GMC Dumping Ground at 'Deepor Beel' is Turning into a Mass Sea of Death

By: Rana Pratap Saikia, June 29

The Guwahati Municipal Corporation's (GMC) dumping ground at Boragaon area in Guwahati city of causing great distress to the residents of 'Deepor Beel'. In fact, a startling video surfaced last year which showed many fish floating lifeless in the 'Beel'.

The 'Deepor Beel' located in Assam's Guwahati city is home to many endangered species of birds and water species. But these species have been endangered due to the constant dumping of wastes into this wetland.

The GMC has been using a remote area of Boragaon to dump waste including industrial, medical, household waste since 2004.

The dumping ground is causing a problem for both humans and different amphibians in Deepor Beel. The waste comprises junks and waste of industries including heavy metals, plastics, aluminum cans, etc.

Local Environmentalist Kandarpa Boro has complained that this downward spiral began in 2005 as all kinds of toxic wastes are being dumped in the area. "The wasteland is located at the southernmost end of 'Deepor Beel' and causes much problem. Moreover, the ecological system has been depleted due to the pollution of the water. Most of the migratory birds have stopped coming here", he says.

Moreover, the locals have said that the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the dumping ground to be removed, but only time will tell whether the 'Beel' will be saved or if its too late. Moreover, they lament the two biggest threats: the laying of double railway, and the dumping ground.

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!