Essay on the Natural Resources of Assam

Essay on the Natural Resources of Assam:   
Assam the land of blue hills and the red river,  is a darling of nature. Nature has bestowed all her wealth on Assam. Assam is very rich in natural resources. Assam has plenty of minerals, water, forest and agricultural resources. The natural resources of Assam may be classified under four heads-

            (a)  Minerals

            (b)  Forest

            (c)  Agriculture

            (d)  Water resources

    (a) Mineral Resources: Assam is very rich in mineral resources. Coal petroleum and natural gas are the principal mineral resources of Assam. Signor, Rudrasagar, Nahorkatia, Moran, Lakua etc. are the famous oilfields of Assam. The three refineries at Signor, No on a time and Bongaigaon produce Kerosene, Petrol, Diesel, L.P. gas etc. from the crude oil. The crude oil of Assam is pumped out of Assam to Bargain Refinery in Bihar. Assam is the largest producer of crude oil in India. Coal is found at Ledu and Margaritas coal -fields in upper Assam. Lime stone is found in Botswana. It is used for manufacturing cement.

     (b) Forest Resources : A large part of Assam is covered by hills and forests. The hills and forest contain valuable trees like Sal, Gamari, Bonsum, Agar in large quantities. These forests supply us fruit, fuel and fodder. Medicinal herbs are also found in plenty. Another valuable thing found in the forest of Assam is 'Agar' oil. The bamboo, an important raw material for the production of paper is found in plenty in Assam. Article made of bamboo and canes by artisans are sold everywhere. Animals like Tigers, Elephant, Deer, Rhinos are found in large numbers in the forest of Assam. The National Parks at Manas and Kaziranga draw a large number of tourists from India and abroad.

      (c) Agriculture Resources :Agriculture is the main occupation of the people of Assam. Nearly 80% of the people of Assam depend on agriculture. Assam produces cash crops like jute. The tea of Assam is famous. Assam is the biggest producer of tea in India. It earns foreign exchange for India. 

       (d) Water Resources : The mighty Brahmaputra and its tributaries have great potential for the generation of Hydro-electricity. The Kapili project is an important project in this direction. The Brahmaputra can be used as an island water transport to carry goods. It can be a good alternative to surface transport.

       Assam is thus endowed with a plenty of natural resources. Yet Assam is one of the most industrially  backward state of India. This is largely because of the apathy of the state Government and the step motherly altitude of the central Government. It is a good sign that the situation is improving. Assam should try to set up industries to make use of her natural resources. It will solve her problem of unemployment and usher in an era of prosperity in Assam.