Syllabus: GS-III & V: Environmental Degradation

Why in the News?

In 2025, the Assam government’s proposal to de-reserve grazing land around Dorabeel Wetland in Kamrup district for a 150-bigha (49.59-acre) logistics park triggered massive protests. Local communities fear the project will destroy biodiversity, displace livelihoods, and erode centuries-old cultural heritage linked to the wetland ecosystem.

About Dorabeel Wetland

– Location: Rampur, near Bijoynagar, Kamrup district, Assam.
– Extent: Around 1,800 bighas (≈ 600 acres).
– Linked Ecosystem: Connected to the Kulshi River, a tributary of the Brahmaputra.
– Ecological Value:
– Habitat for over 200 bird species (resident and migratory).
– 10 mammal species including the endangered Gangetic river dolphin.
– 74 fish species and diverse aquatic flora.
– Vital ecological functions — flood control, groundwater recharge, and carbon absorption.

Livelihood Dependence

Over 10,000 families across 21 villages depend on Dorabeel for survival:
– 3,000 families on livestock rearing and grazing.
– 2,000 (mainly Kaibarta community) on fishing.
– 1,000 on floodplain agriculture.
– 500 families on pottery using unique Dorabeel clay.
The wetland supports a dual livelihood system — fishing in monsoon and grazing in winter.

Cultural and Social Significance

Dorabeel is central to Assamese folklore and religious traditions such as the Suwori festival and Meji bonfire rituals. The wetland represents a living cultural heritage, symbolizing the community’s identity and connection with nature.

Concerns and Environmental Risks

– Livelihood Loss: Threat to fishing, grazing, and pottery communities.
– Biodiversity Destruction: Habitat loss for dolphins, migratory birds, and aquatic species.
– Flooding & Water Stress: Loss of natural floodplains and groundwater recharge zones.
– Cultural Erosion: Disruption of festivals and traditional practices.
– Pollution & Sand Mining: Industrial waste and illegal mining worsen ecological degradation.

Government and Local Response

– Project led by Assam Industrial Development Corporation (AIDC) and New Kolkata International Development Pvt. Ltd.
– Public hearings held in Sept–Oct 2025 following protests.
– Local resistance under the Dorabeel Village Grazing Field Protection Convening Committee demands legal protection for the wetland.

Legal and Environmental Context

– Protected under Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017.
– Falls under India’s Ramsar Convention (1971) obligations.
– Requires Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) under the EIA Notification, 2006.
– Highlights tensions between industrialization and environmental justice in Northeast India.

Way Forward

– Impose a moratorium on the project pending an independent EIA.
– Declare Dorabeel an eco-sensitive zone.
– Promote eco-tourism, sustainable fisheries, and organic agriculture.
– Strengthen enforcement against illegal sand mining and pollution.
– Ensure community participation and transparent decision-making.

Conclusion

The Dorabeel conflict symbolizes the challenge of balancing development with environmental and cultural preservation. Assam’s wetlands are not mere water bodies—they are living ecosystems that sustain biodiversity and livelihoods. Protecting Dorabeel is essential for achieving sustainable and equitable development.

UPSC Mains Practice Question

Q. The Dorabeel wetland controversy in Assam reflects the growing conflict between economic development and ecological sustainability. Discuss the environmental, legal, and socio-economic dimensions of wetland conservation in India. (250 words)