Dibrugarh: Located just a few kilometres from Dibrugarh town, Maijan Beel is one of eastern Assam’s important wetlands, part of the Brahmaputra’s floodplain wetland system and known for its rich biodiversity.
Spread over an area of 44.5 hectares, the wetland has a water depth ranging from about three metres to nine metres. Surrounded entirely by tea gardens, Maijan Beel plays a crucial ecological role in the region, supporting diverse aquatic life and serving as a seasonal habitat for migratory birds.
However, environmental concerns are mounting. The influx of untreated wastewater from nearby tea estates has altered the wetland’s water quality, raising alarms among residents and conservationists.
“Every year, migratory birds arrive here from different countries during the winter season. The wetland has immense potential to develop as a tourism hotspot. The state government and Assam Tourism should take steps for its preservation,” said Amit Roy, a resident of Dibrugarh.
Maijan Beel is also rich in fish diversity, though ecological degradation and increasing human activity have gradually eroded its natural beauty.
A scientific study conducted between August 2008 and July 2009 recorded 31 species of phytoplankton and 61 species of zooplankton in the wetland. Among phytoplankton, Chlorophyceae was the most dominant group (54.84%), followed by Cyanophyceae (28.81%) and Bacillariophyceae (19.35%). Zooplankton diversity was dominated by rotifers (75.41%), followed by copepods (11.48%) and cladocerans (13.11%).
In a recent initiative, the Assam government identified 16 wetlands in flood-prone districts across the state to enhance water retention capacity and reduce the risks of flooding and erosion. The government plans to approach the Centre for funding under the National Mitigation Fund for the restoration and rejuvenation of wetlands in Assam.
“Wetlands are often referred to as the ‘kidneys of the ecosystem’. Their preservation is essential. Maijan Beel is an important biodiversity zone for migratory birds that visit every year,” said Rathin Barman, Joint Director of Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) and head of the Centre for Wildlife Rehabilitation and Conservation.
Echoing similar views, Ranjan Dutta, a Dibrugarh-based nature enthusiast, said conservation efforts must involve the wider community. “Maijan Beel is a rich biodiversity hotspot for bird species. From a tourism perspective as well, conservation is crucial. While the government has taken initiatives, community participation is equally important,” he said.
Soumyadeep Dutta, environmentalist and director of Nature’s Beckon, said public awareness was key to protecting the wetland. “The government has prioritised wildlife conservation in recent years. Civil society and NGOs must support these efforts by discussing conservation issues in schools, colleges and public forums. Maijan Beel has immense potential to emerge as a sustainable tourism destination,” he said.