Guwahati: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has expressed concern over continued environmental degradation at Deepor Beel, Guwahati’s Ramsar-recognised wetland, and has sought corrective action from authorities.
The case is being examined suo motu by the tribunal’s Eastern Zone Bench after a media report published in April last year highlighted alleged violations at the ecologically sensitive site.
During the hearing, the bench—headed by Justice Prakash Shrivastava and assisted by expert member Ishwar Singh—reviewed findings submitted by the Assam Pollution Control Board and the Central Pollution Control Board.
According to the CPCB’s assessment dated July 18, water samples from Deepor Beel showed contamination levels beyond permissible standards. The presence of faecal coliform and faecal streptococci was flagged, pointing to severe pollution of the wetland.
The tribunal observed that a response filed by the Assam State Wetlands Authority in August 2025 failed to adequately address the violations outlined in the pollution control boards’ reports, describing the submission as lacking substantive details.
Granting time sought by the wetlands authority, the tribunal allowed four weeks for implementing remedial measures and directed it to submit an updated status and action-taken report.
The bench also added the Guwahati Municipal Corporation as a party to the proceedings, acknowledging its responsibility in tackling urban pollution contributing to the wetland’s deterioration.The matter is scheduled to come up for further hearing on March 23.