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#LetsSaveDeeporBeel

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<h4>MoonBy: Rana Pratap Saikia</h4>

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<p>Not a single soul will deny that Assam's lone Ramsar site, the 'Deepor Beel' is in a deplorable condition. In fact, <a href="https://www.change.org/p/letssavedeeporbeel-only-ramsar-site-of-assam?recruiter=980362678&amp;utm_source=share_petition&amp;utm_medium=copylink&amp;utm_campaign=share_petition"><em>Inside Northeast has even started a petition</em></a> to draw attention to the plight of the 'Beel' as part of its #LetsSaveDeeporBeel campaign. Now, the question that arises in the mind of all environment lovers is how to salvage this once-glorious site. A small company from Assam's Tezpur town, which is widely regarded as the cleanest city in the entire country, might just have the solution!</p>

<p>The company making the difference in Tezpur is Radiant Skills and Environmental Solutions Pvt. Ltd, which is slowly allowing Tezpur to retain it's status as the cleanest city in India. Ashok Baruah, the MD of the company, revealed to <em>Inside Northeast</em> how this company is helping Tezpur remain clean, green, and beautiful with proper waste disposal and segregation.</p>

<p>Baruah reveals that he began his environmental crusade (remarkably, without any aid from the Government) when he signed an agreement with Tezpur Municipal Board. A solid waste management plant was lying unused for years like 'Deepor Beel' and was taken on lease by Radiant. This is in line with Tezpur history where the first electric supply was started in Assam in 1930 by the Lahiri family, a private company.</p>

<p>First, a survey was carried out to find out how much waste is generated in Tezpur with the help IIT Guwahati. Then, the team from 'Radiant' visited Tezpur civilians door-to-door to create awareness about waste management, disposal, and segregation. Then, a roadmap was charted to figure out the entire layout of the city and how the waste would be transported.</p>

<p><img alt="" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-35040" height="365" src="https://insidene.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/9bea9808-58a8-4dbc-a095-46d569f09c7a-1-660x365.jpg" width="660" /></p>

<p>Baruah, taking the issue of waste disposal seriously, even organized a street play 'Ek Notun Dinor Aahban', (Heralding a New Day) in 45 locations across the city, to better acquaint people with the subject. Then, 'the waste fighters' distributed two dustbins to the people -- a green (for bio-degradable waste) and blue (for solid wastes). They were also given a manual on how to segregate waste.</p>

<p>Both bio-degradable and non-biodegradable wastes were collected by the company in their iron waste containers, which would immediately head towards the processing plants. What is most interesting is that the garbage would be collected in non-polluting electric rickshaws! "We separate the wastes according to their nature as segregation is of most importance. At the moment, w are covering 11,000 households, and 450 commercial organizations", Baruah beams.</p>

<p><img alt="" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-35038" height="365" src="https://insidene.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/34623c29-82e2-4dbb-877d-2b992ccde468-660x365.jpg" width="660" /></p>

<p>Baruah also reveals that the company also plans to convert 'waste to energy' as part of its new Rs. 450 crore project funded by Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). "I need 100 tonnes of waste to produce 15MW electricity per day day as per the Israeli 'cold plasma gasification technology', which converts the solid waste into green power, purified water, and zero carbon fuel", he says.</p>

<p>While discussing the 'Deepor Beel', Baruah says the 'cold plasma gasification technology' can help the wetland as well</p>

<p>"The Government should monitor the 'Deepor Beel' and I would recommend a Public-Private-Partnership to resolve the issue, as the existing system cannot deal with the waste that is being accumulated there", Baruah cautions.</p>

<p>[caption id="attachment_35056" align="alignnone" width="660"]<img alt="" class="wp-image-35056 size-full" height="365" src="https://insidene.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Untitled-1-90.jpg" width="660" /> Ashok Baruah[/caption]</p>

<p>The entrepreneur also says that the concerned authorities should deploy people door-to-door to create awareness about the waste segregation in Guwahati which will help the 'Beel'. "We should change the mindset of the people and inform them. Tezpur is now the cleanest city because are now aware about environmental issues. People have accepted the initiative, and the change", says the entrepreneur.</p>

<p><em>Inside Northeast’s Campaign&nbsp;<strong>#LetsSaveDeeporBeel</strong>&nbsp;is now supported by Oil India Limited (OIL). Join us as we continue the awareness campaign to preserve the only Ramsar site in Assam which is facing immense threats. We need your help to preserve this site of great ecological importance. Join the&nbsp;<strong>#LetsSaveDeeporBeel</strong>&nbsp;campaign and tweet about it, and do tag us on Twitter. Let’s make some noise!</em></p>

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Not a single soul will deny that Assam's lone Ramsar site, the 'Deepor Beel' is in a deplorable condition.

What Guwahati can Learn from 'India's Cleanest City', Tezpur

#LetsSaveDeeporBeel: What Guwahati can Learn from 'India's Cleanest City', Tezpur

International

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<p><strong>YANGON: </strong>Internet and news services have been disrupted across Myanmar on Thursday, as the country's military sought to secure their grip on power after&nbsp;deposing the democratically-elected government&nbsp;earlier this week.</p>

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<p>San Suu Kyi, the country's de facto leader, along with President Win Myint and dozens of other senior figures in their National League for Democracy (NLD) were detained on Monday.</p>

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<p>Now, power has been handed to commander in chief Min Aung Hlaing, in response to unfounded allegations of election fraud. Moreover, a state of emergency has declared for one year.</p>

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<p><strong><a href="https://www.insidene.com/pandemic-takes-its-toll-on-cricket-no-ranji-trophy-for-the-first-time-in-87-years/">ALSO READ: Pandemic takes its toll on cricket; no Ranji Trophy for the first time in 87 years</a></strong></p>

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<p>On Wednesday,&nbsp;an arrest warrant was issued for Suu Kyi&nbsp;over unspecified "import and export" offenses, while Win Myint was remanded in custody under the country's Disaster Management Law.</p>

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<p>Facebook has confirmed that its services were "currently disrupted for some people" as of Thursday morning, meaning many might still be unaware of what is happening,</p>

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<p>WhatsApp and other platforms, even as basic internet access was returning in some areas.</p>

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<p>At one point on Monday, the only operational TV channel was the Myanmar military-owned television network Myawaddy TV.</p>

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Facebook access cut in Myanmar following coup; tv channels taken off air

