Wetland and Waterbird Heritage of Gujarat- An Illustrated Directory
(An Outcome of the Project “Wetland & Waterbirds of Gujarat – A Status Report of Wetlands and Waterbirds of Gujarat State including a Wetland Directory”) Final Report
Submitted by Dr. Ketan Tatu, Principal Investigator (Ahmedabad)
Submitted to Training and Research Circle Gujarat State Forest Department, Gandhinagar December 2012
Wetland and Waterbird Heritage of Gujarat- An Illustrated Directory
(An Outcome of the Project “Wetland & Waterbirds of Gujarat – A Status Report of Wetlands and Waterbirds of Gujarat State including a Wetland Directory”)
Final Report
Submitted by
Dr. Ketan Tatu Principal Investigator Ahmedabad
Submitted to Training and Research Circle (TRC) Gujarat State Forest Department Gandhinagar
December 2012
Sponsored by Training and Research Circle, Gujarat State Forest Department Gandhinagar Acknowledgements
I express my sincere thankfulness and profound gratitude to Dr. H. S. Singh, currently an Addl. PCCF, Gujarat Forest Dept. and then Director, Gujarat Forest Research Institute, Gandhinagar, who gave me the opportunity and help to carry out the present study. Without the kind support and advice rendered by Dr. B. H. Patel, IFS, Dy. CF (Research), Gujarat Forest Research Institute, Gandhinagar, regarding the essential formalities this work would not have been completed. I am also thankful to Shri R. N. Tripathi, the then Director, Gujarat Forest Research Institute, Gandhinagar for supporting this work and giving me necessary extension for completion of this work. I also extend my thanks to Shri D. S. Narve, CCF and Director, Gujarat Forest Research Institute, Gandhinagar for being patient and supportive in the last phase of the study. I am highly indebted to Shri B. J. Pathak, CCF and Director GEER Foundation, Gandhinagar, for his kind support in the form of facilitating time to complete this work. I am thankful to respected PCCF and Head of the Forest Force (Gujarat State), Addl. PCCF, D & M (Gujarat State), CCF (GujaratState) and Director, GEER Foundation, Director, TRC and other senior officers for giving their suggestions for finalization of the report in the draft report evaluation meeting held on 4-12-2012.
Some well-wishers have also helped me by providing regional data about wetlands and waterbirds. My highest and respectful thanks are due to Shri Shantilal Varu, veteran bird expert from Kachchh, who not only provided field level data on wetlands and waterbirds of Kachchh, but also guided me in selecting important wetlands of Kachchh for the field work. His help was remarkable in the sense that he never denied in giving prompt feedback to my wetland/waterbird related inquiries whenever I required. Thanks are also due to Shri Bharat Rughani for providing wetland related information of Porbandar district, Shri Mohammad Jat for providing wetland/waterbird related information of Paalan wetland of Valsad district and Shri Palak Thakore for providing wetland/waterbird related information of Lakhi dam, Surat district. I am also thankful to numerous anonymous locals who conversed with me at numerous wetlands and shared wetland related information. Some other well-wishers have given invaluable help by providing necessary literature. I am sincerely thankful to Dr. Bakul Trivedi (Editor Vihang) and Mr Hemant Suthar (then RFO, GFD) for providing past issues of “Vihang”.
This work could not reach the final stage of draft submission without persistent help by my wife Dr. Amita Tatu, Asst. Professor(Botany), Gujarat Arts and Science College, Govt. of Gujarat. She sacrificed many of her leisure hours for typing, editing and conducting field-work and hydrophyte-related discussions. My son Avichal’s enthusiasm to accompany me to various wetlands of Central and North Gujarat gave me boost in carrying out field work. Despite his young age, he helped me in field-work by recording field-based information in multiple ways. My wife and son have shared my work-load and worries pertaining to completion of this work which I carried out simultaneously with demanding tasks of GEER Foundation. I am sure this work could be completed within two years if it was the only major work assigned to me.
Thanks to the Almighty God who led this work to this final stage. Dr. Ketan S. Tatu
CONTENTS
Acknowledgements
Contents
Chapter-1: Background Information (Overall Status)
Chapter-2: Dams
Chapter-3: Irrigation Reservoirs
Chapter-4: Natural Lakes
Chapter-5: Village Ponds
Chapter-6: City Reservoirs
Chapter-7: Salt Pans
Chapter-8: Marshy Wetlands
Chapter-9: Other Inland Wetlands
Chapter-10: Management Suggestions
References
Annexure-I: Directory of Names of Wetlands That Have Been Covered Under AWC
Annexure-II: Checklist of Wetland Plants (Hydrophytes and Macro-Algae) in Gujarat
Annexure-III: Checklist of Wetland Birds in Gujarat
Background-Wetland Status
Background Information(BI)
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Background Information-Status of Wetlands in Gujarat
1. Wetlands-An Introduction
Wetlands, one of the most fertile and productive ecosystems on earth
cover approximately 6.4% of the land area of the earth (Mitsch and
Gosselink 2000) and about 1-5% of geographical area of the country(as
per various resources), support about a fifth of the known biodiversity
(SAC 2011).
In a strict ecological sense, wetlands are the transitional zones between
permanently aquatic and terrestrial (upland) ecosystems. Therefore,
wetlands have some characteristics of both, land and water. Saturation of
the soil with water for long enough period is known to be a principal
feature of all the wetlands. Apart from this, wetlands are known to have
several characteristics that separate them from the true aquatic systems.
Some of the major characteristics include:
regular flooding and recession of water (resulting in „dynamic behaviour‟
of wetlands),
shallow waters (usually up to 2 m),
undrained hydric soil; and
predominance of hydrophytic vegetation
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Due to such specific characteristics of wetlands, in developed countries
like United States, “wetlands” and “deep water habitats” are considered/
treated separately. However, in India, the term “wetland” is often utilized
in a broad sense. Thus, apart from shallow water areas like marshes, inter-
tidal flats, shallow lakes and ponds, paddy-fields and salt-pans, the deeper
waterbodies like deep lakes, dams (precisely, their associated reservoirs;
e.g., Dharoi dam reservoir, Karjan dam reservoir etc.) and irrigation water
storage reservoirs (e.g., Thol, Wadhvana etc.) are also considered
wetlands. Such a practice is not misplaced considering the definition of
wetlands propagated by Ramsar Convention, 1971 (to be precise-
Convention on Wetlands of International Importance, 1971). As per
Ramsar Convention, 1971:
“Wetlands are “areas of marsh, fens, 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 exceeds six meters.” It is quite clear that this
definition tries to cover almost all aquatic systems/waterbodies and
emphasizes “habitat” aspect (see the terms in the definition like marsh,
fen, peatland, natural water area, artificial water area etc.).
It may be interesting, however, to note that in many countries in the world,
especially in USA, following definition of wetland developed and
propagated by U S Fish and Wildlife Service is used intensively and it is
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not based on habitat aspect of wetlands (as it is in case of „Ramsar‟
definition), but on “Characteristics” (i.e., hydrological, botanical,
pedological etc.)
“Wetlands are lands transition between terrestrial and aquatic systems
where the water table is usually at or near the surface or the land is
covered by shallow water. For the purpose of this classification wetlands
must have one or more of the following three attributes:
1. At least periodically, the land supports predominantly hydrophytes;
2. The substrate is predominantly undrained hydric soil;
3. The substrate is non-soil and is saturates with water or covered by shallow
water at some time during the growing season of the year.”
After this basic understanding about wetland definition, it is desirable to
shift the focus on “Wetlands of Gujarat” rather than explaining much
popularized matters of “Wetlands of world” or “wetlands of India” etc.
This is because, apart from providing a Directory of Wetlands of Gujarat,
it is also an aim of this study to give an overall status of wetlands of
Gujatat.
2. Wetlands of Gujarat
Gujarat (India) is situated between 20o 01‟ and 24o 07‟ North latitudes and
68o 04‟ and 74o 04‟ East longitudes. The state covers an area of 1,96,024
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sq. km, which is 6.19 % of the total geographical area of the country, with
a longest coastline of about 1,600 km. There are twenty six districts in the
state. The population of Gujarat after the conclusion of 2011 census is a
little over 60.38 million, of which, males accounted for 31.48 million
while the female population was 28.90 million. The state now ranks tenth
in population size and shares 4.93 per cent of the country's total
population.
Southwest monsoons contribute to a major portion of the rainfall to the state.
Annual rainfall varies from 300 mm in western half of Kutch to 1500 mm in
Valsad and Dang districts. Temperature is lowest in early January, increasing
gradually at first and rapidly after mid-February to early March. The warmest
month in major parts of the state is May when maximum temperature is recorded.
The summer months are from April to June with temperatures ranging from 27ºC
to 42ºC. and have been known to reach as high as 48° C (118° F). Winters are
better with a temperature variance of 14ºC to 29ºC.
2.1 State Wetland Scenario
Different sources have given different scenarios of status of wetlands in Gujarat.
As each of these sources is authentic in their own way, it is worthwhile to give
profile as per these sources:
2.1.1 Wetland Scenario As per Gujarat State Forest Department (GFD 2005)
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Gujarat has a diverse range of wetlands including both coastal and inland systems
and is characterized by varying salinity regimes. According to Asian Wetland
Bureau (AWB), there are 235 natural and man-made wetlands in the state cover
19,841 sq. km. Many of these wetlands are of international significance due to
their strategic position on the migratory pathways of the waterbirds. The inland
wetlands include floodplains, freshwater ponds, lakes, reservoirs, irrigation canal
systems, marshes and paddy fields while the coastal wetlands include salt marshes
and salt lakes, creeks, mudflats, estuaries, mangrove swamps and coral reefs.
There are four large perennial rivers, five medium sized and 25 small rivers.
In Gujarat, Nalsarovar (120.82 sq. km), Thol (7 sq. km.), Khijadiya Bird
Sanctuary (6.1 sq. km.), Marine National Park & Sanctuary (457.93 sq. km),
Little Rann of Kachchh (4,954 sq. km.) and the Great Rann of Kachchh (7,506.2
sq.km) are the protected wetlands by virtue of their status as Sanctuaries/National
Parks. Nalsarovar is a unique wetland by virtue of its extensive marshy habitat
and rich flora and fauna. It has 216 species of birds, 13 species of mammals, 48
species of algae, 1 species of pteridophyte, 71 species of angiosperms, 76 species
of zoo-benthos and zooplanktons and 20 species of fish.
It would not be an exaggeration to state that Gujarat is pretty well-placed among
all the states as far as wetlands in India are concerned. GFD (2005) has quoted a
study conducted by Space Applications Center (SAC), Ahmedabad in 1998 that
estimated the wetland area in the country at about 75,819 sq. km. and that for
Gujarat at about 27,179 sq. km constituting about 36% of the country‟s total. The
summary is given below:
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Wetland Category India Gujarat
Inland wetland 35,589 sq. km. 2,092 sq. km (i.e., 5.9%)
Coastal wetland 40,230 sq. km 25,087 sq. km. (i.e.,
62.3%)
Total 75,819 sq.km. 27,179 (i.e., 35.8%)
The type-wise area-statistics for various Inland wetlands (total area of 2092 sq.
km.) as quoted by GFD (2005) is as follows:
Natural lakes: 154 sq. km, water-logged area- 289 sq. km, Reservoirs- 1,397,
Tanks/ponfs-198 sq.kn.
The type-wise area-statistics for various coastal wetlands (total area 25087 sq.
km.) as quoted by GFD (2005) is as follows:
Mangroves-1,031 sq. km, Corel reef-130, mudflats-21,954, salt pans – 460, Other
- 1512 sq. km.
Gujarat state is conventionally divided into various regions. The numbers (n) and
extent of wetlands of these regions of the state is given below:
North Gujarat (n=159, 1,107 sq. km), Kachchh (n = 258, 21,772 sq.km.,
Saurashtra (n = 352, area-2,398) and South Gujarat [(inclusive of middle
Gujarat?) n=62, area- 1.698 sq. km].
In all there are 831 wetlands in the state, of which 438 are coastal and 393 are
inland; including 231 small and large reservoirs (GFD 2005). In Gujarat, coastal
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and inland wetlands cover 92.3% and 7.7% of the total wetland area respectively.
The State has recognized geomorphological, floral and faunal values of these
wetlands and constitutes 7 sanctuaries to preserve a total area of 13,052 sq. km.
Of the different kinds of wetlands in the state, the reservoirs for 66.6 %,
waterlogged areas cover 13.8%, ponds/tanks cover 9.5% and lakes 7.4%.
GFD (2005) has mentioned the eight nationally important wetland sites in
Gujarat, viz. Little Rann of Kachchh (Kachchh,S‟nagar, Rajkot, Patan,
Banaskantha), Kodaha-Taranagar-Savada wetland(Patan), Nalsarovar,
Thol(Mehsana), Pariej(Kheda), Wadhvana(Vadodara), Khijadia(Jamnagar) and
Nani Kakrad (Navsari) have been identified and declared for conservation.
SACON has determined that about 21 wetland sites of Gujarat qualify as Ramsar
Sites on the basis of accepted criteria and 45 wetlands have been prioritised in
Gujarat for their conservation (GFD 2005).
As per GFD (2005), the major problems being faced by Gujarat‟s wetlands are:
o Encroachment
o Dredging
o Filling
o Over-extraction of water for irrigation
o Pollution
o Drought
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Apart from the above-mentioned major problems, wetland biota in Gujarat also
face following problems like Poaching/trapping, disturbance due to tourists,
drilling by ONGC, cultural eutrophication, spread of water hyacinth and other
aquatic plants, algal blooming, siltation, over-grazing by livestock on shore, over-
fishing & burning of emergent hydrophytes (GFD 2005).
Wetlands of Gujarat have already been lost in the process of urban development
and over population. The peripheral areas of wetlands in the state have been
encroached for settlements. A large number of wetlands in the state are subjected
to inflows of domestic sewage, solid waste and industrial effluents, responsible
for decline in their quantity and quality. Fertiliser and pesticide run-off from
agricultural lands has also aggravated the pollution load. These threats have
degraded species diversity and the productivity of the wetlands.
Deforestation and other anthropogenic activities have accelerated soil erosion
causing increased sedimentation resulting in shrinkage of area under wetlands.
Several reservoirs and other waterbodies in Gujarat are facing the problem of
siltation. The number of wetlands in Gujarat has halved during the last century. It
is a significant parameter in determining the opaqueness of water that helps
photosynthetic processes and fish life.
2.1.2 Wetland Scenario as per SACON (2004)
SACON (2004) has dealt only with inland wetlands of Gujarat. It has estimated
663 wetlands having area of 2 ha and above covering 743.76 sq. km. Most of the
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lakes/ponds have been found to have medium to high turbidity, while most of the
reservoirs, the turbidity was found to be low to medium. Sabarkantha district has
shown a drastic decline in wetland area for the past ten years, whereas Jamnagar
has shown a many-fold increase. The lakes/ponds have been found to have
medium to highly dense vegetation while, reservoir have low to medium
vegetation.
As per SACON (2004), there have been 45 prioritized wetland sites in Gujarat, of
which 16 have been Rank 1, 10 have been Rank 2, 12 have been Rank 3 and 7
have been Rank 4 wetlands from biodiversity point of view. SACON (2004) has
identified 21 inland wetlands in Gujarat that qualify as Ramsar Sites.
The list of prioritized wetlands is given in Table 1.3, which also indicate wetlands
that qualify as Ramsar Sites.
Table 1.1. List of Prioritized Wetlands in Gujarat (Source: SACON (2004))
Prioritized Wetland District Biodiversity Rank Socio-economic Use
Grade
Aji-1 Rajkot 1 H
Ajwa Vadodara 2 H
Amipur Dam Porbandar 1 L
Bardasagar Pobandar 1 L
Bhanderaj Anand 3 L
Bhimdad dam Bhavnagar 3 H
Brahmni Dam Surendranagar 2 M
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Chhari Dhandh Kachchh 2 H
Daloli Anand 1 M
Deo Dam Panchmahal 2 M
Dharoi Dam Babsar Sabarkantha 3 H
Ghee Dam Jamnagar 3 L
Gosa Porbandar 1 M
Govindpura Mehsana 3 H
Heranj Kheda 3 L
Kaj Junagadh 1 H
Kanewal Anand 1 L
Karjan dam Rajpipla 3 H
Kuchhadi-Jawar Porbandar 1 M
Lakhi Surat 4 H
Lakhota Jamnagar 2 H
Lunivav Rajkot 1 H
Machhan Nala Dahod 1 M
Madhuvanti dam Junagadh 3 H
Nadan Mehsana 4 H
Naghrama Khedda 1 L
Narda Kheda 1 L
Nava Talav S’nagar 2 M
Nyari-1 Rajkot 3 H
Palan Valsad 3 M
Panoli Bharuch 4 H
Pariej Kheda 1 L
Santhalpur tank Patan 4 M
Saiyant Kheda 2 L
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Shihan dam Jamnagar 2 L
Sudamda S’nagar 2 H
Sukhbhadar dam Bhavnagar 2 M
Tapi barrage Surat 3 H
Timbi tank Vadodara 3 M
Vadhvana Vadodara 1 L
Vasai Irrigation tank Ahmedabad 2 M
Veri Rajkot 1 H
Notes: Rank 1 to 2 shows biodiversity richness in descending form H, M, L = High, Medium and Low socio-economic use Highlighted rows indicate potential Ramsar Sites
2.1.3 Wetland Scenario As per As per Space Applications Centre (2011)
SAC (2011) has provided the scenario of both inland and coastal wetlands of
Gujarat (both natural and man-made). Inland natural wetlands include lakes and
marsh/swamp; inland man-made wetlands include reservoirs, tanks, and
waterlogged plains. Coastal-natural wetlands include estuary, creek, kayal,
mudflat, mangroves and marsh vegetation; coastal man-made wetlands include
saltpans. SAC (2011) has estimated ttotal wetland area of 34,749.50 sq. km in
Gujarat state, which accounts for about 17.56% of geographical area of the state.
The major wetland types include intertidal mud flat (22,603.65 sq. km.),
river/stream (2,758.77 sq.km), reservoir/barrage (2,489.79 sq.km), creek
(1,498.98 sq. km) and salt marsh (1,442.68 sq.km). The coastal wetlands
dominate in the state. Some of the unique wetlands like corals and mangrove are
found in Gujarat state (SAC 2011).
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As per SAC (2011), there are total 14,183 wetlands with minimum 2.25 ha each
in Gujarat covering about 3.46 M ha. Out of these 14,183 wetlands 1,358
wetlands (i.e., 9.57% of 14,183 wetlands) are inland natural covering 0.32 Mha
(9.25% of 3.46 Mha), 10,075 wetlands (71.035% of 14,183 wetlands) are inland
man-made covering 0.34 M ha (9.82% of 3.46 Mha), 2,448 wetlands (i.e., 17.26%
of 14,183 wetlands) coastal natural covering 2.71 M ha (78.32 % of 3.46 Mha)
and 302 (2.12% of 14,183 wetlands) coastal man-made covering 0.1 Mha (2.89%
of 3.46 Mha) wetlands (SAC 2011). It may be noted that there are additional
9,708 wetlands (with total area of 9,708 ha) having less than 2.25 ha each and
thus, there are total 23,891 wetlands inventoried in Gujarat state by SAC in the
year 2011 having 3.47 Mha area.
Among inland wetlands, tanks/ponds (n = 8,818) rank first in the number of
wetlands and account for 0.074 Mha. Reservoirs/barrages (n=1,218) come next in
rank with an area of about 0.25 M ha. Natural lakes are fewer in number (n=2)
covering 437.5 ha. Mangroves in Gujarat cover 1,324.40 sq. km. Table 1.1 gives
the district-wise distribution of wetlands
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2.1.3.1 District-wise wetland area distribution
As mentioned earlier, the state has 25 districts. The geographic area varied
from 45,652 sq. km (Kachchh) to 649 sq. km (Gandhinagar). The wetland
area in each district as per cent of total state wetland area ranges from 0.13%
(The Dangs) to 67.94 % (Kachchh). The wetland area in the districts as per
cent of geographic area varies from 1.93% (Mehsana) to 51.72 % (Kachchh).
Kachchh, Jamnagar, Bharuch, Bhavnagar and Surat are the wetland-rich
districts mainly due to coastal wetlands. Coral is one of the special wetland
types found only in the district of Jamnagar lying in the Gulf of Kachchh.
The area occupied by coral is around 33,547 ha, scattered over 50 sites.
Mangrove is another special wetland type found in 13 districts, covering an
area of 90475 ha (SAC 2011). However, maximum mangrove area is
observed in Kachchh district having 50,197 ha, followed by Jamnagar district
with 18537 ha. Salt marsh is observed in 15 districts. Maximum area under
this is observed in Bhavnagar district (25,374 ha), followed by Ahmedabad
district (22,858 ha). There are 8818 tank/pond (man-made) distributed
throughout the state covering an area of 73,873 ha. Maximum numbers are
observed in the Kachchh district (1438 with 14449 ha area), followed by
Surendranagar district (719 with 7,941 ha area). Least number of tank/pond is
observed in the district of Dangs (only 3). Patan, Surendranagar and
Ahmedabad districts are rich in natural lake/pond with 9, 8 and 7 numbers
each out of the total 40 mapped in the state (SAC 2011).
