New Delhi, July 27 -- The horrific, ongoing floods in Upper Assam should jolt India awake. Reports point out the challenge began in neighbouring Nagaland, where forests have been denuded, including for mining. The burden is being borne by Assam. The science is elementary: rainwater cannot percolate into the ground unless its flow is slowed down and the ground can "trap it." A healthy forest offers this service entirely for free. Unfortunately, Nagaland's extractive policies are causing water to arrive in greater volume, with greater force. That is why these floods are so much worse. This is how the Dikhow river, flowing from Nagaland to Assam, has savaged districts like Sivasagar. To clarify, there is no doubt about excessive rainfall in both Nagaland and Assam: 493% excess in Nagaland's Mokokchung district alone and 436% in Assam's Charaideo district, according to a statement by Assam's chief minister. This is largely on account of climate change. Should it happen again, it will inevitably lead to floods once more. The question is how to reduce the impact. Assam should not only think of its internal policies for the Brahmaputra watershed, but also begin climate diplomacy with its neighbouring states to safeguard its own people. Afforestation using local species should be a top priority in mission mode. Early-warning systems and public preparedness are essential. Meanwhile, states must cooperatively evaluate how they can reduce their own vulnerability as also that of their neighbours. Only with strong interstate cooperation can the country combat climate change for every Indian....