Environmentalists and local residents are questioning the feasibility and ecological impact of such a project, given Boragaon’s location and the existing environmental challenges in the area
The Assam government's decision to create an urban forest in Boragaon has drawn mixed reactions, sparking concerns among environmentalists and locals about its potential impact on the wetland ecosystem. While authorities claim it will add to the city’s green cover, residents and experts fear the move could violate wetland conservation norms and further threaten the already fragile Deepor Beel ecosystem.
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On March 13, Assam Public Health Engineering Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah, in a press meet announced major urban water management plans for Guwahati, aiming for a flood-resilient future. In the same announcement, he mentioned the government’s plans to develop an urban forest in Boragaon, a region adjacent to the Deepor Beel wetland.
However, this plan has not been welcomed by everyone. Environmentalists and local residents are questioning the feasibility and ecological impact of such a project, given Boragaon’s location and the existing environmental challenges in the area.
Deepor Beel, a Ramsar site and one of Assam’s major wetlands, falls under the Wetland Conservation and Management Rules, 2017, which impose strict regulations on any kind of construction or encroachment in wetland zones.
Talking to G Plus, Pramod Kalita, General Secretary of the Deepor Beel Suraksha Mancha and an environmentalist, raised concerns about the project. He pointed out that according to wetland conservation rules, any permanent construction within 50 meters of the mean high flood level of the past ten years is strictly prohibited.
“My view is that there should not be any construction or earth filling within high flood level areas. If the proposed urban forest falls under a high flood level area and involves any permanent construction, it will violate wetland conservation rules and go against the directives of the National Green Tribunal (NGT),” Kalita stated.
The Wetland Conservation and Management Rules, 2017, explicitly prohibit:
-Conversion of wetlands for non-wetland uses, including encroachment.
-Setting up industries or expansion of existing industries.
-Dumping of solid waste, hazardous materials, or construction debris.
-Discharge of untreated waste and effluents from human settlements.
-Permanent construction, except for boat jetties, within 50 meters of the high flood level.
If the urban forest project includes any form of construction—such as recreational areas, pathways, or artificial landscaping—it may potentially breach these environmental regulations.
What the Locals Say
The residents of Boragaon are sceptical about the government’s sudden push for an Urban Forest without consulting them. Many feel that the area already faces serious ecological threats due to the presence of the city’s legacy waste dumpyard, which has not been adequately addressed.
Ingti, a local resident in Boragaon talking to GPlus said, “Firstly, they never consult us before making such plans, and secondly, they are trying to urbanise a natural wetland that should be preserved. If they want to plant trees, that is a good initiative, but we will oppose any kind of construction in Boragaon. But we know they won’t stop now.”
Another major concern among locals is the continued mismanagement of Deepor Beel.
“Boragaon is already in danger because the legacy waste has not been cleared. Deepor Beel is not well-preserved. They claim they are protecting it, but there is still waste piling up. Now they want to set up an urban forest. Why here? Why in Deepor Beel?” Ingti added.
For years, Deepor Beel has been under environmental stress due to unregulated garbage dumping, encroachment, and pollution. Despite repeated promises from the authorities, the situation has not improved significantly. Residents fear that the new Urban Forest plan might become another project where conservation takes a backseat to development.
Talking to GPlus, a senior official from the Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) defended the project, stating that it is designed to enhance Guwahati’s green spaces.
“We have taken 400 bighas of land for the Urban Forest in Boragaon. Like the urban forest at Borbari hillock, this will also be a green space. It will have recreational areas and a green cover. Besides that, it will have green-blue structures. After clearing the old dumpyard, work will begin,” the official told GPlus.
As the government moves forward with its plan for an urban forest in Boragaon, the concerns raised by locals and environmentalists cannot be ignored. Will this project truly help Guwahati’s green future, or will it end up disturbing the fragile Deepor Beel ecosystem? Can the authorities ensure that no wetland conservation rules are violated? And most importantly, will the voices of the people living in the area be heard before any irreversible steps are taken? With more questions than answers, the fate of Boragaon’s environment now hangs in the balance.
