GUWAHATI: As the world observed World Wetlands Day on February 2, one of Assam's Ramsar sites, Deepor Beel, is grappling with a gradual loss of its sanctuary. The Deepor Beel Winter Birding Festival (WBF) 2024, organised by 7WEAVES Research, has revealed alarming statistics indicating a sharp decline in migratory birds within the esteemed wetlands.
Compared to the previous year, this year's report paints a concerning picture, recording only 11,000 birds representing 155 species, down from 28,000 birds spanning 161 species. These revelations underscore the urgency of protecting Deepor Beel as a designated bird sanctuary to conserve biodiversity and maintain ecosystem health.
The WBF 2024 identified areas outside the protected zone where birds migrate, pointing to locations like Dharapur, Jalukbari, and Boragaon. Challenges were faced in certain communities, such as Boragaon, Pamohi, and Jalukbari, due to high water levels during the survey period.
The Rising Sun Water Festival held in Deepor Beel from November 17 to November 20, 2023, stirred controversy as environmentalists and wetland conservationists expressed serious concerns, labelling it a threat to the biodiversity of Deepor Beel.
Earlier talking to GPlus, Pramod Kalita, an ornithologist expressed concerns about the rising water levels impacting migratory birds in Deepor Beel. He pointed out that the Khanajan Sluice gate had been blocked since August, hindering the natural flow of water and causing elevated water levels. Kalita highlighted various bird species that usually inhabit the area, emphasizing the impact on the diverse ecosystem.
Additionally, elephants, which traditionally spent extended periods in Deepor Beel, are now observed for only half an hour, indicating disturbances caused by altered water dynamics.
7WEAVES Research emphasized Deepor Beel's significance as a crucial wintering ground for both migratory and resident birds. The recent study reaffirmed diverse habitats within Deepor Beel, such as hydrophase, marsh, mud flats, floating vegetation, wet and dry tall grass & reedbeds, short grasslands, and agricultural areas.
Despite the challenges, the study showcased the importance of areas beyond the protected zone, specifically Dharapur, Jalukbari, and Boragaon, as significant hotspots for bird abundance and diversity within Deepor Beel. The report detailed the stability of bird populations and diversity over the course of the festival, emphasizing notable waterfowl congregations in different locations on each day.
