Move For Double Railway Tracks At Deepor Beel Protested

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: The preservation of wildlife sanctuaries is of crucial importance and Deepor Beel has been making headlines with the tamper in its ecological balance. As such, a press meet was organized to discuss and comprehend measures to preserve the bionetwork of the wildlife sanctuary.

In 1989, the first railway track was allowed with the declaration that Deepor Beel cannot be a wildlife sanctuary, however, during the same year, a proposal was submitted to announce the Beel as a wildlife sanctuary. In 2009, the proposal was affirmed.

Construction of railway line along the southern boundary of Deepor Beel was objected on the ground that it would disturb the ecology of Rani Reserve forest. This alternative was abandoned by the Railway and they started construction on the northern alternative. During the meet, objection was raised on implementation of double railway line which would pose a threat to the biodiversity of Deepor Beel. The demand to seal off the dumping zone in Bora Gaon was also raised. Moreover, trains running through the elephant corridor endanger the mammals, so steps should be taken to ensure safety of wildlife in the area.

The Team accompanied by the CCF (Wildlife) and Head, Env.Division, ASTEC, visited the Beel in the afternoon of August 13, 2008 after the presentation and discussions at ASTEC. The team was taken to the watch tower located at the edge of the Beel and shown the measures undertaken for protecting the wetlands by constructing embankments. The Team observed that the watch tower supported by bamboo coated with cement mortar, was almost in a dilapidated condition (a portion of the cement concrete slab in the ceiling missing and the cement coated bamboo pillars seemingly giving way) and the construction of embankments was also half done. The Team was told that the structure has been handed over to the Engg College authorities for maintenance and continuous watch.

On the other side of the beel towards the NH 34, the Team could see a number of brick kilns and the city’s garbage dumping ground. ASTEC said that since the garbage dumping yard is abutting the margin of the beel, there is every possibility of the solid and liquid wastes, leaching into the beel during rainy season, further deteriorating the water quality. Some of the natural and threatening the Deepor Beel include construction of railway line along the southern boundary and industrial development within the periphery among many others.

Also Read: Baby elephant stuck in the wetlands of Deepor Beel rescued