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Himalayan Ecology
ENVIS Newsletter
ISSN : 2277-9000 (Print)ISSN : 2455-6823 (Online) Vol. 14 (4), 2017
1
Editorial NoteAddress to Students on World Wetland Day
page 2
Status of Wetlands in Trans-Himalaya, India
page 3
Structure and Function of Bhimtal Lake Ecosystem
page 4
Conservation of Wetlands with Particular Focus on Bhimtal Lake
page 5
Biodiversity of the Tso Kar Wetland of Changthang Plateau in Eastern Ladakh, J&K
page 6
Importance of Wetlands for our Futurepage 7
Floristic Diversity in Chandra Tal, Himachal Pradesh
page 7
Laws related to Protection of Water Bodies and Water Pollution
page 8
Celebration of World Wetland Day – 2018
page 9 - 10
Innovations/Discoveries in Science page 11
Books on Wetlands/Forthcoming Events
page 12
Inside the issue ... Wetlands for a Sustainable Urban Future
The “ENVIS Centre on Himalayan Ecology” is housed at G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment and Sustainable Development (GBPHIHESD), Kosi-Katarmal, Almora, Uttarakhand, which is an autonomous Institute of Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEF&CC), Government of India, New Delhi, India.
Coordinator ENVISDr. G.C.S. Negi
Scientist-F
Editor-in-ChiefKireet Kumar
Director In-charge
Executive EditorDr. G.C.S. Negi
Editorial boardProf. R.S. Tripathi, FNA
Dr. Eklabya Sharma, FNADr. G.S. Rawat
Prof. A.R. NautiyalDr. R. S. Rawal
The “ENVIS Centre on Himalayan Ecology”collects, collates, compiles and build quantitative and qualitative databases of information in the field related to the Himalayan Ecology. The information is disseminated regularly via online as well as hard copies to several valuable stakeholders and various users such as DICs, Universities institutions along with other ENVIS Centre running para l le l to support overa l l Environmental Information System in India.
ENVIS TeamDr. Mahesha Nand, Program Officer
V.C. Sharma, information officerSatish K. Sinha, IT Assistant
Disclaimer: The information furnished in this Newsletter is based on the inputs received from authors/organizations; the Institute/editorial board will not be responsible for any mistake, misprint or factual error, if any.
The authors are solely responsible for the scientific facts presented herein and the copyright for any reproduced / quoted lines from other sources. All rights reserved.
The views expressed in the Newsletter are the authors’ personal opinions and do not necessarily represent those of the organizations they represent.
ENVIS Newsletter on Himalayan Ecology Vol.14 (4), 2017
ENVIS Centre on Himalayan Ecology
ENVIS Newsletter
A Quarterly Publication Vol.14(4), 2017
2
‘Wetland’ is a generic term for water bodies of various types, and includes diverse hydrological entities, namely, lake, marshes, swamps, estuaries, tidal flats, river flood plains and mangroves. Wetlands provide transitional habitats or seral stages in succession from open water to land. Wetlands are now considered to be distinct ecosystems with specific ecological characteristics, function and values. Wetlands can be regarded as world most productive ecosystem and cradles of biological diversity that provision clean water, provide unique habitat to harbour rich diversity of animals and plants, and also characterized by high biological productivity. In the recent years wetlands have been recognized to provide the much needful ecosystem services such as groundwater recharge and mitigation of climate change.
ndWorld Wetland Day (WWD) is celebrated every year on 2 February to commemorate the signing of the International Treaty, ‘Ramsar Convention on Wetlands- 1971’ for the conservation of wetlands at the global level. India is also a party to the convention since 1982, and has so far identified 26 wetlands as Ramsar sites across the country covering 15 states. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) is the nodal ministry for celebration of WWD and proactively involved in conservation and management of these Ramsar sites and other wetlands of the country. The ENVIS Centre of GBPNIHESD celebrated this occasion focusing on this year WWD theme (Wetlands for a sustainable urban future) with Intermediate school
ndchildren at Bhimtal on 2 February, 2018. A number of educational and awareness generating activities were organized involving school teachers, nature lovers and senior citizens in the area. GBPNIHESD scientists and invited resource persons deliberated talks on various aspects of “wetlands” and emphasized on the vital functions of wetlands for human survival and emphasized upon a need to conserve and sustainably manage them. This issue of ENVIS Newsletter focuses on “WWD” organized by us with a hope that readers will appreciate the value of wetlands for sustainable urbanization and other activities. Suggestions for improvement from our valued readers are welcome.
G.C.S NegiExecutive Editor
Editorial Note
Address to Students on WWDMy dear children, the future scientists and researches of
the world…. I am sure that all of you have not only enjoyed the video presentation on the “World Wetland Day” but also learnt a lot about the wetlands and their importance for sustainable future of mankind and other organisms through the talks delivered by scientists of GBPNIHESD and other dist inguished guests/resource persons of today’s celebration on the occasion of WWD.
We all know that rich variety of animals and plants exist on the earth. Our very existence depends on how we look after the natural assets of our mother earth; the only planet with life on it. If we continue the way we are presently consuming the available natural resources, it will have a far reaching impact on the coming generations, affecting the long-term sustainability of our mother earth. So we need to wake up right now and do our bit to conserve our natural resources.
My dear children the future of any nation depends on its youth. You need to know the current threats, and strive to devise innovative solutions to the challenges to safeguard biodiversity and protecting ecosystems that supports life. I, on behalf of Hermann Gmeiner School (SOS), thank the team of scientists from GBPNIHESD and staff of ENVIS Centre for coming all the way to us and creating curiosity and awareness among our school children on importance of natural resources for sustaining life on the earth, particularly water, wetlands, forests and biodiversity.
I also extend my gratitude for the enlightenment of the students on very sensitive issues by Mr. Peter Smetacek; better known as the “Butterfly man” and Advocate Chetan Joshi on protection of nature for our posterity. It was a wonderful programme and there should be more and more of such programmes to awaken the spirit of the youth in future. Thank you.