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<p><h4>Guwahati, July 21, 2019:</h4></p><p>Elephants are the largest mammals alive on land today. Researchers have discovered that these animals are afraid of bees. They flee when they hear the buzz of a bee swarm.</p><p>This information could be used to help protect them.</p><p>Indian Railways have come up with a novel way of getting elephants to 'buzz off' from train tracks.</p><p>Speakers that play the sound of bees to scare the jumbos away could be used to scare away the jumbos.</p><p>Elephants have long been known to be frightened by the buzzing of bees and sting.Nearly 50 buzzing amplifiers have been deployed as part of "Plan Bee" at a dozen "elephant corridors" in the vast forests of Assam.</p><p>The first of these devices was installed at a level crossing between Kamakhya and Azara railway stations near Guwahati two months ago. The novel approach has won the team accolades from animal conservationists and on Tuesday an award for "best innovative idea" from Indian Railways for regional operator Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR). The crossing is a few metres from one of 27 elephant corridors under NFR, which covers northern West Bengal and parts of eastern Bihar besides the northeastern states.</p><p>Human-elephant conflict is a major challenge for supporting the survival and persistence of elephants in their range countries because these are places where the development and well-being of human communities sharing space with these mega-herbivores is also important. It may be mentioned that an elephant calf named Bholu is the mascot of Indian Railways. Elephants are also worshiped and used in religious rituals.</p><p>According to the Assam forest department’s 2011 census, there are an estimated 5,620 elephants in the state. Train-hits included, 225 elephants died in Assam between 2006 and 2016 because of growing man-animal conflicts.</p><p><h6><em>INSIDE NORTHEAST’S CAMPAIGN #LETSSAVEDEEPORBEEL IS NOW SUPPORTED BY OIL INDIA LIMITED (OIL). JOIN US AS WE CONTINUE THE AWARENESS CAMPAIGN TO PRESERVE THE ONLY RAMSAR SITE IN ASSAM WHICH IS FACING IMMENSE THREATS. WE NEED YOUR HELP TO PRESERVE THIS SITE OF GREAT ECOLOGICAL IMPORTANCE. JOIN THE #LETSSAVEDEEPORBEEL CAMPAIGN AND TWEET ABOUT IT, AND DO TAG US ON TWITTER. LET’S MAKE SOME NOISE!</em></h6></p><p><h6><em>KEEP FOLLOWING INSIDE NORTHEAST ON FACEBOOK, YOUTUBE, TWITTER, AND INSTAGRAM. DOWNLOAD THE INSIDE NORTHEAST APP FROM HERE HTTPS://PLAY.GOOGLE.COM/STORE/APPS/DETAILS?ID=COM.INSIDENORTHEAST.APP&amp;HL=EN FOR NEWS, VIEWS AND REVIEWS FROM NORTHEAST INDIA. DO KEEP FOLLOWING US FOR NEWS ON-THE-GO. WE DELIVER THE NORTHEAST.</em></h6></p>

'Plan Bee' is the Key to Save the Elephants of 'Deepor Beel'

Breaking News

<p><h4>Mubina Akhtar</h4></p><p>The 'Deepor beel' has become a classic example how wetlands are abused due to clashes of multiple interest.</p><p>Although a protected site under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, 1971, continuous encroachment reduced this wetland to one fourth of its original size.</p><p>https://www.facebook.com/ne.inside/videos/3351664628192912/</p><p>To make things worse, the Guwahati Municipal Corporation had chosen this Ramsar site to be the city's municipal garbage dumping site! Degradation of this important water body started heavily with dumping of waste by the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) in close proximity of the water body since 2006, flouting all norms of municipal solid waste rules.</p><p>The death of Greater Adjutant Storks in the vicinity of Deepar beel, tells the story of how the GMC and the sheer apathy of the state forest department has turned this important bird area turn into a danger zone for the globally threatened species!</p><p>Deepor, as the very name suggests, is a traditional refuge of the elephant and has been protected as a wildlife sanctuary. The sanctuary, in order to remain alive and perform some definite ecosystem services, needs more a conservational approach. However, the new government policies seem to ride over this very fact. The Guwahati smart city mission envisages Deepar beel as a water park. It has been reported that a high level meeting chaired by the state Chief Minister recently has come up with plans of constricting the protected area boundaries of the Sanctuary to its half!</p><p>Continuous encroachment has already reduced this once 4,000 hectare (ha) wetland shrunk into less than 500 ha area! The focus of the government should be to conserve the wetland ecosystem of this wildlife sanctuary rather then turning it to a recreational park with the sole intention of revenue generation!</p><p>Exploitation of wildlife habitats for other has been a serious lapse in our policy decisions. Would anyone kindly tell the CM that the Deepor as a wildlife sanctuary has been secured for elephants and his plan to “transform Deepor Beel into an attractive tourist destination” would compromise the very basis of our conservation goals? Wildlife requires inviolate space. What we need at the moment is a change in presumption of our policymakers that wildlife can be conserved under all kinds of development and sustainable use!</p><p><em>Keep following <a href="https://insidene.com/">Inside Northeast</a> on Facebook, Youtube, Twitter, and Instagram. Do <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.insidene.app&amp;hl=en">download our app from the Google Playstore</a> for the latest news updates, views, and entertainment on the go. We deliver the Northeast.</em></p>

Deepor Beel

Govt Plans to “Override” Elephants in 'Deepor Beel'

<p><h4>Guwahati, July 17, 2019:</h4></p><p>The local residents of the 'Deepor Beel' have continued to raise their voices against the construction of the double-track railway line through the wetland.</p><p>The locals of the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dipor_Bil">Deepor Beel</a> have a serious concern about the double-track railway as the 'Beel' is a habitat to scores of birds and wild animals which are a part of the ecosystem.</p><p>Also Read : <a href="https://insidene.com/2019/07/17/indian-navy-personnel-extend-support-to-people-affected-by-floods-in-assam/">Indian Navy Personnel Extend Support to People Affected by Floods in Assam</a></p><p>The department of the forest has identified four elephant corridors have been disrupted by the existing railway track, thus, the locals believe that the second railway track will worsen the situation. This is what the locals have been trying to convey to the Central and the state government authorities through memorandums at different points of time.</p><p>The locals have also made allegations that neither the government authorities nor the Northeast Frontier Railway has been responding to their demand.</p><p>As per the latest updates, the NF Railway has already initiated construction of the second railway track near in Azara and surveys are being carried out there from time-to-time.</p><p><h6><em>INSIDE NORTHEAST’S CAMPAIGN #LETSSAVEDEEPORBEEL IS NOW SUPPORTED BY OIL INDIA LIMITED (OIL). JOIN US AS WE CONTINUE THE AWARENESS CAMPAIGN TO PRESERVE THE ONLY RAMSAR SITE IN ASSAM WHICH IS FACING IMMENSE THREATS. WE NEED YOUR HELP TO PRESERVE THIS SITE OF GREAT ECOLOGICAL IMPORTANCE. JOIN THE #LETSSAVEDEEPORBEEL CAMPAIGN AND TWEET ABOUT IT, AND DO TAG US ON TWITTER. LET’S MAKE SOME NOISE!</em></h6></p><p><h6><em>KEEP FOLLOWING INSIDE NORTHEAST ON FACEBOOK, YOUTUBE, TWITTER, AND INSTAGRAM. DOWNLOAD THE INSIDE NORTHEAST APP FROM HERE HTTPS://PLAY.GOOGLE.COM/STORE/APPS/DETAILS?ID=COM.INSIDENORTHEAST.APP&amp;HL=EN FOR NEWS, VIEWS AND REVIEWS FROM NORTHEAST INDIA. DO KEEP FOLLOWING US FOR NEWS ON-THE-GO. WE DELIVER THE NORTHEAST.</em></h6></p>

double-track

Locals Continue Protest Against Double-Track Railway through 'Deepor Beel'

