Explore Deepor Beel The Freshwater Lake In Assam!

Deepor Beel (Lake) is a Ramsar site located in the Indian state of Assam. Designated in 2002, it spans an area of 4,014 hectares. Situated in a former channel of the Brahmaputra River, Deepor Beel is an essential freshwater lake that serves as a major stormwater storage basin for Guwahati. Deepor Beel was declared a Wildlife Sanctuary by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) in 1989.

Also Read:  Ramsar Sites In India

Biological Significance

The site is biologically significant, supporting a diverse range of flora and fauna. It serves as a staging site for migratory birds and hosts some of the largest concentrations of aquatic birds in Assam, particularly during the winter season. Deepor Beel is also home to several globally threatened bird species, including the Spot-billed Pelican, Lesser Adjutant Stork, Greater Adjutant Stork, and Baer's Pochard.

Vital Role

The lake plays a vital role in the livelihoods of surrounding villages, with 50 fish species supporting local communities. Nymphaea nuts, flowers, medicinal plants, seeds of the Giant water lily (Euryale ferox), and ornamental fish contribute to the local economy. Additionally, the neighboring forest is rich in commercially valuable orchids.

Threats

Despite its ecological importance, Deepor Beel faces potential threats such as over-fishing, hunting of waterbirds, pollution from pesticides and fertilizers, and infestation by water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes). There is concern regarding a proposed sewage canal from the city that could have disastrous effects on the site.

Deepor Beel is a valuable Ramsar site protecting the wetland ecosystem and its biodiversity. Its conservation is essential for the well-being of wildlife and the local communities dependent on the lake. 

Threats To Elephants' Life

The elephants in Deepor Beel are facing several issues. Rapid urbanization in the area has led to habitat fragmentation, as the elephants' wetland habitat is being disturbed. Loss of forest cover in the nearby Rani Reserve Forest and pollution in Deepor Beel have forced elephants to raid human settlements for food, increasing human-elephant conflicts.

The railway line and busy road leading to Guwahati airport have also fragmented the elephant habitat, resulting in several train accidents. However, an ongoing conservation effort by forest officials and local volunteers has reduced elephant deaths in train accidents. Additionally, the deteriorating quality of Deepor Beel, caused by improper waste disposal, has affected the elephants' nutrition, causing them to spend less time in the area. The scarcity of land and illegal tree felling further exacerbate the human-elephant conflict.