A day after Ashok Singhal, the Minister of Urban Affairs, conducted an aerial survey of Guwahati, the ministers of Tourism, Jayanta Malla Baruah and the Water Resources, Pijush Hazarika went on an inspection around Deepor Beel using a boat on March 2.
Cabinet Ministers Inspect Encroachment Around Deepor Beel
It needs to be mentioned they have ordered the Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority conduct a study of the area.
In this regard, Jayanta Malla Baruah said, ”The Deepor Beel is now just 4 sq km in the winter and 10 sq km in the summer, down from 40 sq km fifty years ago. Wetlands are recognised to offer a variety of social and environmental functions, but the delicate ecology of Deepor Beel is in danger.”
In the meantime, Ashok Singhal said, ”The preservation of the Deepor Beel, the Silsako Beel, and other reservoirs is crucial to preventing Guwahati from experiencing ongoing floods during the monsoon.”
“Unfortunately, because of widespread encroachment, these reservoirs’ ability to contain water has reduced. Along with the revenue department, steps will be taken to remove all such encroachments,” Singhal continued.
