Dibrugarh, Dec 10: Nestled near the Dibru-Saikhowa National Park in Assam, Maguri-Motapung Beel is a haven of biodiversity, famed for its vibrant birdlife and lush aquatic flora. But in May 2020, this tranquil wetland was thrust into crisis. A catastrophic blowout at Baghjan Oil Field, just two kilometers away, unleashed a torrent of crude oil and natural gas into its waters. The result was India’s longest oil-well fire, lasting 159 days, and an environmental tragedy that scarred the beel’s delicate ecosystem.

The immediate aftermath was bleak. Thick layers of oil coated aquatic plants, suffocating them and disrupting the delicate balance of the wetland’s flora and fauna. However, nature has its way of reclaiming lost ground. Over a three-year study conducted from April 2021 to March 2024, botanists Bishmita Boruah and Partha Pratim Baruah from Gauhati University documented an inspiring resurgence of macrophyte diversity within the beel.

Their research revealed a slow but steady recovery. In the first year after the disaster, just 12 species of aquatic macrophytes were identified. By the second year, that number grew to 25, and by the third year, it reached an impressive 41 species. This resurgence is a testament to the resilience of the beel’s aquatic ecosystem and its capacity for self-restoration.

The researchers identified representatives from four major plant groups: algae (7 species), pteridophytes (3 species), dicotyledons (13 species), and monocotyledons (18 species). The algae genus Chara showed remarkable resilience, with four species reappearing in the beel’s waters. Likewise, common aquatic plants like Pontederia crassipes (water hyacinth) and Hydrilla verticillata—known for their ability to absorb pollutants—thrived in the post-spill environment.

The study highlights the adaptability of marshy amphibious plants like Ceratopteris thalictroides and Marsilea quadrifolia, which reclaimed their place on the beel’s banks. The phenomenon of marshy zones developing along the beel’s edges, driven by flood fluctuations, favored the growth of hardy species like Cyperus and Eclipta prostrata, known for their resilience in disturbed habitats.

Beyond ecology, the revival of the beel’s vegetation signifies hope for the broader environmental landscape. Migratory birds that once deserted the region are expected to return as the habitat improves, and communities that rely on the beel for livelihood can anticipate its ecological services being restored.

Nirantar Gohain, an environmentalist who is also working for the conservation of the wetland said, “Maguri-Motapung beel can be transformed into a world famous bird watching site due to its amazing beauty but unfortunately the government is not doing anything for the conservation of the wetland.

“It can be transformed into a big  tourist site but the government has failed to do it. We urged the government tourism department to take some necessary steps for the development of the wetland,” he said.

The wetland provides a unique glimpse into the lives of both residential and migratory birds, making it particularly popular during the migratory season when rare species can be sighted.

Besides bird watching, tourists also visit to enjoy traditional boat rides, witness the diverse aquatic life, and experience the culture of local communities.

“Some local people have developed homestay and traditional boat service in Maguri-Motapung beel. But the government should encourage more youth to associate with such businesses,” said Ramesh Moran, a local resident.

Maguri-Motapung Beel’s story is a reminder that, even after devastation, nature finds a way to heal. The scars of the Baghjan blowout remain, but the green shoots of life in its waters symbolize the enduring spirit of the natural world.

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