R. K. Wadhwa Principal, Hermann Gmeiner School (SOS),
Bhimtal, Nainital,Uttarakhand
ENVIS Newsletter on Himalayan Ecology Vol.14 (4), 2017
Status of Wetlands in Trans-Himalaya, India
.....Himalayan mountains are the most magnificent and youngest mountain systems in the world, which form a broad continuous arc for nearly 2600 km along the northern fringes of the Indian sub-continent making a physical barrier between the high plateau of Tibet and Central Asia and the Indian plains. This region extends from river Indus in the west to river Brahmputra in the east. Trans Himalaya, created due to the collision with the Eurasian plate, a high elevation land ranging from about 2900 m asl to over 6000 m asl and peaks with average altitude of about 4000 m asl. The area is characterized by extreme cold, low precipitation and rugged terrain of mountains. This zone is the northern most area in the country in the states of Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh.
Wetlands are areas of marsh, fen, peatland or water, whether natural or artificial, permanent or temporary, with water that is static or flowing, fresh, brackish or salt, including areas of marine water; the depth of which at low tide does not exceed six metres (Ramsar Secretariate 2013). Wetlands exhibit enormous diversity according to their genesis, geographical location, water regime and chemistry, dominant species, and soil and sediment characteristics. Wetlands are amongst the most productive ecosystems on the Earth (Ghermandi et al., 2008), and provide many important services to human society. The value of wetlands and their associated ecosystem services has been estimated at US$14 trillion annually. Wetlands they are also ecologically sensitive and adaptive systems (Turner et al., 2000).
In the Indian region of Trans-Himalaya, many high altitude wetlands (above 3000 m asl) occur, which are either nominated as wetlands by Ramsar Convention or by Wetlands Management and Conservation Rules, 2010. In trans-Himalaya, India, Chandra Tal, Suraj Tal and Pong Dam Lake, Renuka Lake (Himachal Pradesh), Tso Moriri, Tso Kar, Chusul, Tisgul, Pangong, Hokarsar and Suninsar & Mansar complex (Jammu and Kashmir) are some major wetlands of immense importance and provide unique habitats for biodiversity and ecosystem services associated with them (Plate 1).
Wetlands are facing various threats despite of their immense importance to mankind (Fig. 1). Half of the world's wetlands have disappeared since 1900. Development and conversion continue to pose major threats to wetlands. Freshwater wetland ecosystems are among the most heavily used and exploited ecosystems for sustainability and well-being. In Asia alone, about
25000 km of wetland area are lost annually to agriculture (Fig. 2), dam construction, and other loss in wetland area that results in adverse impact on the key functions (ecosystem goods and services) performed by wetlands (Zedler et al., 2005). Therefore, wetlands deserve priority attention for protection and restoration to attain their natural state for the welfare
References:
Deepika Bhatt ([email protected])
and K. Chandra Sekar
GBPNIHESD,
Kosi-Katarmal, Almora,
Uttarakhand
Ghermandi A, Bergh JCJM, Brander LM, Nunes PALD (2008). The Economic Value of Wetland Conservation and Creation: A Meta-Analysis. Fondazione Eni Enrico Mattei. 1-9.
Ramsar Secretariate (2013). The List of Wetlands of International Importance. The Secretariat of the Convention on Wetlands, Gland, Switzerland. 79-98.
Turner RK, Bergh JCJM, Soderqvist T, Barendregt A, Straaten J, Maltby E, Ierland EC (2000). Ecological-economic analysis of wetlands: scientific integration for management and policy. Ecol. Econ. 7–23.
Zedler JB, Kercher S (2005). Wetland resources: status, trends, ecosystem services, and restorability. Annu. Rev. Environ. Resour. 30 (1): 39–74.
Plate 1- Panoramic view of Trans Himalayan Wetlands A- Pangong lake, B- Tso Morir, C- Tisgul, D- Chusul
Fig. 1. (a) Importance of Wetlands (b) Threats to Wetland
3
Fig. 2. Flora and Fauna of Wetlands
a b
ENVIS Newsletter on Himalayan Ecology Vol.14 (4), 2017
Structure and Function of Bhimtal Lake Ecosystem
.....Lakes are an integral component of the hydrological system; and perform diverse roles in the biosphere. Studies on lake ecosystems are however, often neglected, probably, due to their little size. There is no doubt that little things perform many important activities in our lives. The wetland ecosystem is one of the most significant ecosystems on Earth. Its unique ecological system feature is interaction between water and land. Wetland ecosystems offer animals, plants and microorganisms a place to live, while also being rich in biodiversity. Wetland ecosystems are known as the “kidney of the Earth” because they purify the environment by processing pollutants. Literature survey on lake environment studies shows very little work in India. The 2010-2011 report of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) shows that there are only 60 CPCB lake water quality monitoring stations in the country. In the recent years research on wetland ecosystems is getting more and more attention for wetland ecosystem services such as flood mitigation, climate control, pollution prevention, soil erosion prevention, biodiversity maintenance and productivity function.
The present article focuses on one of the famous lake in the lake district. The present article focuses on one of the famous lake in the lake district of Nainital, which is named Bhimtal lake. The lake is situated at 29°20'24?N to 29°23'07?N Lat. and 79°31'25?E to 79°34'12?E Long at an altitude of 1350 m asl in Nainital district. This lake is located 22 km from the main city of Nainital. Morphologically the lake is of crescent shape and occupies 72 ha area, with 1128 ha catchment area. The catchment area of the lake ranges from 1350-1950 m asl while the maximum depth of the lake is 25.8 meter. According to geologists the origin of the lake is attributed to a number of geological faults which occurred due to shifting of the earth's crust. This caused blockade of the overland flows and resulted in creation of the lake. The catchment area of the lake, particularly the hills have dense forest cover; the type of forest vegetation consists of Chir pine (Pinus roxburghii), banj oak (Quercus leucotrichophora) and mixed deciduous forests. The basin experiences sub-tropical to temperate climatic conditions. Precipitation in the basin is very high, mostly occurring during the monsoon period. The lake plays a significant role in conserving the aquatic biodiversity while the dam (created in 1883 when Kumaon region was under the British Raj) solves the water crisis of nearby downhill areas. The lake ecosystem consists of various biotic and abiotic components such as algae, phytoplanktons, zooplanktons and various aquatic plants along with various fish species, which are namely Common carp (Cyprinus carpio), Mahsheer (Tor tor) and Rohu (Labio rohita). Until past two decades the lake was in its pristine form with distinct organization of its trophic structure (Fig. 1). However, in recent decades the lake is losing its pristine value due to many factors that are deteriorating its water quality.