<p><h4>Guwahati, June 10, 2019:</h4></p><p>Assamese music director Joi Barua has urged the people of Guwahati as well as Assam to get involved in the preservation of Deepor Beel.</p><p>Endorsing #LetsSaveDeeporBeel campaign initiated by Inside Northeast, Barua said, “I think Deepor Beel is one precious resource that we have. It is a huge place for birds. It has been an Elephant corridor. You built railway right through an elephant habitat. Lots of birds come out there.”<p><iframe allow="" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360"  width="640" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/xk_6GVFmZRo" allowfullscreen></iframe></p></p><p>Urging the people of Guwahati as well as Assam ‘to take bigger cognizance of what Deepor Beel is going through’ Joi Barua said, “I hope we learn in good time to take care of our resources of what natures endow us with and be good towards preservation of habitat.”</p><p>He said, “I as an artist fully endorse the conservation of this habitat. It is one of the few places left. I think many of us are ignorant about what it is.”</p><p><h4>Also Read: <a href="https://insidene.com/2019/06/05/assam-gdd-minister-endorses-inside-northeast-campaign-letssavedeeporbeel/">Assam GDD Minister Endorses Inside Northeast Campaign #LetsSaveDeeporBeel</a></h4></p><p>Deepor Beel is considered as one of the biggest lakes of the Brahmaputra valley. It is surrounded by steep highlands on the northern and southern sides and its main sources of water are the Kalmani and Basistha Rivers.</p><p>About 18 genera of phytoplankton are found here in this Beel. There are also many deciduous trees in this basin of which the most commonly found is the teak. Many other medicinal plants, aquarium plants, and orchids of commercial value are found in the surrounding areas of the lake.</p><p>This Beel is also a habitat for a wide variety of birds some of which are even migratory birds. The spot-billed pelican is the main attraction here. The Siberian crane is also spotted here many times.</p><p>Among the animals, one can find the snakes, turtle, tortoise, lizards and many species of fishes. Many wild animals like the jungle cat, Chinese porcupine, Asian elephants, and leopard have been preserved here.</p><p><h6><em>Keep following Inside Northeast on Facebook, Youtube, Twitter, and Instagram. Do download our app from the Google Playstore for the latest news updates, views, and entertainment on the go. We deliver the Northeast.</em></h6></p>

Joi Barua

Music Director Joi Barua Urges People for Preservation of Deepor Beel

<p><h4>By: Rahul Deka</h4></p><p>It has been suggested that there is a possibility that the groundbreaking 'cool plasma gasification technology' can help save the 'Deepor Beel' in Guwahati by properly disposing wastes accumulated at the wasteland site.</p><p>This was first suggested by Ashok Baruah, the MD of Radiant Skills and Environmental Solutions Pvt. Ltd, a company that is helping keep Tezpur city 'clean and green'. So let's find out more about this new groundbreaking technology that is creating buzz among environment enthusiasts.</p><p>According to Strebl Energy, the COOL PLASMA Gasification Technology converts waste, or other carbonaceous feedstock, into operationally viable outputs using plasma field dynamics. Waste flows through a plasma arc generated by pressurizing a gas (a combination of diesel, air and electricity) and passing it through an electrical field in an oxygen-deprived chamber.</p><p>This produces a high-heat environment (800-1000°C), which instantaneously breaks down the waste feedstock into its molecular components. Super heating without oxygen is not incineration and does not generate the problematic exhaust emissions produced by burning waste.</p><p>Instead, the innovative COOL PLASMA Gasification technology creates a clean fuel called syngas (synthesis gas) that can be used to generate a wide range of valuable outputs including electricity, liquid fuels, and specialized chemicals.</p><p>The waste feedstock material introduced into this process is detoxified and its weight reduced at a ratio of 20:1. The only solid byproducts are inert materials: dry fly ash (which is commonly used as a construction aggregate), glass, and metals.</p><p>Last year, 280 million tonnes of plastic was produced globally, but less than half of it reached landfills and was recycled. PLasma gasification provides an alternative to incineration, and is a more effective way to destroy wastes. Will the Assam Government use this technology to salvage the 'Deepor Beel'? Only time will tell.</p><p><em>Inside Northeast’s Campaign <strong>#LetsSaveDeeporBeel</strong> is now supported by Oil India Limited (OIL). Join us as we continue the awareness campaign to preserve the only Ramsar site in Assam which is facing immense threats. We need your help to preserve this site of great ecological importance. Join the <strong>#LetsSaveDeeporBeel</strong> campaign and tweet about it, and do tag us on Twitter. Let’s make some noise!</em></p><p><div class="code-block code-block-1"></p><p><em>Download:</em></p><p><em>The Inside Northeast app <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.insidenortheast.app&amp;hl=en">HERE</a> for News, Views and Reviews from Northeast India.</em></p><p><em>Do <a href="https://insidene.com/">keep following us</a> for news on-the-go. We deliver the Northeast.</em></p><p></div></p>

Plasma

Cool Plasma Gasification Technology: The Innovation That Could Save Assam's 'Deepor Beel'

<p><h4>By: Rana Pratap Saikia</h4></p><p><em>Inside Northeast</em> recently came across a plant that was set up in the name of production of fertilizer from garbage as a part of recycling process at 'Deepor Beel', but now stands defunct. Upon enquiry, it was discovered that the Assam state government projected an expense of more than Rs 100 crore for this 'miracle' project! Lets find out what this mystery project is and how it came to this sorry state.</p><p>The saga of this 'miracle machine' began in 2008, when it was first inaugurated with hopes to turn the mountains of waste being emptied into 'Deepor Beel' into fertilizer! However, these plans never came to fruition. Locals of the 'Beel' have revealed to <em>Inside Northeast</em> why it failed.</p><p>Pramod Kalita, a local environmental activist tells us that the primary cause of the installation's failure is the lack of was segregation.</p><p>"As you very well know, waste segregation is of utmost importance when it comes to recycling. Surely you cannot turn plastic into fertilizer, right? Anyways, the installation is just lying useless", he laments.</p><p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-34911" src="https://insidene.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Untitled-1llll.jpg" alt="" width="660" height="365" /></p><p>Kalita also adds that the Government is least concerned about the environment and waste is being disposed of in a most clumsy manner. "They simply collect the waste and set it afire, which creates the most putrid stench. They are not only polluting the water and soil, but they are polluting the environment as well. It is a complete travesty", he says.</p><p>Kalita alleges that officials of the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) like to flex their muscles by boasting that they are taking an environment-friendly approach towards waste disposal, but it is all a hoax. "These are just some of their talking-points which they perhaps repeat ad nauseum to make themselves feel better about themselves. However, the machine has never really been used. It is simply lying...useless, worthless", Kalita alleges.</p><p>Perhaps the initiative was noble, but the Assam administration and the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) have come under heavy (proverbial) gunfire because of their callousness and negligence towards the environment. The deplorable condition of this 100 crore installation is proof that the authorities have failed in their duty to protect the only Ramsar site of the state, and thus, the people must keep fighting on to save and preserve this site of great ecological importance.</p><p><em>Inside Northeast’s Campaign <strong>#LetsSaveDeeporBeel</strong> is now supported by Oil India Limited (OIL). Join us as we continue the awareness campaign to preserve the only Ramsar site in Assam which is facing immense threats. We need your help to preserve this site of great ecological importance. Join the <strong>#LetsSaveDeeporBeel</strong> campaign and tweet about it, and do tag us on Twitter. Let’s make some noise!</em></p><p><div class="code-block code-block-1"></p><p><em>Download:</em></p><p><em>The Inside Northeast app <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.insidenortheast.app&amp;hl=en">HERE</a> for News, Views and Reviews from Northeast India.</em></p><p><em>Do <a href="https://insidene.com/">keep following us</a> for news on-the-go. We deliver the Northeast.</em></p><p></div></p>