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Table 1.2: District–wise distribution of wetlands in Gujarat (Source: SAC 2011)
S. District Geogra- Wetland % of total % of district Open Water(ha) Aquatic vegetation(ha) No. phic area area (ha) wetland area geographic (sq. km) area (ha) Post- Pre- Post- Pre-
Monsoon Monsoon Monsoon Monsoon
01 Kachchh 45652 2360909 67.94 51.72 709817 499905 59132 60381 02 Banaskantha 12703 43491 1.25 3.42 17718 4684 1255 5040 03 Patan 5738 34268 0.99 5.97 11595 2593 2973 1280 04 Mehsana 4386 8462 0.24 1.93 4395 1702 677 1867 05 Sabarkantha 7390 42653 1.23 5.77 29976 12632 1759 10775 06 Gandhinagar 649 4263 0.12 6.57 1973 360 118 140 07 Ahmedabad 8707 63303 1.82 7.27 11363 5836 11204 7200 08 Surendranagar 10489 52896 1.52 5.04 18406 3273 14377 4424 09 Rajkot 11203 55819 1.61 4.98 31722 11087 2708 10485 10 Jamnagar 14125 198656 5.72 14.06 47008 27837 21003 23887 11 Porbandar 2294 22199 0.64 9.68 13390 7376 5451 1880 12 Junagadh 8839 30563 0.88 3.46 13622 6119 3121 4687 13 Amreli 6760 28505 0.82 4.22 11349 4649 761 2105 14 Bhavnagar 11155 85895 2.47 7.70 34588 17515 2919 13009 15 Anand 2942 67570 1.94 22.97 13765 13657 2149 2092 16 Kheda 4215 14415 0.41 3.42 8076 3252 2447 3387 17 Panch Mahals 5219 38049 1.09 7.29 27663 17834 2583 8066 18 Dahod 3642 15092 0.43 4.14 9770 4153 222 3833 19 Vadodara 7794 35553 1.02 4.56 18528 9592 2172 4968 BI-15 20 Narmada 2749 22501 0.65 8.19 18012 11633 5 4636 Background-Wetland Status
21 Bharuch 6524 112453 3.24 17.24 23102 20805 9237 9854 22 Surat 7657 86063 2.48 11.24 58091 37398 3727 15886 23 The Dangs 1764 4368 0.13 2.48 717 1005 - - 24 Navsari 2211 23888 0.69 10.80 6439 4848 1753 1725 25 Valsad 3034 23116 0.67 7.62 9670 2736 565 3552 Total 197841 3474950 100.00 17.56 1150755 732481 152318 205159 Extent of various types of wetlands in various districts of Gujarat is given in the table below (Source SAC 2011)
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2.1.3.2 District-wise Wetland Types
Recent country-wide remote sensing based wetland survey by SAC has indicated
presence of 17 types wetlands in Gujarat State, namely Lake/Pond, Ox-bow lake/
Cut-off meander, High altitude wetland, Riverine wetland, Waterlogged (Natural),
River/Stream, Reservoir/Barrage, Tank/Pond, Waterlogged (Man-made), Salt pan
(Inland), Lagoon, Creek, Sand/Beach, Intertidal mud flat, Salt Marsh (Coastal), M
= Mangrove, Coral Reef, Salt pan, Aquaculture pond. Table 1.2 shows district-
wise extent of various wetlands. It can be revealed that some wetland types are
indeed rare/uncommon. Thus, ox-bow lakes (total state area-6 ha) occur only in
Valsad district, inland salt pands are present only in Banaskantha, Patan, Bharuch,
Valsad and Navsari districts and Coral Reefs are found only in Jamnagar district.
On the other hand, wetlands like Rivers/Stream, Reservoirs/Barrage and
Tanks/Ponds are present in almost all the districts. There are also several wetland
types that are neither rare or uncommon districtwise nor found in all the districts,
but they are certainly found in good number of districts. Examples of such
wetland types are naturally water-logged areas, lakes/ponds, inter-tidal mudflats,
salt-marsh etc. The extent of various types of wetlands in all the districts of
Gujarat is displayed in Table 1.2.
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Table-1.3. District-wise wetland types in Gujarat (Source: SAC 2011)
Background-Wetland Status
Sr District Geog Wetland Type Sub- Wet Total . raphi L/P O/ W(N) R/S Re/B T/P W( SP(I La Cr S/Be IMF SM(Co M CR SP AP total land N c C M) ) ) s o. area* (<2. 25 ha)
(sq.k ha Ha ha ha Ha ha ha ha ha ha Ha ha Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha m) 1 Kachchh 45652 203 - 4188 20322 29995 14449 1228 - 3838 1207 1927 20448 16895 50197 - 34819 4916 235960 1304 236090 1 51 24 5 9 2 Banaskantha 12703 330 - 840 14806 10784 3876 - 826 - - - 7023 3703 - - 280 - 42468 1023 43491 3 Patan 5738 1725 - 1947 9430 3822 5035 - 294 - - - 11004 392 - - 103 - 33852 416 34268 4 Mehsana 4386 513 - 126 3799 895 2412 196 ------7941 521 8462 5 Sabarkantha 7390 229 - 230 16057 20002 5035 552 ------42105 548 42653 6 Gandhinagar 649 13 - 94 3431 - 540 ------4078 185 4263 7 Ahmedabad 8707 7551 - 1045 11310 966 3589 323 - - 1785 - 9368 22858 3940 - - - 62735 568 63303 8 Surendranagar 10489 8815 - 4264 12462 10047 7941 251 - - - - 8666 - - - - - 52446 450 52896 9 Rajkot 11203 143 - 634 19441 22837 3190 - - - 308 - 2117 2475 733 - 3466 - 55344 475 55819 10 Jamnagar 14125 595 - 1329 15625 18516 2536 - - 2979 3141 1079 63829 18316 18537 3354 17494 397 197920 736 198656 7 11 Porbandar 2294 - - 472 2700 4556 468 - - 1178 - 1524 - 76 - - 528 - 22104 95 22199 0 12 Junagadh 8839 - - - 9996 9729 1272 184 - 2061 46 1242 2062 1608 251 - 1833 - 30284 279 30563 13 Amreli 6760 266 - 204 11226 5169 1362 - - - 139 118 1807 3331 55 - 4354 325 28356 149 28505 14 Bhavnagar 11155 - - 234 14238 16664 1818 - - 989 1708 352 9704 25374 1058 - 13554 - 85693 202 85895 15 Anand 2942 23 - 634 6081 52 1730 35 - 294 9395 - 36340 11210 1047 - 423 - 67264 306 67570 16 Kheda 4215 260 - 1843 7855 988 3084 ------14030 385 14415 17 Panch Mahals 5219 123 - 719 12437 19561 4779 98 ------37717 332 38049 18 Dohad 3642 - - 173 6136 4787 3789 ------14885 207 15092 19 Vadodara 7794 2270 - 1320 22332 5257 3129 31 - - - - 668 - 9 - - - 35016 537 35553 20 Narmada 2749 - -- - 7259 15022 188 ------22469 32 22501 21 Bharuch 6524 254 - - 16246 729 1908 - 152 - 8604 - 40690 21982 9073 - 12017 391 112046 407 112453 22 Surat 7657 237 - - 16210 42096 1142 - - - 2866 102 11769 4923 3655 - 1617 1179 85796 267 86063 23 The Dangs 1764 - - - 4305 28 13 ------4346 22 4368 24 Navsari 2211 - - 155 4854 623 306 - 16 348 1151 49 5732 7562 1574 - 6 1370 23746 142 23888 25 Valsad 3034 - 6 209 7319 5754 282 - 7 - 4 115 4762 3563 346 - 384 245 22996 120 23116 Total 19784 2355 6 20660 275877 248979 73873 1395 1295 2228 1498 6508 22603 144268 90475 3354 90878 8823 346524 9708 347495 1 0 1 9 98 65 7 2 0 L/P = Lake/Pond, O/C = Ox-bow lake/ Cut-off meander, HAW = High altitude wetland, RW = Riverine wetland, W(N) = Waterlogged (Natural), R/S = River/Stream, Re/B = Reservoir/Barrage, T/P = Tank/Pond, W(M) = Waterlogged (Man-made), SP(I) = Salt pan (Inland), La = Lagoon, Cr = Creek, S/Be = Sand/Beach, IMF = Intertidal mud flat, SM (Co) = Salt Marsh (Coastal), M = Mangrove, CR = Coral Reef, SP = Salt pan, AP = Aquaculture pond
BI-18
Background-Wetland Status
2.1.3.3 Open Water and Aquatic Vegetation-Pre and Post-Monsoon Scenario
In a large number of inland wetlands, open water and aquatic vegetation are
prominent habitat components and thus, they have great bearing on waterbirds
and other wetland biota. SAC (2011) has comprehensively dealt with pre-
monsoon and post-monsoon variation in extent of these two habitat components
using remotely sensed data.
SAC (2011) has mentioned that the spread of open water in wetlands is lesser
during pre-monsoon (i.e., 7,324.8 sq.km) than during post-monsoon (i.e., 11,507.5
sq.km) ,In particular; it is significantly lesser during pre-monsoon season(1,650.5
sq.km) than in post-monsoon season (4,094 sq.km) in case of Inland wetlands
indicating rain fed nature of the wetlands (SAC 2011).
From view point of turbidity of open water component, wetlands in Gujarat are
classified in to low, medium and high based on the turbidity values. SAC (2011)
has mentioned that areas under low, moderate and high turbidity have remained
larger in post-monsoon period than in pre-monsoon period.
Regarding aquatic vegetation component, SAC (2011) has indicated that the area
under aquatic vegetation is slightly more in pre-monsoon season (2,051.59 sq.
km) than in post-monsoon (1,523.18 sq.km). Wetlands usually support diverse
aquatic vegetation. Aquatic weeds are generally used as indicators of
eutrophication. These are ideal habitats for fish and migratory birds. On the basis
of vegetation, Gujarat is divided into four zones namely completely vegetated
BI-19
Background-Wetland Status
(CV), partially vegetated (PV), vegetation on fringes (VF) and no vegetation
(NV). Of the 682 wetlands in Gujarat, 517 do not have vegetation, out of which
417 are tanks. Eighty-three tanks show partially vegetated condition, 54 have
vegetation on fringes and 7 are completely vegetated (SAC 2011).
BI-20
Dams
DAMS (DA)
DA-1
Dams
Dams
Name Page No. 1. Aji-1 dam DA-03 2. Aji-II dam DA-188 3. Ajwa dam DA-13 4. Amipur dam DA-25 5. Bardasagar dam DA-38 6. Bhimdad dam DA-51 7. Brahmni dam DA-194 8. Dantiwada dam DA-60 9. Dev dam DA-73 10. Dharoi dam DA-82 11. Ghee dam DA-92 12. Hathmati dam DA-100 13. Karjan dam DA-106 14. Lakhi dam DA-115 15. Lalpari dam DA-198 16. Machhan Nala dam DA-129 17. Madhuvanti dam DA-135 18. Mathal dam DA-141 19. Nayka dam DA-202 20. Nyari I dam DA-205 21. Nyari II dam DA-210 22. Rudramata dam DA-148 23. Sihan dam DA-158 24. Sipu dam DA-165 25. Sukhbhadar dam DA-172 26. Tappar dam DA-179 27. Veri dam DA-214
DA-2
Dams
Aji-I, Rajkot district
Aji 1, Rajkot taluka
Introductory Profile:
Significance: As per SACON’s “Inland Wetland Conservation Atlas”, this is a
prioritized site and also a proposed Ramsar Site in Gujarat.
Location: Located at 22°16’15” N and 70°50’52.2”in Rajkot taluka of Rajkot
district. It is located on the outskirts of Rajkot city that has population of 9,67,476
living in 1,89,221 households (Census 2001). It is situated at the distance of about
8 km south-east of the airport of Rajkot city.
Biogeographic Region & Province: The Semi-Arid (4) & Gujarat-Rajwara (4B)
Administrative Region and District: Saurashtra, Rajkot
DA-3
Dams
General Information (based on secondary information):
This dam is constructed on Aji river - a lifeline of Rajkot city-which originates
from Sardhara ridge, flows for 102 km (with catchment of 2,130 sq. km) and ends
up in Little Rann of Kachchh. This dam had been constructed in 1954 for water
supply for Rajkot city. It is one of the several dams on the river Aji that are named
as Aji-I to Aji-IV and Lalpari dam. The length at the top of the dam is 3.43 km
and the dam’s height from the lowest point of the foudation is 25.9 m. The water-
spread (i.e, open water area) of Aji-I reservoir – the main life-supporting system
for numerous waterbirds– is 6.59 sq. km at full reservoir level. Bhuvan Beta
(ISRO) has shown that the perimeter of the maximum waterspread is over 11.5
km. Mean annual rainfall in this area is 50.8 mm.
Purpose of creation: For water supply
Water data:
Area at full reservoir level 6.589 sq. kms
Gross storage capacity 29.09 M.Q.M.
Effective storage capacity 28.50 M.Q.M.
Maximum discharge 1785 cub. Mtrs/second
Site Description:
Aji-1 dam forms a largish reservoir that is located on the south-eastern outskirts
of Rajkot city on Bhavnagar chokdi-Mahika-Sardhar-Atkot highway. The same
road can go upto Hingolgadh. The reservoir associated with Aji-1 dam is
DA-4
Dams
predominated by open water area. The reservoir was surveyed from two spots.
One spot was located near a quarry on Rajkot-Atkot-Hingolgadh road. Another
spot was near Aji Dam Garden. During the field visit, only one islet could be
noticed amidst the open water area. The open water is surrounded by rocky
undulations/small hilly formations, but that does not contribute in facilitating
good shoreline. Thus, except some portion northward of the Ajwa Garden, the
shoreline is not very good for shorebirds/waders.
Waterbirds (Species richness and Abundance):
This is a moderately large irrigation reservoir near the outskirt of Rajkot city that
is located in undulating and rocky terrain. Does not have much of suitable shore-
land for waders. In other words, this reservoir lacks muddy/sandy/clayey expanse
that is known to be beneficial for foraging waders. The reason is that the open
water area of Aji-I is immediately surrounded by rocky shore/formations. During
the field visit, one small island and a land-strip were noted which was utilized by
over 200 Little Cormorants and Great Cormorants for resting. The wetland is
suitable mainly for piscivorous waterbirds (e.g., cormorants, resident and
migratory grebes, pelicans, terns etc.) and diving ducks (i.e., Common Pochard,
Tufted Pochard) considering the overall absence of vegetation and predominance
of above-mentioned waterbirds. Aji-I reservoir appeared to be almost unsuitable
for waterbirds requiring reed-beds for cover or floating vegetation for foraging as
such type of hydrophytic vegetation was found to be absent.
DA-5
Dams
Total number of waterbird spp. (α diversity): 24 [i.e., Dabchick(4),
Great Crested Grebe(3), Little Cormorant, Indian Cormorant, Great
Cormorant (together 208), White Pelican(32), Dalmatian Pelican (4),
Little Egret(2), Great Egret(1), Spot-billed Duck(20), Common Teal(30),
Northern Shoveler (21), Northern Pintail (17), Common Pochard (27),
Tufted Duck (11), Common Coot (30), Slender-billed Gull (2), Black-
headed Gull (227), River Tern(2) , Caspian Tern(1), Lesser Black-backed
Gull/Herring Gull (1), Pied Kingfisher(1), Grey Wagtail(1), Large Pied
Wagtail(1), Great Thick-knee (6)].
Gadhvi (2001) recorded 22 waterbird species in December 1998. They are as
follows:
White Pelican(1), Large Cormorant(1), Little Cormorant(18), Grey Heron(3),
Great Egret(1), Painted Stork(1), Asian Openbill (2), Black Ibis (2), Northern
Pintail (9), Cotton Pigmy-Goose (13), Comb Duck (2), Common Coot (2), Black-
winged Stilt (4), Red-watled Lapwing (3), Little Ringed Plover (3), Black-tailed
Godwit (1), Common Sandpiper (2), Black-headed Gull (50), Whiskered Tern (1),
Caspian Tern (1), Indian River Tern (3), Grey-headed Yellow Wagtail (4).
Ghadvi (2001) also recorded following waterbirds in 1999.
Little Egret (1), Painted Stork (2), Openbilled Stork (45), Black Ibis (17), Ruddy
Shelduck (2), Red-wattled Lapwing (7)
Waterbird abundance level (on population scale of 0-6): Gadhvi (2001)
recorded population of 162 birds in December 1998 that is below the
DA-6
Dams
current population status observed during this work. Based on following
tabularized criterion adopted for this study and total 652 waterbirds
counted during field investigation,
Mid-winter season Asian Waterfowl Count (AWC) organized by Asian
Wetland Bureau (earlier) and Wetlands International (at present) show
following waterbird count for Aji 1 for various years: 1987 (1,496
waterbirds), 1988 (1,125), 1989 (18), 1992 (584), 1994 (1,103), 1995
(744), 1996 (162), 2002 (2050), 2004 (1,231)
Considering maximum waterbird abundance of 2050(= approx. 2,000) in
2002, it can be inferred that Aji-1’s maximum waterbird abundance level
has been “High” (4). However, considering 584, 744, 1,125 and 1,231
birds recorded during 1992, 1995, 1988 and 2004 respectively, it can be
considered that usual abundance level of Aji-1 is “Medium”(3).
Bird population *Population scale (0- Interpretation 6)
≥ 20, 000 ^ 6 Abundant
≥10,000 but <20,000(i.e., 10,000-19,999) 5 Very High
≥ 2,000 but < 10,000 but (i.e., 2,000-9,999) 4 High ≥ 200 but <2,000 but (i.e., 200-1,999) 3 Medium
≥ 20 but < 200 but (i.e., 20-199) 2 Low
< 20 (i.e., 1-19) 1 Very Low
0(0) 0 Absent
DA-7
Dams
Congregation of gulls (mainly Black-headed) busy foraging
Common Coots resting on rocky shore
Pelicans, cormorants and gulls resting on a land-strip amidst open water
DA-8
Dams
White Pelican (2 on left side) and Dalmatian Pelican (2 on right side) in open water area of the reservoir associated with Aji-I dam
A solitary Dalmatian Pelican (non-breeding plumage) lofting in open water area
Indian Cormorants (Indian Shags) foraging in open water area
DA-9
Dams
Cormorants resting on an islet
A pair of Spotnilled Ducks near the edge between open water and moist land of the shore. Such edge is limited at Aji-1 due to abundance of rocky surroundings
A regular rocky perch of Pied Kingfisher
DA-10
Dams
Hydrophytes:
This waterbody does not have emergent, free-floating and/or rooted submerged
hydrophytes with/without floating leave. However, it might be supporting some
submerged hydrophytes and algae as can be inferred from the presence of
waterbirds like Common Coot and several surface feeding ducks. However, they
could not be surveyed due to unavailability of boat.
Habitat components:
Habitat diversity (on 0-5 quantitative scale with 1 habitat = 1 score-point) is 3
(open water, rocky edge, an islet and a land-strip). Of all the habitats, Open Water
area constitutes highest proportion of wetland area, followed by rocky shore,
islets and moist/muddy non-rocky shore. Considering the importance of “edge
effect” in wildlife management following edges are important at Aji-1: edge
between rocky shore and open water (maximum), edge between open water and
islet (minimum) and edge between muddy/moist shoreland and open water
(negligible).
An islet (devoid of birds) and a land-strip (with many resting birds) amidst open water
DA-11
Dams
Water quality:
Water termperature- 26 °C (morn.), pH- 9.3, TDS-270 mg/l, Total Hardness-148,
Ca-26, Mg-101, Total Alkalinity- 225 mg/l, Chlorides- 80 mg/l in January 2009.
Socio-economic dependency:
Water supply to the people of Rajkot, recreational value, washing clothes and
even vehicles like trucks. Fishing reported too.
Adverse factors against conservation:
Quarrying activity occurs in the vicinity. Spread of Prosopis cover.Washing/cleaning
of clothes and vehicle like a truck. Fishing was reported, though not observed.
Traffic noise and movement of people at the edge who come to the reservoir for
purpose other than birdwatching/natural history. There is a recreation park on one of
the banks. People visiting this park feed gulls and coots with ‘unnatural’ food matter
such as popcorn, puffed rice etc.
DA-12
Dams
Ajwa dam, Vadodara District
Ajwa dam reservoir, Waghodiya taluka
Introductory Profile and General Information
Ajwa dam (22° 23’ 02.72” N, 73° 23’ 31.82” E) is the major source of water for
Vadodara city having 13, 06, 227 people living in 2,80,873 households (Census
2001). Significance of this waterbody is that it is not only a prioritized site as per
Inland Wetland Conservation Atlas (Source: SACON), but it is also a Proposed
Ramsar Site as per Inland Wetland Conservation Atlas (Source: SACON). The
reservoir of Ajwa is also known as Sayaji Sarovar. Its perimeter is over 27 km.
The wetland and its immediate environs are located in Vaghodia taluka. It is about
24 km east of Vadodara city. The reservoir was constructed during Gaekwad rule
in 1890-91 with an aim of storing waters emerging from Pavagadh Hill and then
DA-13
Dams
using it for local needs; especially drinking water needs of Vadodara city. The
reservoir was got constructed by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad -III by damming
the local rivers/streams Surya (60 km) and Vaghali Nala (30 km) with the help of
earthern dam which is about 5 km long and which can store waters up to the depth
of 63 m from sea-level. As per an anecdote, the site was first brought to the notice
by a local shepherd Ajo and perhaps that is the reason why one of the names of
this waterbody is Ajwa. Ajwa reservoir is connected to Vishwamitri river in a way
that its excess water in event of flood is released into the river as the reservoir has
64 gates.
Ajwa
reservoir
Timbi reservoir
Location of Pavagadh, Ajwa and Timbi reservoirs. Also note the location of Surya River and Vishwamitri River (Source: Current Science (2004), Vol. 86, No. 12, page 1,647)
DA-14
Dams
Purpose of Creation: Water supply to Vadodara city
Water data: Gross storage capacity- 63,430 x 103 m3, Area of reservoir: 14,000 x102 m2,
Effective Storage Capacity: 63,430 x 103 m3, Designed Spillway Capacity: 243.84
m3/sec.
Site Description:
The reservoir has vast open water area, but there is a good marshy growth on
eastern and north-eastern portions of the shore. One of the villages from where the
marshy portion can be approached is Rampur (a sub-settlement of Gutal). During
the survey in February 2009, the marshy area was approached from this village.
Following hydrophytes and waterbirds were recorded:
A view of marshy expanse and open water expanse of Ajwa reservoir
Hydrophytes:
Emergent:Typha angustata, Polygonum sp., Scirpus sp., Cyperus sp. ,
Limnophyton obtusifolium, Neptunia sp.
