an UNESCO declared RAMSAR site
D E E P O R - B E E L
"It is an aviary and wetlands officially declared as a Ramsar Site by UNESCO."
Deepor Beel is a permanent, freshwater lake, in a former channel of
the Brahmaputra river, to the south of the main river south-west of
Guwahati city. It is a large natural wetland having great biological and
environmental importance besides being the only major storm water
storage basin for the Guwahati city. The beel is endowed with rich
floral and faunal diversity. In addition to huge congregation of
residential water birds, the Deepor ecosystem harbours large number of
migratory waterfowl each year. Deepor beel has been designated as a
Ramsar Site in November 2002.
Justification for Designation as Ramsar Site
Deepor Beel is one of the largest and most important beels in the Brahmaputra valley of lower Assam and is a representative wetland
type found within the biogeographic province, 'Burma Monsoon Forest'.
The lake supports threatened species of birds like spotbilled
pelican, lesser adjutant stork, greater adjutant stork, blacknecked
stork, and large whistling teal.
The lake is one of the staging grounds on the migratory flyways for
several species. Some of the largest congregations of aquatic birds in
Assam can be seen here, particularly in winter.
It supports 50 fish species belonging to 19 families. The diversity
and concentration of indigenous freshwater fish species is very high.
Natural breeding of some of these species takes place within the beel
itself.
A group of Greater Adjutant Stork search for food in Deepor Beel bird
sanctuary in northeast India. As the water level has started drying up
during this season storks gather in large numbers for fish in the
sanctuary. Fast vanishing wetlands are putting them at risk. Deepor
Beel Bird Sanctuary, Guwahati is a proposed sanctuary in Assam that is
supposed to be situated amidst a zone of idyllic bliss with its lush
greenery sprinkled with sparkling water bodies. The sanctuary's premises
exude an aura of tranquility and the melodious twitters of birds are a
welcome break that occasionally disturbs the quietude. The site for the
Deepor Beel Bird Sanctuary is strategically located at a stone's throw
distance from the bustling Guwahati city. The proximity to a major city
makes the bird reserve easily accessible by rail, road and rail and
thereby facilitates tourism. The property of Deepor Beel Bird Sanctuary
is a small picturesque and sylvan land that covers an expanse of 4.14
sq. km. The sanctuary's locale is a photographer's dream and worth an
artist's pencil with some out-of the-world sceneries. Sparkling lakes
and water bodies glittering like a mirage of quicksilver adorn the
surroundings of the idyllic green paradise. As the name signifies
Deepor Beel Bird Sanctuary, Guwahati is being constructed to shelter
abundant species of birds dappled in vibrant hues. The Department of
Forests, Assam has listed over 120 species of birds to be housed in the
sanctuary. They include numerous kingfishers, fishing eagles, adjutant
storks and a plethora of ducks.