Beel

100 Crore 'Miracle' Installation of the Assam Govt Now Lies Useless at 'Deepor Beel'

<p><h4>Guwahati, July 10, 2019:</h4></p><p>Newly-elected Lok Sabha MP from Guwahati, Queen Oja has come under fire from some local organizations for some allegedly 'offensive' statement that she had made earlier.</p><p>It has been alleged that the newly-elected Guwahati Constituency member allegedly accused local people for polluting the natural environment of Assam's lone Ramsar site, the Deepor Beel. For this reason, the local people along with some students' Unions and forum demanded Queen Oja to seek apology from them.</p><p>A press meet was even organized by the <em>Assam Jatiyotabadi Parishad</em> and the <em>Brihattar Boragaon Oikya Mancha</em> where the Assam Jatiyotabadi Parishad's president said that in spite of her allegedly putative word, the local people have always tried to maintain the good environment of the 'Deepor Beel' and added that the, in fact, have been protesting against the Government's move of setting up garbage dumps in the area.</p><p>Reacting to this outcry, Oja, while speaking to <em>Inside Northeast</em> said that she was misunderstood by journalists. "I simply said that the Assamese people had sold the land to non-Assamese people, leading to encroachment and . Some non-Assamese people had opened up some I had not condemned the locals. In fact, I am going to submit a memorandum to the Central Government seeking support to salvage the 'Deepor Beel'. These reports are untrue."</p><p><em>Inside Northeast’s Campaign <strong>#LetsSaveDeeporBeel</strong> is now supported by Oil India Limited (OIL). Join us as we continue the awareness campaign to preserve the only Ramsar site in Assam which is facing immense threats. We need your help to preserve this site of great ecological importance. Join the <strong>#LetsSaveDeeporBeel</strong> campaign and tweet about it, and do tag us on Twitter. Let’s make some noise!</em></p><p><div class="code-block code-block-1"></p><p><em>Download:</em></p><p><em>The Inside Northeast app <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.insidenortheast.app&amp;hl=en">HERE</a> for News, Views and Reviews from Northeast India.</em></p><p><em>Do <a href="https://insidene.com/">keep following us</a> for news on-the-go. We deliver the Northeast.</em></p><p></div></p>

Guwahati

Guwahati MP Queen Oja to Submit Memorandum to Govt to Save the 'Deepor Beel'

<p><strong>By Himashree Deka, June 28:</strong></p><p>Following the proposal of the second railway track across the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dipor_Bil">Deepor</a> Beel, the locals have expressed resentment and alleged that the government authorities have been maintaining a dual standard over the issues pertaining regarding the wetland.</p><p>Speaking to Inside Northeast, Pramod Kalita, General Secretary, Chakardo Kalitapara Public committee and organizing secretary Rongmon Tourism Society said that earlier the government bodies in 1989 have mislead the people and constructed the first railway track across Deepor Beel saying it cannot be accredited as a wildlife sanctuary. But in the same year, it was proposed to declare as a wildlife sanctuary.</p><p>Also Read: <a href="https://insidene.com/2019/06/25/renowned-environmentalist-mike-pandey-urges-people-to-wake-up-and-save-the-deepor-beel/">Renowned Environmentalist Mike Pandey Urges People to Wake Up and Save the Deepor Beel</a></p><p>“As per the notification FRW.12/2016/12 of the railways, four corridors have been identified as elephant corridors. Despite that, the second railway track has been laid down and the construction has already started. Moreover, the Forest Department’s role is also doubtful and no cooperation can be seen towards the locals who are trying to save the wetland and the wild animals,” he added.</p><p>Pramod Kalita also added that the Forest officials are planning to install tunnels in the existing elephant corridor which will not only disrupt the naturally significant zones but also disturb the original habitat of the elephant causing more threat to their habitat.</p><p><h6><em>Inside Northeast’s Campaign #LetsSaveDeeporBeel is now supported by Oil India Limited (OIL). Join us as we continue the awareness campaign to preserve the only Ramsar site in Assam which is facing immense threats. We need your help to preserve this site of great ecological importance. Join the #LetsSaveDeeporBeel campaign and tweet about it, and do tag us on Twitter. Let’s make some noise!</em></h6></p><p><h6><em>Keep following Inside Northeast on Facebook, Youtube, Twitter, and Instagram. Download The Inside Northeast app from here https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.insidenortheast.app&amp;hl=en for News, Views and Reviews from Northeast India. Do keep following us for news on-the-go. We deliver the Northeast.</em></h6></p>

beel

Local Bodies of Deepor Beel Alleges Careless Attitude of Govt Over Pertaining Issues

