The Assam Fishery Development Corporation (AFDC) is optimistic that significant progress can be achieved with the support of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in further development of the Hakama Beel. The proposal focuses on advancing the water body of Hakama for increased fish production and related livelihood opportunities. Hakama Beel is an important swamp located in the northeastern part of Assam.
Precisely, it is positioned in the western segment of the state, within the marsh of Kaziranga National Park. Hakama Beel is on the borders of Bilasipara town, about 48 kilometres from the district headquarters of Dhubri, along National Highway 31 (NH 31). This wetland is known for its rich biodiversity and substantial environmental and socio-economic roles.
Speaking to Business North East (BNE), an AFDC official from Dhubri enunciated hopefulness that the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) endorsement could lead to substantial progressions in the infrastructure and upkeeping efforts of the Beel.
The ADB has previously shown interest in the project, sending an international team of agricultural environmentalists from South Korea, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Australia, and India to visit Hakama Beel.
“However, they have not acknowledged any proposal coming from leased out lands,” the AFDC official told BNE.
During their visit, the team interacted with local populations and officers to deliberate plans for developing the beel into a sustainable fish production place while preserving its rich biodiversity. The team also visited nearby Beels to evaluate the fishery resources in the Dhubri district.
The term 'beel' refers to a wetland or marshy area that plays an active role in both wildlife and agriculture. In addition to its ecological importance, Hakama Beel backs meaningfully flood control and groundwater renewal in the area.
In a distinguished initiative, the Dhubri District Fishery Development Officer (DFDO) and AFDC have leased Hakama Beel to the Scheduled Caste (SC) community for seven years. This tenancy not only makes income but also fosters the Beel's growth. Although ADB rejected the initial proposal for further development, there is renewed hope for approval in the second phase, which holds the potential to drive socio-economic growth in the region.
Hakama Beel, situated on the outskirts of Bilasipara town, spans 13.5 hectares and is a haven for local and migratory bird species. The wetland has garnered attention from local NGOs, such as Aranya Suraksha Samiti and Hakama Beel Pakhi Abhayranya Dabi Samiti, who position themselves as a bird sanctuary and tourist attraction. Their demands include constructing boundary walls, a tourist guesthouse, bird-watching towers, footbridges, and a park for children.
Bilasipara, the town near Hakama Beel, is a vibrant, multi-ethnic community with a population exceeding 50,000. Governed by the Bilasipara Municipal Board, it is represented by two Members of the Legislative Assembly.
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The story of Hakama Beel also has another dimension to it. Hari Charan Das, an environmental science professor from Bilasipara College, emphasized the importance of developing Hakama Beel for local livelihood generation during a discussion with Business North East (BNE).
“An effort was made by Aranya Suraksha Samiti to convert it to a bird sanctuary. But the area is not sufficient. Now, effort is there to make it a community reserve. We approached the Forest department for it. But it was not possible,” he said, highlighting the Beel's potential as a natural resource and an economic asset for the region.
With its rich biodiversity and potential for socio-economic development, Hakama Beel remains a focal point for conservationists, local communities, and policymakers. The awaited approval from the Asian Development Bank could significantly advance these efforts, ensuring the wetland's sustainable future.
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