Sasoni Merbil
Wetland and eco-tourism site in Assam, India
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Sasoni Merbil (also spelled Sasoni Merbeel) is a wetland ecosystem and eco-tourism destination located near Naharkatiya in the Dibrugarh district of Assam, India. Often referred to as the “Island of Silence”, the site is known for its tranquil natural environment and rich biodiversity. The wetland covers roughly 1,550 bighas and forms part of the broader floodplain ecosystem of the Burhi Dihing River.[1][2]
| Sasoni Merbil | |
|---|---|
Wetland landscape of Sasoni Merbil | |
| Location | Near Naharkatiya, Dibrugarh district, Assam, India |
| Type | Wetland, Oxbow lake |
| Primary inflows | Burhi Dihing River basin |
| Basin countries | India |
The area has gained attention as a community-driven conservation initiative that combines environmental protection with sustainable tourism and local livelihood generation.[3]
Geography
Sasoni Merbil is situated in Upper Assam near Naharkatiya, approximately 16 km from the town and within the floodplain region influenced by the Burhi Dihing River.[4]
The wetland is believed to have formed as an Oxbow lake due to changes in the river’s course. The area includes a large water body surrounded by forest patches and grassland habitats, creating a diverse ecological landscape. The wetland complex also contains a central island and nearby marshlands that support aquatic and terrestrial species.[5]
Etymology
The origin of the name Merbil is associated with local folklore and religious traditions connected with the nearby Bareghar Satra in Dibrugarh district. The satra, locally known as Gosaiveti, is situated on an island-like landmass surrounded by the waters of the wetland. According to local tradition, the term “Mer Beel” refers to a large water body that encircles a patch of land resembling an island. The wetland lies a few kilometres from the Burhi Dihing River and surrounds the Bareghar Satra, giving rise to the name Merbil.[6][7]
Local legends also associate the wetland with the mythical water deity Jalkonwar (also known as Kalika), believed to reside in the waters of Merbil. Folk narratives connected with the Bareghar Satra describe how a sudden surge of water once surrounded the satra and nearby settlements, forming the large wetland that exists today.
Legend of Jalkonwar
Local folklore associated with Sasoni Merbil recounts a legend about the water prince Jalkonwar and a young girl named Dwiti. Statues representing Jalkonwar and Dwiti on a boat-shaped altar are installed in the Merbil area, commemorating the story.
According to the legend, a devastating flood once submerged large parts of the present-day Merbil region, including several villages around the Bareghar Satra. Daily life in the flood-affected settlements came to a standstill as water surrounded the area and residents were confined to their homes.
At that time, the satra was headed by Shri Ramdev Gosai, the satradhikar (head priest) of Bareghar Satra. One day while he was reciting verses from a kirtan puthi, his young daughter Dwiti repeatedly interrupted him by trying to climb onto his lap. Annoyed by the disturbance, he asked his wife to take the child away. When the interruptions continued, the satradhikar reportedly exclaimed in anger that he would throw the girl into the floodwaters. According to another version of the story, his wife jokingly promised that Dwiti would one day be married to the water prince Jalkonwar.
Years later, when Dwiti had grown older, villagers reportedly witnessed an unusual event near Merbil Bhumuk. Water was said to have begun emerging from underground and quickly spread across the surrounding villages, while the Bareghar Satra remained unaffected. That night, Ramdev Gosai is said to have had a dream in which Jalkonwar appeared and reminded him of the earlier promise, declaring his intention to marry Dwiti.
The following night, according to the legend, the water prince again appeared in the satradhikar’s dream and warned that the rising waters would engulf the entire region unless the marriage took place. Faced with the threat of widespread flooding, the satradhikar agreed to the proposal in order to protect the surrounding communities.
At midnight, Dwiti was dressed in bridal attire and brought to the courtyard of the satra. As auspicious chants were recited, she was symbolically offered to the waters, after which she was believed to have disappeared. Soon afterward, the floodwaters receded and the surrounding lands gradually re-emerged.
Local tradition holds that the event left behind sandy pathways and settlements such as Merbil Bhumuk and Balirabat in the area. The legend continues to form an important part of the cultural heritage associated with Sasoni Merbil and Bareghar Satra.[8]
Biodiversity
Sasoni Merbil is considered a significant biodiversity hotspot in Upper Assam. The wetland supports a wide variety of flora and fauna, including migratory birds, aquatic species, reptiles, and butterflies.[9] Birdwatchers frequently visit the site during winter when migratory bird species arrive in large numbers. The ecosystem also contains fish, freshwater turtles, snakes, orchids, and other wetland vegetation typical of the Brahmaputra valley.
Sasoni Merbil is a significant ecological hotspot characterized by its rich avian and botanical diversity. The wetland serves as a vital habitat for over 200 species of birds, including migratory waterfowl such as the mallard, gadwall, and ferruginous duck, as well as rare residents like the white-winged wood duck and lesser adjutant. The surrounding ecosystem supports a variety of mammals, including leopards, monkeys, and foxes, alongside various reptiles and indigenous fish species. The flora is equally diverse, comprising more than 250 plant species that include wild orchids, medicinal herbs, and the unique Komal Saul (magic rice) endemic to the region.
Eco-tourism development
The wetland has been gradually developed into an eco-tourism project through local community initiatives and support from public institutions. The project aims to promote conservation of the wetland while providing employment opportunities to nearby villages.[10]
Infrastructure created for eco-tourism includes boating facilities, nature trails, cottages, and bird-watching areas. Corporate social responsibility initiatives by companies such as Oil India Limited have also contributed to the development of infrastructure including solar power facilities and boating equipment.[11]
Conservation and challenges
Environmentalists and wildlife experts have emphasized the need for stronger conservation measures to protect the fragile wetland ecosystem from pollution, habitat loss, and unregulated tourism. Conservation efforts focus on maintaining ecological balance while allowing controlled tourism activities.[12]
Local community participation has played a crucial role in protecting the wetland and promoting sustainable management of natural resources.
Tourism
Sasoni Merbil has increasingly become a destination for eco-tourism in Upper Assam. Popular activities include:
- Bird watching
- Boating in the wetland
- Nature walks and jungle trekking
- Cultural interaction with local communities
The winter months are considered the best time to visit, when migratory birds arrive and the climate is suitable for outdoor activities.[13]