Maguri-Motapung Beel: A Winter Wonderland for Nature Lovers

A Vibrant New Year Celebration at Maguri-Motapung Beel

Doomdooma, Jan 8: As the first Sunday of the New Year arrived in Upper Assam, Maguri-Motapung Beel came alive, not only with the gentle flapping of migratory birds but also with the joyous sounds of laughter, music, and the footsteps of countless visitors.

Located approximately 10-12 kilometers from Tinsukia town, this internationally recognized wetland once again served as a hub where nature's beauty meets human celebration.

For many, the experience of ushering in the New Year amidst glistening waters, warm winter sunshine, and expansive skies offered a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Families, friends, and picnic groups congregated along the banks of the beel, sharing meals and moments of unrestrained joy.

However, Maguri-Motapung is much more than just a picnic spot. Spanning a vast area between Barekuri, Baghjan, and Natun Gaon, this beel is one of Assam's most significant biodiversity hotspots, hosting over 300 species of both indigenous and migratory birds. From October to March, numerous birds arrive from far-off places, turning the wetland into a vibrant tableau of movement and sound. The air fills with the calls of ducks, geese, herons, egrets, and many rare species, heralding the arrival of winter visitors.

As winter sets in, birdwatchers, ornithologists, and tourists from across India and beyond flock to the beel. Visitors from countries like Germany, Japan, England, France, and the United States have long considered Maguri-Motapung a haven for birdwatching. Recently designated as an ‘Eco-Sensitive Zone’ within the Dibru–Saikhowa National Park biosphere, the beel is also home to several rare and endangered plant and animal species.

Yet, beneath the festive atmosphere and natural beauty lies a narrative of vulnerability. The devastating explosion and fire at the BGR 5 Oil Well in Baghjan in 2020 inflicted severe damage on the beel's ecosystem. Oil contamination harmed aquatic plants, disrupted bird habitats, and adversely affected fish, turtles, and other aquatic life. The disaster also impacted the livelihoods of thousands residing near the wetland.

Environmentalists warn that unchecked human activities now pose a renewed threat. While winter picnics bring joy and economic benefits to the region, plastic waste, loud music, and careless celebrations jeopardize the fragile balance of the wetland. “Visitors should come here to observe birds and learn from nature,” emphasizes renowned environmental activist Niranta Gohain. “Eco-friendly picnics are encouraged, but noise and litter in the name of enjoyment harm both the birds and the environment.”

Despite these challenges, hope shines brightly across the beel's waters. The sight of floating lotus and water lilies, lush aquatic plants, and the constant movement of birds creates a captivating scene that continues to attract visitors. Nature enthusiasts believe that with timely and genuine intervention from the government and tourism authorities, Maguri-Motapung Beel could secure its rightful place on the global eco-tourism stage.

As the winter sun sets and the sky fills with fluttering wings, Maguri-Motapung finds itself at a pivotal moment – celebrated, admired, yet vulnerable. In the harmonious blend of picnic sounds, laughter, and birdsong lies a profound question – can joy and responsibility coexist in this delicate paradise?

By

Abhijit Khatniar