The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has recently highlighted the Eco-sensitive zone of the Deepor Beel Wildlife Sanctuary in Assam. This follows other recent developments including Kaziranga National Park becoming the first in the country to use satellite phones and the designation of Dehing Patkai and Raimona as National Parks.
About Deepor Beel
Deepor Beel is one of Assam’s largest freshwater lakes, recognized for its unique biodiversity. It holds the distinction of being the only Ramsar site in the state and is identified as an Important Bird Area by Birdlife International. Located southwest of Guwahati city, the lake was once a water channel of the mighty River Brahmaputra.
During summer, the lake expands up to 30 sq. km, reducing to about 10 sq. km in winter. Within this wetland, or “beel”, lies the wildlife sanctuary that spans over 4.1 sq. km.
Importance of Deepor Beel
Deepor Beel serves as a unique habitat for aquatic flora and avian fauna. Beyond its biological significance, the lake is of great environmental importance as it serves as the major storm-water storage basin for Guwahati city.
The lake also supports the livelihoods of several local families. For instance, six young girls from the local fishing community have innovatively developed a biodegradable and compostable yoga mat, known as the ‘Moorhen Yoga Mat’.
Concerns About Deepor Beel
However, concerns abound regarding the future of Deepor Beel. The lake’s water has become increasingly toxic, and many aquatic plants that formerly served as food for elephants have disappeared. The lake has been under threat for decades due to a railway track on its southern rim, a nearby garbage dump, and encroachment from human habitation and commercial units.
About Eco-Sensitive Zones
Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs) or Ecologically Fragile Areas are demarcated areas within a 10 km radius around protected areas like National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries. The MoEFCC notifies these under the Environment Protection Act 1986. In cases where corridors, connectivity, and ecologically important patches beyond the 10 km radius are considered crucial for landscape linkage, they may also be included in the ESZ.
The primary objective of an ESZ is to regulate certain activities around National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries with a view to minimize their negative impacts on the areas’ fragile ecosystems.
Activities in Eco-Sensitive Zones
In ESZs, some activities are prohibited, some are regulated, and others are permitted. Prohibited activities include commercial mining, saw mills, pollution-causing industries, major HydroElectric Projects, commercial use of wood, tourism activities like hot-air balloons over the park, and discharge of effluents or solid waste.
Regulated activities include felling of trees, building hotels and resorts, commercial use of natural water, erection of electrical cables, significant changes to agriculture systems, and road widening.
Permitted activities involve ongoing agricultural or horticultural practices, rainwater harvesting, organic farming, use of renewable energy sources, and adoption of green technology.
