In today’s developing India, rapid urbanization presents formidable obstacles to the preservation of wetlands, which are vital ecosystems that offer indispensable ecological services. Deepor Beel, a prominent wetland situated in the southwest of Guwahati city, Assam, India, is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of urbanization, environmental degradation, and climate change. This chapter studies the diverse range of laws, regulations, and policies governing land utilization, environmental preservation, and conservation endeavors with the aim of providing insights into fostering urban development practices that prioritize wetland conservation. Through a doctrinal legal methodology, including an analysis of international conventions, national legislations, and judicial decisions, this study elucidates the legal tools available for maintaining a delicate balance between urban development and ecological conservation in the context of Deepor Beel. Despite being an important Ramsar site, the Beel faces threats like encroachment, waste dumping, and other urban developments, all of which have tremendously diminished its ecological value in the present times. The Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017, and other legal safeguards remain largely ineffective in practice. Ultimately, the chapter identifies major regulatory and implementation gaps and also suggests innovative approaches such as zoning regulations, environmental impact assessments, and participatory governance models to strengthen the resilience of urban areas while protecting the ecological integrity of Deepor Beel.

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Safeguarding Deepor Beel: Analyzing Legal Tools for Urban Resilience and Wetland Preservation

  • Preetisha Choudhury

摘要

In today’s developing India, rapid urbanization presents formidable obstacles to the preservation of wetlands, which are vital ecosystems that offer indispensable ecological services. Deepor Beel, a prominent wetland situated in the southwest of Guwahati city, Assam, India, is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of urbanization, environmental degradation, and climate change. This chapter studies the diverse range of laws, regulations, and policies governing land utilization, environmental preservation, and conservation endeavors with the aim of providing insights into fostering urban development practices that prioritize wetland conservation. Through a doctrinal legal methodology, including an analysis of international conventions, national legislations, and judicial decisions, this study elucidates the legal tools available for maintaining a delicate balance between urban development and ecological conservation in the context of Deepor Beel. Despite being an important Ramsar site, the Beel faces threats like encroachment, waste dumping, and other urban developments, all of which have tremendously diminished its ecological value in the present times. The Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017, and other legal safeguards remain largely ineffective in practice. Ultimately, the chapter identifies major regulatory and implementation gaps and also suggests innovative approaches such as zoning regulations, environmental impact assessments, and participatory governance models to strengthen the resilience of urban areas while protecting the ecological integrity of Deepor Beel.