Wetlands Of Assam, Struggling For Existence

Concrete Steps Needed To Save These Water Bodies From Extinction

By Asif Ibrahim

Assam, the northeastern state of India, is endowed with varied landscapes abounding in hills, mountain ranges, rivers, valleys and what not. Among them, the wetlands occupy a pride of place. But wanton human settlement, improper waste-management and lack of awareness has reduced these places to mere dumping grounds posing a serious threat to the ecology, environment and the very existence of these transitional habitats between deep water aquatic system and terrestrial system.

Assam – A Treasure Trove Of Wetlands

The state of Assam comprises around 1,00,000 hectares of wetlands, the largest in the northeastern region of the country. This is also more than double of the wetlands in neighboring West Bengal which has 42,500 hectares of wetland.

These water systems help mankind in various ways, such as improving the quality of water, conservation of bio-diversity and also providing livelihood for the rural populace. But ironically most of the wetlands of Assam’s flood plains of the two major rivers – the Brahmaputra and the Barak - are degrading both for natural reasons and most often man-made hazards.

Wetlands And Their Potential

There are around 3,500 different types of wetlands in Assam that, according to satellite data, constitute 1.29 per cent of the total geographical area of the state. These wetlands can be classified into fresh water lakes, oxbow lakes, marshy tracts and seasonally flooded plains apart from the hundreds of riverine sandbars and islands in both Brahmaputra and Barak valleys.·

• These wetlands play a significant role in the state’s economy as they provide a variety of fishes and other aquatic fauna. However, the potential for fisheries is not well-tapped. Ninety percent of the population of Assam eats fish, yet the state imports almost half of its fish from other states. As such, developing these wetlands into fisheries can well be a viable proposition.·

• They also act as ideal natural habitat for both migratory birds and domestic. The wetlands are also home to hundreds of aquatic animals and reptiles. It might also be a better choice for these wetlands to be systematically converted into wildlife conservation locations, avian parks, bird sanctuaries and recreation centres promoting eco-tourism.·

• Significantly, these wetlands also make up the shortage of irrigating water into the agricultural fields during the lean season.·

• These wetlands can also act as reservoirs of flood waters that otherwise bring untold miseries by destroying human settlements and agricultural lands, as well as causing loss of precious human and animal lives.

Assam Wetlands In Dilapidated State

However, the wetlands of Assam are fast shrinking due to both natural and man-made causes.

• The extensive and uncontrolled growth of water hyacinth, and the raising of dykes and embankments along the river banks are thought to be the main causes of the deteriorating condition of these wetlands.
• These wetlands are subjected to harsh organic processes caused by debris from floating vegetation and silt carried by rain water.
• Another alarming cause is rampant human settlements, industrial developments and other economic activities that disturb the ecological balance and lead to the loss of these wetlands.

via suite101 Environmental Activism