Long-term increase predicted in Brahmaputra run-off

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: The river Brahmaputra will see an increase in river 'run-off' by 2050 and 2100, according to projections by the Inter-governmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The projections by the IPCC were released in its 6th Assessment Report on Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability on February 28 last.

River run-off refers to water that comes right into a river water system from sources reminiscent of rainfall, melting snow and groundwater.

The increase in run-off in the upper Brahmaputra would be due to a rise in precipitation, the report said.

"The future hydrological extremes of the Upper Indus, Ganges and Brahmaputra river basins suggest an increase in the magnitude of extremes towards the end of the 21st century by applying RCP4.5 and 8.5 scenarios, mainly due to increase in precipitation extremes," the report added.

The run-off in the Brahmaputra is projected to increase by 16 per cent under the climate change scenarios by the end of the century.

The changes in run-off in these scenarios are larger in the wet seasons than the dry season. The Ganga-Brahmaputra area additionally faces the spectre of elevated frequency of flood occasions.

Also Read:  Water Level In Brahmaputra River To Increase By 2050: New IPCC Report Claims

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