US University tries to save Deepor Beel

Guwahati, Jul 19 (UNI) The North Dakota State University of United States has moved the Ministry of Environment to protect the unique eco system of Deepor Beel near Guwahati.

Professor of Environmental Science and Engineering of the University Achintya Naryan Bezbaruah has taken the lead and started lobbying to save the Deepor Beel, which has been used by the Guwahati Municipal Authorities (GMC) for garbage disposal.

He pointed out that ''the most recent act of GMC is contrary to the conservation efforts taken up by various governmental and non-governmental organisations.

Since the last couple of weeks, GMC is dumping city solid waste at Deepor. Such an act on the part of GMC will have serious consequences for the Deepor ecosystem. Solid waste generated by the city's more than 15,00,0000 people will not take long to fill up the vital parts of Deepor Beel.'' The GMC's decision has shocked everyone as the Municipal Authorities does not have any suitable place to dump it nor it has any long term plan to dispose the solid waste through any scientific means.

The Professor said, ''The Revenue Department's records show Deepor as a much smaller area with most areas shown as regular government high land. This is one of the issues we have been trying to fix for the last two decades. We have been emphasizing that satellite maps should be used to identify the actual area of the beel.'' ''I would request you to impress upon the state government and GMC to stop solid waste dumping at Deepor with immediate effect.

Also, please initiate an effort for the comprehensive management of the beel. Deepor is Ramsar site number 1207 (November 2002)'' Mr Bezbaruah said.

MORE UNI MT SP SS1218