<p><h4>Guwahti, July 24, 2019:</h4></p><p>Pollution is one of the major threats to the 'Deepor Beel', which is the only <a href="https://www.ramsar.org/">Ramsar Site</a> in the state of Assam.</p><p>The never-ending allegations against the local populace of dumping garbage and other waste materials into the 'Beel' and its surroundings have frustrated the locals of the region and they have appealed to picnickers to be more responsible and clean up after themselves.</p><p>The people of the area have been making efforts to save the beel with the commitment to save the ecological zone. They have further alleged that the concerned authorities have not been reacting to the issue as proactively as they should. The concerned locals of the place have also said that during the session of picnic, people from across the city visit the Deepor Beel and organize picnics which later makes the place dirty with plastics and leftover food materials.</p><p>Also Read : <a href="https://insidene.com/2019/07/23/deepor-beel-locals-risking-their-own-lives-to-save-elephants/">Deepor Beel Locals Risking their Own Lives to Save Elephants</a></p><p>This is not the only threat for the existence of the 'Deepor Beel', the railway track, GMC garbage dumping ground, are the other threats in the region.</p><p>"This happens every year during the picnic season. That is why picnic in deepor beel periphery should stop", said a local, while talking to Inside Northeast.</p><p><h6><em>INSIDE NORTHEAST’S CAMPAIGN #LETSSAVEDEEPORBEEL IS NOW SUPPORTED BY OIL INDIA LIMITED (OIL). JOIN US AS WE CONTINUE THE AWARENESS CAMPAIGN TO PRESERVE THE ONLY RAMSAR SITE IN ASSAM WHICH IS FACING IMMENSE THREATS. WE NEED YOUR HELP TO PRESERVE THIS SITE OF GREAT ECOLOGICAL IMPORTANCE. JOIN THE #LETSSAVEDEEPORBEEL CAMPAIGN AND TWEET ABOUT IT, AND DO TAG US ON TWITTER. LET’S MAKE SOME NOISE!</em></h6></p><p><h6><em>KEEP FOLLOWING INSIDE NORTHEAST ON FACEBOOK, YOUTUBE, TWITTER, AND INSTAGRAM. DOWNLOAD THE INSIDE NORTHEAST APP FROM HERE HTTPS://PLAY.GOOGLE.COM/STORE/APPS/DETAILS?ID=COM.INSIDENORTHEAST.APP&amp;HL=EN FOR NEWS, VIEWS AND REVIEWS FROM NORTHEAST INDIA. DO KEEP FOLLOWING US FOR NEWS ON-THE-GO. WE DELIVER THE NORTHEAST. Stay tuned.</em></h6></p>

'Deepor Beel' Locals Slam 'Picnickers' for Irresponsibly Dumping Wastes

<p>Guwahati, June 25, 2019:</p><p>“Deepor Beel is the life source of Guwahati, how can we pollute and poison our own people?” asks renowned environmentalist, conservationist, and award-winning filmmaker Mike Pandey while talking to <em>Inside Northeast</em>.</p><p>“In a place where the Kamakhya Temple is located, how can water be treated with such disdain?”, wonders Mike, who is also the chairperson of <em>Earthwatch</em> and <em>Earthmatters</em> foundations.</p><p>Speaking exclusively to <em>Inside Northeast</em>, the wildlife conservationist has said that the 'Deepor Beel' is dying and people must do something about it. He also urged the people to "wake up" and do something about it.</p><p>Supporting the campaign <em>#LetsSaveDeeporBeel</em> launched by Inside Northeast, Mike Pandey says, “Every living thing on this earth needs water for survival. We all know the fact, so how can one poison his/her own water source? Guwahati is going through acute water scarcity in these years and Deepor Beel is a crucial source of drinking water for the citizens of Guwahati and it must be protected and conserved at all cost.”</p><p>Also Read: <a href="https://insidene.com/2019/06/05/assam-gdd-minister-endorses-inside-northeast-campaign-letssavedeeporbeel/">Assam GDD Minister Endorses Inside Northeast Campaign #LetsSaveDeeporBeel</a></p><p>Mike Pandey is internationally renowned for his high calibre and powerful films and is one of India’s most accomplished and iconic nature filmmakers. He has won over 300 awards for his work to spread awareness about biodiversity and species conservation, including helping conserve and protect key species such as whale sharks, elephants, tigers, vultures, and horseshoe crabs.</p><p>In 1973, Mike set up Riverbank Studios, a film studio in New Delhi, which focused on creating films about conservation and the wildlife. In 1994, he became the first Asian producer/director to win the Wildscreen Panda Award, also known as the Green Oscar, for his film The Last Migration - Wild Elephant Capture in Surguja.</p><p>In 2000, his film Shores of Silence: Whale Sharks in India, won the Green Oscar for the second time. The film also led to the ban on the killing of whale sharks on Indian shores. This film has also won a National Award for Best Film in the "Exploration &amp; Adventure" Category, 2005.</p><p>On October 2004, he once again by won the Green Oscar for the Third time for his film Vanishing Giants – a story of his passion and involvement with elephants. This film also led to the ban of cruel and outdated techniques of elephant capture in India.</p><p>The CMS – UNEP Award for Outstanding Achievement In Global Conservation, the Prithvi Ratan or was also awarded to Mike at the CMS Vatavaran Film Festival in November 2003, for his outstanding contribution towards generating awareness, which led to the conservation of a global heritage - the Whale Shark. Mike was also presented with the Award for Cinematic Excellence by Western India’s Cinematographers Association in Mumbai, 2005.</p><p><em>Inside Northeast’s Campaign #LetsSaveDeeporBeel is now supported by Oil India Limited (OIL). Join us as we continue the awareness campaign to preserve the only Ramsar site in Assam which is facing immense threats. We need your held to preserve this site of great ecological importance. Join the #LetsSaveDeeporBeel campaign and tweet about it, and do tag us on Twitter. Let's make some noise!</em></p><p><h6>Keep following Inside Northeast on Facebook, Youtube, Twitter, and Instagram. Download The Inside Northeast app from here <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.insidenortheast.app&amp;hl=en">https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.insidenortheast.app&amp;hl=en</a> for News, Views and Reviews from Northeast India. Do keep following us for news on-the-go. We deliver the Northeast.</h6></p>

mike pandey

Renowned Environmentalist Mike Pandey Urges People to "Wake Up" and Save the 'Deepor Beel'

<p><h4>Guwahati, July 2, 2019</h4></p><p>The local residents of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dipor_Bil">Deepor Beel</a> area on Tuesday staged a peaceful protest against the construction of the double-line railway track through the wetland.</p><p>These locals have been staunch in their opposition to the construction of the second railway track for which the construction began in Azara.</p><p>Protestors said, “The railway tracks will pass through the Deepor Beel and the elephant corridors near the Reserve forest area. This will create A threat to the elephants since there will be two railway lines.”</p><p>Also Read: <a href="https://insidene.com/2019/06/25/renowned-environmentalist-mike-pandey-urges-people-to-wake-up-and-save-the-deepor-beel/">Renowned Environmentalist Mike Pandey Urges People to Wake Up and Save the Deepor Beel</a></p><p>The locals have demanded action from Assam CM Sarbananda Sonowal on the matter. They have also threatened to launch widespread protest against the construction of the new tracks if their voices are not heard.</p><p><h6>Inside Northeast’s Campaign #LetsSaveDeeporBeel is now supported by Oil India Limited (OIL). Join us as we continue the awareness campaign to preserve the only Ramsar site in Assam which is facing immense threats. We need your help to preserve this site of great ecological importance. Join the #LetsSaveDeeporBeel campaign and tweet about it, and do tag us on Twitter. Let’s make some noise!</h6></p><p><h6>Keep following Inside Northeast on Facebook, Youtube, Twitter, and Instagram. Download The Inside Northeast app from here https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.insidenortheast.app&amp;hl=en for News, Views and Reviews from Northeast India. Do keep following us for news on-the-go. We deliver the Northeast.</h6></p><p><h6>Take a minute and sign the petition to save Assam's lone Ramsar site, the 'Deepor Beel'. Join the Inside Northeast campaign to save the Deepor Beel and create awareness about the threats faced by this site of great ecologal importance. Join the movement!</p><p>#DeeporBeel</p><p>#Assam</p><p>#Guwahati</p><p>#AssamGovt</h6></p><p>http://chng.it/zMTcY5knhg</p>

