Once spread over 4,000 hectares, the beel has now shrunk to a mere 500 hectares due to rampant encroachment and urban expansion. Unauthorised constructions and land reclamation for agriculture and settlement have contributed to this alarming reduction
Deepor Beel, one of Assam's treasured ecological hotspots, is facing severe threats from encroachment, pollution, and neglect. This picturesque lake, designated as a Ramsar site, is not only a haven for wildlife but also a crucial component of the Brahmaputra valley's ecosystem. However, the beel's sanctity is under siege, and its degradation poses a serious risk to biodiversity and the well-being of the local communities dependent on it.
A Unique Wetland
Deepor Beel is one of the largest and most significant beels in the Brahmaputra valley, representing a unique wetland type found within the bio-geographic province of Burma Monsoon Forest. The beel's ecological importance is underscored by its vast expanse and the diverse habitats it supports. Once spread over 4,000 hectares, the beel has now shrunk to a mere 500 hectares due to rampant encroachment and urban expansion.
Home to Globally Threatened Species
The beel supports several globally threatened bird species, including the Spot-billed Pelican, Lesser Adjutant Stork, Baer’s Pochard, Pallas's Sea Eagle, and Greater Adjutant Stork. These species rely on the beel for feeding, breeding, and resting during their migratory journeys. The decline in water quality and habitat fragmentation has had a detrimental impact on these birds, reducing their numbers significantly.
A Crucial Staging Site for Migratory Birds
Deepor Beel is a critical staging site on the migratory flyways, hosting some of the largest congregations of aquatic birds in Assam, especially during winter. The highest single-day count of water birds recorded in the beel is an impressive 19,000. However, pollution and habitat degradation have led to a sharp decline in these numbers, threatening the survival of many species.
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Biodiversity Under Threat
The beel supports 50 fish species from 19 families, many of which rely on the wetland for food, spawning, and nursery grounds. The natural breeding of these species occurs within the beel itself. The decline in water quality and the encroachment of breeding grounds have severely impacted fish populations, disrupting the ecological balance and the livelihoods of local fishermen.
Impact on Indigenous Fish Species
The wetland is a critical habitat for indigenous freshwater fish species, supporting their entire lifecycle from breeding to feeding. The degradation of Deepor Beel has led to a decline in fish diversity and abundance, affecting the local fishing community that depends on the beel for their sustenance.
Encroachment: A Major Threat
Encroachment over the years has drastically reduced the size of Deepor Beel. The beel, which once spanned over 4,000 hectares, has now shrunk to just 500 hectares. Unauthorised constructions and land reclamation for agriculture and settlement have contributed to this alarming reduction. A notable example is the encroachment by a school, which around 20 structures and a wall in the beel area. Although these were demolished in 2015 by the Kamrup (Metro) district administration, such incidents highlight the ongoing threat of encroachment.
Pollution: A Growing Crisis
Garbage dumping by the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) at Boragaon, adjacent to Deepor Beel, has become a significant source of pollution. The dumping ground contaminates the beel's waters, affecting its flora and fauna and reducing the number of migratory birds that visit the beel. The Pamohi River, which connects to Deepor Beel, acts as a conduit for garbage, exacerbating the pollution levels.
Despite attempts to relocate the dumping site from West Boragaon to Belor Tal, the pollution problem persists. The wetland near GMC's dumping ground has turned into a breeding ground for pollutants, posing a severe threat to residents, livestock, and aquatic life. Farmers, residents, scientists, and environmentalists have raised concerns about the deteriorating water quality and the diminishing biodiversity in the area.
National Green Tribunal Intervention
The issue of pollution in Deepor Beel is not new. Since 2006, GMC has been dumping the city's daily garbage collection at the site, despite mounting concerns from environmental activists. In 2019, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) intervened, ordering the closure of the dumping site following a case filed in 2014. However, despite legal interventions, pollution levels in Deepor Beel have continued to rise, highlighting the inadequacy of existing regulatory measures.
Wildlife Under Threat
The degradation of Deepor Beel has had a profound impact on its wildlife. Local residents recall a time when the area was teeming with diverse wildlife, including rare bird species. However, due to pollution and habitat loss, 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 community of its natural heritage.
