Deepor beel, the state’s lone Ramsar Site and a wetland of immense significance, especially for the city, is a mute indication to the havoc that rampant urbanization and human greed is causing on the environment. Situated right within the Guwahati city limits the beel, once spread over an area of 41 sq. km, has now been reduced to a shadow of its former self, covering barely 5 sq km (approx).
Deepor Beel (90º36'39"-90º41'25"E and 6º05'26" 26º05'52"N) is one of the subcontinent’s most important wetlands for the natural habitat it provides to many species of birds, animals, aquatic life and vegetation. Located in the periphery of Guwahati city, the Beel is faced with a number of challenges, both natural and man-made. By virtue of its location and natural resources it holds, it has been an integral part of Guwahati’s history and culture. The beel is a staging site on migratory flyways and some of the largest concentrations of aquatic birds in Assam. Over the time due to pressures of urbanization, growth and conflicting interests, its natural patterns have been disturbed and disrupted, threatening its very existence. Potential threats include over fishing and human pressure upon water pollution from sewage part of Guwahati city and infestation by the water hyacinth.
Deepor Beel, measuring about 414 hectares (about 4 sq. km) located on the south bank of the river Brahmaputra and south west corner of Guwahati city (about 8 km away form Paltan Bazar area). It is bounded by gratitude lines 90º36'39"-90º41'25"E and 6º05'26" 26º05'52"N. it is surrounded by the Jalukbari hill in the north, Rani Garbhanga Reserve Forest on south, Bharalu river on east and Kalmoni river on the west. It was the Government Fishery Mahal till 12 January 1989 when proposed as Wildlife Sanctuary vide Govt. Order No. FRW. 1/89/26.
The significance of Deepor beel lies on many counts. A natural wetlands, its harbour a rich variety of flora and fauna that’s includes nearly 200 species of birds – many of them are highly endangered. It is the only major storm water storage basin for Guwahati, which has, of late, has been passing through the worst water logging during every monsoon. Deepor, again, is the best indicator of the environmental status of the city, and the day when the birds cease to flock the beel, it will confirm the complete transformation of the once-green city quagmire of pollution.
No comments:
Post a Comment