Dhansiri River

Latest News (2023)

• Environmental Concerns: Environmentalists have alerted the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) about hazardous effluent discharge from the Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL) into the Dhansiri River.

  • Potential Impacts: The discharge threatens aquatic ecosystems, biodiversity, and local communities dependent on the river for agriculture and drinking water.

  • Call to Action: Experts demand stricter monitoring of industrial waste disposal and sustainable practices to prevent long-term ecological damage.

Overview of the Dhansiri River

• Location:

  • Primary river of Golaghat District (Assam) and Dimapur District (Nagaland).

  • Flows along the Nagaland-Assam border.

• Tributary Status: Left-bank tributary of the Brahmaputra River.

• Catchment Area: 1,220 sq. km.

• Length: 352 km (from source to confluence with Brahmaputra).

Course of the River

1. Origin:

   • Rises from Laisang Peak (Nagaland).

2. Flow Trajectory:

   • First 40 km: Flows northwest from its source.

   • Next 76 km: Turns northeast toward Dimapur (Nagaland).

   • Beyond Dimapur: Flows northward to Golaghat (Assam), then shifts northwest to join the Brahmaputra at Dhansirimukh, Assam.

3. Confluence: Merges with the Brahmaputra River, contributing to its massive river system.

Ecological Significance

• Biodiversity Hotspots:

  • Dhansiri Reserved Forest (Assam): Supports diverse flora, including tropical evergreen trees, and fauna like elephants, tigers, and migratory birds.

  • Intanki National Park (Nagaland): A protected area home to hoolock gibbons, golden langurs, and rare bird species.

• Economic Role:

  • Vital for irrigation, fishing, and drinking water in Assam and Nagaland.

  • Supports agriculture (tea plantations, paddy fields) in the Brahmaputra Valley.

Environmental Threats

1. Industrial Pollution:

   • Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL) accused of releasing untreated effluents, potentially containing toxic chemicals.

2. Ecological Risks:

   • Contamination threatens fish populations, amphibians, and aquatic vegetation.

   • Risk of bioaccumulation of toxins in the food chain.

3. Human Impact:

   • Pollution could render water unsafe for consumption and irrigation, affecting livelihoods.

Key Takeaways

• The Dhansiri is ecologically and economically critical for northeastern India.

• Recent pollution threats underscore the need for industrial accountability and conservation efforts.

• Collaborative action between governments, industries, and communities is essential to safeguard the river’s health.

FAQs

1. Origin of Dhansiri River?

   • Laisang Peak, Nagaland.

2. Left or right tributary of Brahmaputra?

   • Left-bank tributary.

3. Total length?

   • 352 km.

4. Key ecological zones near the river?

   • Dhansiri Reserved Forest (Assam) and Intanki National Park (Nagaland).