DEEPOR BEEL

Deepor Beel

  • Location: Situated in Kamrup district, Assam, Deepor Beel is a permanent freshwater lake and bird sanctuary.
  • Geographical Significance:
    • A riverine wetland formed in a former channel of the Brahmaputra River.
    • Lies south of the Brahmaputra’s main channel.
  • Ramsar Site:
    • Designated as a Ramsar site in 2002, the only one in Assam.
    • Supports a range of aquatic life and 219 bird species.
  • Bird Sanctuary:
    • A key staging site for migratory birds, especially in winter.
    • Habitat for globally threatened species like Spot-billed Pelican, Lesser Adjutant Stork, Greater Adjutant Stork, and Baer’s Pochard.
  • Economic Importance:
    • 50 fish species provide livelihoods to surrounding villages.
    • Local revenue is generated from nymphaea nuts, flowers, ornamental fish, medicinal plants, and seeds of the Giant Water Lily (Euryale ferox).
  • Eco-Sensitive Zone:
    • Declared an Eco-Sensitive Zone by the Ministry of Environment in 2021, emphasizing its ecological significance.

Threats to Deepor Beel

  • Illegal Garbage Dumping:
    • Unregulated garbage disposal by the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) at the Boragaon dumping site, located close to the wetland.
    • Violates National Green Tribunal (NGT) guidelines and creates a perpetually burning dump.
  • Sewage Contamination:
    • Discharge of sewage-contaminated water from the Mora Bharalu, Basistha, and Bahini rivers into Deepor Beel.
  • Railway Project:
    • Proposed railway track from Azara to Tetelia along Deepor Beel and through Rani-Garbhanga Reserve Forest threatens biodiversity and local communities.
  • Water Pollution:
    • Pollution Control Board Assam (PCBA) found biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) levels beyond permissible limits (3.0 mg/l), indicating severe water contamination.
  • Storm-water Runoffs:
    • Contaminants enter Deepor Beel through ground and storm-water runoffs.
  • Non-compliance with Solid Waste Management Rules:
    • The 150-ton daily solid waste limit is violated, with no adherence to guidelines for waste burning and plantation buffer zones.
  • Lack of Monitoring and Treatment:
    • No proper monitoring of groundwater quality or treatment of contaminated water discharged into the wetland.
  • Odor and Air Pollution:
    • Persistent stench from the burning dump site and harmful air quality impacts the wetland and nearby residents.
  • Decentralized Waste Management Failure:
    • Though GMC suggested decentralization of garbage disposal, dumping continues at Deepor Beel, exacerbating pollution.
  • Loss of Biodiversity:
    • These cumulative threats severely impact Deepor Beel’s biodiversity, including its aquatic life, bird species, and surrounding ecosystems.

Latest Government Initiatives for Deepor Beel

  • Relocation of Boragaon Dump: Efforts to shift garbage dumping away from the wetland.
  • De-silting and Gully Control: Measures to reduce siltation and sediment inflow.
  • Weed Management: Removal of invasive species like water hyacinth.
  • Tree Plantation: Reforestation over 3 hectares to restore ecological balance.
  • Water Quality Monitoring: Regular assessment at inlets and outlets.
  • Community Engagement: Capacity-building workshops and livelihood alternatives for locals.
  • Tourism Promotion: Plans to streamline eco-tourism activities sustainably.
  • Infrastructure Development: Watchtower construction for birdwatching and monitoring.
  • Integrated Management Approach: Collaborative efforts involving government, locals, and NGOs.
  • Mission LiFE: Promoting eco-friendly practices among local communities.

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