railway track

'Deepor Beel' Locals Protest Against Double-Line Railway Track Construction

<p><h4>Guwahati, June 18, 2019:</h4></p><p>Actress Geetawali Rajkumari has now joined Inside Northeast's campaign #LetsSaveDeeporBeel with the intent of preserving the lone Ramsar site in the state of Assam.</p><p>The actress has emphasized the significance of the 'Beel' as one of the leading tourist attractions in the state for tourists as well as locals, as it provides breathtaking beauty and open spaces which is rare in urbanized areas post the industrial boom.<p><iframe allow="" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360"  width="640" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/915O-gxdMjo" allowfullscreen></iframe></p></p><p>However, the Assamese beauty admitted that the Beel is losing its appeal in view of the recent environmental degradation in an around the Beel, which is a cause for alarm. "This Beel is losing its beauty, and it needs preservation", the actress lamented.</p><p>She then praised the initiative taken by of <em>Inside Northeast</em>, along with their radio partners 'Big FM. "The initiative taken by Inside Northeast is commendable.  My support is with the team of Inside Northeast. I also urge people to come out and wholeheartedly support this campaign", said Geetawali.</p><p>The Deepor Beel, is located to the south-west of Guwahati city, in Kamrup district of Assam, India, <sup id="cite_ref-RIS_2-0" class="reference"></sup>It is a permanent freshwater lake, in a former channel of the Brahmaputra River, to the south of the main river. It is also called a wetland under the Ramsar Convention which has listed the lake in November 2002, as a Ramsar Site for undertaking conservation measures on the basis of its biological and environmental importance</p><p><em>Keep following <a href="https://insidene.com/">Inside Northeast</a> on Facebook, Youtube, Twitter, and Instagram. </em><em>Do <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.insidene.app&amp;hl=en">download our app from the Google Playstore</a> for the latest news updates, views, and entertainment on the go. We deliver the Northeast.</em></p>

Assamese Actress Geetawali Warns that 'Deepor Beel' is Losing its Beauty, Appeals for its Preservation

<p><h4>Guwahati, June 19, 2019:</h4></p><p>Assam's singing heartthrob Rakesh Riyaan has added his voice to an environmental cause as he has lent his support to the <em>Inside Northeast </em>campaign #LetsSaveDeeporBeel.</p><p>Riyaan has urged the people of the state to preserve the only Ramsar site in the state. "I want to request the people of Guwahati and the people of Assam to take sincere efforts to save our beautiful 'Deepor Beel'.<p><iframe allow="" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360"  width="640" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/W-rMOf8D7bo" allowfullscreen></iframe></p></p><p>The crooner also said that the 'Beel' is of utmost importance as a rich variety of migratory birds species are found in the 'Beel' along with reptiles, insects, and amphibians.</p><p>Rakesh Riyaan also appealed the Government officials to take steps to save the wetland. "I strongly demand all the members and officials related to the wildlife department to take some necessary and serious efforts to held this 'Beel' even more beautiful and more attractive", he said. He also lauded the <em>Inside Northeast</em> campaign for this "beautiful and noble initiative".</p><p>The Deepor Beel, is located to the south-west of Guwahati city, in Kamrup district of Assam, India, <sup id="cite_ref-RIS_2-0" class="reference"></sup>It is a permanent freshwater lake, in a former channel of the Brahmaputra River, to the south of the main river. It is also called a wetland under the Ramsar Convention which has listed the lake in November 2002, as a Ramsar Site for undertaking conservation measures on the basis of its biological and environmental importance.</p><p><em>Keep following <a href="https://insidene.com/">Inside Northeast</a> on Facebook, Youtube, Twitter, and Instagram. </em><em>Do <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.insidene.app&amp;hl=en">download our app from the Google Playstore</a> for the latest news updates, views, and entertainment on the go. We deliver the Northeast.</em></p>

Singer Rakesh Riyaan Urges Wildlife Department to Save 'Deepor Beel'

<p><h4>Guwahati, June 27, 2019:</h4></p><p>If concerned locals are to be believed, the Assam administration is one step closer to building a second railway line through the 'Deepor Beel', which is one of the most ecologically important zones in all of the Northeast.</p><p>This has caused hue-and-cry among locals who have seen the 'Deepor Beel', the sacred wetland, turning into a wasteland due to dumping of industrial wastes, encroachment, and many other issues.</p><p>Pramod Kalita, a local environmentalist took to social media platform Facebook to raise an alarm. In a video posted on Facebook, he said: "Today, Railway department, forest department, revenue department, SDO, APDCL, etc jointly conducted a survey to construct the second track, and we have expressed our opposition to that, we have even sent memorandum to the Chief Minister. In spite of that, they have not heeded us", he laments.</p><p>Speaking to <em>Inside Northeast</em>, Kalita said that they officials have taken directions from the National Green Tribunal (NGT), but stated that the locals are protesting the move to construct the double-track.</p><p>The Government's move has also drawn the condemnation of Paul Keil, an Australian researcher. Keil has written: "A second track will increase the number of trains passing through the area. This increase will dramatically reduce the time available for an elephant to access the wetland. It will limit opportunities to cross, make the passage riskier, and heighten the pressure on escorts to coordinate herd movement with the arrival of a train. A second track also increases the level of risk if the system breaks down. Elephants are silent and clever – what if they suddenly appear without giving notice? What if there is no mobile reception to send an alert in time?"</p><p>It may be mentioned that at least fourteen pachyderms have died ever since the first track was laid through the wetland.</p><p><em>Inside Northeast’s Campaign <strong>#LetsSaveDeeporBeel</strong> is now supported by Oil India Limited (OIL). Join us as we continue the awareness campaign to preserve the only Ramsar site in Assam which is facing immense threats. We need your held to preserve this site of great ecological importance. Join the <strong>#LetsSaveDeeporBeel</strong> campaign and tweet about it, and do tag us on Twitter. Let’s make some noise!</em></p><p><div class="code-block code-block-1"></p><p><em>Download:</em></p><p><em>The Inside Northeast app <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.insidenortheast.app&amp;hl=en">HERE</a> for News, Views and Reviews from Northeast India.</em></p><p><em>Do <a href="https://insidene.com/">keep following us</a> for news on-the-go. We deliver the Northeast.</em></p><p></div></p><p>&nbsp;</p>

Assam

Assam Govt Prepares to Lay 'Double Track' through the 'Deepor Beel'

