Guwahati's environment is defined by its unique geography, wedged between the Brahmaputra River and the Shillong plateau.
* **Air Quality:** Generally moderate, but it often degrades to "Poor" during the dry winter months (November to February) due to dust, vehicular emissions, and geographical trapping of pollutants. * **Water Quality:** The Brahmaputra River is the city's lifeline. While majestic, it faces pollution from untreated municipal sewage, though new sewage treatment plants are being developed. * **Protected Areas:** The city is unique for its urban wildlife. Deepor Beel, located in the southwest, is a permanent freshwater lake and a designated Ramsar site, crucial for migratory birds. The Amchang Wildlife Sanctuary fringes the eastern part of the city. * **Urban Wildlife:** Guwahati is one of the few major cities globally where urban leopards frequently roam in the forested hillocks scattered throughout the metropolitan area.