Degradation of Wetland Environment in Assam with Special Reference to Goalpara District

Wetlands are lands transitional between terrestrial and aquatic systems where the water table is usually at or near the surface or the land is covered by shallow water. Wetlands are an integral part of the environmental system of an area. They provide habitats for a wide range of fauna and flora and are very closely associated with the life and living of the people particularly in socio-economic context. They act as natural reservoirs of water and generally regulate the fluvial process operating within thier environs. With the rise of human population and consequent spread of settlements and economic activities, however, the wetlands in almost all parts of the state are increasingly under serious anthropogenic pressure and threats. Here in this paper an attempt has been made to analyse the problems faced by the wetland due to human interference and consequences of the problems for survival of wetlands in Assam taking special reference from Goalpara district.