DA-15
Dams
Rooted submerged with floating leaves: Nymphoides spp., Nymphaea nauchali,
Submerged hydrophytes: Vallisneria spirallis and Potamogeton natans
Nymphaea nauchali-though not extensively growing hydrophyte in the Ajwa marsh, it was found patchily growing
Nymphoides cristatum in the marshy area of Ajwa near Rampur village
DA-16
Dams
Dense and extensive growth of Ipomoea aquatica (a creeping submerged hydrophyte with floating leaves)
Ajwa marsh was found to be one of the few wetlands surveyed having Limnophyton obtusifolium-an emergent hydrophyte DA-17
Dams
Azolla pinnata was found to be patchily common in Ajwa marsh
Neptunia pinnata was found only at Ajwa marsh among all the wetlands covered in Gujarat
DA-18
Dams
Dense and growth of Typha angustata
Ipomoea carnia- densely growing emergent macrophyte at Ajwa marsh
DA-19
Dams
Waterbirds (Species Richness and Waterbird Abundance Level):
Waterbirds recorded include Bronze-winged Jacana (adults and juvenils),
Pheasant-tailed Jacana, Little Grebe, Little Egret, Great Egret, Cattle Egret, Little
Cormorant, Common Moorhen, Purple Swamphen, Pond Heron, Purple Heron,
Cotton Pygmy-goose, Grey Wagtail, Greylag Goose (flying over Ajwa’s open
water area). Ajwa, along with Wadhvana is considered to be one of the rich
wetlands for waterbirds in entire Gujarat (Roy and Hussain 1993). Some
waterbirds recorded during census are: Little Grebe, Glossy Ibis, Northern Pintail,
Northern Shoveler, Common Teal, Gadwall, Spot-billed Duck, Cotton Pygmy-
goose, Garganey, Eurasian Wigeon, Common Pochard, Sarus Crane, Asian
Openbill, Black-tailed Godwit, Common Coot (Roy and Hussain 1993). Thus,
Ajwa’s species richness or α-diversity is at least 25 species.
Mid-winter season Asian Waterbird Counts (AWC) for Ajwa dam for some years
have been available. They are as follows: 1988(3,115 waterbirds), 1991 (898),
1992(4,100), 1993(1,376), 1995(254), 1996 (5,375), 2002 (23,003), 2005 (506).
Considering maximum waterbird population of 23,003 birds recorded in 2002, it
can be inferred that maximum waterbird abundance level of Ajwa dam reservoir
is “Abundant” (6). However, considering the occurrence of population ranging
from 254 to 5,375 during mind-winter seasons of different years (as stated above),
it can be said that usual waterbird abundance level of Ajwa is “Medium” (3) to
“High” (4).
DA-20
Dams
Bird population *Population scale (0- Interpretation 6)
≥ 20, 000 ^ 6 Abundant
≥10,000 but <20,000(i.e., 10,000-19,999) 5 Very High
≥ 2,000 but < 10,000 but (i.e., 2,000-9,999) 4 High
≥ 200 but <2,000 but (i.e., 200-1,999) 3 Medium
≥ 20 but < 200 but (i.e., 20-199) 2 Low
< 20(i.e., 1-19) 1 Very Low 0(0) 0 Absent
Greylag Geese flying over Ajwa reservoir
DA-21
Dams
Cattle Egrets roosting on a tree in Ajwa garden
A juvenile Bronze-winged Jacana in Ajwa marsh
DA-22
Dams
Cotton Pygmy-Goose in marshy area
Pond Heron foraging in marshy area of Ajwa reservoir
As mentioned earlier, Ajwa reservoir has incomparable socio-economic
dependency, i.e., dependency for drinking water for the entire Vadodara city.
Apart from this major ecosystem service, Ajwa reservoir is also useful to satisfy
the needs of local people like fishing and water for domestic needs. The reservoir
has great recreation/tourist value too as the garden (with its famous ‘dancing
DA-23
Dams
fountains’) developed on the shore and boating activity is widely utilized by
innumerable tourists/recreationists. Among threats to this ecosystem, one can
consider intensive fishing. Moreover, in the past it was reported that poachers had
established a network in Rampura village and coots were being poached for their
sell at the rate of s 35 per bird (source: Down to Earth, March 2002)
Socio-economic dependency: Local people are dependent on Ajwa for fishing
Dependency of local people for water
DA-24
Dams
Amipur dam, Porbandar district
Amipur dam, Kutiyana Taluka Introductory profile
Significance: As per SACON’s “Inland Wetland Conservation Atlas”, this is a
prioritized site and also a proposed Ramsar Site in Gujarat.
Location : Amipur dam is located in “Ghed” region of Saurashtra. Itis located at
21◦ 24’ 22.57” N latitudes and 69◦ 58’ 45.34” E longitude near Amipur village
(having 251 households and 1229 people) of Kutiyana taluka in Porbandar
district. It is located at the distance of about 41 km from Porbandar city in its
south-east. Apart from Amipur village that is located on the reservoir’s western
side, there are other villages too on the periphery of this waterbody. They include:
Mota Ghed (Kutiyana taluka of Porbandar dist.) on western shore, Miti and
DA-25
Dams
Hantarpur (Mangrol Taluka of Junagadh dist.) on eastern shore and Bagasra Ghed
(Mangrol Taluka of Junagadh dist.) on southern shore.
Biogeographic Region & Province: The Semi-Arid (4) & Gujarat-Rajwara (4B)
Administrative Region and District: Saurashtra, Porbandar district
Other General information (based on secondary information):
Ghed areas- Amipur dam is located in Sorthi Ghed Area (Source: http://www.peopleincentre.org/documents/HSVA_small.pdf)
This wetland is well-known for its globally significant congregation of wintering
Demoiselle Cranes. As mentioned in the section of ‘Location’, this dam is located
in ‘Ghed’ region. ‘Ghed’ is the low lying region in north of Porbandar which
frequently gets flooded during monsoons. ‘Ghed’ is situated adjacent to the
DA-26
Dams
western Saurashtra coast. There are two sub-areas/sub-regions of Ghed area; i.e.,
‘Barda Ghed’ and ‘Sorath Ghed’. Amipur dam is located in ‘Sorath Ghed’.
‘Sorath Ghed’in which Amipur Dam is located covers an area of approximately
500 sq. km of Ranavav, Mangarol, Porbandar and Keshod talukas. Though in
monsoon, the Ghed becomes sea-like vast flooded/inundated area due to the rains,
in summer, this vast watery area looks completely different as it gets dried
completely and water is replaced by fine sand. In this area, large rivers like
Bhadar, Madhuvanti and Ojhat flow before meeting the sea. ‘Ghed’ area is also
characterized by sand dunes formed by the fine sand brought by the sea. Due to
the presence of these sand dunes waters of the above-mentioned rivers flow very
slowly before meeting the sea. However, during heavy monsoons, the flow of
water is torrential. The rain waters flowing in these rivers get spread in the entire
Ghed region and remain sedentary for 2-3 months. In the remote past, in many
areas of “Ghed”, the rain waters used get accumulagted for 6-8 months of a year
and the depth of such waters used to be 0.6-1.2 m. Names of such areas having
longer duration of water retention depended on the village in the vicinity. Such
gheds were numerous; like Amipurno Ghed, Ratiyano Ghed, Virorno Ghed,
Navalkhano Ghed etc. Such “Gheds” have been playing a vital role of being a
bird heaven. Even before the construction of Amipur Dam;rain-waters used
remain accumulated in the Ghed.Therefore bird species and population had been
rich in this areas.
The dam is constructed on Vethli river. At full reservoir level, the area of the
Amipur dam’s reservoir is 16 sq. km. Its catchment area is 1,211 sq km and gross
DA-27
Dams
storage capacity is 29.45 Mm3. The length of the dam is 8 km. The The perimeter
of the reservoir that is derived from Bhuvan Beta (ISRO) has been 25 km. The
average annual rainfall is 721 mm. The construction work of this dam had started
in 1978. Maximum height of the dam from the lowest point of the foundation is
7.62 m. The length of the dam is about 11 km.
Purpose of creation: Irrigation
Water data:
Gross storage capacity 29.45 Mm3
Effective storage capacity 27.04 Mm3
Maximum discharge 138.90 m3/s
Site description:
Amipur dam’s reservoir is a large wetland that was visited twice; i.e. in March
2008 and November 2008. Though the reservoir has vast open water area, large
portion of it is accessible by a vehicle due to the long peripheral bund that has
sufficient width even to drive a 4-wheeler. Thus, an observer can ideally move
in/on a vehicle along this peripheral bund and stop anywhere s/he wants to see
waterbirds. However, thick growth of Prosopis juliflora on the sides of the bund
and thorns scattered haphazardly on the bund can impose restrictions on safe
movement of the vehicle and unobstructed visibility at any desired point. During
field visits, this wetland gave the impression of having only two predominant
DA-28
Dams
habitat components; i.e., open water area and marshy vegetation area. At least 4-5
islets that are visible in Bhuvan Beta (ISRO), were not visible in the field.
Waterbirds (Species Richness and Abundance):
A large (area-1,500 ha), well-vegetated freshwater wetland. From habitat diversity
point of view, it is one of the ideal wetlands as it has good proportion of different
habitat components like open water, reedbeds, shore with arms extending into
open water, islets etc. Moreover, environs are dominated by agricultural land
which might be an additional attraction for migratory cranes and ducks which
were seen using the wetland for resting . The most remarkable observation on
14-3-2008 was the presence of around 50,000 Demoiselle Cranes that were
resting in the shallow waters of the lake. Total number of waterbird spp. (α
diversity): 18 in March 2008 (Coots, Flamingo, Demoiselle Crane, , Little
Cormorant, Grey Heron, Pond Heron, Large Egret, Little Egret, Black-headed
Ibis, Spoonbill, Black-tailed Godwits, Northern Shoveler, Pintail, Common Teal,
osprey, Glossy Ibis, Black-winged Stilt, Red-wattled Lapwing, White-tailed
Lapwing etc.). Gadhvi (2001) recorded 78 species in December 1998.
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Cormorants resting on Prosopis juliflora
An islet useful for a Grey Heron and a Little Cormorant
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Osprey capturing fish Osprey Patrolling the water surface
Ghadvi (2001) recorded following waterbirds in December 1998:
Great crested grebe (20), Little Grebe (450), White Pelican(225), Great
Cormorant (26), Little Cormorant(210), Grey Heron (120), Purple Heron (50),
Pond Heron (310), Large Egret (375), Smaller Egret (40), Little Egret (35),
Western Reef Eeron (220), Painted Stork (48), White Ibis (32), Black Ibis (40),
Glossy Ibis (48), Spoonbill (100), Greater Flamingo (300), Lesser Flamingo
(1200), Lesser Whistling Teal, Pintail (2000), Common Teal (1200), Spot-billed
Duck(570), Mallard(10), Gadwall(20), Eurasian Wigeon(4,000), Northern
Shoveler (1,500), Common Pochard (4000), White-eyed Pochard(80), Cotton
Teal(240), Comb Duck(42), Marsh Harrier (54), Common Crane(1,200),
Demoiselle Crane(8500), Ballion’s Crake(10), White-breasted Waterhen(10),
Common/Indian Moorhen(45), Purple Moorhen/Swamphen(30), Common
Coot(6,000), Pheasant-tailed Jacana(40), Painted Snipe(8), Black-winged
Stilt(250), Avocet(10), Great Stone-Plover (4), Collared Pratincole(50), White-
tailed Lapwing(18), Red-wattled Lapwing(340), Yellow-wattled Lapwing (10),
Large Sand-Plover(28), Little-ringed Plover(126), Kentish Plover(20),
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Whimbrel(18), Curlew(360), Black-tailed Godwit(16), Greenshank(28), Green
Sandpiper(15), Terrek Sandpiper(60), Pintail Snipe(27), Sanderling(50), Little
Stint(50), Dunlin(180),Curlew Sandpiper(210),Black-headed Gull(280), Gull-
billed Tern (30), River Tern(140), Lesser Pied Kingfisher(12), Common
Kingfisher (21), White-breasted Kingfisher(38), Indian Great Reed-Warbler(30),
Moustache Sedge Warbler(6), Paddy-field Pipit(6), Grey-headed Yellow
Wagtail(3), Yellow-headed Wagtail(12), Grey Wagtail(24),White Wagtail(15),
Large Pied Wagtail(10)
Gadhvi (2001) recorded population of 36,627 birds in December 1998. The
population of predominantly herbivorous species like Northern Pintail, Common
Pochard, Eurasian Wigeon, Common Coot etc. remained very high (more than
2,000 birds).
In the year 1994 Amipur reservoir was reported having harboured 47,198
waterbirds.
As far as Demoiselle Cranes population in the past is concerned, following
population was recorded in 1990s: February 1990: 6,079; December 1990:
20,200; Jan. 1991: 15,200; Jan. 1992: 46,000, Jan. 1993: 43,244 (Nimavat 2004).
Around 90,000 Demoiselle Cranes were recorded in mid-winter of 2009
(Rughani, Perc. Comm.)
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Waterbird abundance level (on population scale of 0-6): Based on above
50,000 Demoiselle Cranes recorded on 14-3-2008, 36,627 waterbirds recorded
by Gadhvi (2001) and around 90,000 cranes recorded in 2009 and following
tabularized criterion adopted for this study Amipur’s waterbird abundance
level (Abundant) is highlighted below:
Bird population *Population scale(0- Interpretation 6)
≥ 20, 000 ^ 6 Abundant
≥10,000 but <20,000(i.e., 10,000-19,999) 5 Very High ≥ 2,000 but < 10,000 but (i.e., 2,000-9,999) 4 High
≥ 200 but <2,000 but (i.e., 200-1,999) 3 Medium
≥ 20 but < 200 but (i.e., 20-199) 2 Low
< 20(i.e., 1-19) 1 Very Low
0(0) 0 Absent
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Two connected pictures depicting a big flock of Demoiselle Cranes at Amipur Dam’s reservoir on 14-3-2008. Though the pictures are connected-ones, they reflect a large sized flock of this migratory species. It still required third picture to give an idea of more or less complete flock of above 50,000 birds, but it cannot be connected due to space limit
Eurasian Spoonbills, Demoiselle Cranes & Glossy Ibis Migratory ducks (Common Teals) - Resting
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Hydrophytes:
Emergent hydrophytic cover constituted by plants of Cyperaceae family. Both,
Cyperus sp. and Scirpus sp. were found present. Though submerged hydrophytes
could not be surveyed, Vallisneria spiralis was found to be washed ashore in
perpetuity. Considering very high population of coots recorded by Gadhvi (1998)
and during late 1990s, it can be inferred that Amipur might be having good
concentration of submerged hydrophytes like Najas spp.,Hydrilla verticillataetc.
However, a prominent feature of this wetland from hydrophytic vegetation
seemed to be the rarity/absence of rooted submerged hydrophytes like Nymphaea
spp., Nelumbo sp., Nymphoides spp., Eichhornia sp. etc. The only common
submerged rooted hydrophyte with floating leaves had been Ipomoea aquatica.
Ipomoea aquatica and Cyperus sp.
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Habitat Components:
Habitat diversity (on 0-5 quantitative scale with 1 habitat = 1 score-point) is 4
(open water, emergent vegetation cover, muddy shore, islets). Of all the habitats,
Open Water area constitutes highest proportion of wetland area, followed by
marshy vegetation, muddy shore and islets. Considering the importance of “edge
effect” in wildlife management following edges are important at Amipur wetland:
edge between marshy vegetation and open water (maximum), edge between open
water and muddy shore, edge between open water and islet (minimum and
negligible). Though Bhuvan Beta has shown 4-5 islets, only one could be seen
during field visit.
Amipur wetland has vast emergent hydrophytic cover and open water. Note the bund lined with Prosopis at the far end.
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Water quality:
Temperature - 32°C, pH-9, Hardness-101 mg/l, Alkalinity-130 mg/l, Ca-41mg/l,
Mg- 59 mg/l, Chlorides-110 mg/l, TDS-375 mg/l, Nitrates- 200 mg/l for the
samples collected in March 2008.
Socio-economic dependency:
Though Ghed is one of the best wetland-cum-waterbird areas,people of the area
face water scarcity during summer. In such a scenario, man-made waterbody like
Amipur dam and its associated reservoir are highly desirable to certain extent.
Amipur provides irrigation water to 5 villages of Kutiyana and Porbandar talukas
(for cultivation of groundnut, gram, jowar, bajara, mung, adad, cotton etc.)
covering 11,480 ha. It also provides a good waterbird habitat that is boon to many
nature lovers of Saurashtra.
Local people graze their livestock on drying bed of the Amipur reservoir (Note a huge congregation of Demoiselle Cranes in water)
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Local farmers plough the drying bed of the Amipur reservoir
Adverse factors against conservation:
Spread of Prosopis cover. Agricultural practice (ploughing) right on the drying
bed towards the shore may also be considered a threat. Over-exploitation of dam’s
water during poor monsoon for irrigation water needs is also a likely threat. For
example, For example, in 1999-2000, Amipur reservoir was almost dry by the
second week of September 1999 due to over -exploitation of water for irrigation
and poor monsoon (Gadhvi 2001).
Over-growth of Prosopis in parts of shore
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Bardasagar dam, Porbandar district
Bardasagar Reservoir, Rinawada Taluka
Introductory profile
Significance: As per SACON’s “Inland Wetland Conservation Atlas”, this is a
prioritized site and also a proposed Ramsar Site in Gujarat.
Location : Bardasagar (21° 45’ 5.93” N latitude, 69°33’7.29” E longitude) is
located at the distance of about 20 km north-west of Porbandar city. It is located
at an altitude of 5.98 m from mean sea level. Nearby villages are Rinawada and
Kesod (Bharat Rughani, Pers. Communication)
Biogeographic Region & Province: The Semi-Arid (4) & Gujarat-Rajwara (4B)
Region and District: Saurashtra, Porbandar district
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Other General information (based on secondary information):
Bardasagar dam is located in Porbandar taluka. It is surrounded by the villages
like Shrinagar (with 1,064 people belonging to 186 households), Baradiya village
(with 477 people in 101 households), Palkhada village (1,152 people in 223
households), Keshav village (with 794 people belonging to 166 households),
Modhvada village (with 3,211 people belonging to 640 households), Kindar
Kheda village (with 1,441 people in 302 households), Bharvada village (with
1,900 people in 400 households) and Rinavada village (with 751 people in 161
households). The area of the Bardasagar reservoir was found to be over 21 sq km
from Bhuvan ISRO. However, it can be as large as 32 sq. km with good rains
(Bharat Rughani, Pers. Comm.). The catchment area of the dam is 246 sq.km. The
perimeter of the reservoir was found to be about 24.5 km (Bhuvan Beta, ISRO).
The length of the bund (“paalo”) is about 8 km and it is about 8.5m wide (Bharat
Rughani, Pers. Comm.). From Amipur dam, this dam is located at the distance of
around 60 km. The source of water to Bardasagar dam is a few local “vahela”s
formed due to rainwater run off from the Barda hills.
Like Amipur dam, this dam too is located in the ‘Ghed’ region. ‘Ghed’ is the low-
lying region in north of Porbandar which frequently gets flooded during
monsoons. ‘Ghed’ region is situated adjacent to the western Saurashtra coast.
There are two sub-areas/sub-regions of Ghed area; i.e., ‘Barda Ghed’ and ‘Sorath
Ghed’. Bardasagar dam is located in Barda Ghed region unlike Amipur dam in
Sorathi Ghed. Comprehensive information has been provided about “Ghed” in the
general information about Amipur dam.
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Ghed areas- Bardasagar dam is located in Barda Ghed area (Source: http://www.peopleincentre.org/documents/HSVA_small.pdf)
Site description:
A view of the 4 km long bund of Bardasagar that is lined with Prosopis
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Bardasagar dam is located in quite interior area from the high-way. On reaching
the dam site, one at once notices its vastness, Barda hills in the backdrop,
excessive growth of Prosopis juliflora amidst the reservoir and agriculture land
on one side of the bund. The bund with untarred motorable track is very long (i.e.
4 km). Like at Amipur dam, where there is an intensive growth of Prosopis along
the bund creating obstruction for a bird observer, Bardasagar dam too has
Prosopis growth along the bund, but it is less profuse and more stunted resulting
in less obstruction to a bird observer. The profuse growth of Prosopis amidst the
reservoir basin gives this wetland an appearance of a swamp (i.e., a wooded
wetland). At places, the growth of the Prosopis along with grasses etc. in the
shallow waters of the reservoir was found to so profuse that large birds like
pelicans are seen swimming/resting in small pockets of open water or land
surrounded by Prosopis growth. Besides Prosopis, an observer walking along the
bund and observing the open waters of the reservoir notices considerable growth
of grasses etc. in the open water area and emergent vegetation in the waters
along/adjacent to the bund. There is considerable growth of floating-leaved
submersed aquatic vegetation too. It was also observed that though there were
no/very few islands within open water reservoir area, there were a few land-
bars/land-strips (w/wo Prosopis) amidst shallow waters, which facilitated resting
needs of waterfowl like Northern Pintail. On one such land-strip over 200 pintails
were seen resting on the day of visit.
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‘Swampy’ characteristic of Barda sagar reservoir
Waterbirds (Species Richness and Abundance):
Extensive and dense growth of Prosopis and marshy (emergent)/grassy vegetation
cover and rooted floating vegetation make it undoubtedly, one of the most
vegetated wetland habitat in Saurashtra. Such vegetation in/adjacent to the water
and agricultural land in the environs attract multitude of migratory cranes and
ducks which were seen using the reservoir on the days of visit. Population of
Pintails (n = 1,500) was found to be the maximum (in March 2008) among all the
wetlands of Saurashtra. This was the only wetland in Gujarat where adult
Dalmatian Pelican was found in breeding plumage (in March 2008). Good
congregation of Demoiselle Cranes and Greater Flamingos were the other
noticeable features of this wetland. The species recorded during the field visits
include Little Grebe(6), Red-necked Grebe (1), Great Crested Grebe (1),
Dalmatian Pelican (1), Great White Pelican (30), Little Cormorant (30), Great
Cormorant (4), Grey Heron (3), Purple Heron (3), Pond Heron (5), Great Egret
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(3), Intermediate Egret (3), Little Egret (13), Painted Stork (2), White Ibis (23),
Eurasian Spoonbii(22), Greater Flamingo (60), Northern Shoveler(30), Northern
Pintail (1,500), Comb Duck (15), Lesser Whistling Duck (1), Great White Pelican
(6), Common Pochard (60), Common Teal (100), Eurasian Wigeon (12), Gadwall
(400), Common Coot (10,000), Purple Swamphen (20). Sighting of Red-necked
Grebe can be considered to be an important achievement as this migratory grebe
is considered to be quite rare for Gujarat. Congregation of 1,500 Northern
Pintails should also be considered to be a remarkable phenomenon.
