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Himalayan wetlands celebrated in India

23.02.2016

World Wetlands Day was celebrated in India, in line with the international day to commemorate the Convention on Wetlands, on 2 February. Wetlands in India consist of high-altitude Himalayan lakes, wetlands situated in the flood plains of the major river systems, wetlands of the arid and semi-arid regions, coastal wetlands etc, covering a 58.2-ha area.

Wetlands are much more than just natural beauty, they provide a vital contribution to economic health, public safety and quality of life of the community surrounding them. They are considered as essential life-support systems as the local communities depend on them, directly or indirectly. Wetlands control erosion and slow down the water run-off from streams and rivers, minimizing the frequency of floods. Impact of short-term drought also gets reduced in the region having wetlands as these recharge groundwater by holding surface water that otherwise would flow into lakes or rivers. These wetlands are a source of livelihood for the local people through fishing, hunting, and tourism. Also wetlands are great source of recreation and can be used as active learning environments for the residents. Many of the species of flora and fauna are dependent on wetlands for their life cycle or as habitats. They are also significant boards for migratory birds, plants and animals and hold some unique and rich biodiversity specific to the region.

Despite their social, economic and cultural significance, wetlands are under serious threat. Earlier, mountainous wetlands were not accessible to general public but today there is a drastic increase in tourists visiting these fragile natural sites. Unplanned and unregulated tourism and domestic and agricultural runoff in and around the wetlands are causing the wetlands to shrink due to human encroachment, overexploitation, littering and pollution. Moreover, climate change is showing its impact, resulting in increased volume of water in some wetlands due to melting of ice and snow. This increased volume of water is posing serious threats to people through catastrophic flooding and landslides.

The Centre for Environment Education Himalaya Initiative (CEE Himalaya) has been working in the Indian Himalayan Region addressing critical issues hampering the sustainable development of mountainous regions.
CEE Himalaya, a member of the Mountain Partnership, is actively engaged in and is committed to achieving sustainable mountain development in the Indian Himalayan Region. Currently, CEE Himalaya with the support from JSW Foundation is working on disaster risk reduction, climate change and sustainable mountain development under the banner ‘Rebuilding Faith’ in the Uttarkashi district of state of Uttarakhand in the aftermath of catastrophic June 2013 flash floods.

The district of Uttarkashi has developed as a major tourist destination mainly because of its serene beauty and as connecting district to the famous pilgrimages - Gangotri and Yamunotri (places of origin of holy rivers, the Ganga and the Yamuna). In the district of Uttarkashi, three high-altitude wetlands have been mapped. However, there are also 43 small wetlands (less than 2.25 hectares each) with the total area under wetlands in the district being 8 532 hectares.

The two major wetlands in the region- ‘Dodi Tal’ situated at an altitude of 3 077 m approximately 850 m long and 350 m wide and ‘Nachiketa Tal’ situated at an altitude of 2 390 m with an area of 0.45 ha, are the most visited tourist destinations of the district largely due to its secluded nature yet easy access. Polythene bags, plastic wrappers of toffee, chips, etc. left behind by tourists and open defecation nearby wetland is resulting in the degradation of values and services of the wetland. Also it is polluting the major river, Bhagirathi and its tributaries. The ever increasing influx of tourist is more than the carrying capacity; possess serious threats to the environment.

To raise public awareness of the significance of wetlands and to encourage conservation actions locally, CEE Himalaya Initiative organized various activities under this year’s theme ‘Wetlands for Our Future: Sustainable Livelihoods’ for community of Kuroli, a small and picturesque village, located in Bhatwari Block in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand.

More than 70 school students, males, females, and youth took part in the event. A series of activities were held- discussions, debates, slogan writing, drawing and painting competition, plantation and pledge writing. Participants were informed about their role in conserving the water bodies in their locality and wise use of wetlands. Group discussions on the how damage caused by uncontrolled deforestation for fuel wood and other uses are leading to shrinking of wetlands, littering and dumping of waste nearby or in the wetland results in its degradation were held. Also how these wetlands can be tapped to generate income for community was put forth through herbal and medicinal plants cultivation, eco-tourism etc. if maintained and conserved righteously. Youth and children expressed their thoughts on wetlands, environmental conservation, and theme on ‘Wetlands for Our Future: Sustainable Livelihoods’ through paintings, slogans and speeches. A good discussion was held among villagers on role of wetlands in mitigating or intensifying disaster risks.

News by Dr Abdhesh Kumar Gangwar, Programme Director of CEE Himalaya & CEE North-East

Photos: CEE Himalaya

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