The ecologically rich land is now under threat despite pollution control efforts and urgent action needed to safeguard the Ramsar site
GUWAHATI: Deepor Beel is not just a picturesque lake but also a crucial ecological hotspot. However, recent developments have raised concerns about the environmental health of this Ramsar site. Despite efforts to address pollution, the lake continues to face threats from various sources, jeopardising its delicate ecosystem.
Deepor Beel, spread over an area of 40.1 square kilometers, is one of the largest wetlands in the Brahmaputra valley. It serves as a vital habitat for numerous species of flora and fauna, including migratory birds, fish, and aquatic plants. The lake’s significance extends beyond its ecological value, as it also plays a crucial role in maintaining the city’s groundwater recharge and flood regulation.
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The primary concern plaguing Deepor Beel is pollution, mainly originating from the Guwahati Municipal Corporation’s (GMC) dumping ground located at East Boragaon’s Belortol area. Despite attempts to relocate the garbage dumping site from West Boragaon to Belor Tal, the lake continues to bear the brunt of pollution. Pamohi River, directly connected to Deepor Beel, acts as a conduit for the garbage, further exacerbating the lake’s pollution levels.
The Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) made efforts to address the issue by relocating the garbage dumping ground to Belor Tal. However, these measures have proven ineffective in curbing pollution levels in Deepor Beel. The wetland adjacent to GMC’s dumping ground serves as a breeding ground for pollutants, posing a significant threat to residents, livestock, and aquatic life.
The pollution from the dumping site has had far-reaching consequences on Deepor Beel’s ecosystem. Farmers, residents, scientists, and environmentalists have voiced concerns over the deteriorating water quality and diminishing biodiversity in the area. The Bharalu, Bahini, and Basistha rivers, along with Deepor Beel itself, have become heavily polluted over the years, posing serious risks to the region’s environmental health.
The issue of pollution in Deepor Beel is not new. GMC has been dumping the city’s daily garbage collection at the site since 2006, despite mounting concerns from environmental activists. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) intervened in 2019, ordering the closure of the dumping site following a case filed in 2014. Despite these legal interventions, pollution levels in Deepor Beel have continued to rise, highlighting the inadequacy of existing regulatory measures.
Local residents have expressed dismay over the deteriorating environmental conditions in Deepor Beel. Many recall a time when the area was teeming with diverse wildlife, including rare bird species. However, due to pollution, sightings of migratory birds and other animals have become increasingly rare. The decline in biodiversity not only affects the ecological balance of the lake but also deprives the the community of its natural heritage.
Pramod Kalita, General Secretary of Deepor Beel Suraksha Mancha, highlighted the significant decline in bird species recorded in the area over the years. He emphasised the need for immediate action to mitigate pollution and restore the lake’s ecological balance.
Talking to GPlus, Pramod Kalita, an environmentalist said, “The total of 155 species from 46 families were recorded, with the highest count documented on January 7, 2024. WBF 2024 witnessed a decrease of 16,000 birds compared to WBF 2023, particularly in Waterfowls, Shorebirds, Wagtails & Pipits, Martins & Swallows. However, the diversity and abundance of birds in the wetland remained relatively stable throughout the survey, encompassing the periods of 10 days before Beelmara, 5 days before Beelmara, During Beelmara, 5 days after Beelmara, and 10 days after Beelmara. The unavailability of specific areas like Jalukbari, Pamohi, and Boragaon, coupled with the reduced count of Shorebirds, Wagtails, and Pipits that typically inhabit shallow waters, along with a decline in Waterfowl numbers, strongly suggests that pollutants have likely influenced the presence of these bird species.”
Kalita further elaborated on the drastic decline in biodiversity, stating, “In 1991, there were 664 species of migratory birds recorded in the area which was reduced to 219 species in 2020, and in the 2023 year in January and February only 160 species of migratory birds were recorded in the area.” He added that even species of fish are reduced in the beel as many “ornamental fish” species are not found in the beel anymore.
Another resident in Deepor Beel talking to GPlus said, “Pollution has greatly reduced the number of animals we used to see in our area. I vividly remember encountering various rare bird species here in the past, but now, due to pollution, their presence has significantly declined.”
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Despite mounting pressure from environmentalists and local communities, government authorities have been slow to act on the issue.
While the Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) has initiated efforts to restore the Pamohi waterbody and channel leading to Deepor Beel, these measures alone are insufficient to address the root causes of pollution.
However, talking to GPlus, a GMDA official said, “Water pollution is unlikely because we have installed garbage trapping machines in the area. Currently, there are at least three garbage trapping machines in place.”
However, it’s worth noting that some of these machines are currently undergoing repairs.