Gadhvi (2001) recorded following waterbirds in 1998.
Great Crested Grebe(50), Little Grebe(450), Great White Pelican(225), Large
Cormorant(26), Little Cormorant(210), Grey Heron(120), Purple Heron(50), Pond
Heron(310), Large Egret (375), Smaller Egret(40), Little Egret(35), Western Reef
Egret(220), Painted Stork(135), White Ibis(160), Black Ibis(28), Glossy Ibis(54),
Spoonbill(200), Lesser Whistling Teal(25),Ruddy Shelduck(35), Northern
Pintail(1000), Common Teal(220), Spot-billed Duck(200), Mallard(20), Gadwall
(12), Eurasian Wigeon (56), Garganey(180), Northern Shoveler (310), Common
Pochard (102), Comb Duck(48), Marsh Harrier(24), Common Crane (125),
Demmoiselle Crane (8,000), Ballion Crake(12), White-breasted Waterhen(10),
Indian/Common Moorhen(290), Purple Moorhen/Swamphen(40), Common
Coot(1240), Pheasant-tailed Jacana(45), Painted Snipe(18), Black-winged
Stilt(70), Great Stone-Plover(2), Collared Pratincole(56), White-tailed
Lapwing(10), Red-wattled Lapwing(47), Yellow-wattled Lapwing(14), Grey
Plover(12), Large Sand Plover(140), Little Ringed Plover(138), Kentish
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Plover(175), Whimbrel(8), Curlew(190), Black-tailed Godwit(36),
Greenshank(20), Green Sandpiper(27), Terrek Sandpiper(15), Pintail Snipe(30),
Sanderling(47), Little Stint(100), Dunlin(56), Curlew Sandpiper(140), Black-
headed Gull(40), Gull-billed Tern(30), Indian River Tern (80), Common
Kingfisher(14), White-breasted Kingfisher(40), Blyth’s Reed Warbler(14), Indian
Great Reed Warbler(25), Paddy-field Pipit(6), Grey-headed Yellow Wagtail(6),
Yellow-headed Wagtail(12), Grey Wagtail(17), White Wagtail(38), Large pied
Wagtail(15).
Total number of waterbird spp.(α diversity): Gadhvi (2001) recorded 72
species in December 1998.
Waterbird abundance level (on population scale of 0-6): Gadhvi(2001)
recorded 15,717 waterbirds. Moreover, 35,124 waterbirds recorded during
Mid-winter Asian Waterfowl Census of the year 2002. Based on there two
waterbird counts, Bardasagar’s waterbird abundance level should be
considered as “ Very High” (5) to “Abundant” (6) as highlighted in the table
below.
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Bird population *Population scale(0- Interpretation 6)
≥ 20, 000 ^ 6 Abundant
≥10,000 but <20,000(i.e., 10,000-19,999) 5 Very High
≥ 2,000 but < 10,000 but (i.e., 2,000-9,999) 4 High
≥ 200 but <2,000 but (i.e., 200-1,999) 3 Medium
≥ 20 but < 200 but (i.e., 20-199) 2 Low
< 20(i.e., 1-19) 1 Very Low
0(0) 0 Absent
Note that Asian Waterfowl Counts for Bardasagar were not available for other years.
Oriental White Ibis and Eurasian Spoonbills resting on a vegetated land-strip
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Dalmatian Pelican amidst Prosopis cover
Marsh Harrier engaged in aerial foraging
Red-necked Grebe-raw picture on left, cropped and zoomed picture on right This is one of the rarest migratory grebes for Gujarat State
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Northern Pintails resting on land-bar
Painted Stork foraging in shallow water
Demoiselle Cranes in agricultural fields adjacent to Bardasagar Dam
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Hydrophytes:
This is the only wetland in Saurashtra where rooted floating hydrophytes were
found present. Emergent hydrophytic cover constituted by Typha sp., Phragmites
sp. and plants of Cyperaceae family. Rooted floating plants, Nymphaea sp as also
Ipomoea aquatica occur. Submerged vegetation at least included Hydrilla.
Nymphaea sp.
Emergent plants of Cyperaceae family-Scirpus sp.
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Habitat Components:
Habitat diversity (on 0-5 quantitative scale with 1 habitat = 1 score-point) is 4
(open water, emergent vegetation cover, swampy patches of thorny shrubs, land-
strips). Of all the habitats, open water area constitutes highest proportion of
wetland area but it is extensively covered with dried Prosopis scrub cover, The
third-most dominant habitat is marshy vegetation, followed by land-bars/land-
strips amidst shallow waters. Considering the importance of “edge effect” in
wildlife management, following edges are important at any wetland: edge
between Prosopis scrub and open water (maximum), edge between open water
and marshy vegetation, edge between open water and land-bar/land-strip
(minimum and negligible).
Water quality:
pH- 8.5, Temp.- 30° C, TDS- 1,590 mg/l, Total Hardness- 180 mg/l, Ca- 90 mg/l,
Mg- 49 mg/l, Total Alkalinity: 470 mg/l, Chlorides- 785 mg/l, Sulphate-21 mg/l,
%Na-76 (in March 2008)
Socio-economic dependency:
People of surrounding villages like Shrinagar depend its waters for meeting
drinking/domestic water needs. However, the main utility of Bardasagar is of
irrigation for the crops like wheat, groundnut and ‘jeera’ (Bharat Rughani, Pers.
Comm). Villages benefited include Rinawada, Srinagar, Kaatelaa, Kesod, Modhwada.
Adverse factors against conservation:
Spread of Prosopis cover in open water area. Other factors unknown
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Spread of Prosopis juliflora within the reservoir
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Bhimdad dam, Bhavnagar district
Bhimdad dam & reservoir, Gadhada Taluka
Introductory profile:
Significance: As per SACON’s “Inland Wetland Conservation Atlas”, this is a
prioritized site in Gujarat.
Location : 22° 5' 13.6"N, 71° 34' 36.7"E. Bhimdad dam/ reservoir is located
near Bhimdad village at the distance of 13 km from Botad in Gadhada taluka of
Bhavnagar district. It is located at the distance of 70 km from the district head
quarter- Bhavnagar.
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Biogeographic Region & Province: The Semi-Arid (4) & Gujarat-Rajwara (4B)
Administrative Region and District: Saurashtra, Bhavnagar district
General information (based on secondary information and people’s perception):
Bhimdad dam is built on a tributary (namely, Madhu) of the Keri river. Keri is a
183.00 km long river that originates Hingolgadh hills (Chotila) and merges in
Gulf of Khambhat. Its catchment area is 560 sq. km. The Madh tributary of Keri
river, on which Bhimdad dam is siutuated has catchment area of 110 sq. km. The
Sukhbhadar dam, that is located at the distance of about 33 km from the origin of
the river. It is 716 m long at the top-most point. It is 22 m high above the lowest
point of the foundation. Its construction started in 1951 and completed in 1953.
The dam is built for irrigation purpose. The area of Bhimdad reservoir at full
reservoir level is 3.50 sq.km.
Purpose of creation: Irrigation
Water data:
Area at full reservoir level 3.50Km2
Gross storage capacity 11.07 Mm3
3 Effective storage capacity 11.07 Mm 3 Maximum discharge 975 m /sec Site Description:
This dam forms a moderate sized reservoir on the outskirts of Bhimdad village.
The peculiar feature of this wetland is the large shore area and shallow sheet of
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open water. Substantial portion of the shore area, especially one near the open
water was found to be muddy. Thus, this wetland has much to offer to both, open
water foragers (i.e., swimmers) and mudflat foragers (i.e., waders). Another
significant feature of this wetland is the near-absence of both emergent
hydrophytes as well as terrestrial weeds like Prosopis juliflora or Ipomoea carnea
on the shoreline.
Waterbirds (Species Richness and Abundance):
A medium sized wetland with shallow waters near shore and drying water spread
area. Due to comparatively shallow water at least towards shore and shrinking
water spread (as judged from the ‘belt’ of wet/moist/dry barren shore land
between open water and adjacent terrestrial upland), it represent typically
dynamic habitat conditions of a true wetland. It is very different from (and better
than) Sukhbhadar reservoir from waterbird point of view. Total number of
waterbird spp. (α diversity) had been 16 on the day of visit in March 2008 (Black-
tailed Godwit, Little Stint, Kentish/Little Ringed Plover, Red-wattled Lapwing,
Black-winged Stilt, Spot-billed Duck, Northern Shoveler, Northern Pintail,
Common Teal, Common Pochard, Gadwall, Coot, Great White Pelican, Grey
Heron, Painted Stork, Glossy Ibis, Great White Pelican).
Gadhvi (2001) had recorded 17 species of waterbirds with a total population of
3,448 individuals. Some of the dominant species that he recorded were Common
Coot (100), Common Crane (1,000), Demoiselle Crane (1,000), Tufted Duck
(100), Common Pochard (100), Northern Shoveler (200), Eurasian Wigeon (300),
Ruddy Shelduck (300), Eurasian Spoonbill (150), Great White Pelican (70) and
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Little Cormorant(50). Some of the rare species for the state that had been recorded
by Gadhvi (2006) are Black-necked Grebe, Bar-headed Geese and Common Tern.
Waterbird abundance level (on population scale of 0-6): Based on 3,448
individuals waterbirds recorded by Gadhvi (2001) and following tabularized
criterion adopted for this study, Bhimdad’s waterbird abundance level is
“High”(4) as highlighted below:
Bird population *Population scale(0- Interpretation 6)
≥ 20, 000 ^ 6 Abundant
≥10,000 but <20,000(i.e., 10,000-19,999) 5 Very High
≥ 2,000 but < 10,000 but (i.e., 2,000-9,999) 4 High
≥ 200 but <2,000 but (i.e., 200-1,999) 3 Medium
≥ 20 but < 200 but (i.e., 20-199) 2 Low < 20(i.e., 1-19) 1 Very Low
0(0) 0 Absent
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Shallow sheet of open water and shoreline provides good edge effect for foraging Glossy Ibis and other waders
Two Dalmatian Pelicans busy preening and an egret on look-out
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Black-tailed Godwit-a dominant wader at Bhimdad
A mixed flock of Painted Storks, Intermediate Egret, Northern Shovelers and a dark coloured Grey Heron
Hydrophytes:
Emergent hydrophytes like sedges and Typha spp. are absent. However,
considering the presence of coots, there must be some kind of submerged
hydrophytic plants, but this could not be verified due to unavailability of a boat.
Immediate margins of open waters are devoid of any kind of emergent hydrophytic vegetation. Prosopis and Euphorbia exist away from the margin
Habitat Components:
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Habitat diversity (on 0-5 quantitative scale with 1 habitat = 1 score-point) is 2
(open water, shore-land). Though open water area constitutes highest proportion
of overall habitat diversity of Bhimdad wetland area, the proportion of shore-land
too was found to be considerable during the field visit in the month of March due
to shrinkage of water-spread. Considering the importance of “edge effect” in
wildlife management, at Bhimdad the edge between open water-spread and flat
shore-land should be considered important. Of the various waterbirds recorded at
this wetland during the field-visit, waterbirds like Black-tailed Godwits, Glossy
Ibis, egrets, herons, stilts etc. were found foraging at the edge of shallow open
water and flat, muddy/wet shoreland. Moreover, Painted Stork , cormorants and
some migratory ducks like Common Teals and Shovelers were found resting at
the edge.
Bhimdad wetland’s open water area is lined with muddy shore that is desirable for waders. The other shore is lined by hillocky range
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Bhimdad wetland has large shore area, but its shallow open water area is devoid of islands/islets
Water quality:
pH-10.5, TDS: 825 mg/l, DO: 11.2, Total Alkalinity: 242 mg/l, Ca- 30 mg/l, Mg-
200 mg/l, Total Hardness- 230 mg/l, Chlorides-400 mg/l (in March 2008)
Socio-economic dependency:
Dam mainly caters to the irrigation needs of local people. The reservoir is also
used for fishing. On the day of survey, it was observed that villagers were
indulged in digging out the basin/shoreline soil and loading their tractor-trailers
with that soil to be transported to their respective fields. Thus, villagers use
wetland’s fertile soils for enriching the soils of their agricultural fields.
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Borewell on the shore of Bhimdad wetland get benefit of high groundwater table
Adverse factors against conservation:
However, village children and grazers were seen frequently wandering on the
margins of open waters and in turn, they approaching the edge of water thereby
disturbing the waterbirds. Digging out shoreline soil for enriching farm-soils by
many villagers imposes adverse impact on the wetland ecosystem of Bhimdad.
Villagers transporting loads of fertile soil of the dam to enrich their agricultural fields
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Dantiwanda dam, Banaskantha
Dantiwada dam
Introductory Profile:
Significance: A major dam of Banaskantha district in North Gujarat which is
located close to the Protected Areas (PAs) like Jessore Wildlife Sanctuary and
Balaram-Ambaji Wildlife Sanctuary.
Location: Dantiwada dam (24°19’57” N latitude and 72° 20’ 55 E longitude) is
located on the outer reaches of Dantiwada in Dhanera taluka of Banaskantha
district.
Biogeographic Region & Province: Semi-Arid (4) & Gujarat-Rajwada (4B)
Region and District: North Gujarat, Banaskantha district
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General information (based on secondary information and people’s perception):
Dantiwada dam was built in 1965 stands across the Banas River. It was mainly
built for the purpose of flood control and irrigation. The forests of Balaram-
Ambaji protected area and their environs, interspersed with numerous hills and
hillocks form watershed for Dantiwada reservoir. The length of the dam at the top
is 4.82 km long. The maximum height of the dam from the base is 61 m. When
full, the reservoir covers an area of 46.7 sq. km. The perimeter of the reservoir has
been found to be around 19 km (Bhuvan, ISRO). The mean annual rainfall in the
area is 940 mm.
Purpose of creation: Irrigation
Water data:
Area at full reservoir level 40.47 km2
Gross storage capacity 464 Mm3
Effective storage capacity 444 Mm3
Max. Discharge 7504 m3/sec
Site Description:
The site of Dantiwada dam is very picturesque. When seen from the top, one sees
an impressive mosaic of green crop-fields that surround the waterspread of the
Dantiwada dam reservoir. Moreover, hills in the backdrop enhance the view.
When one gets down through stairs, one sees some big rocks scattered here and
there. However, after crossing these rocks, one passes through a series of crop-
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fields to reach the edge of the open water area of the reservoir. Now and then
one approaches waterlogged pockets formed due to water thrown from an
irrigation diesel engine. Such pockets too are occupied by some waterbirds like
Painted Storks, ibises, egrets and some types of ducks. On reaching the vicinity
of the reservoir, one’s attention is drawn to a variety of birds like Bar-headed
Goose, Braminy Ducks, ducks, coots, storks and herons etc. Along the edge one
can see good growth of emergent hydrophyte; a sedge; i.e., Scirpus tuberosus.
Dantiwada dam-site is very picturesque and hilly
Waterbirds (Species richness and abundance): Dantiwada dam is the important
Bar-headed Goose area in Gujarat. In January 2009, over 300 Bar-headed Goose
were recorded. They can be seen on grassy shore considerably away from the
main dam site or in open water area towards the main dam site or on islets amidst
the water. Besides Bar-headed Goose, this dam-site is also well-known for
wintering Grey-lag Goose. Up to 300 Grey-lag Geese can occur here (Thakkar
1999). In January 2010, following waterbirds were recorded: Bar-headed Goose
(100+), rahminy Duck (4+), Northen Pintail (200+), Northern Shoveler (100+),
Common Teal (250+), Eurasian Wigeon (12), Spotbilled Duck (10), Great
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Cormorant (20), Common Coot (500+), Little Grebe (16), Glossy Ibis (1),
Eurasian Spoonbill (4), Asian Openbill (1), Painted Stork (4), Greater Flamingo
(Great Cormorants (50+), Black-winged Stilt (14), Pied Avocet (20), Little Stint
(6), Black-tailed Godwit(5), Common Redshank (1), Greenshank (1), Marsh
Harrier (1), Greater Spotted Eagle (1), In the past, i.e., in April 2002, a Grey-
headed Fish-Eagle was recorded at Dantiwada dam (Tatu 2002). Area of
Dantiwada dam also support the vulnerable Indian Sarus Crane.Prajapati (2010)
recorded following waterbirds in June 2010: Sarus Crane (13), Greater Flamingo
(36), Painted Stork (32), Eurasian Spoonbill (46), Oriental White Ibis (36).
Mid-winter Asian Waterfowl Counts (AWC) has been available for some years
and they are as follows: 2004(14,609), 1994(2,271), 1992(2,511), 1991(547),
1990 (930).
Thus, maximum waterbird abundance level for Dantiwada dam can be considered
to be “Very High” (5) as shown in the table below. However, considering 547
,930, 2271 and 2511 waterbirds recorded during different AWCs, the usual
waterbird abundance level can be considered as “Medium” (3) to “High”(4) as
shown in the table below.
Bird population *Population scale(0- Interpretation 5)
≥ 20, 000 ^ 6 Abundant
≥10,000 but <20,000(i.e., 10,000-19,999) 5 Very High
≥ 2,000 but < 10,000 but (i.e., 2,000-9,999) 4 High
≥ 200 but <2,000 but (i.e., 200-1,999) 3 Medium
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≥ 20 but < 200 but (i.e., 20-199) 2 Low
< 20(i.e., 1-19) 1 Very Low
0(0) 0 Absent
Coots and migratory ducks (Gadwall, Pintails etc.)
Migratory ducks and waders in shallow waters near shore
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Large number of Pintails and Shovelers in flight givesindication of high waterfowl population at Dantiwada dam
Greenshank resting at the edge of water Little Ringed Plover foraging
Considerable grass cover attracts grazers like Ruddy Shelduck
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Spot-billed Ducks resting at the edge Northern Pintails at the edge of an isletbetween shore and shallow water
Eurasian Spoonbill with ducks and egrets Little Grebes in open waters near shore
Greenshank and other sandpipers
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Bar-headed Geese flying in front of main dam Bar-headed Geese resting on grassy shore
Bar-headed Geese grazing in a linear configuration on a grassy shore along with Brahminy Ducks
A flock of flying Bar-headed Geese enhances the beauty of the picturesque site of Dantiawada dam
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A flock of Eurasian Spoonbills busy foraging in shallow waters undisturbed by the noise of diesel engine used for irrigation by farmers at Dantiwada dam
Storks-‘Near Threatened’ Painted Storks (adults and a juvenile) and Asian Openbill
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Dantiwada is the only dam site in Gujarat where Avocets were recorded during thepresent study. A Great Egret and Northern Shovelers accompanying Avocets
Dantiwada may be one of the few sites in hilly terrain where Greater Flamingos occur
Gull-billed Tern Indian River Tern
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Greater Spotted Eagle-a wetland Grey Heron dependent raptor
Hydrophytes:
Among the emergent hydrophytes, Scirpus tuberesosus is the predominant
species. In the month of January, it was seen endowed with inflorescence. This
plant was found restricted to shore waters and thus it did not occur along the
edges of islets.. Among submerged hydrophytes, Vallisneria spirallis, Hydrilla
verticelata and Potamogeton crispus were found present in near-shore waters.
Scirpus tuberosus-an abundant emergent hydrophyte at DantiwadaIt was known to be very common in Siberian crane’s feeding areaat KNP)
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Submerged hydrophytes: Hydrilla verticellata & Vallisneria spiralis (left) & Potamogeton crispus (right)
Habitat Components:
Habitat diversity (on 0-5 quantitative scale with 1 habitat = 1 score-point) is 3
(open water, shore-land with/without grass-cover, islets). The reservoir of this
dam represents fairly well-balanced proportion of open water expanse and
surrounding shoreland with grass cover. There is no rampant growth of Prosopis
on shore too. There are few islets amidst water on which waterbirds like Bar-
headed Geese, Eurasian Spoonbills, some ducks and cormorants were found
resting during field observations. The desirable aspect of the shoreland is not only
its more or less non-hillocky, flat terrain and good expanse, but also moderate to
good grass cover on the shore adjacent to open water and predominance of
croplands (e.g. wheat field) in surrounding landscape. Grasses and crops provide
good food resource to several ducks and geese. During observations, hundreds of
geese were found foraging on grassy edges of the shoreland and local farmers had
reported that birds like geese and Brahminy Ducks enter the crop-field for
foraging, often at night.
Water quality:
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pH-9, Water Temperature-21°C (morn., January), TDS-380 mg/l, Total Hardness-
296, Ca-70 mg/l, Mg-29 mg/l, Total Alkalinity-210 mg/l, Chlorides-90 mg/l,
Sulphates- 27 mg/l, %Na-19
Socio-economic dependency:
Mainly used for irrigating the fields in the dam’s environs (wheat and paddy are
main crops). Also used for fishing to some extent. The grass-covered shores are
used for grazing sheep and goats. Local people also use water for drinking.
Adverse factors against conservation:
Intensive agricultural practice in the immediate environs is undesirable. Algal
blooming in the water near the shore may be due to man-induced eutrophication
from fertilizers applied in the agricultural fields.
Water exploited for irrigation Algal bloom in the waters near the shore
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Sheep being grazed on shore that may lead to accelerated shore erosion
Irrigation canals have brought marsh crocodiles to the dam site
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Dev dam/ Reservoir, Panchmahal district
Dev Dam, Halol Taluka
Introductory Profile:
Significance: As per SACON’s “Inland Wetland Conservation Atlas”, this is a
prioritized site in Gujarat. Also a Proposed Ramsar Site from Gujarat (Source:
SACON’s Atlas for Wetland Conservation),
Location: Dev Irrigation Reservoir, is located in Halol taluka of Panchmahal
district at 22˚ 22’ N latitudes and 73˚ 33’ E longitudes.