The lake has a gross storage capacity of 4.63 million cubic meters 3(164×106 cu ft) with a live storage of 3.54×106 m (125×106 cu ft). The
3surface inflow into the reservoir is only 1.756×106 m (62.0×106 cu ft) and the balance storage is contributed by subsurface sources. The reservoir has been classified as monomictic with prolonged stratification extending over a period from March to November and one intercirculation (December-January). Major problem of the lake is the large amount of sediments that flows from the catchment into the lake and get deposited on the bed. Dredging is required frequently. The waste water also flows into the lake as the houses are not connected to the sewer lines, for which the intervention has recently being done. Bhimtal lake is mesotrophic as the inflow of organic substances and nutrients is low. There is inflow of sediment from the catchment due to intense building activity on the banks. This has necessitated dredging of
the lake regularly. Lake water which is generally clear gets a brown coloration during some months as a result of infused a n i m a l c u l e . According to a local myth the coloration disappears once the lake claims a victim. The stored water is released through an outlet leading to the
Lake in focus
Gola River, which i s u t i l i z ed to supplement the f l ow s o f t h e d o w n s t r e a m canals. As the reservoir water is released, the water surface area of the lake gets reduced, when the water getting released, by 11 metres( 3 6 f t ) w i t h c o n s e q u e n t reduction of the
size of the reservoir to half its original spread. Water quality of the lake is in a "retrogressive ecological change" on account of sewage disposal, sediment inflow, and tourist’s pressure causing waste disposal. The nutrient characteristics of Bhimtal lake includes: Calcium= 12-20mg/l, Magnesium = 9 mg/l, while the GPP (gross primary productivity) of the
3lake is 223-914 mg cm /d. The transparency of lake is 123-340 cm, while the PH ranges between 7.0-9.1. The silt load in lake is 600-700 ppm (Fig. 2). This has resulted in dissolved oxygen level recorded at harmful levels to both domestic consumption and pisciculture.
Nitrate level is also stated to be high at 350 mg/l which is considered a "pre-eutriphication stage". In the bed of the lake there are deposits of injurious matter and as a result fish mortality rate is high and the quality of drinking water has also suffered. As the lake water is polluted with organic matter, it is in a mesotrophic state due to disposal of sewage directly into the lake from the residential complex built around the periphery of the lake. It has now been planned to build a sewer line around the periphery of the lake to trap all the sewage from the residential areas and prevent it from entering the lake. A treatment plant to treat the waste water is also part of the waste water treatment process.
The change is lake’s ecosystem leads to the change in living conditions of the dependent organisms and the electric conductivity of lake water was recorded to be higher at Bhim temple site, which shows high concentration of total dissolved ions in water (Negi et al., 2013). This increase in nutrient eventually leads to eutrophication of lake (high nutrient and algal bloom status which cause fish mortality and decrease in water quality) and decline in diversity (Fig. 3). For the conservation of lake ecosystem basic awareness from the grassroots level, especially the young children are required. Last but not the least, one should follow the practice of “being aware and making others aware also’ that can be undertaken to follow the environmental protection basics, only then the fragile ecosystem of the lake can be conserved sustainably.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhimtal_Lake.
Negi GCS, Singh S, Dhyani PP (2013). Impact of transforming livelihood scenario in Bhimtal lake catchment in western Himalaya. Journal of Hill Research. 26 (1 & 2): 112-116.
Future implications
Harshit Pant GBPNIHESD, Kosi-Katarmal, Almora,
Uttarakhand
References:
Fig 1. Trophic system of lake
Fig. 2. Causes of eutrophication in lake ecosystem
Fig.3. (a) Example of eutrophicated lake (b) Bhimtal lake: an attraction for tourists
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ENVIS Newsletter on Himalayan Ecology Vol.14 (4), 2017
Conservation of Wetlands with Particular Focus on Bhimtal Lake
.....The lake conservation is a part of conservation biology which is the scientific study of the nature and status of Earth's biodiversity with the aim of protecting species, their habitats, and ecosystems from excessive rates of extinction and the erosion of biotic interactions. It is an interdisciplinary subject drawing on science, economics, and the practice of natural resource management.
The question of securing India's freshwater resources is of high risked one. Many perennial rivers and springs are now seasonal due to forest ecosystem degradation in the headwaters. In Bhimtal, there has been an attempt to use Lepidopteran communities (i.e. Butterflies) as bio-indicators of the health of a given forest ecosystem and nearby lake ecosystem (Fig. 1). Monitoring such communities would enable a better understanding of what used to be there, what should be there and how to go about restoring it, with a view to stabilizing perennial underground water resources. Any deterioration in habitats negatively impacts the flora and fauna.
In the catchment area of Bhimtal, continuous expansion of population and residential area is affecting the forests. As the nearby villages are wholly dependent on the forest resources for their firewood, fodder, minor timber for housing and other requirements to sustain the livelihoods of about 7000 rural population of the area, the degradation of lake is obvious. Expanding infrastructure due to the establishment of several hotels and resorts, residential buildings, Govt. offices and road network has become the prominent feature of the catchment landscape. Disposal of debris generated due to construction activities is disposed off in open that finds its way to the lake through the seasonal streams during monsoon, which is harmful for the health of the lake.
While the lakes in the nearby areas of Bhimtal are still in an oligitrophic state, conversion of catchment area of Bhimtal lake into hotels and resorts, road network, expansion of the urban settlements and other anthropogenic factors has led to the mesotrophic status of the Bhimtal lake. Most of its catchment is already devoid of the forest cover and the forest fire and physical forces to alter the landscape accelerated by human activities are causing massive silt loads on the lake threatening its very survival. According to one estimate, the lake area has declined to 46.3 ha during last century and the reservoir capacity of the lake has declined by over 50,000 cubic feet. The fish catch has declined from 2.12 tonne in 1958 to 1.14 tonne in 1976-77. The district administration periodically employs huge labour and funds to desilt the lake and restore its natural character. It has been speculated that in the recent years the depth of the lake has reduced due to siltation. Similarly, water has become turbid and fish varieties are disappearing as per the local people. Major problem which the lake is facing is the large amount of sediments that flows from the catchment into the lake and get deposited on the bed. Therefore dredging is required frequently.
