GUWAHATI, Nov 9 � Trekking, rock climbing, exhibition, contest, exploration into the life and culture of the ethnic communities and a host of other events will mark the Deepor Beel Festival starting from December 23.
Organised by Parijat Academy in collaboration with the local people and non-government organisations, the two-day fiesta will highlight the need for conserving the water body that attracts thousands of migratory birds every year.
The organisers will also use the occasion to promote eco-tourism as a sustainable livelihood option. According to the founder of Parijat Academy, Uttam Teron, the event would be made an annual affair if the response is good from the nature lovers this year.
Deepor Beel is one of the largest and most important river line wetland in Brahmaputra Valley. It is a permanent fresh water lake and has both biological and environmental importance besides being the only major storm water storage basin for the capital city.
�We will arrange for the nature lovers to explore rural Assam and study the various species of birds,� said Teron.
Deepor Beel is a significant spot for migratory birds. Because of the richness of avian fauna, Deepor Beel has been selected as one of the Important Bird Area (IBA) sites by Birdlife International. It is the only Ramsar Site in the State of Assam. The wetland is a major fish breeding and nursery ground which supplies fish stocks to other nearby wetlands and rivers.
A natural wetland, Deepor Beel harbours a rich variety of flora and fauna, including 212 species of birds � many of them endangered. Indigenous fish diversity is also a significant trait of Deepor beel with 50 species recorded so far.
The trekking event, which is scheduled from Deepor Beel to a remote tribal village called Satar Gaon, will provide the participants an opportunity to know about the life of people in rural Assam. The participants will get a glimpse into the sociocultural life of Satar Gaon that is dominated by the Rabha community.
�A slew of adventurous activities will be arranged on the occasion, including rock climbing,� informed Teron.
For the backpackers interested to know about the wetland from a close proximity, the organisers will arrange for home stay at nominal fee.
The other programmes that are being lined up are a discussion about the elephant corridor, a photo exhibition and competitions on art and photography.
