Guwahati, July 26 -- Development activities in the hill states surrounding Assam, if undertaken without detailed hydrological studies and ecological safeguards, can significantly worsen flood conditions in downstream areas, particularly during periods of high-intensity rainfall, according to IIT Guwahati hydrologist and Professor of Civil Engineering Arup Kumar Sarma.

Responding to questions on whether development activities in Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland and Meghalaya influence flood patterns in downstream areas of Assam, Sarma said roads, infrastructure projects, mining and other developmental activities in hilly areas can significantly alter downstream flood conditions if they are carried out without detailed hydrological studies or a...