Keeping in view the ecological, scenic and economic importance of Bhimtal lake, many Govt. /non-Govt. agencies are engaged in livelihood improvement and lake conservation activities in the area. The Lake Development Authority, Govt. of Uttarakhand sponsored a project to the G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment and Sustainable Development (GBPNIHESD) which aimed at participatory conservation of Bhimtal lake catchment. Under this project, apart from restoration of community wastelands through plantations and soil and water conservation measures in appx. 50 ha community wasteland, activities were also carried out to increase the income generating avenues of the farmers. Several training programmes focusing on low cost and environment-friendly technologies were organized for the farmers of catchment villages. To supplement livelihood options of the local residents, promotion of protected cultivation using poly-houses was initiated in selected villages (Negi et al., 2013). The farmers are using them for raising
seedlings of tomato, brinjal, cauliflower, capsicum and cabbage during winter and coriander and other green vegetables during summer. To collect the rainwater, rooftop rainwater harvesting tanks have been built and they are proving useful for water conservation and store of water for use in poly-houses and kitchen gardens. The bio-briquette, a refinement of traditional practice for conversion of weeds or waste biomass into making low-cost, energy efficient, non-hazardous fuel, offers tremendous potential for replication. The smokeless fuel can be easily sold in the local town as there is growing urbanization and demand for fuel for heating during winter is high. In this region, pine needles are abundantly available. It is also a fire hazard causing forest fires in every summer. Use of weeds and waste organic resource as an alternative for fuel would reduce pressure of fuelwood collection from the forests of lake catchment. All these activities targeted to natural resource conservation and sustainable utilization would contribute to the protection of Bhimtal lake from further deterioration.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhimtal_Lake.
Negi GCS, Singh S Dhyani PP (2013). Impact of transforming livelihood scenario in Bhimtal lake catchment in western Himalaya. Journal of Hill Research. 26 (1 & 2): 112-116.
References:
Peter Smetacek Butterfly Research Centre,
Bhimtal, Nainital, Uttarakhand
Fig.1. Butterfly in Bhimtal region of Uttarakhand
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ENVIS Newsletter on Himalayan Ecology Vol.14 (4), 2017
Biodiversity of the Tso Kar Wetland of Changthang Plateau in Eastern Ladakh, J&K.....India having varied topography and climatic regimes, support and sustain diverse and unique wetland habitats. Ladakh, essentially a cold arid desert, forms a part of the Trans-Himalayan range. The high altitude wetlands, Tsokar in Changthang plateau of eastern Ladakh which are one of the most unique ecosystems of the world are traditionally used by the nomadic Changpas for their livelihoods. The Changthang Plateau (area= 6,179 ha; altitudinal range 4400-5800, a.s.l) in the eastern Ladakh represents an important biogeographic province within Trans-Himalayas. This region is characterized by aridity conditions, low primary productivity, and unique assemblages
oof flora and fauna. In summer the temperature ranges from 0 C to o o o30 C and the winter temperature is between –10 C to and 40 C
(Chaurasia et al., 1997).
Flora and Fauna of Tso Kar wetland
This region represents a unique wetland ecosystem inhabited by a verity of plant and animal life (Fig. 1). The vegetation of stream banks and marsh meadows around the lakes Tso Kar wetland (except areas of borax and salt deposits) exhibit a characteristic sedge-dominated
vegetation represented by species of Carex, Kobresia, Scirpus, Triglochin, Pucciniella, Ranunculus nutans and Polygonum. The aquatic plants such as Hippuris vulgaris, Potamogeton pectinatus, P. perfoliatus, Zannichellia palustris, are found here. The major plant communities include Caragana-Eurotia, Artemisia-Tanacetum, Stipa Oxytropis-Alyssum, Carex melanantha-Leymus secalinus (Kachroo et al., 1977). The parts of the study area at very high altitudes (5000 m) have communities with moss or cushion-like growth forms, e.g., Thylacospermum caespitosum, Arenaria bryophylla, Androsace sarmentosa, and a variety of lichens (Kala et al., 1998).
Due to the salinity of the Tso Kar, most of the resident fauna are found in its tributaries and in Startsapuk Tso. The area also supports diverse but low populations of typical Trans-Himalayan mammalian fauna, such as blue sheep or bharal (Pseudois nayaur), Tibetan argali (Ovis ammon hodgsoni), Tibetan antelope (Pantholops hodgsoni), Tibetan gazelle (Procarpa picticaudata), snow leopard (Uncia uncia), brown bear (Ursus arctos), Tibetan wolf (Canis lupus chanko), lynx (Lynx isabellina), red fox (Vulpus vulpus), and wild dog (Cuon alpinus). Besides, there are several species of migratory waterfowl. The key mammals species recorded in the area are given in Table 1.
6
Table 1. Mammals reported near Tso kar wetland with conservation status
Species Scientific Name Indian Wildlife Protection Act 1972 IUCN Category
Ladakh urial Ovis orientalis vignei Blyth 1 Endangered
Snow leopard Uncia uncia schreber 1 Vulnerable, (IUCN, 2008)Endangered (IUCN, 2016)
Tibetan argali Ovis ammon hodgsoni L. 1 Critical
Tibetan wolf Canis lupus chanko Wozencraft 1 Vulnerable
Tibetan wild ass Equus kiang Moorcroft 1 Vulnerable, Least Concern (IUCN, 2016)
Wild dog Cuon alpinus Pallas 11 Critical, Endangered (IUCN, 2016)
The high altitude lake provides important breeding grounds for host of resident and migratory birds. Tso kar wetlands represent the only breeding ground of the Bar-headed goose, Anser indicus in India, and the only breeding ground for the globally threatened Black-necked crane, Grus nigricollis, outside China. Other than the Bar-headed goose, the main water bird species breeding in the area include: the Ruddy shelduck, Tadorna ferruginea, Common redshank Tringa totanus, Brown-headed gull, Larus brunnicephalus, Lesser sand plover, Charadrius mongolus and Great crested grebe, Podiceps cristatus (Richard, 1999).
