GUWAHATI: The Belortol dumping site on NH-27 in East Boragaon is significantly degrading the ecology at Deepor Beel, Assam's only Ramsar Site. The rapid relocation of this waste site has been demanded by the Deepor Beel Suraksha Mancha.
The 900-hectare Deepor Beel, a wildlife sanctuary and natural wetland, is located next to the Brahmaputra. Serious concerns have been raised by the organisation responsible for protecting this wetland about the dumping ground's negative ecological impacts.
Pramod Kalita, the secretary of the association, spoke at a press conference on Monday about the negative impact that noxious odours and leachate from the dump site have had on the biodiversity of the wetland and the local population.
"The water of Deepor Beel has been contaminated due to the waste dumping site at the Belortol dumping site posing serious threats to the survival of the diverse range of aquatic species of the water body, which was revealed in an analytical study done by the Pollution Control Board, Assam (PCBA) from January to December 2023," Kalita added.
Water contamination was identified by the PCBA's surface water quality monitoring, which showed high biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) values above recommended limits.
Recently, at a birdwatching event held on Sunday at Deepor Beel in Assam, around 29 wildlife lovers from all over India identified 68 different kinds of birds. As part of its WeForNature campaign, Aaranyak, India's top biodiversity conservation organisation, partnered with the Assam Forest Department's Kamrup East Division to organise the event.
Over 26,000 birds from 96 species, including both permanent and migratory species, are housed at Assam's only Ramsar Site, Deepor Beel. Since this wetland attracts a diverse range of avian visitors, the winter months offer the ideal chance to appreciate its exceptional splendour.
Birds like the pheasant-tailed jacana were reported to be declining in population in 2023. BirdLife International has designated Deepor Beel as an Important Bird Area (IBA) with a high conservation priority due to the variety of bird species that can be found there.
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