DC asks GMC to remove garbage dumping project from Deepor Beel

By our Staff Reporter

GUWAHATI, March 23: Water pollution is notorious for many water-borne diseases that take a heavy toll on every developing and underdeveloped country in the world. Water pollution has also gripped Guwahati. The situation has come to such a pass that even government agencies are found to add to the alarming pollution in the city.

Biodiversity hotspot, Deepor Beel in Guwahati is very much under the grip of pollution. Besides unwanted activities by others in the wetland, the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) has been accused of dumping garbage there. Taking the seriousness of the pollution into account, Kamrup (M) Deputy Commissioner M Angamuthu today asked the GMC to remove its garbage disposal project located at West Boragaon near Deepor Beel. The directive by the Deputy Commissioner was issued under the Disaster Magement Act, 2005.

The garbage disposal project, according to sources, polluted the water of Deepor Beel badly. The Deputy Commissioner took the step in order to keep the biodiversity of Deepor Beel intact.    

Deepor Beel is a fresh water reservoir, and its rich ecosystem is being destroyed by chaotic urbanization. Encroachment, establishment of industries, factories, and garbage dumping are destroying its biodiversity. The wetland is home to hundreds of species of birds, fish, zooplankton and phytoplankton. It is also a bird sanctuary, besides being a Ramsar Site.