The Bharalu and Bahini rivers carry plastic waste, sewage, and industrial discharge downstream, before dumping these across the agricultural land
Deepor Beel, a critical wetland ecosystem in Assam, is known for its rich biodiversity and serves as an essential resource for local communities dependent on agriculture, fisheries, and drinking water. However, the agricultural lands surrounding the Beel, which support the livelihoods of countless people, are now under grave threat. Increasing pollution from floodwaters, carrying plastic waste and sewage from nearby rivers, is contaminating these farmlands. This situation has not only disrupted agricultural productivity but also endangered the health of local wildlife, turning the area into an ecological crisis waiting to happen.
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Deepor Beel and its surrounding agricultural lands are fed by several rivers, including the Bharalu and Bahini, which flow through the urban sprawl of Guwahati. These rivers, heavily polluted with plastic waste, sewage, and industrial discharge, carry their toxic loads downstream, particularly during the rainy season. As the rainwater and floodwaters reach the Beel, they spread across the agricultural land, depositing pollutants and making the soil less fertile.
Pramod Kalita, General Secretary of Deepor Beel Suraksha Mancha, "The agricultural land where many animals and birds used to thrive is now polluted by plastic waste that comes from the Bharalu River, Bahini, and the city’s dumping ground. The floodwaters carry these wastes and deposit them across the fields, making it difficult for the land to remain productive. There’s no authority that comes to check or clean this area," he lamented.
This issue has left farmers in despair, as their crops struggle to survive in contaminated soil. Many have reported a significant drop in agricultural yield, which directly affects their livelihood.
The agricultural land around Deepor Beel has always been a crucial part of the local economy, providing food and income for those living in the surrounding villages. However, the floodwaters bring more than just water to the fields. Plastic waste, chemicals, and sewage are now common sights, drastically reducing the productivity of the farmland. Farmers who once relied on these fertile lands are now struggling to grow crops in polluted soil.
Talking to GPlus, a resident of Pamohi, a village near Deepor Beel, described the toll this pollution has taken on their livelihoods. "They have already polluted and damaged Deepor Beel for a long time, and now it’s affecting our farmlands too. When the floodwaters come, they bring plastic and sewage with them, and our crops are dying. The government spends crores, but no one cleans up this area. Many animals, like our cows, used to graze here, but now they only find plastic to eat. Some of them have already fallen sick."
The floodwaters not only affect agriculture but also the animals and wildlife that depend on the Beel’s ecosystem. The plastic waste left behind contaminates grazing areas, leading to livestock consuming harmful materials. Birds and aquatic life, which rely on the wetland for sustenance, are also facing the consequences of this growing pollution problem. Deepor Beel, once known for its rich biodiversity, is now witnessing a decline in its wildlife population due to habitat degradation.
Despite the clear signs of environmental degradation, there has been little action from the authorities to address the pollution of Deepor Beel’s agricultural land. While environmentalists and local residents have raised their concerns, the government and responsible agencies have yet to take meaningful steps to stop the flow of waste from the city into the wetland.
Talking to GPlus, a senior official from the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) acknowledged the difficulties in tackling the pollution issue but provided a few immediate solutions. “First, we need to determine where these plastic wastes are originating from. Only then can we stop them from flowing into the rivers and eventually into Deepor Beel. Identifying these sources is the first step before we can implement any effective control measures,” the official told GPlus.
As local residents continue to suffer from the consequences of neglect, the question remains: Will the authorities finally act to save Deepor Beel, or will this once-thriving ecosystem be allowed to deteriorate further?
