Utilizing indigenous knowledge for flood prediction and mitigation in Assam: a framework for sustainable disaster management

Abstract Assam, located in northeastern part of India, is faced with annual cycles of flooding create havoc upon many millions of lives each year. This paper examines the potential of infusing indigenous systems of knowledge with contemporary disaster management strategies to create a sustainable framework for managing and predicting of floods in Assam. It argues that through the study of indigenous systems of knowledge, community-based practices and local forecasting systems, indigenous knowledge systems can contribute significantly to traditional ‘Scientific' methods of “Flood Disaster Management”. This paper suggests a composite framework combining indigenous knowledge systems with modern technology for the purpose of creating a framework with significant focus on participatory processes, building community resilience and ensuring subsequent ecological sustainability. The result of this paper indicate that the inclusion and organization of indigenous knowledge systems will considerably improve Flood Disaster Management strategies while enhancing social equity and protecting the environmental resources in Assam.