Guwahati: Deepar Beel, a freshwater lake located to the south-west of Assam’s capital city Guwahati, faces a critical threat due to severe contamination.
Environmentalists warn that the water’s alarming blue discolouration signifies the lake’s deteriorating health.
Deepar Beel acts as a crucial reservoir for storing water in Guwahati city. However, the Pamohi Canal, flowing through Garchuk, carries significant pollutants.
The situation has further worsened since the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) set up a dumping ground in August 2021 near Beloratal in West Baragaon.
This facility, located at a distance from the main lake, has nevertheless severely impacted Deepar Beel’s water quality.
The Deepar Beel Suraksha Mancha (DBSM) – a forum dedicated to the lake’s conservation – has expressed deep concern.
They allege that the lake’s colour has transformed to a dangerous blue in recent days, posing a serious public health risk.
“The continuous flow of polluted water from the Pamohi Canal, exacerbated by the dumping ground, threatens the lake’s ecosystem,” said DBSM president Henry David Teron and general secretary Pramod Kalita.
The Forum has also raised its voice, highlighting concerns previously addressed by the Gauhati High Court and the National Green Tribunal (NGT).
The DBSM advocates for preserving Deepar Beel’s natural environment. The forum urged the closure of the existing dumping ground and the Pamohi Canal’s realignment to prevent further contamination.
“The lake’s ecological balance is at stake. The influx of pollutants has led to the disappearance of migratory birds, both domestic and foreign. Aquatic plants are dying, threatening the survival of native fish and frog species,” the forum said.
The forum implores Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sharma to intervene and halt all activities that disrupt Deepar Beel’s ecological balance.
“This includes construction projects along the lake’s banks that could cause further damage,” they said.