Fig. 1. Flora and Fauna of Tso Kar Wetland
The recent increase in the tourism activities and unplanned developmental activities in the region are putting adverse impacts on these very fragile ecosystems. This is true for high altitude wetlands of Ladakh where tourist access is essentially confined to summer months, which is also peak period of biological activity and breeding season for much of the fauna. This may adversely affect the breeding success of the wetland birds which use these wetlands as their breeding grounds. Adequate measures are therefore, required for protection of this unique wetland habitat for conservation of biodiversity and other ecosystem benefits associated with it.
References:
Puja Bhojak
Dipti Dey and K. Chandra Sekar,
GBPNIHESD, Kosi-Katarmal, Almora,
Uttarakhand
Chaurasia OP, Singh B (1997). Cold desert plants of Changthang Valley, Leh, India: DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organization), Field Research Laboratory, 84-98.
Kachroo P, Sapru BL, Dhar U (1977). Flora of Ladakh: An ecological and taxonomic appraisal. Dehra Dun, India, 172-178.
Kala CP, Rawat GS , Uniyal VK (1998). Ecology and conservation of the Valley of Flowers National Park, Garhwal Himalaya. Dehra Dun, India, Wildlife Institute of India, 99-102.
Richard C (1999). Rangelands and livestock as a niche opportunity for Ladakh. Kathmandu, Nepal: International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development. 66-76.
ENVIS Newsletter on Himalayan Ecology Vol.14 (4), 2017
Importance of Wetlands for Our Future
.....Wetlands occur where water meets land. They include mangroves, peatlands and marshes, rivers and lakes, deltas, floodplains and flooded forests, rice-fields, and even coral reefs. Wetlands exist in every country and in every climatic zone, from the polar regions to the tropics, and from high altitudes to dry regions. Wetlands are among the most productive ecosystems in the world, comparable to rain forests and coral reefs. An immense variety of species of microbes, plants, insects, amphibians, reptiles, birds, fish and mammals can be part of a wetland ecosystem. Climate, landscape shape (topology), geology and the movement and abundance of water help to determine the plants and animals that inhabit each wetland. The complex, dynamic relationships among the organisms inhabiting the wetland environment are called food webs. Wetlands can be thought of as "biological supermarkets." They provide great volumes of food that attract many animal species. These animals use wetlands for part of or all of their life-cycle (Abrams et al., 1990). Dead plant leaves and stems break down in the water to form small particles of organic material called "detritus." This enriched material feeds many small aquatic insects, shellfish and small fish that are food for larger predatory fish, reptiles, amphibians, birds and mammals.
Wetlands are important features in the landscape that provide numerous beneficial services for people and for fish and aquatic life. Some of these services, or functions, include protecting and improving water quality, providing fish and wildlife habitats, storing floodwaters and maintaining surface water flow during dry periods. These valuable functions are the result of the unique natural characteristics of the wetlands. The functions of a wetland and the values of these functions to humans depend on a complex set of relationships between the wetland and the other ecosystems in the watershed. In a wetland, the combination of shallow water, high levels of nutrients and primary productivity is ideal for the development of organisms that form the base of the food web and feed many species of fish, amphibians, shellfish and insects. Many species of birds and mammals rely on wetlands for food, water and shelter, especially during migration and breeding. Wetlands' microbes, plants and wildlife are part of global cycles for water, nitrogen and sulfur. Scientists now know that atmospheric humidity maintenance may be an additional wetlands function. Wetlands store carbon within their plant communities and soil instead of releasing it to the atmosphere as carbon dioxide. Thus, wetlands help to moderate global climate conditions and essential features of Earth’s landscape for the welfare of human being and other forms of life.
Abrams MD, Kubiske ME (1990). Photosynthesis and water relations during drought in Acer rubrum genotypes from contrasting sites in central Pennsylvania. Functional Ecology. 727-733.
https://www.wetlands.org.
https://www.scientificamerican.com.
References:
1Mahesha Nand 2 3Vipin Chandra Sharma and Priyanka Maiti
1-2ENVIS Centre on Himalayan Ecology, GBPNIHESD,
Kosi-Katarmal, Almora 3Botany Department, S.S.J Campus, Almora,
Kumaun University, Nainital, Uttarakhand
7
Floristic Diversity in Chandra Tal, Himachal Pradesh
High Altitude Wetlands (HAWs) or HAW complexes are such areas which are located at or above an elevation of 2500 m with an area equal to or greater than five hectares. These Trans Himalayan wetlands act as a unique ecosystem that fulfils great importance for the endemic/ threatened species of plants, migratory birds, wild animals and for the people living in and around the region. The value of the world’s wetlands are increasingly receiving due attention as they contribute to a healthy environment in many ways.
Chandra Tal located in the rain-shadow area of Spiti Sub-division of Lahaul– Spiti district, Himachal Pradesh on Samudra Tapu Plateau,
2at an altitude of 4300m asl. with an area of 49 km , is considered as sacred HAW. In 2005 this Trans-Himalaya lake was considered under Ramsar Site. The crescent shaped lake is formed by damming of glaciers (GSI, 2012) and the source of river Chandra. Being a Ramsar site, it has International importance as well as a popular destination for tourists, campers and trekker (Fig. 1). Intensive field exploration and recorded, the floristic diversity of Chandra Tal to a total of 75 taxa of Angiosperms with 21 Families and 61 Genera. Maximum density was recorded by the herbaceous taxa like Carex nigerima, Gentiana aquatica, Halerpestes tricuspis, Hippuris vulgaris, Potamogeton nodosus, Ranunculus hirtellus, Triglochin palustris etc. Further, Asteraceae, Cyperaceae, Ranunculaceae and Poaceae were represented as dominant families of the wetland (IUCN, 2015). Considering the threat categorization of plants eight taxa are in threatened category and more than 42% are utilized for different medicinal purposes. The area has high biodiversity value in terms of habitat for waterfowl, migratory birds and mammals of conservation significance. Sometimes the removal of such wetland systems because of urbanization anthropogenic factors, over grazing etc. typically causes lake diversity to worsen that needs to be controlled and regulated with priority.
