuary | Kamrup Metro | 78.64 | |
| 17 | Deepar Beel Wildlife Sanctuary | Kamrup Metro | 4.1 |
Assam's rich biodiversity plays a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance, supports agriculture, tourism, and traditional practices, and contributes to India’s natural heritage.
Conclusion
Assam's geographical location, climate, rivers, mountains, and biodiversity give it a unique identity. Due to its strategic position in Northeast India, Assam holds significant political, socio-economic, and cultural importance. The state's geographical features and boundaries make it one of the most vital states in the Northeast region of India.
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