Deepor Beel Wildlife Sanctuary, located on the south western brink of Guwahati in Assam, is a significant wetland ecosystem that holds enormous ecological value. Known as a Ramsar site and home to diverse plants and animals, Deepor Beel is now facing growing environmental pressures. This needs immediate conservation measures, leading to the declaration of an Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) around it.

Overview of the Deepor Beel Wildlife Sanctuary

Deepor Beel, the only Ramsar- elected wetland in Assam, spreads over an area of about 4.1 sq km but plays an important role in the surrounding ecosystem. During the monsoon, it extends to 40 square km and acts as a natural flood retention system. The sanctuary was formally designated as a wildlife sanctuary in 2009 under the provisions of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

This rich wetland system is located within the Kamrup Metropolitan District of Assam and serves as an essential habitat for several species, often endangered or threatened. This site provides important environmental services such as groundwater recharge, flood regulation, and climate mitigation.

Ecological Significance of Deepor Beel

This sanctuary is home to an extraordinary diversity of wildlife, especially avifauna. It supports more than 150 species of birds, including the critically endangered white-rumped vulture, greater adjutant stork, and vulnerable species like the Spot-billed pelican. The sanctuary is also home to several species of mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. Some of the key species include:

• Indian elephants, known to migrate through the region
• Barking deer, Sambar deer, and Rhesus macaques
• Various aquatic macro biota that sustain the freshwater ecosystem.

The sanctuary is also an important migration route for birds traveling between the foothills of the Himalayas and the Brahmaputra River valley, which is an important part of bird migration corridor in South Asia.

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Purpose of ESZ Notification

The declaration of Eco-Sensitive Zone around Deepor Beel Wildlife Sanctuary aims to safeguard the wetland, regulate development and ensure a balanced ecosystem in the surrounding area.

• Ecological Protection: The ESZ acts as a protective buffer, mitigating urbanization and development pressures on the Deepor Beel, and conserving its biodiversity and ecosystem integrity for future generations.
• Development Control: It defines clear norms for sustainable land use and development activities, ensuring that projects in the area adhere to strict environmental standards and practice necessary wildlife clearance procedures.
• Water Conservation: The ESZ protects hydrological functions by protecting water sources, regulating the management of catchment areas, and avoiding over-exploitation of water resources within the sanctuary.
• Livelihood Support: This notification protects the interests of local communities without harming the ecosystem by promoting sustainable livelihoods through eco-friendly activities like responsible tourism, small-scale industries, and agriculture.
• Pollution Control: It mandates measures to mitigate pollution from waste, industrial discharges and pollution from construction, ensuring the longevity of the sanctuary and its surrounding habitats through strict environmental management.

Zonal Master Plan for Deepor Beel ESZ

The Zonal Master Plan (ZMP) for the Environmentally Sensitive Zone of Deepor Beel is a comprehensive framework that highlights the boundaries and permitted activities within 38.84 sq km of the ESZ. The main purpose of the ZMP is to strike a balance between conservation requirements and development needs. Key Features of ZMP include:

• Integrated Planning: The plan will be prepared in consultation with 13 key departments including Forest, Tourism, Urban Development, Agriculture, and Pollution Control Board.
• Preserving Existing Land Use: No restrictions on pre-approved use unless specifically mentioned. Encourage eco-friendly upgrades to existing infrastructure.
• Ecological Restoration: Priority will be given to the restoration of deforestation, catchment management, groundwater restoration and habitat restoration.
• Promotion of Eco-Tourism: A distinct Tourism Master Plan aligned with ecological carrying capacity will guide tourism activities.
• Demarcation and Mapping: ZMP will identify villages, religious places, forest types, agricultural land, gardens and green zones using correct GIS-based maps.
• Sustainability First: Activities in the ESZ will focus on reducing pollution, preserving resources, and ensuring community participation.

List of Measures Taken by the Government

The Assam State Government, in line with Central Government directives, is executing the following safety measures for Deepor Beel:

• Land Use Control: Conversion of agricultural, forest, and green spaces for commercial or industrial use is restricted.
• Afforestation: Unused or degraded lands will be restored with native vegetation.
• Water Body Protection: Preservation of natural springs, rivers, and their catchment areas.
• Eco-Tourism Promotion: Controlled tourism infrastructure development with community involvement.
• Waste Management: Strict compliance with rules for:

1. Solid Waste (SWM Rules, 2016)
2. Bio-medical Waste (BMW Rules, 2016)
3. Plastic Waste (PWM Rules, 2016)
4. E-Waste (EWM Rules, 2016)

• Air and Noise Pollution Control: Enforced through national-level environmental regulations.
• Industrial Regulation: Only non-polluting industries allowed. All activities requiring a wildlife clearance certificate must undergo inspection.
• Heritage Conservation: Protection of both natural and man-made heritage sites within the ESZ.

List of Prohibited, Regulated, and Promoted Activities

Eco-Sensitive Zones are governed by stringent environmental guidelines. Activities are categorized on the basis of their ecological impact.

Also Read: Barasingha Wildlife Sanctuary, Uttar Pradesh: Setting New Standards for Conservation in India

Monitoring Committee and Its Role

The monitoring committee is tasked with supervising the application of the Environmentally Sensitive Zone (ESZ) notification and ensuring adherence with all environmental laws. The committee, made up of state officials, environmentalists and local representatives, has several important responsibilities. It evaluates and approves regulated activities within the ESZ, monitors pollution control measures, and ensures constant conservation efforts. Furthermore, it plays a key role in recommending wildlife clearance certificates for projects on the basis of site-specific assessments. In case of non-compliance, the Committee is authorized to begin legal proceedings under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. The committee can also invite stakeholders and experts to offer technical understandings, ensuring all activities align with the preservation goals of the Zonal Master Plan.

Conclusion

Deepor Beel Wildlife Sanctuary is an irreplaceable ecological treasure, home to rare and endangered species such as Greater adjutant stork, elephants and diverse aquatic ecosystems. As Guwahati continues to develop, this sanctuary faces growing threats from urbanization and pollution. However, execution of ESZ notification with the Zonal Master Plan and ongoing government efforts provide a way forward. By implementing wildlife clearance certificates, regulating tourism, and involving local communities, Deepor Beel can become a landmark of wetland conservation in India.