Guwahati, Mar 2 (UNI) A Chilka Lake-model development for the city's largest natural wetland Deepor Beel could still be some distance away, but its conservation and development seems to be headed in the right direction with both the government and the Opposition concerned over the wetland.

Raising the issue of the urgent need to take up concrete measures for conservation of this vast wetland in the state Assembly today, Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) MLA Alaka Sarma sought details about the policy of the state government with regards to the Deepor Beel.

Replying to the question, state Environment and Forest Minister Rockybul Hussain informed that Asom Science Technology and Environment Council (ASTEC) and Pollution Control Board (PCB), Asom, had been entrusted to safeguard Deepor Beel from environmental degradation.

He said the garbage dumping ground at a site about 1 km from the Beel would be shifted when a new suitable site was located as the PCB had already issued directions to the Guwahati Municipal Corporation on the issue.

Dr Sarma underlined that though the water body of the Deepor Beel was 3-4 sq km, the actual wetland was over 40 sq km, and garbage dumping in such close proximity would adversely affect the marshy land.

She maintained that a Deepor Beel Wetland Development Authority on the lines of the Chilka Lake Wetland Development Authority, which was talked about a few years back, would be effective in conservation and development of this natural wetland.

On her supplementary question over the reduced arrival of migratory birds to the Beel, the minister replied that after regeneration of a considerable portion of silted area, the arrival of migratory birds had increased.

''A recent survey recorded 202 species of birds in Deepor Beel,'' he added.

The Deepor Beel, a protected site, had been declared a sanctuary under Wildlife Protection Act in 1989.

UNI