Pramod Kalita, General Secretary of Deepor Beel Suraksha Mancha, emphasised the significant decline in bird species recorded in the area over the years. He stressed the urgent need for action to mitigate pollution and restore the lake's ecological balance.
"We welcome all the activities related to Deepor Beel conservation, like an elevated railway track , garbage and pollution free Deepor Beel, demarcation of Ramsar Site, declaration of eco-sensitive zone, community base or eco tourism, regulated/ traditional fishing etc", Kalita told GPlus.
According to a report by 7Weaves, the Waterbird Festival (WBF) 2024 recorded a total of 155 bird species from 46 families, with the highest count documented on January 7, 2024. However, there was a decrease of 16,000 birds compared to WBF 2023, particularly in Waterfowls, Shorebirds, Wagtails & Pipits, and Martins & Swallows. The diversity and abundance of birds in the wetland remained relatively stable throughout the survey, but the overall decline in bird numbers is alarming.
Talking to GPlus, Promila Teron, a resident of Deepor Beel also said, "We used to see flocks of birds during the migration season. This year, the numbers were so low, it's alarming."
Residents living near Deepor Beel have observed a troubling decline in the presence of elephants, which were once a common sight in the area. One local resident shared, "We rarely see elephants anymore. They used to come here often, but now they avoid the polluted waters. The lake is choked with hyacinth, and there aren't many other aquatic plants left."
Adding to this, Ranjit Das, a farmer who stays nearby Deepor Beel, said, "Elephants used to cross through our fields regularly. Now, we hardly see them. They must be avoiding the dirty water and the lack of plants they usually feed on."
However, talking to GPlus, a forest official offered a different perspective. "Elephants still frequent the area regularly," he stated. "While the number of birds has indeed decreased, elephants are not absent from Deepor Beel." This discrepancy highlights the complex and often conflicting views on the state of wildlife in the region.
The decline in aquatic plants, other than hyacinth, also underscores the ecological imbalance affecting Deepor Beel.
In February 2024, the Assam government announced plans to promote eco-tourism at Deepor Beel, a permanent freshwater lake near Guwahati and the state’s only protected Ramsar site. However, residents and conservationists have raised concerns about the potential environmental impact of these developments.
Jayanta Mallabaruah, Assam Toursim Minister criticised the state’s forest department for allegedly obstructing eco-tourism projects at Deepor Beel. "As of now, we have a fund of Rs ₹14 crore in the tourism department lying unutilised for Deepor Beel. The court has issued directions to pursue projects like building a cycle track around the beel, but the forest department has been blocking the plans," said Mallabaruah, responding to AGP MLA Ramendra Narayan Kalita.
Pramod Kalita expressed strong opposition to the project, highlighting its potential impact on the delicate ecosystem of the wetland.
Talking to GPlus, Kalita explained, "Constructing a cycle track here would be destructive for our environment. Wetlands like Deepor Beel capture and store more atmospheric carbon than any other ecosystem on Earth. They play a crucial role in water purification, water storage, flood control, and groundwater recharge. By building this track, we risk turning the wetland into a pond-like ecosystem, severely impacting its biodiversity."
Kalita further elaborated on the history of human encroachment on Deepor Beel. "Before the construction of the Kamakhya to Azara railway track, many elephants used to give birth here, and it was also a breeding ground for birds. Now, that area has been given to the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR). Similarly, the east side of Deepor Beel has been handed over to various organisations, causing the beel to shrink significantly."
Kalita and other concerned citizens recall the past beauty and ecological significance of Deepor Beel, emphasising the need to protect it from further degradation. "We cannot afford to lose more of this precious ecosystem. Development should not come at the cost of our natural heritage," Kalita added.
The contrasting accounts from residents and officials emphasise the urgent need for comprehensive environmental assessments and targeted conservation efforts to address these growing concerns.
Talking to GPlus, a local school teacher in Deepor Beel said, "We need proper action to clean up the lake and restore its natural plants. If not, we will lose the beauty and the wildlife of Deepor Beel forever."