Jhagrarpar Beel Development Remains Stalled in Dhubri, Wetland Faces Encroachment
For years, the development of Jhagrarpar Beel, a wetland located on the outskirts of Dhubri town opposite Dhubri Medical College and Hospital, has been a persistent source of contention for approximately 28,000 local residents. This issue has lingered as the area undergoes rapid urbanization under the Dhubri-Gauripur Development Authority, situated between Dhubri and Gauripur towns.
Urban Expansion and Institutional Growth Along Mission Road
Along the 2.5-kilometer stretch of Dhubri Medical College Road, commonly known as Mission Road, the landscape has been steadily transformed by the establishment of numerous institutions and infrastructure projects. Key developments include a Media College, an All India Radio Station, the Dhubri Stadium (also referred to as the Dhubri Sports Complex), an FCI godown, an Assam State Electricity Board warehouse with an 11 KV power transmission field, a BEd College, various schools, banks, and other private establishments. This urban corridor highlights the growing pressure on the surrounding natural environment, including the Jhagrarpar Beel wetland.
Historical Efforts and Funding Shortfalls Since 2007
Residents have observed the wetland's development plan progress in fits and starts since 2007, when the Jhagrarpar Beel (Wetland) Development Committee first approached the Dhubri district administration. The administration later approved an amount of Rs 40 lakh for the wetland's development, raising hopes that the waterbody could be transformed into an eco-tourism park. However, according to committee convener Azaharul Islam, only Rs 9.99 lakh of this approved sum was released to the Jhagrarpar Gaon Panchayat, the implementing agency, in two phases during 2011-12 and 2012-13.
Islam explained, "With that released amount, some paddle boats were purchased, an office for the committee was constructed, and hyacinth from the wetland was cleared." He added that no further funds were released after this period, leaving the project effectively stalled. Additionally, Islam alleged that during flood events, the boats were taken by the panchayat body and never returned to the committee, further hindering progress.
Wetland Shrinkage and Encroachment Concerns
For the committee, the delay is no longer merely about unfinished development works; it is increasingly about the survival of the wetland itself. Islam reported that the beel has significantly shrunk from its original size of 56.67 bighas to just 35.86 bighas, with the remaining area steadily being consumed by encroachment from new settlers. This reduction underscores the urgent need for protective measures and sustainable development to preserve the wetland's ecological integrity.
Proposed Rs 17 Crore Plan Awaits Government Sanction
A more comprehensive plan emerged in 2015 when the Dhubri-Gauripur Development Authority submitted a proposal of approximately Rs 17 crore, accompanied by a Detailed Project Report (DPR), to the state government. Despite these efforts, the proposal has yet to receive official sanction. Tutul Roy, the head official of the Dhubri-Gauripur Development Authority, discussed the matter with TOI, noting that the authority has persistently pursued the issue at senior governmental levels and has recently received encouraging indications.
Roy stated, "We hope with the formation of the new government next month, this project will get top priority." This statement reflects ongoing optimism among officials and residents alike that future administrative changes might catalyze action on the long-delayed development of Jhagrarpar Beel.