Biogeographic Region & Province: The Semi-Arid (4) & Gujarat-Rajwara (4B)
Administrative Region and District: Central Gujarat, Panchmahals
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General information (based on secondary information and people’s perception):
The dam is constructed on Dev river at Kuberpura village. It is situated at the
distance of just 17 km from Baska village on Halol-Vadodara state high way.
There are two dams constructed on the River Dev and its tributary Tadia and an
ogee shaped gated masonry spillway with 8 gates located in the saddle on the left
side of Dev river. The two dams are linked together by an open cut channel. The
dam has gross storage capacity of 84.09 MCM of water with irrigation capacity of
37.32 sq.km. The reservoir, which is under the control of state irrigation
department, was built under the World Bank aid (Parasharya and Jani 2006). Its
waterpread area is 16.68 sq. km. at the full reservoir level (89.65 m). The
submergence area is 18.68 sq. km. The dam’s height upto top of the dam is of
about 93.65 m (Parasharya and Jani 2006).
Dev Dam has well-constructed road
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Pavagadh hill is in the background of open water area of Dev Dam
Purpose of creation: Irrigation
Water data:
Gross storage capacity 84.09 Mm3
Effective storage capacity 76.33 Mm3
Max. Discharge 4118 m3/sec
Site Description:
The site of this wetland is located near Kabirpura village. The dam is built amidst
hillocks and that adds to the beauty of the reservoir. At far distance on the eastern
side, Pavagadh Hill can be seen. Shallow edges of the reservoir touch the
boundary of Halol and Shivrajpur talukas. A tar road exists from dam site to
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Shivrajpur , assing through the villages located on the edge of the reservoir. It is
interesting to note that this road touches the edge of Jambughoda Forest at the
village Rani Ranbhet (Parashrya 2005). On the shallow edge, crop cultivation can
be usually seen on drying margins. Crops like pigeonpea and maize are common
in this area (Parashrya 2005).
Dev reservoir is situated amidst hillocks that adds to the beauty of it
There is lush green canopy cover on one side of the dam
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Waterbirds (species richness and abundance):
Parasharya and Jani (2006) recorded a total of 6,822 waterbirds in January 2005.
Of these, 3,441 were ducks and 72 were shorebirds. No waterbird species were
recorded when the dam was visited in February 2008 and March 2009. However,
Parashrya et al (2005) recorded following species in January 2005: Little Grebe
(06), Great Cormorant (29), Little Cormorant (69), Indian Cormorant (20),
Oriental Darter(1), Grey Heron(1), Pond heron (20), Cattle Egret(65), Great Egret
(4), Smaller/Median Egret (8), Little Egret(15),Asian Openbill (10), Oriental
White Ibis (3), Black Ibis (14), Glossy Ibis(11), Eurasian Spoonbill (7), Greylag
Goose (24), Lesser Whistling Duck(15),Common Teal(1395),Spotbill Duck (49,
Gadwall (5), Eurasian Wigeon (14),,Gaganey (266), Northern Shoveler (64),
Northern Pintail (296), Brahminy Duck (21), Cotton Teal (45), Comb Duck (42),
White-breasted Waterhen (2), Eurasian Curlew(2), Black-tailed Godwit
(34),Common Redshank (2),Marsh Sandpiper (1),Wood Sandpiper (4), Common
Sandpiper (4), Black-winged Stilt(16), Little Stint (10), Ruff(30),Black-winged
Stilt (16), Coot (2862), Red-wattled Lapwing (2),Little Ringed Plover (1), Kentish
Plover (2), Whiskered Tern (2),Gull-billed Gull (31), Indian River Tern (12),
Indian Pied Kingfisher (1), Small Blue Kingfisher (1), White-breasted Kingfisher
(2), Yellow Wagtail (30), White Wagtail (2),Yellow-headed Wagtail (4), Grey
Wagtail (2), Marsh Harrier (2), Osprey (1), Total waterbird species(α diversity)
= 55 in late January. Jadhav (2002) recorded following waterbirds in February
2002: Common Coot (157), Nukta (179), Ruddy Shelduck (55), Spotbill Duck
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(29), Eurasian Spoonbill (32), Little Cormorant (222), Grey Heron (1), Purple (1),
Darter (3), River Tern (5).
Apart from 6.822 waterbirds recorded by Parashrya et al (2005), few mid-winter
Asian Waterfowl Counts are also available as shown below: 1991(1,672
waterbirds), 1992 (900), 2002 (5991), 2003(2,825), 2004(32,157), 2006(8,223
birds)
Waterbird abundance level (on the *population scale 0-6)
Considering maximum number of waterbirds (i.e., 32,157) recorded in mid-winter
AWC 2004, it can be said that the maximum waterbird abundance level for Dev
Dam is “Abundant” (6). However, considering 6,822 waterbirds recorded by
Parashrya et al (2005), 5,991 waterbirds recorded in 2002, 8223 waterbirds
recorded in 2006 and 2,825 waterbirds recorded in 2003 AWC, it can be
considered that the usual waterbird abundance level of Dev Dam has been “High”
(4).
Bird population *Population scale(0- Interpretation 6)
≥ 20, 000 ^ 6 Abundant
≥10,000 but <20,000(i.e., 10,000-19,999) 5 Very High
≥ 2,000 but < 10,000 but (i.e., 2,000-9,999) 4 High
≥ 200 but <2,000 but (i.e., 200-1,999) 3 Medium
≥ 20 but < 200 but (i.e., 20-199) 2 Low
< 20(i.e., 1-19) 1 Very Low
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0(0) 0 Absent
Hydrophytes:
Dev dam is moderately rich in aquatic/hydrophytic plant-life. Submerged plants
Vallisneria spiralis and Chara sp. (a macro-alga) are common and perpetual in
waters along the edge of this reservoir. However, due to unavailability of a boat,
entire reservoir could not be surveyed for hydrophytic vegetation. Parasharya and
Jani (2006) have recorded following thirty eight aquatic/hydrophytic plants:
Azolla pinnata, Ceratophyllum demersum, Chara sp.(mavro-algae), Nitella
sp.(macro-algae), Ipomoea aquatica, Ipomoea carnea, Cyperus alopecuroides, C.
alulatus, C. difformis, C. pygmaneus, C. rotundus, Fimbristylis miliacea, Scirpus
articulates, S.littoralis, S. roylei, S. supinus, Hydrilla verticellata, Ottelia
alismoides, Vallisneria spiralis, Wolffia globosa, Marsilea quadrifolia, Najas
graminea, N. marina, N.minor, Potamogeton crispus, P.nodusus, P.pectinatus,
Typha ungustata.
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Vallisnaria spiralis – an abundant submerged hydrophyte in waters along the shore
Water Quality:
Water quality was assessed for December 2008.
The values for the water quality parameters in December 2008 are as follows:
Water temperature: 22°C, pH: 9.4, TDS:115 ppm, DO: 3.4 mg/L, Total
Hardness: 101 mg/L, Total Alkalinity: 130 mg/L, Ca: 35 mg/L, Mg: 58 mg/L,
Chlorides: 31 mg/L
Habitat Components
Diversity of habitat components (on 0-5 quantitative scale): 2 (Open Water, Islet).
This is a huge open water area with an isolated islet amidst open water. Open
water periphery is having negligible amount of flat shoreland suitable for
resting/roosting of waterbirds. Majority of portion is under embankments or
hillocky terrain.
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Open water area is monotonously predominant in Dev Dam
Socio-economic dependency:
People depend on this wetland for irrigation. Out of the total land under irrigation,
62% land is in Waghodia taluka of Vadodara district and 38% of land is in Halol
taluka of Panchmahal district. There is also an agreement with Vadadara
Municipal Corportation to provide drinking water to Vadadara city whenever the
need arises (Parasharya and Jani (2006)).
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Adverse factors against conservation/Threats:
Legally unprotected wetland and thus possibility of poaching of waterbirds cannot
be ignored. Moreover, being a dam, the water might be too deep for
dabbling/surface feeding ducks.
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Dharoi dam, Sabarkantha district
Dharoi dam’s reservoir, Kheralu taluka
Introductory Profile:
Significance: Included as a priority wetland in “Inland Wetland Conservation
Atlas of SACON” (Source: Inland Wetland Conservation Atlas, SACON).
Location: Dharoi dam (24 °1’ 20.69” N and 72°54’ 10.16”E at center) is located
in Mehasana, Sabarkantha and Banaskantha districts. The largest area (covering
partly central, southern, eastern and south-eastern portions) falls in Sabarkantha
district (: approx. 60% of total area), second-largest area falls in Banaskantha
district (covering partly central, northern and north-eastern portions (approx 34%
of total area) and the smallest portion (approx. 6% of total area) falls in Mehsana
district.. Some of the peripheral villages/towns are Gadhada Shamlaji, Delvad
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Kampa, Ambawada and Babsar in Sabarkantha district, Danta in Banaskantha
district and Dharoi in Mehsana district.
Biogeographic Region & Province: Semi-Arid (4) & Gujarat-Rajwada (4B)
Region and District: North Gujarat, Sabarkantha/Mehsana/Banaskantha districts
General Description:
Dharoi dam is built across the river Sabrmati near Dharoi village. Mean annual
rainfall in this area is 633 mm. Though the major portion of the Dharoi reservoir
is located in Sabarkantha district, the dam itself is located in Mehsana district,.
The maximum height of the dam from the base is 46 m, and length of the dam at
top is 1.2 km. The area of Dharoi reservoir at full reservoir level is 107 sq. km. Its
perimeter was found to be about 60 km (Bhuvan, ISRO). The catchment area of
Dharoi dam is 5,475 sq. km and the dam’s gross storage capacity is 908 Mm3. Its
construction started in the year 1971 and it was completed in 1978. Dharoi dam
benefits 59 villages of Kheralu taluka, 28 in Visnagar taluka, 16 villages in
Sidhpur taluka, 7 villages of Mehsana taluka and 17 villages of Vijapur taluka; all
falling in Mehsana district. It also benefits 41 villages of Idar taluka and 9 villages
of Himmatnagar taluka of Sabarkantha district.
Purpose of creation: Irrigation and water supply
Water data:
Gross storage capacity 907.88 Mm3
Effective storage capacity 132 Mm3
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Max. Discharge 21,662 m3/sec
Waterbirds (Species Reichness and Abundance level): From waterbird point of
view, site of Dike. No. 2 in Babsar village (Varahi taluka, Sabarkantha) on the
eastern side of the main dam, Delwaad Kampaa on Vadali-Khedbrahma road and
reservoir area towards Shamlajina Gadhada are good (Thakar 2000). Thakkar
(2011) had recorded the roosting of thousands of Great Cormants near dike no. 2
of Dharoi dam. However, during the field visit in late winters during two
consecutive years of the current study, poor waterbird diversity/abundance were
recorded. Thus, except for Little Cormorants, Oriental Darter, Little Grebe, egrets,
Grey Heron, Glossy Ibis, Red-wattled Lapwing, Black-winged Stilt, and herons in
low numbers, no waterbirds (like migratory ducks, coots and waders) were
recorded. Through conversations with local fishermen/villagers, it could be
inferred that waterbirds like Common Coot, Northern Shoveler, Northern Pintail
and Common Pochard certainly occur at Dharoi. Thakkar (1999, 2001) has
recorded good numbers of Grey-lag Geese (150-400 every winter) and Bar-
headed Geese (29-210 recorded). However, on the whole, being a deep waterbody
might be less attractive to the surface feeding ducks and waders. However, Mid-
winter Asian Waterfowl Count (AWC) is available for 1988 (106 waterbirds),
1991 (395 waterbirds), 1992 (6,222 waterbirds) and 1994 (8,744 waterbirds),
2002 (552 waterbirds).
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Considering AWC counts of the years mentioned above and very few waterbirds
(<20)., waterbirds abundance level for Dharoi can be considered to be ranging
from “Very low”(2) to “Medium” (3).
Bird population *Population scale(0- Interpretation 5)
≥ 20, 000 ^ 6 Abundant ≥10,000 but <20,000(i.e., 10,000-19,999) 5 Very High
≥ 2,000 but < 10,000 but (i.e., 2,000-9,999) 4 High
≥ 200 but <2,000 but (i.e., 200-1,999) 3 Medium
≥ 20 but < 200 but (i.e., 20-199) 2 Low
< 20(i.e., 1-19) 1 Very Low
0(0) 0 Absent
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Foraging Grey Heron Great Cormorants
Common Pochards
Hydrophytes:
No visible emergent/free-floating/rooted floating vegetation except Hydrilla
verticellata and Potamogeton crispus near the shore of the main
reservoir.Investigation for the submersed hydrophytes may need further
investigation using a boat that was unavailable on the day of the visit. In a big
waterlogged pocket near the main reservoir Marsellia quadrifolia, Nymphaea
nauchali and Scirpus sp. were seen.
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Aquatic fern- Marsillia and submerged angiosperm- Hydrilla
Potamogeton crispus
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Nymphaea nauchalli.
Hydrilla verticillata at Dharoi dam
Habitat Components:
Habitat diversity score (on 0-5 quantitative scale with 1 habitat = 1 score-point) is
3 (open water, shore with/without cultivation, islands). It may be noted that
majority of islands in Dharoi reservoir are in fact rocky hillocks/mounds. Hills
also exist in surrounding landscape. Shoreland
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Hills in surrounding landscape
Flat shoreland between open water and hill-slope
Socio-economic dependency:
Fishing is a major socio-economic activity within the reservoir due to perpetual
availability of ‘Rohu’, ‘Catla’, ‘Mrigal’, ‘Shawl’/ ‘Singara’, ‘Dok’ etc., Fishing is
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mainly carried out by fishermen from outside Gujarat (e.g., mainly from Bihar).
Apart from fishing, grazing of livestock and cultivation on shore was observed.
However, the major socio-economic dependency is for irrigation in the command
area. Apart from that, a major dependency is of the city of Ahmedabad that
depends on Dharoi dam for water supply. Total 127 villages of Mehasana district
(falling in Visnagar, Kheralu, Sidhpur, Mehsana and Vijapur) and 50 villages of
Sabarkantha district (falling in Idar and Himmatnagar talukas) fall in its command
area and thus depend on this dam for irrigation.
Local farmers extract water for irrigation
Threats and Disturbances (Adverse factors against conservation):
Shore-land cultivation in immediate vicinity of open water area can be a matter of
concern from view point of shoreline erosion (leading to sedimentation) and
pesticide/fertilizers draining into water. Similarly, grazing by goats on shore-land
may also be undesirable from the viewpoint of shoreland erosion. Fishing is quite
an intensive activity which may be undesirable from the view-point of disturbance
to migratory waterbirds.
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Fishermen boat
On-shore farming
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Goats being grazed upon the shoreline–ecologically undesirable
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Ghee dam, Jamnagar district
Ghee dam, Khambhaliya taluka
Introductory Profile:
Significance: As per SACON’s “Inland Wetland Conservation Atlas”, this is a
prioritized wetland site
Location: Located at 22°11'22"N, 69°39'18"E in Khambhaliya taluka, Jamnagar
district. It is located at the distance of only 1 km from the center of Khambhaliya
(Jam Khambhaliya) city.
Biogeographic Region & Province: The Semi-Arid (4) & Gujarat-Rajwara (4B)
Administrative Region and District: Saurashtra, Jamnagar district
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Other general information (based on secondary information and people’s
perception):
Ghee dam is the life line of Khambhaliya, the city that is famous for high quality
“ghee”. The dam is built on a local river of Saurashtra called “Ghee”. This is a
23.00 km long river that originated from a location near Bhandariya Kothariya
village of Khambhaliya taluka (Jamnagar district) and merges with the Arabian
sea near Salaya port. The Ghee dam is an earthern dam that is 1.46 km long. It is
17 m high above the lowest point of the foundation. The area of the Ghee
reservoir at full reservoir level is 3.98 sq.km.
Site Description:
Ghee dam forms a largish reservoir on the outskirts of the city of
Khambhaliya.Though large portion of the shore on one side (i.e., Khambhaliya
side) of this dam/reservoir has a sloping embankment, shoreline on other sidesis
natural (i.e., without embankment). Thus, Ghee dam has huge open water area
surrounded byconsiderable length of shoreline that seems to contribute to increase
Ghee dam’s value as a waterbird habitat. However, there are only a couple of
islands in this reservoir and thus the vast sheet of open water remains more or less
uninterrupted by land; the feature that is not desirable from waterbird point of
view. Good emergent vegetation growth is almost absent on the margins of the
reservoir. Owing to a levelled, well-maintained road on the embankment that
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covers one side of the reservoir almost completely, the waterbirds of this reservoir
can be satisfactorily surveyed.
Purpose of creation: Water supply
Water Data:
Mean Annual Rainfall 457 mm
Catchment Area 130 sq. km
Gross storage capacity 13.84 Mm3
Effective storage capacity 12.70 Mm3
Max. Discharge 671 m3/sec
Waterbirds (Species Richness and Abundance):
A large-sized dam/reservoir with deep water and high, abrupt bund at least along
two sides. As far as habitat component diversity and habitat quality are concerned,
it is somewhat similar to Sukhbhadar dam. However, it was found to support
richer waterbird life despite the fact that it is just on the outskirts of a buzzing
town called Jam Khambhaliya. Following waterbirds were recorded in Nov. 2008
and March 2008 (with max. count for the species in brackets). Black-tailed
Godwit (20), Red-wattled Lapwing (48), Yellow-wattled Lapwing (3), Black-
winged Stilt (8), Spot-billed Duck (20), Northern Shoveler (25), Northern
Pintail(30), Great Crested Grebe(1), Red-necked Grebe(1, see picture), Great
White Pelican (45), Dalmatian Pelican (1), Common Teal(20), Unidentified ducks
(500+), Coot(100), Little Cormorant(10), Indian Cormorant(3), Little Egret (3),
Black Ibis (1), Glossy Ibis(7), Black-headed Ibis (3), Open-bill Stork (10), Grey
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Heron (2), Great Thick-knee (13), Demoiselle Crane (250), Common Sandpiper
(1) on 15-3-2008. Total number of waterbird spp. (α diversity): at least 15 as
observed in November 2008. A total of 887 waterbirds were recorded in January
2002 during Mid-winter Asian Waterfowl Count (AWC).
Waterbird abundance level (on population scale of 0-6):
“Medium” (3) considering the population on the days of visit and AWC.
Bird population *Population scale(0- Interpretation 6)
≥ 20, 000 ^ 6 Abundant
≥10,000 but <20,000(i.e., 10,000-19,999) 5 Very High
≥ 2,000 but < 10,000 but (i.e., 2,000-9,999) 4 High
≥ 200 but <2,000 but (i.e., 200-1,999) 3 Medium
≥ 20 but < 200 but (i.e., 20-199) 2 Low
< 20(i.e., 1-19) 1 Very Low
0(0) 0 Absent
White Wagtail on the margins of Great Crested Grebe at remote the Ghee reservoir distance
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Two views of a Red-necked Grebe-a vagrant species for Gujarat. It differs from Great Crested Grebe having thicker neck that has grey/brown colour, contrasting difference between black on head and white cheeks
Hydrophytes:
No floating hydrophytic vegetation could be seen in the reservoir. However,
Typha angustata and some type of tall emergent hydrophytes (most likely
belonging to Cyperaceae family) are present in the marshy patch outside the
reservoir on the other side of the bund. Moreover, submerged hydrophytes like
Vallisneria spiralis and Hydrilla verticillata were found densely growing
patchily.
Shallow open water near shore displays patchy dense growth of submerged vegetation
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Vallisneria spiralis--red coloured leaves indicate Flowering in Vallisneria exposure to bright sunlight
Dense bed of Chara sp. at Ghee dam A closer view of Chara
Submerged hydrophyte- Hydrilla
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Habitat Components
Habitat diversity (on 0-5 quantitative scale with 1 habitat = 1 score-point) is 3
(open water, shore-land and islet/island). The open water area constitutes the
highest proportion of overall habitat diversity of Ghee reservoir. There is only one
islet of fairly moderate size. The proportion of shore-land that can be utilized by
waterbirds for resting/roosting was found to be considerable and thus proportion
of islets was found to be negligible in comparison with that of shore-land. Major
portion of shore-land was found to be restricted to the sides except the side with
bund. “Edge effect” is considered very important in wildlife management. At
Ghee reservoir, the edge between open water-spread and flat shore-land should be
considered important due to its large extent. Edge between open water and the
only islet of fairly moderate size also have some limited utility for the
resting/roosting of waterbirds.
Exposed dry/wet Shoreland, Open Water, arms of shoreland extending into open water and an Islet amidst Open Water
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Shroreline associated with open water Islet amidst open water area
Edge between open water and shore-the most dominant edge making Ghee reservoir a desirable waterbird habitat
Water Quality:
pH: 9, Temp: 27°C at noon, TDS: 1440 mg/L, Ca: 24 mg/L, Mg: 6 mg/L, Total
Hardness: 90 mg/L, Total alkalinity: 170 mg/L, Chlorides: 50 mg/L, Sulphate- 29
mg/L, %Na: 64 (in Nov. 2008).
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Socio-economic dependency:
Fishing, irrigation, town water supply
Adverse factors against conservation:
Unknown. However, fishing was noted and it may be a disturbing factor for
waterbirds. As the margins of the reservoir are almost devoid of emergent
vegetation or other terrestrial vegetation, erosion of shores and siltation of
waterbody are likely.
Hathmati Dam, Sabarkantha District
A view of Hathmati Dam
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A View of Hathmati Dam (Source:NWRD)
Introductory Profile:
Significance: A major dam of Sabarkantha district in North Gujarat which is
well-known as waterbird-especially migratory geese-habitat
Location: Hathmati dam (23° 42’N latitude and 73°13” E longitude) is located
on at Fatepur village in Bhiloda taluka of Sabarkantha district.
