The study on groundwater levels in the piedmont plains of Northern Assam covers the districts of Dhemaji, Lakhimpur, Sonitpur, Biswanath, Kokrajhar, Chirang, Baksa, and Udalguri. Located at the foothills of the Himalayan range and characterized by older alluvial deposits, the region is highly sensitive to hydrological variability and climate change impacts.

The assignment aimed to develop strategic and policy recommendations for sustainable management of surface and subsurface water resources, aligned with climate-resilient approaches and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It sought to address emerging risks to groundwater quantity and quality, strengthen climate risk monitoring systems, and enhance adaptive capacity through stakeholder coordination and evidence-based planning.

We conducted a comprehensive assessment of groundwater levels across the piedmont region, combining field surveys, district-level investigations, and analysis of existing hydrological data. The study evaluated climate vulnerability impacts on groundwater systems to inform long-term climate-resilient water management planning. We documented current challenges related to groundwater depletion, quality concerns, and management gaps, and identified climate-resilient groundwater utilization and conservation practices.

The assignment included the development of best-practice frameworks for groundwater management, preparation of targeted interventions at both regional and district levels with indicative costing, and recommendations for monitoring and evaluation systems. We also facilitated stakeholder consultations and knowledge exchange with parallel initiatives, while strengthening the capacity of local state actors and community stakeholders. The project generated new datasets and consolidated information to support evidence-based groundwater governance in the region.

The study provides a strategic and data-driven foundation for sustainable groundwater management in Northern Assam’s piedmont plains. By integrating climate vulnerability assessment with practical conservation and monitoring measures, it supports long-term water security and resilience in a climate-sensitive region.

The recommended interventions and strengthened institutional capacities enable local authorities and communities to better manage groundwater resources, reduce risks to water availability and quality, and align regional water governance with climate-resilient and sustainable development pathways.