Barak River valley

The Barak River is located in northeastern India, originating in the hills of Manipur and flowing through Mizoram and Assam before entering Bangladesh. There, it splits into the Surma and Kusiyara rivers, which eventually form the Meghna River and drain into the Bay of Bengal. The Barak River basin covers over 16,000 square miles across several Indian states and parts of Bangladesh and Myanmar.1

The region known as Barak Valley, named after the river, is in southern Assam and comprises the districts of Cachar, Hailakandi, and Karimganj. This valley is home to diverse tribal and linguistic groups and is characterized by floodplains, wetlands, hills, and mountains. While historically rich in biodiversity, the valley now faces challenges from population growth and development, leading to species loss and environmental concerns like annual floods and erosion. The river and its tributaries support over 100 fish species, and the valley is home to endangered animals, with conservation efforts underway.12