Biogeographic Region & Province: Semi-Arid (4) & Gujarat-Rajwada (4B)
Region and District: North Gujarat, Sabarkantha district
General information (based on secondary information and peoples’s perception) :
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Hathmati dam that was built in 1968 stands across the Hathmati River. Hathmati
river rises from Gujaat Malwa hill south western foothills of the Rajasthan range
near Godad at 23° 55’ N latitude and 73°29’ E longitude. After traversing for 98
km from its origin this river meets the River Sabarmati at Ged village (20 km
south west of Himmatnagar in Sabarkantha district). Bodoli and Guhai have been
the two tributaries of Hathmati river. The dam was mainly built for the purpose of
flood control and irrigation. The total length of the dam at the top is 1.39 km. The
maximum height of the dam from the river base is 23 m. The reservoir covers an
area of 32 sq. km and it can be approached from Bamna village and Vankaner
village for observing waterbirds. Its catchment area is 595 sq. km. Forests of
Balaram-Ambaji and its environs interspersed with surrounding hills constitute
watershed area. However, it is highly erratic that varies from 580 mm to 864 mm
annually. The full reservoir level is 181 m. The command area of this dam is
738.18 sq km. It provides irrigation water to 88 villages.
Purpose of creation: Irrigation and flood control
Water Data:
Mean Annual Rainfall 864 mm
Catchment Area 595 sq. km
Mean Annual Run-off in catchment 123 Mm3
Gross storage capacity 161 Mm3
Effective storage capacity 153 Mm3
Max. Discharge 2943 m3/sec
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Waterbirds (Species Richness and Abundance):
Hathmati dam has supported substantial population of Greylag Goose and Bar-
headed Goose in the past. In 1992 about 1,180 Greylag Geese were recorded
(Thakkar 1999). It is not uncommon to see 100-400 birds during wintering
season. In January 1998, about 150 Bar-headed Geese had been recorded at this
wetland (Thakkar 2001).
In mid-winter season (Jan., Feb.) of 2005, following waterbird species were
recorded (Parasharya and Jani (2006)):
Little Grebe (6,10), Little Cormorant (110,162), Darter (0,1), Grey Heron (7,3),
Pond Heron (5,11), Cattle Egret (292,315), Smaller/Median Egret (7,8), Little
Egret (8,19), Painted Stork (3,7), Openbill Stork (2,4), Oriental White Ibis (1,4),
Black Ibis (2,10), Glossy Ibis (1,0), Eurasian Spoonbill (24,30), Greater
Flamingo(19,19), Greylag Goose (40,45), Lesser Whistling Duck (0,30), Ruddy
Shelduck (32,30), Northern Pintail (242,220), Common Teal (255,260), Spotbill
Duck (67,68), Mallard (6,0), Gadwall(258,265), Eurasian Wigeon (7,8),
Garganey Teal (6,4), Northern Shoveler (43,40), Common Pochard (298,300),
Tufted Duck (26,20), Comb Duck (2,41), Indian Moorhen (2,6), Common
Coot (883,510), Red-wattled Lapwing (36,45), Little Ringed Plover(5,14),
Kentish Plover(4,4), Black-tailed Godwit (24,25), Common Redshank (0,1),
Marsh Sandpiper (0,8), Wood Sandpiper (0,2), Common Sandpiper (1,1), Fantail
Snipe (16,10), Little Stint (27,30), Ruff (10,17), Blackwinged Stilt (8,9), Great
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Blackheaded Gull (2,0), Black-headed Gull (1,0), Indian River Tern (1,2), White-
breasted Waterhen (1,0), Yellow Wagtail (10,10), White Wagtail (2,0).
Mid-winter Asian Waterfowl Census (AWC) data for Hathmati is available for
the years 1991(1,428 birds), 1992 (2,080), 1994(493), 2004(10,186).
Total no. of bird species recorded through field visit (α diversity) = 49,
Waterbird abundance level (on population scale of 0-6):
Considering 10,186 waterbirds recorded in 2004 AWC, it can be considered that
maximum waterbird abundance level for Hathmati dam’s reservoir is “Very
High” (5). However, considering 1,428 and 2080 birds recorded in 1991 and 1992
respectively, its usual waterbird abundance level can be considered to be
“Medium” (3) as shown in table below:
Bird population *Population scale(0- Interpretation 6)
≥ 20, 000 ^ 6 Abundant
≥10,000 but <20,000(i.e., 10,000-19,999) 5 Very High
≥ 2,000 but < 10,000 but (i.e., 2,000-9,999) 4 High
≥ 200 but <2,000 but (i.e., 200-1,999) 3 Medium ≥ 20 but < 200 but (i.e., 20-199) 2 Low
< 20(i.e., 1-19) 1 Very Low
0(0) 0 Absent
Hydrophytes:
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Chara sp. and Nitella sp. have been the submerged macro-algae recorded at
Hathmati reservoir. Among the submerged rooted hydrophytes Hydrilla
verticillata, Najas spp., Potamogeton crispus, P. nodusus and P. pectinatus have
been recorded. Parasharya and Jani (2006) recorded Ottelia alismoides among
submerged hydrophytes. In the category of the floating leaved submerged rooted
plants Ipomoea aquatica and Marsilea quadrifolia (an aquatic fern) should be
considered. Parasharya and Jani (2006) also recorded Trapa natans and Spirodela
sp. in this category. Among emergent hydrophytes Polygonum sp., Typha
angustata Cyperus.diformis, C. rotundus and Scirpus articulatushave been
recorded. Parasharya and Jani (2006) also recorded emergent plants like
Bulbostylis barbata and Cyperus alopecuroides.
Water Quality:
pH: 8.5, Temp: 32.5 °C TDS: 160, DO: 7.0, B.O.D.: 2.0, COD: 16, NH3-N: 1.12,
PO4-P4: 0.02 (Parasharya and Jani (2006))
Habitat Components:
Diversity of habitat components (On 0-5 quantitative scale): 2 (open water,
shoreland). Though open water area has the largest extent, the land of eastern-
shore penetrates considerably into open waters in the form of two major arms.
Thus though at large, istets/islands are absent in Hathnati dam, such arms can
facilitate waterfowl resting/roosting. The surrounding landscape is hilly.
Socio-economics:
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Fishing and irrigation are the two major socio-economic dependencies. Fishing is
done by fishermen from Bihar.
Adverse factors against conservation:
The dam’s main shoreline is over-dominated with rocks making it unsuitable as a
good resting/roosting place for waterbirds. Water near the main shore was found
to be turbid (muddy) and algal blooms present.
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Karjan Dam, Narmada district
Karjan Dam’s reservoir, Nandod taluka
Introductory Profile:
Significance: Included as a priority wetland in “Inland Wetland Conservation
Atlas of SACON” (Source: Inland Wetland Conservation Atlas, SACON). Also a
Proposed Ramsar Site as per the Atlas.
Location: Located near Rajpipla town in Nandod taluka of Narmada district,
Gujarat state at 21°48’59” N latitudes and 73°32’00” E longitudes. It is located
21.4 km west of Sardar Sarovar Dam and 7 km south of Rajpipla.
Biogeographic Region & Province: (5) & Western Ghat (5B)
Region and District: South Gujarat, Rajpipla district
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General information (based on secondary information and people’s perception):
Karjan dam is one of the large dams of Gujarat. Before Sardar Sarovar dam,
Karjan Dam was one of the largest masonry dams of the state that provided
irrigation to areas in Narmada and Bharuch districts. When full, the waterspread
area of the reservoir is 36.77 sq. km. The length of the dam at the top is 902 m.
The height of the dam is 100 m from the base. Its overall water-storage capacity is
630 Mm3. The mean annual rainfall in the area is 1,209 mm.
Karjan reservoir is picturesquely surrounded Satpuda hills
Water Data:
Mean Annual Rainfall 1209 mm
Catchment Area 1404 sq. km
Mean Annual Run-off in catchment 630 Mm3
Gross storage capacity 630 Mm3
Effective storage capacity 581 Mm3
Max. Discharge 17,286 m3/sec
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Purpose of creation: Irrigation
Site Description:
This is a very large reservoir located amidst the Satpura hill range. The entire
landscape has high aesthetic quality due to the vast water-spread surrounded by
rolling hills. Presence of some islands/islets amidst the vast water spread is a
desirable feature from the view-points of both, ecology and aesthetics. It may be
noted, however, that the margins of the reservoir and surrounding hills lack good
vegetation cover. Though the open water-spread is surrounded by hills, the
immediate margins of the open water area were found to be consisted of flat
shore-land covered by grassy cover at places. Near the margins, scattered trees
like Mahuda and palm trees were recorded at the site with afore-said GPS
coordinates. Mahuda (Madhuca indica) was seen being utilized by Indian Roller
for perching and palm trees were seen being utilised by the Palm Swift. There was
no human settlement on the margins but signs of fishing, mahuda fruit collection,
coocking (poached waterbirds?) were visible on the day of the visit. Though
migratory waterfowl were recorded at the aforesaid GPS coordinates, the variety
and number of these waterfowl were not very high.
Waterbirds (Species Richness and Abundance level):
Karjan dam is a vast reservoir surrounded by Satpuda hills. One site/spot was
found with waterbirds (21°48’45”, 73°32’05”) on 14-3-2008. The species
observed (with counts) are given below:
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Northern Pintail(18), Northern Shoveler(12), Garganey(8), Ruddy Shelduck(6),
Common Pochard(7), Red-crested Pochard (female)(1), Spot-billed Duck(6),
Common Coot(26), Little Cormorant(7), Pond Heron(1), Little Egret(1), Small
Pratincoles (many), Cattle Egret(11, Pied Kingfisher(1), Grey Wagtail(1),
Thus, number of waterbird spp. (species richness or α diversity) at Karjan dam
is at least 16.
Waterbird abundance level (on population scale of 0-6): Not many individuals
were seen during the field visit, but about 334 waterbirds have been recorded for
Karjan dam under mid-winter Asian Waterfowl Count in the year 2002. Surat
Nature Club’s members had recorded 6,250 Tufted Ducks in January 2010.
Considering that and the criteria adopted for this study, waterbird abundance level
can at least be “Medium” (3) to “High” (4) as shown in table below:
Bird population *Population scale(0- Interpretation 6)
≥ 20, 000 ^ 6 Abundant
≥10,000 but <20,000(i.e., 10,000-19,999) 5 Very High
≥ 2,000 but < 10,000 (i.e., 2,000-9,999) 4 High
≥ 200 but <2,000 (i.e., 200-1,999) 3 Medium
≥ 20 but < 200 (i.e., 20-199) 2 Low
< 20(i.e., 1-19) 1 Very Low 0(0) 0 Absent
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Northern Pintails, a pair of Ruddy Shelducks and an Intermediate Egret at an edge of shore-land and open water
A flock of Northern Pintails busy feeding at an edge of shore-land and open water
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Yellow Wagtail in grassy patch on shore
Hydrophytes:
Only shore area could be explored. No species of Cyperacae or Typhaceae
families were recorded. The only plant that was found was Alternanthera sp.
Survey in open / deeper waters could not be done due to lack of boat.
Common Pochards (males and females) and Common Coots
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Garganey flock Red-crested Pochard (female)following Common Pochards and Garganeys
Vast expanse of open water is surrounded by hillocky range of Satpuda
Open water expanse is interrupted by scattered islands that enhance the wetland utility as waterbird habitat
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Grassy patches on the shore can attract grazing waterfowl; like Brahminy Duck
Edge between Open Water and island
Edge between Open Water and shore
Water Quality:
pH - 8.6, TDS-320 mg/l, DO- 6.45 mg/l (Source: GPCB 2002-03) (other
parameters NA)
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Habitat Components:
Habitat diversity (on 0-5 quantitative scale with 1 habitat = 1 score-point) is 3
(open water, shore-land and islets). Though open water area has been the largest
habitat component, but due to the presence of mound-like/hillock-like islands
amidst open water and hills in the surrounding area, the reservoir does not look
monotonously dominated by vast stretch of open water. Though large portions of
shore are hilly, there are also some portions that are flat and having gentle slopes
at their edge with open waters. Such edge portions were found to be suitable for
resting needs of ducks. Interestingly, all the surface-feeding and diving ducks
were found foraging near such edges (edges between flat shore-land and open
water area). Portions of shore and islets were found to be having good grass cover
and that probably attracted grazing waterfowl like Brahminy Duck. A few snags
in water near the shore were found fulfilling resting needs of waterbirds like
cormorants and egrets.
Socio-economic Dependency
Water from this dam is used for irrigating fileds of Nandod taluka in Narmada and
Jhagadiya, Valiya and Ankleshwar in Bharuch district.
Adverse factors against conservation:
Poaching of birds inferred from communication with local children and signs of
burning at spots where poachers might have ‘cooked’ the captured bird.
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Signs of burning at spots where poachers might have ‘baked’ their captured bird. Local children had informed that killing of waterbirds does take place here. Last picture shows plucked feathers at the spot
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Lakhi Dam, Surat district
Lakhi dam’s reservoir, Mandvi taluka
Introductory Profile:
Significance: Included as a priority wetland in “Inland Wetland Conservation
Atlas of SACON” (Source: Inland Wetland Conservation Atlas, SACON).
Location: Located at 21º19’ 41.2”N, 73º 21’ 33.9”E in Mandvi taluka of Surat
district.
Biogeographic Region & Province: (5) & Western Ghat (5B)
Region and District: South Gujarat, Surat district
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Other general information (based on secondary information and people’s
perception):
This dam is constructed on local stream called “Dhakneekhaadi”. Its catchment
area is 13 sq. km., whereas gross command area has been around 10 sq. km.
Construction was started in late 1970s for the main purpose of facilitating
irrigation in this area. Mean annual rainfall in this area is 1369 mm. Waterspread
area at full reservoir level is known to be 1.4 sq. km. This dam forms a longish
reservoir having perimeter of about 9 km (derived through actual measurement on
Bhuvan-ISRO). The gross storage capacity of the dam is known to be about 5
Mm3. This dam has caused submergence of 78.5 ha of forest area and 60.5 ha of
culturable area. Maximum height of the dam above the lowest point of the
foundation is 18 m and the length at the top of the dam is 0.64 km. There are 7
villages of Mandvi taluka in its command area.
A portion of Lakhi dam on one shore of reservoir Hillocky/Undulating Terrain on the other shore
Purpose of creation: Irrigation
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Water Data:
Mean Annual Rainfall 1,369 mm
Catchment Area 13 sq. km
Gross storage capacity 4.9 Mm3
Effective storage capacity 4.7 Mm3
Max. Discharge 434 m3/sec
Site Description:
Lakhi dam reservoir is located in the agricultural landscape. This appeared to be
the longish reservoir located in the hilly terrain. On one shore, on which the dam
structure is located, the landscape is largely flat and predominated by agricultural
fields behind the dam (landward side). However, on the other shore, there are
small hillocks or undulations. Some portion of this shore has dense tree cover,
whereas the hillocks are more or less devoid of tree-cover.
Some portions of a shore has dense tree-cover, but many others have scanty vegetation cover
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Waterbirds (Species Richness and Abundance): From waterbird habitat point
of view, predominance of open water, scarcity or near-absence of reeds/emergent
vegetation and lack of islets amidst open water were found to be noticeable
features on the day of visit. As far as waterbirds are concerned it was found to be
a duck-dominated wetland like Panoli near Ankleshwar (Bharuch dist.). In March
2009 , following waterbirds were recorded Whistling Teal (60), Common Teal(6),
Northern Shoveler (48), Eurasian Wigeon (14), Pond Heron (6), Common Coot
(171), Little Egret (3), Cattle Egret (14), Gadwall (56), Common Pochard (43),
Asian Openbill (5), Painted Stork (16), Blackheaded Ibis (23)], Unidentified
migratory grebe (1). Secondary information has indicated that Brahminy Kite also
occur here.
In January 2010, following birds were recorded (Palak Thakore, Pers. Comm.):
Little Grebe (31), Great Cormorant(3), Indian Shag(9), Litte Cormorant(13),
Cinnamon Bittern(1), Black-crowned Night Heron(10), Indian Pond Heron(6),
Cattle Egret(18), Intermediate Egret(1), Great Egret(3), Purple Heron(2), Painted
Stork(5), Asian Openbill (2), Black-headed (White) Ibis(26), Glossy Ibis(6) ,
Lesser Whistling Duck (56), Bar-headed Goose (2; noted in 2009), Ruddy
Shelduck (21), Comb Duck (32), Cotton Teal/Cotton Pygmy-goose (7),
Eurasian Wigeon (6), Gadwall (9), Common Teal(5), Spot-billed Duck (64),
Northern Shoveler(25),Red-crested Pochard(3), Common Pochard (10; in 2009),
White-breasted Waterhen(9), Purple Swamphen(13), Common Coot(175),
Pheasant-tailed Jacana(5), Red-wattled Lapwing(4), Marsh Harriers(3),
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Ospery(1), White breasted kingfisher(2), Common Kingfisher(1), Pied
Kingfisher(2). Total waterbird count 591.
Thus, Total number of waterbird spp.(i.e., Species Richness or α diversity):
37
Mid-winter Asian Waterbird Count for Lakhi dam for the years 1990 to 1996 and
2000 to 2006 is as follows:
1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996
1,125 707 786 1,229 731 788 1,895
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006
102 25 2,600 788 401 3,348 202
Waterbird population level (on population scale of 0-6):
Considering the maximum number of waterbirds recorded (i.e., 3,348) during
2005, the maximum waterbird abundance level can be considered to be
“High”(4). However, considering 591 waterbirds recorded in January 2010 and
between 200 to 1,999 birds recorded during many mid-winter Asian Waterfowl
Counts (as shown above), usual waterbird abundance can be considered to be
“Medium” (3) as shown in table below.
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Bird population *Population scale(0- Interpretation 6)
≥ 20, 000 ^ 6 Abundant
≥10,000 but <20,000(i.e., 10,000-19,999) 5 Very High
≥ 2,000 but < 10,000 but (i.e., 2,000-9,999) 4 High
≥ 200 but <2,000 but (i.e., 200-1,999) 3 Medium
≥ 20 but < 200 but (i.e., 20-199) 2 Low < 20(i.e., 1-19) 1 Very Low
0(0) 0 Absent
Mixed flock of surface feeding ducks (Gadwall, Eurasion Wigeon, Cotton Teal, Northern Shoveler in descending order of abundance) and some Common Coots at Lakhi dam
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Northern Shoveler (male) Eurasian Wigeon- a grazing duck species near an edge of open water & grassy shore
Hydrophytes:
Aquatic plant life was not found to be impressive. Along the shore, a rooted
submerged species, i.e. Vallisneria was detected in abundance. No emergent
hydrophytes (e.g., Typha, Scirpus spp., Cyperus spp.) along the shore. However,
dense growth of Ipomoea carnea present on the shores. Considering good
population of coots, some type of submersed plants must be present, but
unavailability of boat prevented from finding them out in open water area.
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Ipomoea carnea, an invasive exotic plant species has taken the place of ‘front-line vegetation’ at the edge of the Lakhi wetland and upland
Vallisneria spiralis – a predominant submerged hydrophyte near shore
Open water area of Lakhi dam is largely devoid of islets and floating or floating/submerged hydrophytic vegetation
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Lakhi has mainly two habitat components- Open Water and Shoreland. Extent of shoreland is not insignificant, but all of its portion is not having flat/gradually sloping land at shoreland-water edge that is so essential to fulfill resting/roosting of waterfowl
Habitat Components
The Lakhi dam is characterized by absence/scarcity of islets amidst open water
area and reedbeds (emengent hydrophytic cover). Rest of the habitat composition
is described in the section of “Site Description”. Though hillocky terrain is
considerable on shore, entire shore is not unsuitable for resting/roosting of
waterbirds owing to suitable gentle gradient of shoreland at land-water interface.
Some portions are grassy too that might be beneficial to grazing waterbirds like
Eurasian Wigeon and Brahminy Ducks.
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Open water is predominant as compared to shore area
Water Quality:
pH: 9.0, TDS: 150 Mg/L, DO: 2.0, DO: 5.0, Total hardness: 142 mg/L, Total
Alkalinity: 190 mg/L, Ca: 30 mg/L, Mg: 100 mg/L, Chlorides: 551 mg/L (mid-
winter 2008)
Socio-economic dependency:
Agicultural practice, water harvesting for irrigation, livestock grazing, food
(waterfowl)
Water being harvested for Agricultural practice on shore agriculture
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Local socio-economic dependency: Food (waterfowl), livestock washing/bathing & grazing
Adverse factors against conservation:
Trapping of Shovelers, Gadwalls and Coots was observed on the day of visit (see
photographs). Local people poach such waterbirds for their livelihood. They use a
unique method of killing the birds; i.e. poisoning the birds with Phorate.
A trapper swimming towards shore A trapper swimming towards shore after after catching waterbird beneath the catching waterfowl. The quarry still kept water-surface beneath the surface,
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The poacher on land with his quarry
A poacher with poached birds-Shovelers (a male and a female), a Gadwall and two Coots
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Poachers at Lakhi typically use a plastic can that is attached to the chest for easy noiseless swimming while capturing phoret-affected waterfowl
It is probably an egret that is plucked before using it as food
Locals (mainly graziers, poachers) wander on the shore, that disturbs waterfowl (i.e, ducks)
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Livestock (cattle and buffaloes) also can prevent surface feeding sucks from taking advantage of shallow waters for food harnessing
Grazing on shore is a detrimental activity as it can lead to faster erosion of shores and, in turn, sedimentation
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Agriculural practices near shore-not a wise use of a wetland as it can lead to faster erosion of shores and pesticide pollution
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Machhan Nala, Dahod district
Machchhan nala dam’s reservoir, Jhalod taluka
Introductory Profile:
Significance: Included as a priority wetland in “Inland Wetland Conservation
Atlas of SACON” (Source: Inland Wetland Conservation Atlas, SACON). Also a
Proposed Ramsar Site as per the above-mentioned Conservation Atlas of
SACON.
Location: Located at 23°03’ N, 74°10’E in Jhalod taluka of Panchmahals district.
Machhan nala dam’s reservoir is a huge reservoir located at Nansal village in
Jhalod taluka of Panchmahal district. It is only 5 km south of Jhalod. From
Dahod, it is situated at the distance of 30 km, from Limdi and from one of the
major dams of Gujarat, i.e., Kadana, it is about 42 km away.
