Deepor Beel

 About Deepor Beel

• It is a perennial freshwater lake located on the outskirts of Guwahati, Assam. 
• It lies in a former channel of the Brahmaputra River.
• It covers an area of 4.1 sq.km.
• It is the only major stormwater storage basin for the city of Guwahati. 
• The lake’s outflow is the Khandajan rivulet, which joins the Brahmaputra.
• It was recognised as a Ramsar Site in 2002 and as an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA) in 2004. It is the only Ramsar site in the state of Assam.
• This lake is a staging site on migratory flyways, and some of the largest concentrations of aquatic birds in Assam can be seen, especially in winter. 
• Some globally threatened birds are supported, including Spot-billed Pelican, Lesser Greater Adjutant Stork, and Baer’s Pochard.
• About 50 fish species and aquatic resources provide livelihood support to about 1,200 households residing in about 12 villages on the fringes of the wetland.
• The Rani and Garbhanga hills, the habitat of the Asiatic elephants on the southern side of the beel, are part of this ecosystem.

Deepor Beel FAQs

Q1. Is Deepor Beel drained by Brahmaputra?

Ans. The Beel drains into the Brahmaputra river, located about 5 km away.

Q2. Which type of lake is Deepor Beel?

Ans. It is a perennial freshwater lake.

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Q3. Which is the first Ramsar site in India?

Ans. The first Ramsar sites in India were Chilika Lake (Odisha) and Keoladeo National Park (Rajasthan), both designated on 1st October 1981.

Source: TOI