Dibrugarh: With the arrival of winter, Maguri Beel — the vibrant wetland near Dibru-Saikhowa National Park in eastern Assam’s Tinsukia district — has transformed into a must-visit destination for tourists who come to witness the scenic natural beauty that comes alive during the colder months.
Maguri Beel, located close to the Dibru-Saikhowa National Park, is now welcoming migratory birds, turning the wetland into a true bird paradise. “Maguri Beel of Tinsukia, which enhances the beautiful beauty of nature. Migrant birds, water of lotus-filled beel attract the public. You can also go to Maguri Beel to enjoy this beauty… Our government is always responsible for protecting the beel,” Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma wrote in a Facebook post.
He added, “Maguri Beel, Tinsukia is a bird-watcher’s paradise and a major tourist gem of Assam. With steady preservation efforts and community support, this vibrant wetland is turning into a must-visit destination while keeping its natural charm intact.”
The wetland offers 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 diverse aquatic life, and experience the culture of local communities.
Spread over an area of 9.6 sq km, Maguri Beel was declared an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA) in 1996. “This is our first time in Maguri Beel. We have heard a lot about this beel but never visited the site. We are mesmerised to see the birds. It’s a paradise for the birds. We have decided that every year during winter we will come here to see the birds,” said a local visitor.
He added, “Nature comes alive in Maguri during winter. We have witnessed it and decided to come here next year. People go here and there to enjoy their day. We appeal to the people of Assam to come here at least once to enjoy bird-watching.”
Like other beels, Maguri supports a rich diversity of wildlife and provides plentiful resources. It is considered an important habitat for over 110 bird species, including several threatened species such as the White-winged Wood Duck. Its rich fish diversity also supports the livelihoods of a large population of local fishers.
Maguri Beel is home to numerous bird species, including common ones like the Pheasant-tailed Jacana, Asian Openbill, Ruddy Shelduck, and Yellow Wagtail. It is also an important habitat for several threatened species, such as the White-winged Wood Duck, Falcated Duck, and Swamp Grass Babbler.
“Tourists have started flocking to Maguri Beel for bird-watching. People from different states of India are coming and enjoying here. We urge the local people of Assam to come and enjoy their day in Maguri Beel. The Baghjan blowout affected the wetland, but now it has improved and migratory birds are returning,” said environmentalist Nirantar Gohain.
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