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News: NGT directed authorities to respond to complaints of unauthorized tree felling in Deepar Beel Wildlife Sanctuary and its eco-sensitive zone.
About Deepar Beel Wildlife Sanctuary
- Location: It is located on the western boundary of Guwahati city in Assam.
- Established: The sanctuary was notified in 1989 to protect the unique wetland ecosystem of Deepor Beel.
- Area: It is spread in an area of 4.14 km².
- River System: It receives water from the Basistha and Kalmani rivers and local monsoon run-off.
- The Khonajan channel drains the wetland into the Brahmaputra River.
- Designation: It is the only Ramsar Site in Assam and an important bird sanctuary.
- Flora: The wetland supports hydrophytic vegetation such as Giant Water Lily, Water Lily, Water Hyacinth and aquatic grasses.
- The surrounding forests contain species such as Teak (Tectona grandis), Banyan (Ficus benghalensis), Sal (Shorea robusta) and Bombax malabaricum.
- Fauna: Deepar Beel supports a rich diversity of birds, including the Greater Adjutant Stork, Lesser Adjutant Stork, Spot-billed Pelican, Pallas’s Sea Eagle, Siberian Crane and Pheasant-tailed Jacana.
- Ecological Significance: The wetland functions as a critical elephant corridor, a biodiversity hotspot and a natural flood buffer for Guwahati city.
- It also supports local livelihoods and hydrological stability.
- Major Concerns: The sanctuary faces threats from garbage dumping, encroachment, railway track doubling and electrification, and the deterioration of water quality and aquatic vegetation.