Geological Survey of India (2012). Geology and mineral resources of Himachal Pradesh, India. Geological Survey of India. 30 (17), 12-18. International Union for Conservation of Nature (2015). Criteria and Guidelines, International Union for Conservation of Nature, Stockholm, Version (3.1), 25-28.https:// www.iucn.org
References:
Dipti Dey Puja Bhojak and K. Chandra Sekar
GBPNIHESD, Kosi-Katarmal, Almora Uttarakhand
Fig. 1. Pictorial glance of Chandra Tal Wetland
ENVIS Newsletter on Himalayan Ecology Vol.14 (4), 2017
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8
Water pollution is a big environmental and social issue all across the world. According to the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), Nagpur, it has been noted that around 70 per cent of the river water has been polluted to a great extent in our country. Major river systems of India such as Ganga, Brahmaputra, Indus in peninsular, and west coast river systems have been affected to a great extent. Discharging of wastes into the rivers causes water pollution by decreasing the self recycling capacity of the water. So it should be banned by the government in order to keep the river water clean and fresh. For example, around 45 tanneries and 10 textile mills are discharging their wastes (containing heavy organic load and decomposed materials) directly into river Ganga near Kanpur. According to the estimates, approximately 1,400 million liters sewage and 200 million liters industrial effluents are getting discharged continuously on daily basis into the river Ganga.
Access to a healthy environment is the fundamental right of every citizen. To ensure it various laws and policies have been framed to control the pollution of water through numerous ways. Following are some of the Indian laws to protect our water from pollution and other factors in our country.
The prime object of this Act is to provide for the prevention of water pollution and cater to the maintenance of the water bodies and carry out activities to promote restoration of water. With the objective of giving practical implementation to this Act the Central Pollution Control Board and the State Pollution Control Board have been established by the central and state authorities (Pravin et al., 2012). The Central Pollution Control Board is to promote the cleanliness of streams and wells in different areas of the state. The Central Pollution Control Board has the power to advise the central government on various matters, which are concerned with the prevention and control of pollution of water. Under the Act mentioned above, the board has the power to encourage and conduct research and investigation with a view of promoting, the prevention of contamination of water in a significant manner. The existing environmental laws adopt a command-and-control approach towards water pollution. In other words, they lay down limits or standards of discharge of effluents into water bodies and punish non-compliance with such limits or standards.
The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 (the Water Act) was enacted by the Central Government in exercise of the power vested in it by resolutions passed by two or more State Legislatures in accordance with Article 252 of the Constitution (WHO, 2007). The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Rules, 1975 complement the Water Act. The main objectives of the Water Act are: (i) To prevent and control water pollution; (ii) To maintain or restore wholesomeness of water. (iii) Contamination of water or alteration of the physical, chemical or biological properties of water or discharge of any sewage or trade effluent or of any other liquid, gaseous or solid substance into water (whether directly or indirectly); (iv) Create a nuisance or render such water harmful or injurious health (v) Public health or safety, or domestic, commercial, industrial, agricultural or other legitimate uses, and (vi) The life and health of animals or plants or aquatic organisms (Rajaram et al., 2008).
Water Prevention and Control of Pollution Act, 1974
Laws related to Protection of Water Bodies and Water Pollution
Following are some of the Acts, Rules and Notifications relating to water pollution:
i. No.36 of 1977, [7/12/1977]- The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Cess Act, 1977, amended 1992
ii. No. 19 of 2003, [17/3/2003]- The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Cess (Amendment) Act, 2003
iii. No.6 of 1974, [23/3/1974]- The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, amended 1988
i. G.S.R.378(E), [24/7/1978]- The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Cess Rules, 1978
ii. G.S.R.58(E), [27/2/1975]- The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Rules, 1975
iii. Central Board for the Prevention and Control of Water Pollution (Procedure for Transaction of Business) Rules, 1975 amended 1976
i. S.O.498(E), [6/5/2003]- Date on which the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Cess (Amendment) Act, 2003 (19 of 2003) came into force
ii. S.O.499(E), [6/5/2003]- Rate of Cess notified under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Cess (Amendment) Act, 1977 (36 of 1977)
Pravin U, Singare RM, Mishra MP, Trivedi D, Dagli V (2012). Aquatic pollution in Mithi River of Mumbai: assessment of physico-chemical parameters". Interdisciplinary Environmental Review. 13(4): 245–268.
World Health Organization (2007). Guidelines for drinking-water quality, Incorporation First Addendum, Recommendations, Third edition, Geneva, 45-56.
Rajaram T, Das A (2008). Water Pollution by Industrial Effluent in India: Discharge Scenarios and Case for Participatory Ecosystem Specific Local Regulation. Future Ecology, 56–69.
http://envfor.nic.in/division/water-pollution
Acts
Rules
Notifications
References:
Chetan Joshi Advocate High Court,
Nainital,Uttarakhand
ENVIS Newsletter on Himalayan Ecology Vol.14 (4), 2017
.....World Wetland Day (WWD-2018) was celebrated by the ENVIS Centre on Himalayan Ecology housed in G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment & Sustainable Development (GBPNIHESD). To celebrate WWD programme was organized at SOS Hermann Gmeiner School, Bhimtal (Distt. Nainital), Uttarakhand under the WWD-2018 theme ‘Wetlands for a Sustainable Urban Future’. Bhimtal town was selected to organize the event as it is situated around a huge lake, named Bhimtal (Tal means lake). This lake is the second largest of the 7 lake basins of Nainital region (1350 m asl; about 72 ha area). It is 1700 m long and 450 m wide (average) and has a maximum depth of 18 m. Due to its historical importance and various scenic tourist spots, located within its vicinity, Bhimtal forms one of the famous tourist destinations in Distt. Nainital, and tourism activity is growing fast around Bhimtal. Bhimtal Lake serves as an important water reservoir for irrigation of low lands.
