Assam: Paradise for migratory birds Maguri-Motapung beel in dire straits

A Correspondent

DIBRUGARH: Maguri-Motapung beel, which was once known for its rich biodiversity, has lost its earlier glory after the Baghjan oil well blowout.

Maguri-Motapung beel is situated near the Dibru-Saikhowa National Park in Tinsukia district. The wetland is just 9 km from Tinsukia town.

Every year various species of migratory birds come here during the winter season, and tourists across the world come here for birdwatching, but now things have changed. The Baghjan blowout has affected the wetland.

“Maguri-Motapung beel can be transformed into a world-famous birdwatching site due to its amazing beauty, but unfortunately the government is not doing anything for the conservation of the wetland. The degradation of the beel happened due to the Baghjan blowout. The wetland has lost its rich diversity. Earlier, the wetland was full of migratory birds, but now they are coming in fewer numbers,” said Nirantar Gohain, an environmentalist.

He said, “It can be transformed into a big tourist site, but the government has failed to do it. We urged the government to direct the tourism department to take some necessary steps for the development of the wetland”.

The wetland provides a unique glimpse into the lives of both residential and migratory birds, making it particularly popular during the migratory season when rare species can be sighted.

Besides bird watching, tourists also visit to enjoy traditional boat rides, witness the diverse aquatic life, and experience the culture of local communities.

“Some local people have developed homestays and traditional boat service in Maguri-Motapung beel. But the government should encourage more youths to associate with such businesses,” said Ramesh Moran, a local resident.

He said, “The wetland provides a unique glimpse into the lives of both residential and migratory birds, making it particularly popular during the winter season when rare species can be sighted.”.

“The entire wetland ecosystem has been disturbed, and I predicted this situation a long time back in 2006 in an article. I mentioned that due to siltation, the wetland will be filled with silt, and there will be no migratory birds. It is due to the illegal sand mining at the confluence of the Dangari-Dibru River,” said Ranjan Kumar Das, retired vice principal of Tinsukia College and bird watcher.

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