The government of Assam is planning to develop its natural wetlands into destinations of tourism interest. As a part of the same endeavor, the Silsako Beel located in Guwahati will also be developed. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma mentioned about this project.
The state government is working on a war footing to clear the wetlands across the capital city from encroachment. It is also giving full efforts to clear all the natural waterways in Guwahati city. It plan is to complete this project before the rains begin in order to protect it from the artificial flooding. Because several major waterways have been blocked over the years, the rainwater can no longer flow to the wetlands, which served as the natural rainwater runaway areas.
Clearing these waterways will not only serve the purpose of protecting the city from urban flooding. It will also help in increasing the level of groundwater in the city. Also it will become a destination for water based life including fishes and migratory birds. Developing them as tourist destinations will help local people to make a living out of the resources. All while protecting them from any further damage from the developmental activities.
It remains to see weather the wetlands in the city and the rest of the state are developed to their full potential. It is important to mention that even after promised made by multiple leaders over the years, no concrete step has been taken towards the development of Deepor Beel. Which is one of the most famous wetlands of the region, even more than the Silsako Beel.