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Biogeographic Region & Province: Semi-Arid (4) & Gujarat-Rajwada (4B)
Region and District: Central Gujarat, Panchmahal district
General Description:
The dam was built in 1977 on Machhan river which is one of the several
tributaries of Mahi originating in Madhya Pradesh. Its catchment area is 245 sq.
km whereas the gross command area is 39.44 sq.km. About 10 villages of Jhalod
taluka are in its command. The area/extent of its reservoir at the full reservoir
level is 7.96 sq. km. The gross storage capacity of the dam is 38 Mm3. Maximum
height from the lowest point of the foundation is 25.44 m and the length of the
dam is 2.1 km. Mean annual rainfall in the area of the dam is 869 mm. The
perimeter of the reservoir was found to be 10.51 km.
Site Description:
Machhan nala dam’s reservoir is indeed a huge reservoir. It is characterized by
vast sheet of open water area, lack of off-shore islets and shore area covered with
agricultural fields. One can see two Mahi river tributaries at the site, including
Machhan. An islet of fairly large size( with perimeter of about 900 m) exists
adjacent to its northern shore(slightly in the south-east of Nansalai village on the
northern shore). After reaching the site, one at once notices two socio-economic
features-i.e., boats of fishermen and ploughed agricultural fields extending up to
the edge of open water area. This indicates heavy dependence of people for
fishing and agriculture. Nansalai is the village covering much of the northern and
western shores that has 345 households and 1901 people inhabiting it. On the
other hand, Raniyar Kanbi is a bigger village covering rest of the northern and
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much of the eastern shore and has 582 households and 3519 people, Tandi and
Raniyar Inami are the two villages on southern shore with 214 households and
1366 people in Tandi and 211 households and 1,237 people in Raniyar Inami.
Purpose of creation: Irrigation
Water Data:
Mean Annual Rainfall mm
Catchment Area 245 sq. km Mean Annual Run-off in catchment 54.65 Mm3
Gross storage capacity 37.91 Mm3
Effective storage capacity 29.16 Mm3
Waterbirds (Species Richness and Abundance):
A huge irrigation reservoir that supported impressive population of ducks
including Shovelers (500), Common Teals (800), Pintails (500), Gadwall (1200),
Common Pochard (100). Coots were not abundant (<50) even in Mid-March. The
number of Woolley-necked Stork (n = 18) was the highest at this wetland among
all the wetlands visited till March-April. Thousands of large cormorant-like
waterbirds were seen in flight, but could not be identified due their distance from
the observers and poor light conditions.
In December 2006, following waterbirds were recorded (Desai et al. 2008):
Tufted Pochard (2), Gadwall (100+), Ruddy Shelduck (130+), Northern Shoveler
(50), Garganey (72), Northern Pintail (66), Little Grebe (9), Glossy Ibis (21),
Cotton Teal (60+), Common Pochard (19), Little Egret (20+), Great White Egret
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(2+), Asian Openbill(11), Little Cormorant (100+), Indian Shag (19), Common
Coot(500+), Black-winged Stilt (26), Marsh Harrier (5), Collared Pratincole
(200+), Little Stint (50+), Ruff (300+), Gullbilled Tern (10), Lesser Pied
Kingfisher (4), Small Blue Kingfisher (2), Spotbilled Duck(7), White-breasted
Kingfisher(3), River Tern (9), Common Sandpiper (10), Kentish Plover (3), Little
Ringed Plover (50+), Yellow Wagtail (20+), Citrine Wagtail(15+)
Based on the above records, it can be concluded that total number of waterbird
species (α diversity): 32, with total 1,895 individuals.
In mid-winter Asian Waterfowl Counts (AWC) of 2002 and 2005, total 15.427
and 17323 waterbirds have been recorded.
Based on the above-mentioned AWC data and the criterion adopted for the
present study (as shown in the following table) maximum waterbird abundance
level is “Very High”(5) as shown in the table given below.
Bird population *Population scale(0- Interpretation 5) ≥ 20, 000 ^ 6 Abundant
≥10,000 but <20,000(i.e., 10,000-19,999) 5 Very High
≥ 2,000 but < 10,000 but (i.e., 2,000-9,999) 4 High
≥ 200 but <2,000 but (i.e., 200-1,999) 3 Medium
≥ 20 but < 200 but (i.e., 20-199) 2 Low
< 20(i.e., 1-19) 1 Very Low
0(0) 0 Absent
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Hydrophytes:
No visible emergent/free-floating/rooted floating vegetation in waters adjacent to
shore.Investigation for the submersed hydrophytes in interior open waters needed
further investigation using a boat that was unavailable. considering presence of
good number of Common Coots, it can be inferred that submerged aquatic
vegetation might be present in off-shore deeper open waters.
A synoptic view of habitat components of the Machhan resrvoir
Habitat Components:
Habitat diversity (on 0-5 quantitative scale with 1 habitat = 1 score-point) is 3
(open water, shore-land, islets). The open water area constitutes the highest
proportion of overall habitat diversity of Machhan wetland area. The shoreland
has considerable “arms” extending into the open water periphery, that contributes
to enhancement of edge effect, which in turn, is beneficial for resting/roosting
needs of waterfowl and other waterbirds. Another added benefit of the shoreland
is that it is almost at the level of water surface and thus with gentle merging into
the open waters which is good waterfowl. This is unlike dams such as Dharoi or
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Karjan that have good amount of hillocky periphery having abrupt rising of the
surrounding lands with respect to the level of open water surface. Such feature is
not good from waterfowl resting/roosting points of view. This wetland is among
the islet-poor wetlands of the state. Except a fairly large sized islet near northern
shore, there is almost lack of off-shore.
Socio-economic dependency:
The shore of the reservoir is intensively used for cultivation. Fishing is carried
out either by angling or using nets through country-boats. About 10 villages of
Jhalod taluka (Panchmahals) depend on this dam for their need of water.
Adverse factors against conservation:
Birds legally Unprotected. Birds on/near shores may face disturbance by farmers
engaged in cultivation on shoreline. Fishermen movement may disturb waterbirds.
Poaching though does not seem to be common affair, may not ruled out based on
conversation with local farmers.
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Madhuvanti dam, Junagadh district
Madhuvanti Dam, Mendarda taluka
Introductory Profile:
Significance: As per SACON’s “Inland Wetland Conservation Atlas”, this is a
prioritized wetland site
Location: Located nearest to Kanedipur village at 21°15’00” N latitude and
70°48’00” E longitude in Mendarda taluka, Junagadh district. It is located in the
vicinity of the town Mendarda (about 9 km away) on Junagadh-Sasan-Talala road.
It is located at the distance of 25 km from Junagadh city.
Biogeographic Region & Province: The Semi-Arid (4) & Gujarat-Rajwara (4B)
Administrative Region and District: Saurashtra, Junagadh district
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General information (based on secondary information and people’s perception):
Madhuvanti is an irrigation dam having reservoir area of 2.25 sq.km at FRL. The
dam is built across the Madhvanti river that flows westward after passing through
Gir forest (Pathak 1999). The dam having gross storage capacity of 12.14 Mm3 is
built adjacent to the boundary of the Gir protected area. The maximum height of
the dam above the lowest point on the Foudation is 34.5m. After good rains, the
waters of Madhuvanti dam are spread up to the boundary of the Gir protected
area. In fact, when a large number of dams and other wetlands in Saurashtra go
dry during summer months, Madhuvanti Dam often remains in good condition
upto early summer. This is because it benefits from the good vegetation in the Gir
PA and hence greater number of perennial streams. Madhuvanti dam has a
number of Marsh Crocodiles as per the verbal report by irrigation department
chowkidar present at the dam. He expressed his opinion (validity of which was
not checked) that good number of crocodiles in the reservoir is responsible for
absence of waterbirds in this reservoirs since last couple of years recently. An
incident of man-killing by a crocodile was recorded in 2008. Thus, on May 13,
2008, a crocodile attacked and seized a 16-year old teenager who had been
picnicking at the dam site. The attack left him dead.
Purpose of creation: Irrigation
Water Data:
Mean Annual Rainfall 875 mm
Catchment Area 45 sq. km
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Gross storage capacity 12.14 Mm3
Effective storage capacity 11.75 Mm3
Max. Discharge 750 m3/sec
A crocodile resting on the shore of Madhuvanti reservoir
Site Description:
The site of Madhuvanti reservoir is aesthetically rich. A nature-lover visiting the
dam-site in the recent time-frame may at once notices two features:
a) Scarcity of waterbirds
b) Tranquil and aesthetically rich landscape predominated by hilly terrain and Butea
The dam can be approached after leaving the Junagadh-Mendarda-Sasan state
highway at the sign-board of “Madhuvanti Sinchai Yojana” and passing along an
un-tarred, highly uneven track (Khokhi Hanuman Rd) surrounded by stunted
butea and other trees. The bund of the dam is wide enough to slowly drive a four-
wheel vehicle along it and cover its length of about 0.5 km.
Waterbirds (Species Richness and Abundance):
Gadhvi (2001) has recorded considerable variation in species richness and
population of waterbirds from year to year. Thus, he has reported the occurrence DA-144
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of 2,019 birds of 35 species in 1998, but only 108 birds belonging to 8 species
in 1999.
Waterbirds recorded by Ghadvi (2001) for the year 1998 are as follows:
Common Pochard (125), Marsh Harrier (1), Demoiselle Crane (85), Coot (300),
Great Stone Plover (3), Red-wattled Lapwing (23), Little Grebe (100), Little
Cormorant (50), Grey Heron (1), Pond Heron (13), Cattle Egret (45), Large Egret
(2), White-necked Stork (2), Black Stork (4), White Ibis (3), Black Ibis (60),
Flamingo (30), Ruddy Shelduck (75), Northern Pintail (35), Common Teal (300),
Spot-billed Duck (20), Garganey (20), Northern Shoveler (400), Black-tailed
Godwit (125), Marsh Sandpiper (2), River Tern (140), Lesser Pied Kingfisher (2),
Common Kingfisher (2), Grey Headed Yellow Wagtail (5), Black Headed
Wagtail (3), White Wagtail (35), Large Pied Wagtail (2).
Pathak (1999) has reported Painted Stork, Black Ibis and Common Cranes in
large numbers. Besides, Pathak (2000) has also reported having seen 60-80 Black
Storks in February 1999 on the shore of Madhuvanti reservoir.
Waterbird species richness/α-diversity: 32
Great Cormorants at the edge of Madhuvanti reservoir
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Mid-winter waterbird counts for Madhuvanti dam are as follows:
1987 (3,622 waterbirds); 1988 (0176); 1989 (0004); 1991 (0431); 1993 (0040);
2002 (1,805).
During the field visit, no waterbirds except an Osprey (in flight) and some egrets
were recorded at this dam. Species richness as per this visit was less than ten
species.
Waterbird abundance level (on population scale of 0-6): Considering the
population of 2,019 waterbirds recorded in 1999 (Gadhvi 2001) and 3622
birds recorded during AWC of 1987, one can infer that maximum waterbird
abundance level for Madhuvanti dam is “High”(4). However, considering
only 108 birds (Gadhvi 2001) in 1998, 1,805 waterbirds recorded in 2002, 176
waterbirds in 1988; just 4 waterbirds in 1989 ; 431 waterbirds in 1991 and 40
in 1993 and just 20 birds during the field visit of the present study, it can be
inferred that usually, Madhuvanti dam supports “Very Low”(1) to “Medium”
(3) waterbird abundance level. This inference is based on the criteria adopted
for the this study as tabularized below:
Bird population *Population scale(0- Interpretation 6)
≥ 20, 000 ^ 6 Abundant
≥10,000 but <20,000(i.e., 10,000-19,999) 5 Very High
≥ 2,000 but < 10,000 but (i.e., 2,000-9,999) 4 High
≥ 200 but <2,000 but (i.e., 200-1,999) 3 Medium
≥ 20 but < 200 but (i.e., 20-199) 2 Low
< 20(i.e., 1-19) 1 Very Low
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0(0) 0 Absent
Hydrophytes:
Submerged-floating/floating hydrophytic vegetation was not seen. Emergent
hydrophytes too were found absent. Submerged hydrophytes could not be
investigated due to unavailability of a boat.
Habitat Components:
Open Water and portions of flat muddy/rocky shoreland and edge between them
Habitat diversity (on 0-5 quantitative scale with 1 habitat = 1 score-point) is 2
(open water, shore-land). The open water area constitutes the highest proportion.
Shoreland is partly muddy and partly rocky. The dam is predominantly endowed
with open water habitat. There is limited shore area. At least two sides have
abrupt bund.
Socio-economic dependency: Mainly for irrigation. Also, being in the vicinity of the Gir
PA, it is useful for wildlife recreation.
Adverse factors against conservation:
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There is an intensive use of the dam’s water for irrigation, which often leads to
rapid depletion of water. Other adverse factors unknown.
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Dams
Mathal Dam, Kachchh District
Mathal Dam, Nakhatrana Taluka
Introductory Profile:
Significance: Informed to be an important wetland for waterbirds by bird experts
of Kachchh.
Location: Mathal dam (23⁰24’25.50” N latitudes and 69⁰10’49.95 E longitudes)
is located at Mathal village in Nakhatrana taluka.
Biogeographic Region & Province: The Arid/ Indian desert (3) & Kachchh (3B)
Geographic Region and District: Kachchh, Kachchh district
General information (based on secondary information and people’s perception):
Mathal dam was built on Dhadodh river in 1987 for the main purpose of provisioning of
irrigation water. Mean annual rainfall in the region of Mathal dam has been 308 mm. The
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area of its catchment is 114 sq.km and the area of the Mathal reservoir at full reservoir
level has been about 3 sq.km. The dam is about 1.6 km and its height from the bottom –
most point of the base has been 21 m.
A View of Mathal Dam, Nakhtrana (Source: NWRD)
Purpose of creation: Irrigation
Mean Annual Rainfall 308 mm
Catchment Area 114 sq. km
3 Mean Annual Run-off in catchment 49 Mm
Gross storage capacity 10.7 Mm3
Effective storage capacity 9.6 Mm3
Max. Discharge 1260 m3/sec
Site Description:
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Mathal dam is located quite interior with respect to the main high way (Nakhatana-
Mandvi road). On approaching, one gets an impression of largish reservoir whose water
spread is interspersed with land patches. These land patches are either flat-top islets or
flat-top extensions/ ‘arms’ of shore-land. The overall absence of emergent hydrophyes is
at once visible. It is replaced by Prosopis.
Waterbirds (Species richness and abundance):
Varu (Pers. Comm.) has reported following waterbirds between 2001 and 2011 at Mathal:
Great crested Grebe, Little Grebe, Little Cormorant, Oriental Darter, Grey Heron, Indian
Pond Heron, Painted Stork, Black Ibis, Greater Flamingo, Cattle Egret, Median Egret,
Little Egret, Comb Duck, Northern Shoveler, Northern Pintail, Spotbill Duck, Common
Teal, Eurasian Wigeon, Western Marsh Harrier, Common Coot, Red-wattled Lapwing,
Marsh Sandpiper, Green Sandpiper, Wood Sandpiper, Common Sandpiper, Black winged
Stilt, Whiskered Tern, Gull-billed Tern, Indian River Tern, Small Blue Kingfisher, Lesser
Pied Kingfisher, White-throated Kingfisher, Spoonbill, White browed Wagtail
Waterbird Species Richness or α diversity- 34
Count for some of the waterbirds recorded at Mathal are as follows :
Northern Shoveler (47), Eurasian Wigeon (10), Common Teal (56) in Jan. 2011 (S.Varu,
Pers. Comm.) Black Ibis (15), Painted Stork (7), Spot-billed Duck (2) in November 2008
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Painted Storks resting on shoreland Black Ibises resting on an islet
Spot-billed Ducks in Mathal reservoir
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River Terns-foraging
Asian Mid-winter Waterfowl Counts (AWCs) have been available for 1988, 1989 and 1990
during which only 189, 313 and 63 waterbirds were counted respectively.
Considering Asian Waterfowl Counts, counts provided by Mr. Varu and personal
observations, the maximum waterbird abundance level at Mathal can be judged as
“Medium”(3), but usual waterbird abundance level is “Low” (2) as shown in the table below:
Bird population *Population scale(0- Interpretation 6)
≥ 20, 000 ^ 6 Abundant
≥10,000 but <20,000(i.e., 10,000-19,999) 5 Very High
≥ 2,000 but < 10,000 but (i.e., 2,000-9,999) 4 High ≥ 200 but <2,000 but (i.e., 200-1,999) 3 Medium
≥ 20 but < 200 but (i.e., 20-199) 2 Low
< 20(i.e., 1-19) 1 Very Low
0(0) 0 Absent
Hydrophytes: DA-153
Dams
There is no visible hydrophytic vegetation. Emergent hydrophytes are certainly non-
existent. Instead of emergent hydrophytic cover, one can see xerophytic shrubs (e.g.,
Prosopis juliflora) on shore and islets.
Habitat Components
A view of habitat components and edges in Mathal Habitat diversity (on 0-5 quantitative scale with 1 habitat = 1 score-point) is 3
(open water, shore-land and islets). Though the open water area has been the
largest habitat component, considerable proportion of shore-land and its ‘arms’
extending into the water-spread and a few islets interspersed with open water area
gives an appearance of a balanced habitat diversity. The proportion of shore-land,
shore-land ‘arms’ and islets that are topographically suitable for resting/roosting
of waterbirds was found to be considerable. “Edge effect” is considered very
important in wildlife management. At Mathal reservoir, the edges between open
water-spread and shore-land/shore-land ‘arms’ were found to be important due to
their suitable gradient at large and considerable extent.
Water quality:
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pH- 6.5 , Temp.- 20°C (at 11 am), TDS- 180 mg/l, Total Hardness- 64 mg/l, Ca-
8 mg/l, Mg- 10 mg/l, Total Alkalinity- 80 mg/l, Chlorides- 50 mg/l, Sulphates-
11 mg/l, %Na- 60(Nov. 2008).
Socio-economic dependency: For irrigation, grazing small livestock in dried bed/ shore-land
Sheep being grazed on the grassy shoreline Adverse factors against conservation/Threats:
No apparent threat/disturbance. However, absence of hydrophytic vegetation is an
undesirable aspect of this and many other dams/reservoirs of Kachchh.
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Dams
Rudramata dam, Kachchh
Rurdamata Dam, Bhuj taluka
Introductory Profile:
Significance: Included as a priority wetland in “Inland Wetland Conservation
Atlas of SACON” (Source: Inland Wetland Conservation Atlas, SACON). Also
recommended as an important wetland to be surveyed by local waterbird experts
of Kachchh region.
Location: Rudramata dam is located at 23° 22’ 30.57” N latitudes and 69°
42’43.38” E longitudes. It is located at the distance of about 15 km from Bhuj city
(Bhuj Taluka). The distance between Rudramata dam and Devisar talaav is
slightly over 1 km.
Biogeographic Region & Province: Indian Desert/Arid (3) & Kachchh (3B)
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Region and District: Kachchh, Kachchh district
Other general information (based on secondary information and people’s
perception):
Rudramata dam is built across the river Khari for the main purpose of providing
irrigation water. Khari river originates from near Matano Madh village and after
flowing for about 50 km, the river meets the Arabian Sea near Kori creek.
Rudramata dam has the catchment area of 572 sq. km. Its construction started in
1959 and got completed in 1970. Its water-spread area at full reservoir level is
8.20 sq. km. The maximum height of the dam above the lowest point of the
foundation has been 27.37m and its length is 875 m.
Purpose of creation:
Water Data:
Mean Annual Rainfall 333 mm
Catchment Area 572 sq. km
Gross storage capacity 64.74 Mm3
Effective storage capacity 55.70 Mm3
Max. Discharge 4055 m3/sec
Site Description:
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Dams
Rudramata dam-reservoir is a huge wetland site with predominance of open water
sheet. The vastness of open water is its beneficial aspect, but the limited extent of
flat open shores, considerable depth of water and absence of good reed-beds
(emergent aquatic vegetation) are undesirable aspects while rating it as a good
wetland as waterbird habitat. Nonetheless, considering the fact that fish seeds are
released in this waterbody resulting into good fish population in this wetland, it
is certainly a good foraging area for the piscivorous waterbirds like pelicans,
cormorants, Great Crested Grebe and Brahminy Kite. Apart from that, owing to
its greater depth of this wetland, this wetland is suitable for the diving ducks like
the Common Pochard and Tufted Pochard. One of the characteristics that an
observer may notice at Rudramata dam-reservoir is the steep banks in various
portions of entire periphery of its vast open water spread. On one side, an
observer would find the constructed bund (‘paalaa’) that is unsuitable for
resting/roosting of majority of waterbirds (except the birds like cormorants and
egrets) due to its artificial nature. On the other hand, other portions of the
periphery the banks are in the form of vertical earth-cuttings, which may be good
for the nesting of blue-cheeked/blue-tailed bee-eater or pied kingfisher, but not to
satisfy the resting/roosting needs of various waterfowl(i.e., ducks) or birds like
pelicans. great crested grebe or diving ducks. A few islets amidst water seem to be
good refuge for birds that want to rest/roost, but their extent is very limited.
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C
B
A
Open flat shore-land with gentle slope at open water’s edge that can be utilized by waterbirds for resting/roosting is very limited as shown by (B). Constructed bund shown by (A) and abruptly rising shore as shown by (C) are predominant, but they are not suitable for resting/roosting of many waterbirds
Waterbirds (Species richness and abundance):
In Novemeber 2008 and January 2009 during this study, following birds were
observed:
Little Egret (1), Great Egret (1), Gadwall (20), Great Cormorant (3), Little
Cormorant (11), Great Crested Grebe(4), Grey Heron (2), Osprey (1), Red-wattled
Lapwing (2), Black-winged Stilt (7).
