International Research Journal of Education and Technology

Wetlands are among the most productive ecosystems on Earth, providing vital ecological, hydrological, and social services. In Assam, particularly in the Golaghat district within the Kaziranga landscape, wetlands such as Jugibil, Sankar Beel, Mora Diphlu Beel, and Sohola Beel serve as critical habitats for globally threatened species while supporting local community livelihoods. However, these wetlands are undergoing rapid degradation due to growing anthropogenic influences and climatic variability. This paper examines (1) the major causes of wetland degradation in the Golaghat district, and (2) the ecological and social impacts of this degradation, drawing from secondary literature, government reports, and field-based case studies. Findings indicate that encroachment, land-use change, infrastructural expansion, overfishing, siltation, pollution, and invasive species proliferation are the primary drivers of degradation. These pressures lead to significant ecological consequences such as loss of biodiversity, habitat fragmentation, hydrological disruption such as well as socio-economic impacts such as declining fish resources, reduced grazing grounds, loss of traditional livelihoods, and weakening of community resilience. The paper concludes by highlighting the urgent need for community-based conservation, legal protection of vulnerable wetlands, regulation of tourism, and long-term scientific monitoring to ensure sustainable wetland management in Golaghat.

Keywords: Wetland degradation, Golaghat district, Kaziranga landscape, Jugibil, Beels of Assam, Biodiversity loss