Numbers
500
Total Area (In Hector)
10,700
Land Usage
Ecological Information
Important Species
Fish: carps, catfish, small indigenous fish species
Birds: herons, egrets, kingfishers, migratory waterfowl
Amphibians: frogs and toads in marshy wetlands
Aquatic plants: water lily, water hyacinth, Trapa natans
Plankton-rich wetlands supporting aquatic food chains
Ecosystem Services
Flood control: Wetlands absorb excess monsoon water
Fisheries: Provide food and livelihood support
Irrigation: Support agriculture in alluvial plains
Groundwater recharge & water storage
Soil fertility enhancement through sediment deposition
Seasonal Hydrology
Influenced by rivers: Atreyee (Atrai), Punarbhaba, Tangon, Brahmani
Monsoon (June–September): Wetlands expand due to flooding
Dry season: Water levels decline significantly
Formation of oxbow lakes and floodplain beels due to river shifting
Strong dependence on rainfall and river overflow
Socio Economic Importance
Supports agriculture-based economy (paddy cultivation dominant)
Provides fisheries and rural livelihoods
Supplies water for livestock and domestic use
Supports informal economy (fish markets, aquatic crops)
Important for food security in rural areas
Wetland Converted
Encroachment for agriculture and settlements
Drainage and land-use conversion
Siltation and weed infestation
Pollution from fertilizers and domestic waste
Climate variability affecting water availability
Name of Wetlands
Information
Mahal Beel
Mahal Beel is a significant floodplain wetland located near Balurghat. It is primarily rain-fed and expands during the monsoon, storing excess water and supporting irrigation during dry periods. The wetland sustains diverse fish species, aquatic plants, and birdlife, contributing to local biodiversity. It plays a key role in groundwater recharge and soil moisture retention, benefiting nearby agricultural fields. Local communities depend on it for fishing, livestock watering, and domestic use. However, siltation, encroachment, and agricultural runoff pose challenges, highlighting the need for sustainable management and conservation.
Narayanpur Beel
Narayanpur Beel is an important seasonal wetland that supports agriculture and fisheries in surrounding villages. It fills during the monsoon and gradually shrinks in the dry season, maintaining a natural hydrological cycle. The beel provides habitat for fish, amphibians, and aquatic vegetation, supporting biodiversity. It also contributes to irrigation and helps maintain soil fertility. Local communities rely on it for livelihood activities such as fishing and water use. Increasing pressure from land conversion, pollution, and sedimentation is impacting its ecological health and long-term sustainability.
Gopalganj Beel
Gopalganj Beel is a community-dependent wetland that plays a vital role in local agriculture and fisheries. It is largely rain-fed and experiences seasonal fluctuations in water levels. The beel supports a range of aquatic organisms, including fish and plants, contributing to ecological balance. It is widely used for irrigation, livestock watering, and domestic purposes. The wetland also helps in groundwater recharge and floodwater storage. However, challenges such as overuse, siltation, and encroachment threaten its sustainability, necessitating improved conservation and management practices.
Dwipkhanda Beel
Dwipkhanda Beel is a seasonal floodplain wetland located in the Tapan block. It expands significantly during the monsoon, supporting fisheries and acting as a water reservoir for nearby agricultural lands. The wetland provides habitat for fish, amphibians, and birds, contributing to local biodiversity. It plays an important role in flood mitigation, groundwater recharge, and soil moisture retention. Local communities depend on it for fishing and irrigation. However, increasing agricultural encroachment, siltation, and unregulated use are affecting its ecological balance and long-term sustainability.
Harirampur–Tapan Beel Cluster
The Harirampur–Tapan beel cluster consists of multiple interconnected wetlands formed by river overflow and floodplain processes. These wetlands are highly dynamic and expand during the monsoon season. They support diverse aquatic life, including fish and birds, and are essential for local fisheries and agriculture. The cluster plays a crucial role in flood regulation and groundwater recharge. It also supports rural livelihoods through fishing and water use. However, land-use changes, pollution, and overexploitation are putting pressure on these wetlands, requiring integrated conservation efforts.
Banshihari–Kumarganj Beel System
The Banshihari–Kumarganj beel system is a network of small wetlands distributed across the region. These wetlands are primarily rain-fed and influenced by nearby river systems. They support agriculture by maintaining soil moisture and providing irrigation water. The wetlands also sustain fish populations and aquatic vegetation, contributing to biodiversity. They are important for groundwater recharge and water storage. Local communities rely on them for fishing, livestock, and domestic use. However, increasing pressure from agricultural expansion, drainage, and pollution threatens their ecological health and sustainability.