GUWAHATI: In a significant move to address concerns surrounding the protection and preservation of the pristine Deepor Beel, a freshwater lake in Guwahati City and a designated Ramsar site, the Gauhati High Court has taken up a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) to address the pressing issues threatening the vital water body.
The PIL brings to light various challenges faced by the iconic lake and the urgent need for its safeguarding in order to preserve its ecological significance and rich biodiversity.
Deepor Beel, spanning a total area of 40.14 sq. km., holds immense importance to our State, as it houses a diverse array of rare and endangered species of plants, animals, and birds.
Recently, the lake has been grappling with multiple threats, including the construction of a railway line near its northern boundary and the uncontrolled dumping of waste and sewage into its waters.
The PIL has been filed in response to these alarming issues, seeking intervention to protect and enhance the lake's environment.
The National Green Tribunal has previously taken note of the railway line issue and issued directives, currently in the process of compliance.
Apart from the railway line concern, the petitioners have raised other pressing matters related to the lake's conservation.
The indiscriminate growth of water hyacinth, an invasive aquatic plant, has adversely affected the lake's ecosystem by reducing dissolved oxygen and increasing water toxicity, posing a threat to aquatic life and the avian population that depends on the lake for sustenance.
To address these challenges comprehensively, the High Court has recommended various measures and suggestions, aimed at achieving the desired results for the protection, beautification, and enhancement of Deepor Beel's biodiversity. Some of the key recommendations include:
-Construction of a promenade, cycling track, and walking track along the entire periphery of the lake, offering opportunities for sporting events at national and international levels.
-Curbing encroachments around the lake with the establishment of permanent encumbrances.
-Setting up dedicated facilities for promoting tourism, such as food courts, entertainment zones, and parks alongside the promenade.
-Systematic and planned removal of water hyacinth from the lake and utilizing the extracted material for eco-friendly handicraft industries.
-Introducing boating activities using non-fossil fuel-powered vehicles to promote tourism.
Implementing sewerage treatment plants at all entry points to minimize harmful discharge into the lake and prohibiting solid waste dumping in the vicinity.
-Considering mechanisms to maintain the lake's water level during different seasons, potentially facilitating aquatic sports without fossil fuel-powered vessels.
-Regulating or curtailing commercial fishing activities in the lake.
-Adopting the suggested measures is expected to boost tourism, generate employment opportunities, and promote eco-friendly development in the region surrounding Deepor Beel.
The State Government, represented by D Saikia, Advocate General of Assam, has expressed its sincere concern for the lake's conservation and intends to submit an affidavit detailing the government's acceptance and planned implementation of the suggested measures.