To celebrate the WWD, senior students from boys and girls schools of Bhimtal (SOS Hermann Gmeiner School, Bhimtal; L.P. Govt. Inter College and Saraswati Pandey Govt. Girls Inter College, Bhimtal), teachers of the schools, local nature lovers and citizens were invited and over 200 participants thus participated in this event. The programme was started with an introductory talk by Dr. G.C.S. Negi, Scientist and ENVIS Coordinator of GBPNIHESD, titled “An Overview of World Wetland Day and Efforts for Wetlands Conservation”. In his talk he emphasized on the various efforts being made by MoEF&CC on the conservation of lakes and wetlands and explained about the importance of wetlands and their vital functions, values and services particularly in context of sustainable urban future. In the next lecture, Dr. K.C. Sekar, Scientist (GBPNIHESD) delivered a talk on “High Altitude Wetlands of Himalaya”. In which he showed various lakes and wetlands of various unique flora and fauna associated with the high altitude wetlands in the Himalayan region. Dr. Harshit Pant, Scientist (GBPNIHESD) delivered a lecture on “Ecosystem Structure and Function of Bhimtal lake’’ in which she focused on the biotic and abiotic components of the lake ecosystem and their interactions making a food web. She explained to students that how deterioration of lake water affects the phytoplankton and zooplankton diversity and an oligotrophic lake turns into eutrophic one, thus reducing its scenic value for tourists. Mr. Peter Smetacek, a nature lover from Butterfly Research Centre, Bhimtal delivered his lecture on “Conservation of Wetlands with Particular Focus on Bhimtal Lake” and showed concern about the deteriorating state of water bodies due to various anthropogenic activities in the lake catchment area. He emphasized on the conservation and protection of catchment area of Bhimtal lake for a healthy wetland ecosystem and pointed out that the wetlands are important for retaining water during dry periods, thus maintain aesthetic beauty and biodiversity that has a strong link with sustainable urban future. Mr. Chetan Joshi, Advocate High Court, Nainital (also associated with the Lake Development Authority, Nainital) lectured on “Laws Related to Protection of Water Bodies and Water Pollution” and elaborated upon various laws, acts and guidelines for protection and conservation of water bodies and lakes to keep away the pollution and maintain this natural asset. In his concluding remarks, Chairperson of this event and Principal of Hermann Gmeiner School (SOS), Bhimtal Mr. R.K. Wadhwa thanked the ENVIS Centre team Dr. Mahesha Nand, Programme Officer and Mr. Vipin Chandra Sharma, Information Officer of GBPNIHSED for organizing WWD at Bhimtal and creating awareness among the students regarding conservation of wetlands and the natural resources for the sustainable future.
During this celebration various event, such as Poster competition / Slogans / Quiz competition relating to wetlands were organized for the school children on the topics (a) Cause of lake pollution, (b) Solution for avoiding water pollution, and (c) Water conservation. In these creative activities students participated enthusiastically and batches of three different schools were made for competition among them on the above mentioned topics. The various activities performed by the students were judged by the GBPNIHESD faculty and teachers of schools. Winners of these competitions were given prizes by the chairperson of this event. A particular attraction of this celebration was organization of “Cleanliness Drive” around the Bhimtal lake at the end of this day-long programme in which student, teacher and all other participated. Participants were provided with jute bags and gloves and they collected non-biodegradable waste lying around the Bhimtal lake and the waste thus collected was disposed off. At this occasion Videos / Documentary circulated by the ENVIS Secretariat, MoEF&CC were also showed to the students.
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Celebration of World Wetland Day – 2018nd2 February 2018
Lecture Series on World Wetland Day-2018
ENVIS Newsletter on Himalayan Ecology Vol.14 (4), 2017
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Expression of Ideas on World Wetland Day
Quiz competition on World Wetland Day
Cleanliness Drive around Bhimtal lake on World Wetland Day
Poster on World Wetland Day
Prize Distribution on World Wetland Day
ENVIS Newsletter on Himalayan Ecology Vol.14 (4), 2017
News Section.....
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Innovations/Discoveries in Science (January-March, 2018)
• Curcumin improves memory and moodThe substance that gives Indian curry its bright color- improved memory and mood in people with mild, age-related memory loss, according to the results of a study conducted by UCLA researchers. The research, published in the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, examined the effects of an easily absorbed curcumin supplement on memory performance in people without dementia, as well as curcumin's potential impact on the microscopic plaques and tangles in the brains of people with Alzheimer's disease. Found in turmeric, curcumin has previously been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties in lab studies. It also has been suggested as a possible reason that senior citizens in India, where curcumin is a dietary staple, have a lower prevalence of Alzheimer's disease and better cognitive performance.• Here's how stress may be making you sickA Michigan State University researcher is providing new insight into how certain types of stress interact with immune cells and can regulate how these cells respond to allergens, ultimately causing physical symptoms and disease. The federally funded study, published in the Journal of Leukocyte Biology, showed how a stress receptor, known as corticotropin-releasing factor, or CRF1, can send signals to certain immune cells, called mast cells, and control how they defend the body. During the study, Moeser compared the histamine responses of mice to two types of stress conditions psychological and allergic where the immune system becomes overworked. One group of mice was considered "normal" with CRF1 receptors on their mast cells and the other group had cells that lacked CRF1. "While the 'normal' mice exposed to stress exhibited high histamine levels and disease, the mice without CRF1 had low histamine levels, less disease and were protected against both types of stress," Moeser said. "This tells us that CRF1 is critically involved in some diseases initiated by these stressors." The CRF1-deficient mice exposed to allergic stress had a 54 percent reduction in disease; while those mice who experienced psychological stress had a 63 percent decrease.• The coming of age of gene therapy: A review of the past and path forwardAfter three decades of hopes tempered by setbacks, gene therapy the process of treating a disease by modifying a person's DNA- is no longer the future of medicine, but is part of the present-day clinical treatment toolkit. The journal Science provides an in-depth and timely review of the key developments that have led to several successful gene therapy treatments for patients with serious medical conditions. The article also discusses emerging genome editing technologies. According to Dunbar and her colleagues, these methods, including the CRISPR/Cas9 approach, would provide ways to correct or alter an individual's genome with precision, which should translate into broader and more effective gene therapy approaches. Gene therapy is designed to introduce genetic material into cells to compensate for or correct abnormal genes. If a mutated gene causes damage to or spurs the disappearance of a necessary protein, for example, gene therapy may be able to introduce a normal copy of the gene to restore the function of that protein.• New drug capsule may allow weekly HIV treatmentResearchers at MIT and Brigham and Women's Hospital have developed a capsule that can deliver a week's worth of HIV drugs in a single dose. This advance could make it much easier for patients to adhere to the strict schedule of dosing required for the drug cocktails used to fight the virus, the researchers say. The new capsule is designed so that patients can take it just once a week and the drug will release gradually throughout the week. This type of delivery system could not only improve patients' adherence to their treatment schedule but also be used by people at risk of HIV exposure to help prevent them from becoming infected, the researchers say. "One of the main barriers to treating and preventing HIV is adherence," says Giovanni Traverso, a research affiliate at MIT's Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research and a gastroenterologist and biomedical engineer at Brigham and Women's Hospital. "The ability to make doses less frequent stands to improve adherence and make a significant impact at the patient level.• Worldwide importance of honey bees for natural habitats captured in new reportAn unprecedented study integrating data from around the globe has shown that honey bees are the world's most important single species of pollinator in natural ecosystems and a key contributor to natural ecosystem functions. The first quantitative analysis of its kind, led by biologists at the University of California San Diego, is published in Proceedings of the Royal Society. The report weaves together information from 80 plant-pollinator interaction networks. The results clearly identify the honey bee (Apis mellifera) as the single most frequent visitor to flowers of naturally occurring (non-crop) plants worldwide. Honey bees were recorded in 89 percent of the pollination networks in the honey bee’s native range and in 61 percent in regions where honey bees have been introduced by humans. One out of eight interactions between a non-agricultural plant and a pollinator is carried out by the honey bee, the study revealed. The honey bee's global
importance is further underscored when considering that it is but one of tens of thousands of pollinating species in the world, including wasps, flies, beetles, butterflies, moths and other bee species.
