Landscape Change Of Wetland And Its Impact On Surrounding Environment: A Case Study Of 46 No. Morakolong Beel Of Morigaon District, Assam

Abstract

Wetlands have been identified as one of the most important natural resources, which are associated with the distribution of human settlements. According to U.S definition (1956) the term ‘wetlands’ refers to lowlands covered with shallow and sometimes temporary or intermittent waters. They are referred to as marshes, swamps, bogs, wet, meadows, potholes and river over flow lands etc. Wetlands are important features in the landscape that provide numerous beneficial services for people, wildlife, fish and other aquatic life. Some of these services or functions include protecting and improving water quality, providing fish and wildlife habitats, storing flood waters maintaining surface water flow during dry periods and opportunities for recreation and aesthetic appreciation. Morigaon district with 183 wetlands (with unit area of over 2.5 hectares, (ARSAC), is ranked highest among all districts of Assam in context to area under wetlands. 46 No. Morakolong Beel is located in the southern parts of Morigaon district at latitude 26⁰13`50`` N to 26⁰14`47``N and longitude 92⁰18`27`` E to 92⁰19`52`` E. The increasing population growth as well as the developmental activities have led to loss of biodiversity, change in landscape and decreased the natural balance of wetland environment. Hence the present paper is an attempt to identify the changes has been taking place under the influence of several developmental activities and to suggest conservation plans for sustainable development. The changes have been identified based on the comparison of topographical map, satellite imageries, remote sensing data, Google earth image and field data.