55-Land use land cover changes - Its impact on the wetland ecosystem of Maguri Beel, Assam

Abstract

Maguri Beel or wetland is one of the largest Floodplain Lakes in the upper Brahmaputra Basin with an area of 167.40 ha at FSL. This is an 'open' bee! (FPL) connected with the R. Dibru and is affected by frequent channel change and sedimentation. The villages surrounding this beel are solely dependent on it for their domestic and agricultural use. About 80 species of fish species contributes to the fishery resources of that area. Similarly this beel harbors more than 160 species of local and migratory birds which is a major tourist attraction. Average net and gross primary productivity of phytoplankton was 937.5 and 1707.71 mgCm3day-1 respectively. About 35 macrophytes species have been identified whose average net and gross primary productivity was 3075.83 and 4429.82 mgCm3day-1 respectively. This weed-infested beel has a dense population of macro-benthos, the species diversity of which ranges between 1.81 and 3.63. The soil is acidic (pH 4.9 to 6.8) and prone to pollution from agricultural runoff. The pesticides from adjacent tea gardens sometimes cause havoc to the beel fishery. Remote Sensing data through time series have also been used to analyze the past and present status of the riparian area and to quantify land-cover changes due to natural and anthropogenic impacts. Assessment of socio-economics was also done as a part of formulation of conservation strategies and also for alternative livelihood option for the people depending on the bioresources of Maguri Beel.