Guwahati: The historic Khamranga Beel at Chandrapur, on the outskirts of Guwahati city, is being buried under earth and boulders for the proposed Ring Road project, triggering protests over the destruction of a vital elephant habitat, damage to agricultural land and threats to local livelihoods.

Residents and students’ organisations have alleged that the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is pushing ahead with the road construction by dumping hundreds of truckloads of earth into the wetland, despite earlier assurances that an elevated bridge would be built to protect its ecosystem.

According to locals, nearly half of the wetland has already been filled, raising concerns over the loss of a natural habitat used by wild elephants descending from the adjoining Amchang Wildlife Sanctuary.

The development has intensified anger among residents, who fear that the destruction of the wetland could trigger a chain of ecological and economic consequences across the region.

Elephant habitat under threat

Khamranga Beel serves as an important feeding, resting and wallowing ground for elephants that move out of Amchang Wildlife Sanctuary. The wetland’s aquatic vegetation, including water chestnuts and edible tubers, attracts herds that reportedly spend much of the day there before returning to the forest in the evening.

According to conservationists, environmental concerns have centred on the possibility that the loss of this habitat will force elephants into nearby villages, particularly Thakurkuchi, increasing the risk of human-elephant conflict.

The wetland also attracts migratory birds during winter. Residents fear that filling the water body will destroy the habitat of these birds and other wildlife dependent on the ecosystem.

The consequences could extend beyond wildlife. Locals have warned that blocking the wetland’s natural drainage could aggravate monsoon flooding, affecting low-lying agricultural land and paddy cultivation.

Farmers, small businesses face losses

The Ring Road construction has also reportedly damaged agricultural land surrounding the wetland, with hundreds of bighas of standing paddy crops allegedly destroyed by the dumping of earth.

While some landowners holding formal land titles have reportedly received compensation, many others claim they have been left without adequate relief.

The destruction could also undermine the area’s emerging rural tourism economy. Khamranga Beel had begun attracting visitors, providing opportunities for local vendors and small businesses. Residents fear that the loss of the wetland will drive away tourists and deprive these businesses of their income.

Indigenous organisations threaten agitation

The destruction has prompted strong reactions from local organisations, with several groups warning of an intensified agitation if the work is not stopped.

Dhiren Chandra Boro, secretary of the Pragjyotishpur Tribal Sangha, accused the Assam government of disregarding the concerns of indigenous communities living in the area.

“Through the destruction of Khamranga Beel, they are hell-bent on ruining our tribal community,” Boro said, alleging that the government had failed to consult local residents before proceeding with the work.

He said the area falls within a tribal belt and argued that destroying the wetland would directly threaten the livelihoods of communities dependent on the surrounding land and natural resources.

Boro also questioned why the authorities had proceeded with filling the water body when an elevated bridge had reportedly been proposed as an alternative.

Montu Phangcho, president of the Karbi Students’ Association’s Kamrup Metro district unit, echoed these concerns, questioning the apparent departure from the earlier plan.

“If a bridge was truly planned, what was the justification for filling the water body?” was the question raised by Phangcho, who warned that the destruction could intensify human-elephant conflict and drive away migratory birds.

He said elephants that previously descended from Amchang to rest and feed at the wetland could increasingly enter nearby settlements once their habitat disappears.

Tutumoni Kalita, central education secretary of the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU), said the destruction of the historic wetland would not be tolerated and demanded exemplary action against the contracting firm executing the road project.