Abstract
Solid Waste Management (SWM) or unplanned garbage disposal is a neglected area of unsustainable urban development. In most Indian cities, more than half the solid waste generated remains unattended. ‘Deepor Beel’ is one of the largest natural wetlands of Guwahati, Assam. In 2002, the whole area of the ‘beel’ was declared as Ramsar site and 4.14 km was proposed as wildlife sanctuary. ‘Deepor beel’ bird sanctuary is recognised as a home of various rare and endangered species of flora and fauna and a huge gathering of migratory birds in every year. But the open dumping site of West Boragaon which encroached the ‘beel’ has created many environmental problems for nearby areas. Though various international, national and state laws exist for the protection of the environment but their implementation is very unsatisfactory. Apart from these, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) also issued directions to the local authority (Guwahati Municipal Corporation) for unrestricted and unregulated illegal dumping of wastes on the wetland. The NGT has asked the Assam government and State Pollution Control Board to take necessary steps to control and prevent damage to the environment and the public health. But the concerned authorities failed to implement the directions so far. The Government has taken some initiatives under the Smart City Project, Swachh Bharat Mission, etc. for better protection and conservation of the water bodies including river, wetland, lake, etc. The engagement of civil society in productive utilization of natural resources offers a great significance. The role of indigenous people and local communities for conservation of natural resources is also internationally accepted. Enactment of policies will not be effective, if people are not aware of reduction of pollution or recycling or waste management.
Recommended Citation
Barman, Utpala
(2019)
"A Socio-Legal Study on Impact of Solid Waste on Wetland Environment: A Case Study From ‘Deepor Beel’ Wetland, Assam,"
National Law School Journal: Vol. 15:
Iss.
1, Article 7.
Available at:
https://repository.nls.ac.in/nlsj/vol15/iss1/7