• How alcohol damages DNA and increases cancer riskScientists have shown how alcohol damages DNA in stem cells, helping to explain why drinking increases your risk of cancer, according to research part-funded by Cancer Research UK and published in Nature. Much previous research looking at the precise ways in which alcohol causes cancer has been done in cell cultures. But in this study, researchers have used mice to show how alcohol exposure leads to permanent genetic damage. Scientists at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, gave diluted alcohol, chemically known as ethanol, to mice. They then used chromosome analysis and DNA sequencing to examine the genetic damage caused by acetaldehyde, a harmful chemical produced when the body processes alcohol. They found that acetaldehyde can break and damage DNA within blood stem cells leading to rearranged chromosomes and permanently altering the DNA sequences within these cells. It is important to understand how the DNA blueprint within stem cells is damaged because when healthy stem cells become faulty, they can give rise to cancer.• Amazon biodiversity hotspot to suffer even more losses after contentious law passedThe Bolivian government passed a contentious law that paved the way for construction of a new 190-mile road cutting through one of the country’s most iconic and biodiversity protected rainforests. A report in Current Biology shows that the Isiboro-Secure National Park and Indigenous Territory (or TIPNIS, as the area is commonly known) has been subject to alarming levels of deforestation within its borders for many years, a reality that is too often overlooked. TIPNIS, which is also the ancestral homeland of four lowland indigenous groups, lost more than 46,000 hectares of forest from 2000 to 2014, according to the report. (To put that in perspective, one hectare is about the size of a standard sports field.) The researchers say they hope the findings will help to give public debate on the matter a stronger foundation based on the best available evidence. "While many discuss the potential impacts that the planned road could have in the future, very little is spoken about current ecological impacts in the area," says Álvaro Fernández-Llamazares from the University of Helsinki, Finland. "Our analyses show that TIPNIS is already facing rampant levels of deforestation." It is well established that roads in tropical forests frequently lead to additional habitat conversion. In the case of TIPNIS, the researchers, including Monica Moraes at Bolivia's Universidad Mayor de San Andrés, report that more than 58% of deforestation is found within five kilometers of existing roads. This trend suggests that the planned road will only "magnify the current scale and pace of deforestation in TIPNIS." • Citizen scientists discover five-planet system In its search for exoplanets planets outside of our solar system- NASA's Kepler telescope trails behind Earth, measuring the brightness of stars that may potentially host planets. The instrument identifies potential planets around other stars by looking for dips in the brightness of the stars that occur when planets cross in front of, or transit, them. Typically, computer programs flag the stars with these brightness dips, then astronomers look at each one and decide whether or not they truly could host a planet candidate. Over the three years of the K2 mission, 287,309 stars have been observed, and tens of thousands more roll in every few months. We have each potential transit signal looked at by a minimum of 10 people, and each needs a minimum of 90 percent of 'yes' votes to be considered for further characterization.
Sources:https://www.sciencedaily.com, https://www.newsroom.ucla.eduhttps://www.careerride.com, https://www.novataxa.blogspot.inhttps://www.lsu.edu, https://www.sci-news.com
Mahesha Nand and Vipin Chandra Sharma,
ENVIS Centre on Himalayan Ecology, GBPNIHESD, Kosi-Katarmal, Almora,
Uttarakhand
ENVIS Newsletter on Himalayan Ecology Vol.14 (4), 2017
Books on WetlandsMonitoring and Conservation Status of Wetlands in Himachal Himalaya The importance of these wetlands for the local people and to give an indication of the distribution of the benefits among various stakeholders. In this study threats to the high altitude wetlands have been identified and adequate measures for their conservation and management.
Authored by: Pawan Kumar AttriYear: 2012
Publisher: Lambert Academic Publishing (LAP)ISBN- 3848403463; 9783848403462
Hydrology and Wetland ConservationDraws on data collected over a network of sites representing Britain's major wetland types, revealing similarities in the response of wetlands to climate and other influences. Introduces important factors of wetland hydrology that must be taken into account for the purpose of water management and the evaluation of numerous threats to wetlands.
Authored by: Kevin GilmanYear: 1994
Publisher: WileyISBN: 0471951528
Potential and Existing Ramsar Sites in IndiaThis book draws together key scientists who provide state of the art contributions on the variable ozone layer and the interplay of long wave and shortwave radioactive interactions which link ozone, the climate and UV issues.
Authored by: BNSH, Rahmani, Asad and Zafar-Ul-Islam Year: 2008
Publishers: Oxford University Press ISBN-10: 0195697235; ISBN-13: 9780195697230
Wetlands and Natural Resource ManagementThis book provides a broad and well-integrated overview of recent major scientific results in wetland science and their applications in natural resource management issues. The contributors, internationally known experts, summarize the state of the art on an array of topics, divided into four broad areas
Authored by: J.T.A. Verhoeven (Volume editor), B. Beltman (Volume editor), Roland Bobbink (Volume editor)
Year: 2010Publishers: Springer- Verlag Berlin and Heidelberg GmbH &
Co. KISBN-10: 364206972X; ISBN-13: 978-3642069727
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