'Deepor Beel' is one of 44 Polluted Stretches of River in Assam

Deepor Beel

Guwahati, June 23, 2019:

Assam's only Ramsar site -- the 'Deepor Beel' -- is one of the 44 polluted stretches of river in Assam according to a recent assessment by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

The CPCB in association with State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs)/Pollution Control Committees (PCCs) monitors the water quality of rivers across the country through a network of monitoring stations under the National Water Quality Monitoring Programme.

Union Minister Prakash Javadekar while replying to an unstarred query from Rahul Ramesh Shewale of Shiv Sena and senior leader of Biju Janata Dal in Lok Sabha on June 21st, 2019 stated that the 351 rivers stretches on 323 rivers have been identified as polluted river stretches, based on the Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) level.

The Deepor Beel, which is one of the most important sites of Assam, is an open lake basin connected with a set of inflow and out flow channels. Originally, the beel had its natural linkages with the river Brahmaputra through the Sola Beel and the swampy areas of Pandu to the northeast.

Due to construction of residential buildings, NH-37 and Railway line the main link has already been disrupted and it remains as a small secondary channel. A perennial stream originating from Basistha runs through the heart of the Beel and joins the river Brahmaputra through Khanamukh towards north of the Beel. The stream is also fed by Bharalu river.

The polluted river stretches of Assam are: Bharalu, Borsola, Deepor Beel, Digboi, Kamalpur, Panchnai Brahamputra, Kharsang, Pagladia, Barak, Baroi Bega, Beki, Bhogdoi, Boginadi, Borbeel, Bordoibam Bilmukh, Burhidihing, Dhansiri, Dikhow, Dikrong, Diplai, Disang, Gabharu, Holudunga, Jia Bharali, Janji, Kalong, Kapili, Killing, Kohora, Kulsi, Malini, Mora Bharali, Parashali, Puthimari, Ranga, Samaguri, Sankosh, Silsako, Sorusola, Son, Sonai, Tenga Pukhuri.

On the other hand, nine river stretches in Manipur (Nambul, Imphal, Iril, Khuga, Khujairok, Lokchao, Manipur, Thoubal, Wangjing); seven in Meghalaya ( Umkhrah, Umshyrpi, Kyrhukhla, Nonbah, Umtrew, Lukha, Myntdu); nine in Mizoram (Tiau, Tlawng, Tuipui, Tuivawl, Chite, Mat, Saikah, Tuikual, Tuirial); six in Nagaland (Dhansiri, Dzuna, Chathe, Dzu, Dzucha, Sano); four river stretches in Sikkim (ManeyKhola, Rangit, Ranichu, Teesta); six in Tripura (Burigaon, Gumti, Haora, Juri, Khowai, Manu) have been identified as polluted river stretches.

Deepor Beel has both biological and environmental importance besides being the only major storm water storage basin for Guwahati city.

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!