When one goes along the bylane towards the Shirdi Sai Baba Mandir on the VIP road, or along the bylane towards Tata Ginger Hotel a few metres ahead on the same road, he or she can observe the Silsako water-body, which is often visited by rare birds, both local and migratory. It is a great visual treat and that too right in the heart of the Guwahati city. A similar pleasant sight one can get while going along the Deepor Beel. Silsako Beel is a treasure trove for nature lovers. But, unfortunately, the garbage thrown near the site and illegal encroachment of the waterbody tell a heart-rending tale.
However, we all have witnessed how the big industrial houses and some semi-government organisations have erected huge concrete buildings near the beel, prior to the protection of the waterbody coming under an Act in Assam some years back.
Of late, the authorities have tried to dredge and clean the Silsako. However, despite all those efforts, it is very strange that some concrete buildings have been constructed in the middle of the waterbody on the left side of the bylane going towards the hotel mentioned above.
The law should be applicable to all. If the area is not kept under regular surveillance by the authorities concerned, some people would make an attempt to occupy it illegally. The indigenous people have already suffered due to such land encroachment, leading to illegal settlement of refugees. The area has a lot of potential to be developed into a major tourist spot through beautification and introduction of interesting water sports.
