Changing Status of Wetland Environment: A Case Study of Morikolong Beel of Nagaon District, Assam

Abstract

Wetlands are one of the crucial natural resources. Nagaon district of Assam is endowed with rich wetland resources. These wetlands areas have been recognized traditionally as valuable resource for food and fodder production. Besides these wetlands can support aqua culture, grazing, provide habitat for harvestable plant and animal species. Morikolong beel is one of the ox-bow lake shaped of the wetland of Nagaon district which lies in the central part of the district. The Morikolong beel is located between 260 15/41// N to 260 20/34// N and 920 36/46// E to 920 44/43//E. The increasing population growth of the district stresses upon the landuse pattern of wetland environment and therefore several developmental activities has been taking place in the surrounding wetland environment of Morikolong Beel. In this way wetland areas of Morikolong beel has been decreased day by the day and the natural ecosystems have lost much of their original character, leading to reduce biodiversity and reduce performance and productivity Hence, the present paper is an attempt to identify what changes have been taking place under the influence of several developmental activities and to suggest conservative plans. The changes have been identified based on the comparison of topographical map, different period of remote sensing data, Google earth image and field data.