<p><h4>Guwahati, June 26, 2019:</h4></p><p><h6>The railway track along the 'Deepor Beel' has caused a huge threat to the elephants (fourteen jumbos have been killed after the collision with passing trains) and other wild animals.</h6></p><p>Hearing these reports, four guardians in the Garbhanga area have taken up the initiative to prevent these animals from being injured or killed while crossing the train.</p><p>The four men are: Lakhindra Terang, Hareswar Tumung, Bijay Rabha, and Pradip Kalita. They are popularly known for protecting the wild elephants from being hit by any train or vehicle in the region.</p><p>Also Read: <a href="https://insidene.com/2019/06/25/renowned-environmentalist-mike-pandey-urges-people-to-wake-up-and-save-the-deepor-beel/">Renowned Environmentalist Mike Pandey Urges People to Wake Up and Save the Deepor Beel</a></p><p>Since, December 2013, there have been no records of elephant death after they started working for their protection. These men are no officials of the forest department but the noble gesture of these four locals has saved the lives of the elephants.</p><p>The elephant guardians have even said that they do not care for any rain or high temperature, such is their resolve to save the magnificent beasts! All they care about is the protection of the elephants which cross the railway track moving down from the Garbhanga hill to the Deepor Beel to drink water.</p><p><em>Inside Northeast’s Campaign #LetsSaveDeeporBeel is now supported by Oil India Limited (OIL). Join us as we continue the awareness campaign to preserve the only Ramsar site in Assam which is facing immense threats. We need your help to preserve this site of great ecological importance. Join the #LetsSaveDeeporBeel campaign and tweet about it, and do tag us on Twitter. Let’s make some noise!</em></p><p><em>Keep following Inside Northeast on Facebook, Youtube, Twitter, and Instagram. Download The Inside Northeast app from here https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.insidenortheast.app&amp;hl=en for News, Views and Reviews from Northeast India. Do keep following us for news on-the-go. We deliver the Northeast.</em></p>

guardians

Meet the 'Elephant Guardians' Saving Elephant Lives near 'Deepor Beel'

<p><h4>Guwahati, July 2, 2019:</h4></p><p>Guwahati Parliamentary Constituency MP, Queen Oja on Monday raised the issue of the Deepor Beel in the Lok Sabha Session on Monday amid Inside Northeast's ongoing campaign to preserve the 'Beel', #LetsSaveDeeporBeel.</p><p>Addressing the speaker, Queen Oja appealed the Narendra Modi led-Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Government to incorporate the development of the 'Deepor Beel' under the vision of the smart city for which Rs. 2,296 crores has been sanctioned.</p><p>Oja said, “Under the smart city project, a watchtower must be developed and the Beel should be developed as a tourist spot.”</p><p>It is to be mentioned that the #LetsSaveDeeporBeel campaign by Inside Northeast is making an impact and people are slowly starting to take notice of our humble yet noble endeavor. Moreover, the MP has assured support towards the campaign in all possible ways.</p><p>Also Read: <a href="https://insidene.com/2019/07/01/save-the-deepor-beel-if-you-love-yourselves-rajya-sabha-mp-biswajit-daimary/">Save the Deepor Beel if You Love Yourselves: Rajya Sabha MP Biswajit Daimary</a></p><p>Meanwhile, renowned environmentalist and conservationist, Mike Pandey have also stepped forward to preserve the 'Beel', which he calls the 'life source' of Guwahati city of Assam.</p><p>Rajya Sabha MP, Biswajit Daimary and GDD minister Siddhartha Bhattacharya has also stepped forward to support the campaign to save the 'Deepor Beel', the 'lung of Guwahati'.</p><p>Along with that, Oil India Limited has also joined us and extended their support for the Inside Northeast campaign #LetsSaveDeeporBeel.</p><p><h6><em>Inside Northeast’s Campaign #LetsSaveDeeporBeel is now supported by Oil India Limited (OIL). Join us as we continue the awareness campaign to preserve the only Ramsar site in Assam which is facing immense threats. We need your help to preserve this site of great ecological importance. Join the #LetsSaveDeeporBeel campaign and tweet about it, and do tag us on Twitter. Let’s make some noise!</em></h6></p><p><h6><em>Keep following Inside Northeast on Facebook, Youtube, Twitter, and Instagram. Download The Inside Northeast app from here https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.insidenortheast.app&amp;hl=en for News, Views and Reviews from Northeast India. Do keep following us for news on-the-go. We deliver the Northeast.</em></h6></p>

Queen

Assam MP Queen Oja Takes 'Deepor Beel' To Lok Sabha

<p><h4>Guwahati, July 1, 2019:</h4></p><p><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biswajit_Daimary">Rajya Sabha MP and Bodo People’s Front (BPF) leader</a> Biswajit Daimary has made an appeal to the people of Assam to preserve the Deepor Beel and also asked the concerned authorities to take necessary actions to stop the 'Beel' from being polluted.<p><iframe allow="" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360"  width="640" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/oJf2hMVL94A" allowfullscreen></iframe></p></p><p>Speaking to Inside Northeast, Biswajit Daimary said, “Deepor Beel is very important for Assam, and especially for Guwahati. The Beel should be preserved for the animals, environment and also for ourselves. Even if one does not feel responsible for other organisms, I appeal to the people that one must preserve the 'Beel' for their own sake. Let’s forget about the others, but one must save the wetland to survive if we love ourselves.”</p><p>He added that we have ignored the necessity of the wetland and dumped garbage into it, thereby polluting the environment. Guwahati is the capital of the state and everyone visits the place. If we need to breathe some fresh air, the area around Deepor Beel is a particular space for it.”</p><p>Also Read: <a href="https://insidene.com/2019/06/25/renowned-environmentalist-mike-pandey-urges-people-to-wake-up-and-save-the-deepor-beel/">Renowned Environmentalist Mike Pandey Urges People to Wake Up and Save the Deepor Beel</a></p><p>“I request the authorities involved in maintaining the 'Deepor Beel' to take necessary steps to save the 'Beel' as the dumping ground near it has already degraded the condition of the Beel,” he added.</p><p>It is to be mentioned that the MP also addressed the locals who have visited him to discuss the matter. Pramod Kalita and Nripen Ingti, Secretary and Baleswar Rongpi vice president of Mikirpara Chakardo Development Society, Maheswar Rangpi, Advisor Lakhindra Teron, Elephant protection committee Bharat Rabha, Pramod Rongpi, Paban Kalita, Gautam Bey are the local representatives who met the MP. They urged him to take their issues to the concerned authorities so that the ‘Deepor Beel’ is saved and also to stop the pollution and degradation of the pride of Assam, the ‘Deepor Beel’.</p><p><h6><em>Inside Northeast’s Campaign #LetsSaveDeeporBeel is now supported by Oil India Limited (OIL). Join us as we continue the awareness campaign to preserve the only Ramsar site in Assam which is facing immense threats. We need your help to preserve this site of great ecological importance. Join the #LetsSaveDeeporBeel campaign and tweet about it, and do tag us on Twitter. Let’s make some noise!</em></h6></p><p><h6><em>Keep following Inside Northeast on Facebook, Youtube, Twitter, and Instagram. Download The Inside Northeast app from here https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.insidenortheast.app&amp;hl=en for News, Views and Reviews from Northeast India. Do keep following us for news on-the-go. We deliver the Northeast.</em></h6></p>

