North Eastern Hydraulic and Allied Research Institute (NEHARI), under the Brahmaputra Board, organised a two-day training workshop on River Model – BRAHMA (Braided River Aid–HydroMorphological Analyzer) in collaboration with Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati.

The workshop focused on promoting the use of advanced river modelling tools for sustainable river management, flood mitigation, and scientific planning in river basins, particularly the Brahmaputra River.

Key Highlights

• The workshop was organised by North Eastern Hydraulic and Allied Research Institute (NEHARI) in collaboration with Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati.
• NEHARI operates under the Brahmaputra Board, Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India.
• The initiative aims to enhance technical capacity in river modelling and strengthen scientific approaches for river management.

About River Model BRAHMA

• BRAHMA stands for Braided River Aid–HydroMorphological Analyzer.
• It is an advanced hydro-morphological modelling tool designed to study the behaviour of braided rivers, such as the Brahmaputra.
• It helps analyse river flow, erosion, sediment transport, channel migration, and flood dynamics.
• The model supports evidence-based planning for river training works, embankments, and flood management.

Why is it Important?

• Improves flood forecasting and disaster preparedness.
• Supports sustainable river basin management through scientific analysis.
• Helps reduce riverbank erosion, a major challenge in Assam.
• Strengthens climate resilience by improving planning for changing river behaviour.
• Enhances collaboration between research institutions and government agencies.

About NEHARI

• Full Name: North Eastern Hydraulic and Allied Research Institute.
• Operates under: Brahmaputra Board, Ministry of Jal Shakti.
• Headquarters: Guwahati, Assam.
• Functions: Conducts research on river engineering, hydrology, sediment management, flood control, and water resources development in the Northeast Region.

Exam Hook (Prelims)

Consider the following statements:

1. BRAHMA is a hydro-morphological model developed to analyse braided rivers.
2. North Eastern Hydraulic and Allied Research Institute functions under the Brahmaputra Board.
3. The Brahmaputra Board was established under the Brahmaputra Board Act, 1980.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) 1 only

Ans: C

One-Line Wrap

The BRAHMA river model strengthens scientific river management by improving flood forecasting, erosion control, and sustainable planning for the Brahmaputra and other braided rivers.