NUMALIJALAH LAKE

LAKE DEVELOPMENT IN FRONT OF DC OFFICE, AMINGAON

 INTRODUCTION

Wetland conservation aims shielding and preserving areas where water exists at or
near the Earth's surface, such as swamps, marshes and bogs. Wetlands cover at least
6percent of the Earth and have become a focal issue for conservation due to the
ecosystem services they provide. Almost three billion people, around half the world’s
population, obtain their basic water needs from inland freshwater wetlands. The same
number of people relies on rice as their staple food, a crop grown largely in natural and
artificial wetlands.

Besides food, wetlands supply fibre, fuel and medicinal plants. They also provide
valuable ecosystems for birds and other aquatic creatures help reduce the damaging
impact of floods, control pollution and regulate the climate. From economic importance,
to aesthetics, the motives for conserving wetlands have become huge.
Wetlands generally include swamps, marshes, bogs and similar areas. Wetlands vary
widely in their salinity levels, climatic zones, and supported flora, surrounding
geography, whether they are coastal or inland and so on.

The main functions performed by wetlands are: water filtration, water storage,
biological productivity, and provide habitat for wildlife.

THE NUMALIJALAH LAKE

Numalijalah Lake is the outcome of sheer dedication and will of Kamrup District
Administration.

The Lake is situated infront of the Deputy Commissioner’s Office, Kamrup Amingaon
comprises of an area of around (approx) 12-15 bighas of land and is surrounded by the
Numalijalah Parade Ground on the East, the Railway Track on the South , the DC Office
on the North and the 37 National Highway on the West. The lake is situated between
25.761 and 26.192 North Latitude and between 90.483 & 91.672 East Longitude.
The development of the water body has been undertaken at the initiative of the District
Administration, Kamrup with an objective to change the entire outlook of the area. The
site has always been a part of the local ecology, but till recently the lake was not visible
to the eye due to overgrowth of water hyacinth and had eventually became a dumping
ground.Hence efforts made by Kamrup District Administration to convert into a serene
beautiful picturesque spot is truly amazing.
PURPOSE

The purpose of the project was to develop the water body without disturbing the
ecological balance and to preserve the Natural Water body , which is also a shelter for
migratory birds during winter. Moreover, this lake is also a habitat for different aquatic
species like Tortoise, fishes etc.

INITIATIVE BY DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION

The main initiative for development of the Water body is to clean the Water Hyacinth
with the use of JCB, boats employing skilled labourers who could work under water.
Emphasis has been laid on engaging Laborers on a regular basis for cleaning and
maintenance of the Lake. At a substantial expense, about 80% of the overgrowth of
water hyacinth has been cleared. Effort to develop the water body so far has been
possible under the effective initiatives of Deputy Commissioner, Kamrup who has taken
immense efforts to realise the CSR fund from Various companies like TOPCEM, EMAMI
and BRITANNIA.
Financial assistance has also been received from MPLAD fund from Hon’ble MPs. Some
of the works under taken for the Lake are :

 Cleaning of the Water hyacinth.

 Boulder pitching on the two sides of the lake
 Paver’s block has been laid in the small portion adjacent to the Lake.
 Benches provided for resting and boats for joy rides.
 Channel cutting for easy passage of water and for beautification of the area .

There is immense potential in future to develop the water body a place of tourist
attraction which will help in maintaining the vibrancy of the place and several activities
has been planned to be added in a phased manner.

Photos before execution of Lake Work

Photos during Cleaning of the Lake:
Photos after Execution of work
 BENEFITS AND POSITIVE CHANGES

The lake along with the ecological diversity adds beauty to the landscape.

It has become habitats to migratory birds in winter and other aquatic species In days
to come this spot might bee turned into an eco-tourism spot which will result in
employment opportunities for the unemployed. It would turn out to be a source of
income for district administration eventually if developed as an eco-tourism spot.
Besides

 It has helped in water quality improvement and sediment filtration.

 The lake stores water temporarily, allowing the water to percolate into the
ground or evaporate. This temporary storage reduces the peak water flow after a
storm, reducing flooding impacts in the immediate area and downstream.
  Numalijalah lake works as reservoirs for rainwater and runoff, providing needed
water for wildlife and improving soil moisture for forage production. Wetlands
also help recharge groundwater.

 It has become a spot for recreation for everyone in the surroundings including
the employees. People now come to watch this place and get mesmerized in the
beauty.

The site of the Numalijalah Lake in front of the DC office looks like a blessing to the eyes,
it brings positivity into work , mind is instantly at peace with the environment. A paver
block road has been developed surroundings the lack as a walking track of the people. It
has simply enriched the exquisiteness of whole area.

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