Deepor

'Save the Deepor Beel if You Love Yourselves': Rajya Sabha MP Biswajit Daimary

<p><h4>By- Rahul Deka</h4></p><p>Around 150 species of birds have been recorded so far in and around the Deepor Beel birds Sanctuary, including nine threatened species (A. U. Choudhury pers. comm. 2002).</p><p>Deepor Beel harbours many species of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bird_migration">migratory birds</a> in winter as well as resident birds.Oriental White-backed Gyps bengalensis and Long-billed G. indicus vultures are still seen, mainly in winter, near Deepor Beel. Other vultures found in the region, Eurasian Griffon Gyps fulvus and Himalayan Griffon G. himalayansis are also seen in nearby areas (K. Lahkar pers. comm. 2003) The Greater Adjutant Leptoptilos dubius, regularly seen in Guwahati city garbage dumps and near slaughter houses, is occasionally seen in Deepor Beel.</p><p>However, its cousin, the Lesser Adjutant Leptoptilos javanicus, listed as Vulnerable (BirdLife International 2001) is much more common. Ferruginous Duck Aythya nyroca is also commonly seen in winter. A total number of 688 birds were counted on January 4th 1991 under the Asian Waterfowl Census (Choudhury 2000).</p><p>Ornithologists have recorded about 219 species of birds that can be seen in the Deepor Beel area. This includes over 70 species of migratory birds that come in during the winters. During the rest of the year, you shall find several birds species like the egrets, pond herons, storks, cormorants and even pelicans.</p><p>Also Read: <a href="https://insidene.com/2019/07/12/over-4-lakh-affected-by-floods-in-assam/">Over 4 Lakh Affected by Floods in Assam</a></p><p>These are the birds that you will see roam among the water as they prey for fishes. Off the water, you will find several other species such as the red-vented bulbul, sparrows, drongos, hoopoes, woodpeckers and many more.</p><p>Among the migratory birds to be frequent to spot are the Siberian crane, barn swallows, Asian open-billed storks, pied wagtails, yellow wagtails and several varieties of ducks and other birds. Because of its closeness to the Rani and Garbhanga reserve forests on the south, the Beel is also frequented by herds of elephants that come for an occasional drink and a bath. I, though, have never witnessed a single elephant during my visits there.</p><p>Apart from elephants, other animals that can be found around the Beel area are leopards, wild cats, porcupines, barking deer and spotted deer.The Beel is a staging site on migratory flyways where some of the largest concentrations of aquatic birds in Assam can be seen, especially in winter. Some globally threatened birds like Spotbilled Pelican (Pelicanus philippensis), Lesser and Greater Adjutant Stork (Leptoptilos javanicus and dubius) and Baer’s Pochard (Aythyabaeri) are found here.</p><p><h6><em>Inside Northeast’s Campaign #LetsSaveDeeporBeel is now supported by Oil India Limited (OIL). Join us as we continue the awareness campaign to preserve the only Ramsar site in Assam which is facing immense threats. We need your help to preserve this site of great ecological importance. Join the #LetsSaveDeeporBeel campaign and tweet about it, and do tag us on Twitter. Let’s make some noise!</em></h6></p><p><h6><em>Keep following Inside Northeast on Facebook, Youtube, Twitter, and Instagram. Download The Inside Northeast app from here https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.insidenortheast.app&amp;hl=en for News, Views and Reviews from Northeast India. Do keep following us for news on-the-go. We deliver the Northeast.</em></h6></p>

The Avian Diversity of Deepor Beel Wetland of Assam

<p><h4>Guwahati, July 23, 2019:</h4></p><p>The railway track through the '<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dipor_Bil">Deepor Beel</a>' has been a major cause of conflict among the people of the region and the forest and railway authorities.</p><p>Despite the efforts of the locals to save the elephants, 14 elephants were killed while crossing the railway track till 2014.</p><p>[caption id="attachment_36398" align="alignnone" width="660"]<img class="size-full wp-image-36398" src="https://insidene.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/hufhi.jpg" alt="" width="660" height="365" /> Elephant died after collision with train in Deepor Beel[/caption]</p><p>The local guardians of the elephants, Lakhindra Terang, Hareswar Tumung, Bijay Rabha, and Pradip Kalita have been protecting the wild elephants from being hit by any train or vehicle in the region. Since then, no deaths have been reported so far.</p><p>Also Read : <a href="https://insidene.com/2019/06/26/meet-the-elephant-guardians-saving-elephant-lives-near-deepor-beel/">Meet the Elephant Guardians Saving Elephant Lives near Deepor Beel</a></p><p>But the issue has not yet stopped as the double-track railway have been sanctioned through the beel and people in the area have raised they voice loud against the move of the State government and Northeast Frontier Railway.</p><p>https://www.facebook.com/ne.inside/videos/473504490094940/?t=14</p><p>The locals said, “Our people have been saving the elephants since January 2014. From then, not a single casualty has been reported. That is our commitment to conserve our ecology. At any cost, be it our own lives. We have been trying to stop doubling of railway track passing through Deepor Beel and Rani Reserve Forest.”</p><p><h6><em>INSIDE NORTHEAST’S CAMPAIGN #LETSSAVEDEEPORBEEL IS NOW SUPPORTED BY OIL INDIA LIMITED (OIL). JOIN US AS WE CONTINUE THE AWARENESS CAMPAIGN TO PRESERVE THE ONLY RAMSAR SITE IN ASSAM WHICH IS FACING IMMENSE THREATS. WE NEED YOUR HELP TO PRESERVE THIS SITE OF GREAT ECOLOGICAL IMPORTANCE. JOIN THE #LETSSAVEDEEPORBEEL CAMPAIGN AND TWEET ABOUT IT, AND DO TAG US ON TWITTER. LET’S MAKE SOME NOISE!</em></h6></p><p><h6><em>KEEP FOLLOWING INSIDE NORTHEAST ON FACEBOOK, YOUTUBE, TWITTER, AND INSTAGRAM. DOWNLOAD THE INSIDE NORTHEAST APP FROM HERE HTTPS://PLAY.GOOGLE.COM/STORE/APPS/DETAILS?ID=COM.INSIDENORTHEAST.APP&amp;HL=EN FOR NEWS, VIEWS AND REVIEWS FROM NORTHEAST INDIA. DO KEEP FOLLOWING US FOR NEWS ON-THE-GO. WE DELIVER THE NORTHEAST.</em></h6></p>

locals

'Deepor Beel' Locals Risking their Own Lives to Save Elephants

#LetsSaveDeeporBeel News - Read Latest #LetsSaveDeeporBeel News Today Headlines on IndiaToday NE. Find North East India Breaking #LetsSaveDeeporBeel News Updates. Stay updated on #LetsSaveDeeporBeel News

#LetsSaveDeeporBeel News

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