Tag: WET

Freshwater biomes like ponds, lakes, catchment areas, streams, rivers, and even oceans are irreversibly polluted, because of extensive urbanization and urban sprawl. The water-related threats and associated environmental issues are aggravating day-by-day. Even the heritage and environmentally important sites are no excuse. One such historically and ecologically important site, that currently getting polluted, thereby necessitating attention from the Government, is Oussudu Lake at Oulgaret Municipality of Puducherry, and more importantly, it was also crowned with the title ‘First Bird Sanctuary of Puducherry’. This report, prepared under the direction of Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor Kiran Bedi,  highlights, the careful investigative analysis that was done on all sides of the lake, to find out the possible threats, to the ecosystems and climate of the lake. Along with various threats, 30 site-specific serious human threats, proceeded by 4 natural threats and 5 climate change threats were also investigated and mitigating measures were provided. Other details like upper catchment areas, physical characteristics and hydraulic particulars of the lake, the effort is taken by various researchers, Government of India and Puducherry initiatives, lake rejuvenation and its relevance to sustainable development goals, and green protocol for the lake were also provided.

Further, by integrating various recommendations provided by the PWD Officials, researchers and professionals, the findings (adopted and investigated) were represented in Tables, covering descriptive details on the birds, butterflies, amphibians, turtles, lizards, snakes, mammals, crustaceans, fishes, trees, shrubs, herbaceous plants respectively. Whereas the consolidated numbers of plant taxa, consolidated numbers of animal taxa were also incorporated. Boathouse and trekking trail development that needs immediate attention were also identified, carefully investigated and logical recommendations were provided. For the promotion of ‘Culture-based ecotourism’, measures for immediate rejuvenation were also recommended, which would, in turn, increase the unique selling propositions of the lake.

Water bodies like tanks/ponds/ooranies and rivers are an inherent part of Indian society and culture. They play a significant role in recharging groundwater, drinking water supply, irrigation, tourism, culture, etc. More importantly, the existence of water bodies is not only based on the presence of water but also depends on the presence of biota (flora and fauna). Pollution, encroachment and lifestyle changes have extremely impacted the biota in terms of density and diversity. As a result, the ecosystem services are slowly disappearing from the face of the earth. One such freshwater body of concern, that needs special attention is the Bahour Lake, the second largest lake of Puducherry, that is present in the rural setting at Bahour Commune. Currently, due to semi-urban lifestyles and extensive agricultural practices, this heritage site, which is both culturally and historically important is facing serious threats, necessitating policymakers’ attention. In view of this, Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor Kiran Bedi, had initiated this research study in association with Pondicherry University Alumni, Dr. Golda A. Edwin and Dr. M. Nandhivarman, and the APSCC. This report highlights, the history of the lake, Bangaru Vaikkal, physical characters and hydraulic characteristics. Apart from commonly known challenges, 26 site-specific serious threats, that need immediate attention were identified and recommendations were provided. To further the Government of India and Puducherry initiatives in this sector; pond rejuvenation and its relevance to sustainable development goals, a green protocol for lake/ pond were also highlighted. As a concluding remark, to promote ‘ecotourism coupled with cultural heritage tourism’, unique selling propositions (USP) and measures for immediate rejuvenation were identified and recommended in the project assessment report.