Varu (2001, 2002, 2003, 2006, 2009) has recorded following waterbirds: In
February 2008: Small Indian Pratincole (3); In December 2001: Brahminy
Kite(4); In December 2002: Asian Openbill- 3, Oriental Darter-2, Brahminy
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Duck-9, Greater Flamingo-30, Common Crane-3, Great Cormorant-50, Bar-
headed Goose(3; on 6-11-1987); In January 2003: Great White Pelican (200),
Dalmatian Pelican (2), Asian Openbill (20), Greater Flamingo (72), Great Crested
Grebe (4), Great Black-headed Gull (1); In April 2003: Greater Flamingo (40),
Glossy Ibis (5), Asian Openbill Stork (6); In July 2006: Nukta (2); In January
2009: Great White Pelican (10), Dalmatian Pelican (15), Asian Openbill (1)
Waterbird counts for various years as per the Asian mid-winter waterbird census
are as follows: 1988 (416), 1990(6), 1991(56), 1992(203), 1993(46), 1994(112),
1995(5), 1996(141), 2002(2), 2003(822), 2004(16), 2005(101), 2006(7), 2007
(57)
Waterbird species richness (or α diversity): 26
Waterbird abundance (on population scale of 0-6):
Considering Asian Waterfowl Count, the maximum population recorded in mid-
winter season has been 822 (in 2003) and thus maximum waterbird abundance level
at Rudramata dam can be said to be “Medium” (3) as shown in the table below:
Bird population *Population scale(0- Interpretation 6)
≥ 20, 000 ^ 6 Abundant
≥10,000 but <20,000(i.e., 10,000-19,999) 5 Very High
≥ 2,000 but < 10,000 (i.e., 2,000-9,999) 4 High
≥ 200 but <2,000 (i.e., 200-1,999) 3 Medium
≥ 20 but < 200 (i.e., 20-199) 2 Low
< 20(i.e., 1-19) 1 Very Low
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0(0) 0 Absent
However, usual waterbird abundance level can be considered to be “ Very
Low” (1) to “Low” (2) as one can come across the very low counts like 2,
5, 6 and 16 individuals as also low counts like 57, 101, 112 and 141
individuals during AWC.
An Osprey in center with a Black-winged Stilt and a Grey Heron on its two sides
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Little Cormorants, a Little Egret and a Great Egret using ‘edge effect’. However, “arms” of shore-land with suitable gradient at the edge of open waters are less at Rudramata
Hydrophytes:
Except the likely presence of Typha ungustata in a couple of pockets, no other
emergent hydrophytes were seen. Submerged vegetation was found to be absent
near shore; and off-shore areas could not be explored due to unavailability of
boat. Floating hydrophytes or floating leaved submerged hydrophytes were found
to be absent.
Habitat Components:
Habitat diversity (on 0-5 quantitative scale with 1 habitat = 1 score-point) is 3
(open water, shore-land and islets). Though the open water area has been the
largest habitat component, it does not give observer an impression of vastness and
that is perhaps due to “river-course-like” configuration of the reservoir. There is a
large mound-like islet amidst the open water area. As it is tree/shrub covered, it
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Dams
might be good for roosting requirement of egrets, herons, cormorants etc. The
proportion of shore-land, shore-land ‘arms’ and islets that are topographically
suitable for resting/roosting of waterbirds was found to be negligible. “Edge
effect” is considered very important in wildlife management. However, at
Rudramata reservoir, the proportion of edges between open water-spread and
shore-land/shore-land ‘arms’ that would be suitable for resting/ loafting etc. were
found to be insignificant due to less availability of shore-land areas with suitable
gradient at open water – shore-land edge.
Predominance of open water sheet surrounding a largish islet. Notice good current action in open water area
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Tree/scrub cover on the islet of fairly large size may provide roosting site to resident waterbirds like egrets, herons, cormorants etc. Notice the general lack of emergent hydrophytes at an edge of the islet and open water
Large portion of the dam’s periphery has sloppy rocky bund/embankment which is not much useful for waterbirds for resting/roosting (except for cormorants and birds like red- wattled lapwings)
Water Quality:
pH-6.9, Temp.- 25°C (at 4 pm), TDS-450 mg/L, Total Hardness-116 mg/L, Ca-
26mg/L, Mg- 12mg/L, Total Alkalinity-130 mg/L, Chlorides- 170 mg/L,
Sulphates- 34 mg/L, Na- 126mg/L, % Na-69 (in Nov. 2008)
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Socio-economic Dependency:
Water of this dam is used for irrigation purpose through canals. In addition, it was
noted during the field visit that the local farmers had put diesel engines and pipes for
using water of the dam/reservoir for local irrigation needs. Fishing also carried out by
“sailing” on large sized, truck-tire’s tube.
Adverse factors against conservation/threats:
No noticeable threat/disturbance. However, near-absence of hydrophytic vegetation is
an undesirable aspect of this and many other dams/reservoirs of Kachchh.
Local farmers use water of Rudramata dam for irrigation
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Use of long verticle pipes by local farmers for irrigation seems to be a unique feature of Rudramata dam
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Dams
Sihan dam, Jamnagar district
Sihan dam, Khambhaliya taluka
Introductory Profile:
Significance: As per SACON’s “Inland Wetland Conservation Atlas”, this is a
prioritized wetland site (Source: Inland Wetland Conservation Atlas, SACON)
Location: Located at 22°16'13" N, 69°42'23" E in Khambhaliya taluka, Jamnagar
district. It is located at the distance of only 7 km from Khambhaliya (Jam
Khambhaliya).
Biogeographic Region & Province: The Semi-Arid (4) & Gujarat-Rajwara (4B)
Administrative Region and District: Saurashtra, Jamnagar district
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Other general information (based on secondary information and people’s
perception):
Sihan dam is the life-line of Salaya town of Jamnagar district. The dam is built on
a local river of Saurashtra called “Sihan”. The Sihan river rises in the Lakasar
hills as off-shoot of the central highlands. It flows through Kakabhai Sihan and
Sukhpur situated on its right bank and Nana Mandha and Mota Mandha on its left
bank. After the course of 27 km, it pours its waters into the Ambla creek of the
Gulf. The ‘Sihan’ dam is an earthern dam that is 4.88 km long. It is 13m high
above the lowest point of the Foundation. Its construction had started in 1950 and
completed in 1951. The area of the water-spread was found to be over 1 sq.km
(Bhuvan, ISRO). The storage capacity of this dam is 10 cumecs (M-cubic meters).
Though this is the life-line for the town Salaya located a few kilometers away
from the dam, erratic hydrology of this reservoir compel the people of this town
to experience flooding conditions (e.g., in monsoon 2010) on one hand and
completely dried up basin conditions on the other hand (May 2009).
Purpose of creation: Irrigation and water supply
Water Data:
Mean Annual Rainfall 450 mm S Gross storage capacity 11470x103 m3 i Effective storage capacity 11470x103 m3 t Max. Discharge 1104 m3/sec
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Site Description:
Sihan dam forms a moderate-sized reservoir that is located opposite to the famous
jain temple ‘Aradhna Dham’ on Jamnagar- Khambhaliya road at the distance of
about 7 km from the latter. Excepting the spill-way across the open water, there is
no constructed walls in the reservoir and thus there are no artificial (rocky etc.)
embankments. Thus, the positive aspect of this reservoir for waterbirds is that the
reservoir has long shoreline utilizable by resting/roosting waterbirds. Thus, Sihan
dam has huge open water area surrounded by considerable length of shoreline.
Though there are no islands in this reservoir, shore land extends up to shallow
open waters in the form of ‘arms and these extended ‘arms’ serve the purpose of
small islets as they are utilized by waterfowl to rest.
Waterbirds(Species Richness and Abundance):
Waterbirds observed in November 2008 and March 2009. Following
waterbirds recorded: Little Grebe (10), Great Crested Grebe (3), Great White
Pelican (1,008), Indian Cormorant (50), Oriental Darter (1), Great Egret (1),
Grey Heron (1), Pond Heron (1), Black Ibis (1), Eurasian Spoonbill (1), Asian
Openbill (25), Painted Stork (5), Common Teal (130), Northern Shoveler
(300), Northern Pintail (225), Gadwall (10), Spot-billed Duck (10), Common
Coot (850), Greater Flamingo (93), Demoiselle Crane (50), Avocet (1),
Common Sandpiper (3), Curlew Sandpiper (1), Marsh Sandpiper (3), Ruff (3),
Black-tailed Godwit (4), Temink’s Stint (1), Common Snipe (2), Little Ringed
Plover (1), Gull-billed Tern (10), Whiskered Tern (15), Indian River Tern (2),
Caspian Tern (1), Pied Kingfisher (4). Total number of waterbird spp. (α
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diversity): 34. Total bird count has been over 2,000 birds. Note that AWC is
available for the year 2002 (1,177 waterbirds)..
Waterbird abundance level (on population scale of 0-6):
Maximum waterbird abundance level can be considered as “High” (4) (i.e.,
“High”) considering over 2,000 waterbirds counted on the days of visits in
November 2009. However, considering 1,117 waterbirds recorded in 2002, it
may be inferred based on criteria adopted for this study as tabularized below
that the usual waterbird abundance level may range from “Medium”(3) to
“High”(4):
Bird population *Population scale(0- Interpretation 6)
≥ 20, 000 ^ 6 Abundant
≥10,000 but <20,000(i.e., 10,000-19,999) 5 Very High
≥ 2,000 but < 10,000 but (i.e., 2,000-9,999) 4 High
≥ 200 but <2,000 but (i.e., 200-1,999) 3 Medium
≥ 20 but < 200 but (i.e., 20-199) 2 Low
< 20(i.e., 1-19) 1 Very Low
0(0) 0 Absent
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Vast expanse of open water of Sihan dam dotted with waterbirds
Great White Pelicans foraging in open water (left) and resting on an islet (left)
Great Crested Grebes
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Hydrophytes:
No emergent hydrophytic vegetation could be seen in/on the margins of the
reservoir. Among submerged hydrophytes, Vallisneria spiralis was found to be
abundant, even near the shore. Najas gramanea also was found patchily near the
shore. However, due to unavailability of a boat, main open water area could not
be explored for submerged vegetation.
Vallisneria spiralis near shore Najas gramanea
Habitat Components
Habitat diversity (on 0-5 quantitative scale with 1 habitat = 1 score-point) is 2
(open water, shore-land). The open water area constitutes the highest proportion
of overall habitat diversity of Sihan reservoir. No islet/island of fair size could be
seen. However, the proportion of shore-land that can be utilized by waterbirds for
resting/roosting was found to be considerable. “Edge effect” is considered very
important in wildlife management. At Sihan reservoir, the edge between open
water-spread and flat shore-land should be considered important due to its large
extent. Though there are no islands in this reservoir, shore land extends into
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shallow open waters in the form of ‘arms and these extended ‘arms’ serve the
purpose of small islets as they are utilized by waterfowl to rest.
Water quality:
pH- 9.2 , Temp.- 28°C (at 1030 am), TDS- 210 mg/l, Total Hardness- 124 mg/l,
Ca- 42 mg/l, Mg- 05 mg/l, Total Alkalinity- 150 mg/l, Chlorides- 50 mg/l,
Sulphates- 8 mg/l, %Na- 40 (in Nov. 2008).
Socio-economic dependency:
Irrigation (total irrigational potential of the dam –0.051 sq km), water supply for
Salaya town and fishing
Adverse factors against conservation: Unknown.
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Sipu Dam, Banaskantha District
Sipu Dam, Dhanera Taluka
Introductory Profile:
Significance: A major dam of Banaskantha district in North Gujarat which forms
a major satellite wetland of Dantiwada dam
Location: Sipu dam (24°22’30” N latitude and 72° 15’ 00” E longitude ) is
located near Atal village in Dhanera taluka of Banaskantha district, at the distance
of 8.4 km from Dantiwada dam (30.7 km from Dhanera)
Biogeographic Region & Province: Semi-Arid (4) & Gujarat-Rajwada (4B)
Region and District: North Gujarat, Banaskantha district
General information (based on secondary information and people’s perception):
Sipu dam is located on Sipu river which is a tributary of the Banas river on which
Dantiwada dam is constructed. The construction of Sipu dam started in 1981 and
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it completed in 2001. The area of the Sipu reservoir is 25.68 sq. km when it is
full. The height of the dam from the base to the top-most point is 38.5 m. The
length of the dam is 7.14 km. The perimeter of the reservoir was found to be
around 27 km (Bhuvan, ISRO). It was mainly built for the purpose of irrigation.
The mean annual rainfall in the area is 940 mm. The forests of Balaram-Ambaji
protected area and their environs, interspersed with numerous hills and hillocks
form waterdhed for Sipu reservoir.
An over-view of Sipu reservoir
A view of the Sipu river
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Purpose of creation: Irrigation
Water Data:
Mean Annual Rainfall 885 mm
Catchment Area 1222 sq. km
Meean Annual Run-off in Catchment 69 Mm3
Gross storage capacity 177.80 Mm3
Effective storage capacity 156 Mm3
Max. Discharge 8603 m3/sec
Site description:
Unlike Dantiwada, Sipu reservoir is more channel-like (see satellite picture) with
limited natural shore area and almost complete absence of islets. Compared to
Dantiwada wetland site, Sipu wetland site is less picturesque. Towards the main
dam side, there is heavy rocky bund with a narrow strip of natural shore here and
there between the edge of the bund and open waters. There is lot of Prosopis
juliflora too on the limited shore area adjacent to rocky bund of the main dam
portion. Such a dense growth of Prosopisjuliflora was found to be non-existant.
Limited natural shore and predominance of rocky bund on main dam side,
abundance of Prosopis, narrowchannel-like waterbody (reservoir), absence of
islets, less avian richness etc make Sipu a less attractive wetland site as compared
to the nearby Dantiwada dam.
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Dense growth of Prosopis exists on the shore towards main dam-side
Waterbirds (Species richness and abundance): Sipu dam had poor waterbird
life in January 2010. Following waterbirds were recorded: Grey Heron (1), Little
Egret (2), Great Egret (1), Spot-billed Duck (2), Common Teal (6), Tufted Duck
(20), Common Pochard (1), Brahminy Duck (2), Indian Sarus Crane (2), Osprey
(1), Short-toed Eagle (1), Common Sandpiper (1), Black-winged Stilt (2), Red-
wattled Lapwing (1) Total no. of bird species recorded through field visit (α
diversity) = 14, Thus, total 43 waterbirds were recorded. Prajapati (2010) had
recorded following waterbirds at Sipu dam in May 2010: Indian Sarus Crane (26),
Painted Stork (56), Oriental White Ibis (41), Eurasian Spoonbill (26), Lesser Pied
Kingfisher (6), Pheasant-tailed Jacana (4) [Thus, total 159 waterbirds] A total of
578 waterbirds had been recorded for Mid-winter Asian Waterfowl Count (AWC)
for 2004 (counts for other years not conducted). Thus waterbird abundance level
of Sipu can be said to be varying from “Low” (2) to “Medium” (3) as shown in
the table below.
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Bird population *Population scale(0- Interpretation 5)
≥ 20, 000 ^ 6 Abundant
≥10,000 but <20,000(i.e., 10,000-19,999) 5 Very High ≥ 2,000 but < 10,000 but (i.e., 2,000-9,999) 4 High
≥ 200 but <2,000 but (i.e., 200-1,999) 3 Medium
≥ 20 but < 200 but (i.e., 20-199) 2 Low
< 20(i.e., 1-19) 1 Very Low
0(0) 0 Absent
An Osprey waiting for fish amidst water
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Tufted Pochards were common in Sipu though they were not recorded in nearby Dantiwada. This indicates greater depth in Sipu dam as Tufted Pochard is a diving duck
Hydrophytic/Macroscopic vegetation:
Well-grown, ‘thorny textured’ Chara sp (an alga) and young Vallisneria spiralis
were observed in shallow waters near shore. However, it was not found to be
abundant. Moreover, emergent hydrophytes were found to be absent.
Habitat components:
Sipu dam’s reservoir has low habitat diversity compared to its neighbouring
Dantiwada Reservoir. Only open water and natural shore on the far-end can be
seen as habitat components suitable for waterbirds. No prominent islet could be
seen. Considerable portion of the shoreland on the far-end is grass covered and
thus potentially useful for grazing waterfowl like geese and Brahminy Duck etc.
The embankment of the reservoir abruptly starts from/end at the edge of open
water at places and at several other places, there is narrow land-margin between
open water edge and embankment, that too with dense cover of Prosopis and
rocks. All such ground conditions make unfavorable habitat conditions for
resting/roosting requisites of ducks, geese and waders.
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Sipu dam has low habitat diversity compared to its neighbouring Dantiwada. Here only open water and natural shore on the far-end can be seen as habitat components
Edge between open water and grassy shore can be used for foraging by grazing waterfowl like Brahminy Duck and geese Water quality:
pH- 8.1, TDS- 250 mg/l, Total Hardness- 116 mg;l, Ca-29 mg/l, Mg-11 mg/l, Total
Alkalinity- 140 mg/l, Chlorides- 40 mg/l, Sulphate-20 mg/l, % Na-53
Socio-economic dependency:
Fishing and irrigation are the two major socio-economic dependencies. Fishing is
done by fishermen from Bihar.
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Fishing is carried out by fishermen from Bihar
Adverse factors against conservation:
The dam’s main shoreline is over-dominated with rocks. Water near the main
shore was found to be turbid (muddy) and algal blooms present.
Rocks and algal bloom at the Sipu deteriorates aesthetic view and micro-habitat conditions of its shoreline
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Sukhbhadar dam, Bhavnagar district
Sukhbhadar dam, Botad taluka
Introductory Profile:
Significance: As per SACON’s “Inland Wetland Conservation Atlas”, this is a
prioritized site and also a proposed Ramsar Site in Gujarat.
Location: 22° 22' 19.1"N, 72° 32' 12"E. Sukhbhadar dam’s reservoir is located
near Paliyad in Botad taluka of Bhavnagar district.
Biogeographic Region & Province: The Semi-Arid (4) & Gujarat-Rajwara (4B)
Administrative Region and District: Saurashtra, Bhavnagar district
Other information (based on secondary information and people’s perception):
Sukhbhadar dam is built on the river Sukhbhadar. This is a 194 km long river that
originates from Vadi hills (Chotila) and merges in Gulf of Khambhat. Its
catchment area is 2,118 sq. km. The Sukhbhadar dam, located at the distance of DA-182
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about 68 km from the origin of the river, is 2 km long at the top-most point. It is
21m high above the lowest point of its foundation. Its construction started in 1977
and work is still in progress. The dam is built for irrigation purpose. The area of
Sukhbhadar reservoir at full reservoir level is 10.45 sq.km.
Site Description:
Sukhbhadar dam forms a large reservoir near Paliyad village at the distance of
78.5 km from the district head quarter- Bhavnagar.Oher nearby villages are
Bhadravadi, Targhara, Kumbhara and Ratanpur.Though large portion of the
shore on one side of this dam/reservoir has a sloping and rocky embankment,
shoreline on other sides is natural (i.e., without embankment). Thus, Sukhbhadar
dam has huge open water area surrounded by considerable length of shoreline that
is hillocky/ undulating at places. Waters of this largish dam/reservoir was found
to be somewhat turbid, when visited on 13-3-2008. There are some islands/islets
amidst the open water area. Thus, long shoreline (devoid of embankment) and
presence of islets/islands make this wetland good from waterbird point of view.
Owing to a leveled, well-maintained road on the embankment that covers one side
of the reservoir almost completely, the waterbirds of this reservoir can be
satisfactorily surveyed from one side. However, its vast area prevents a bird-
watcher from identifying waterbirds on the opposite shore unless the bird-watcher
is equipped with good spotting scope.
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Though a portion of the wetland’s margin with rocky embankment and xerophytic vegetation is not very useful for waterbirds, considerable portion of open water is lined with natural shoreline that makes Sukhbhadar a good wetland for waterbirds
Purpose of creation: Irrigation
Water Data:
Mean Annual Rainfall 531 mm
Catchment Area 495 sq. km
3 Meean Annual Run-off in Catchment 39.84 Mm
3 Gross storage capacity 41.13 Mm
Effective storage capacity 37.57 Mm3
Max. Discharge 10699 m3/sec
Waterbirds (Species Richness and Abundance):
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From waterbird point of view, rocky and sloping embankment on at least 2 sides
and reed-beds seem to be undesirable features. The open water component is most
dominant and though a few islands exist amidst the open water, their proportion is
very less. However, islands were found to be used for resting by some pelicans
and few other resident waterbirds (Great Egret, Grey Heron, Little Cormorants
etc.). Despite vast area of open water, there were no swimming/diving waterbirds
barring few (n = 10). The waterbirds that were recorded in March 2008 and June
2009 are: Little Grebe (2), Little Cormorant (3), Great White Pelican(5), Great
Egret(1), Cattle Egret(18), Eurasian Spoonbill(5), Black-headed Ibis(5), Grey
Heron(1), Spot-billed Duck(2), and Common Sandpiper(1).
Ghadvi (2001) recorded following waterbirds in 1998-1999.
Little Grebe (3), Rosy or Great White Pelican (20), Indian Shag/Cormorant (28),
Oriental Darter or Snakebird (1), Grey Heron (10), Little Green Heron (1), Pond
Heron (10), Cattle Egret (50), Great Egret (8), Asian Open-billed Stork (50),
Eurasian Spoonbill (2),Greater Flamingo (300), Bar-headed Goose (500), Ruddy
Shelduck (2), Northern Pintail (10), Common Teal (100), Spot-billed Duck (4),
Northern Shoveler (200), Tufted Duck (100), Common Crane (236), Demoiselle
Crane (3), Black-winged Stilt (20), Avocet (2), Red-wattled Lapwing (20),
Blacktailed Godwit (500), Marsh Sandpiper (2), Little Stint (100), Ruff (6), Gull-
billed Tern (25), Caspian Tern (25), River Tern (25). Old records indicate that 118
Bar-headed Geese and 1 Black Stork had been recorded here in November 2000
(Gadhvi 2001).
Total number of waterbird spp.(α diversity): 33
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A Great White Pelican (Juvenile) An Egret
Waterbird abundance level (on population scale of 0-6): Based on Gadhvi
(2001)’s record of 2,384 waterbirds in 1998 and total 2,363 individuals in
1999 and the criteria adopted for this study (shown in table below), maximum
waterbird abundance level is “High”.(4) as shown in the table below.
Bird population *Population scale(0- Interpretation 6)
≥ 20, 000 ^ 6 Abundant
≥10,000 but <20,000(i.e., 10,000-19,999) 5 Very High
≥ 2,000 but < 10,000 but (i.e., 2,000-9,999) 4 High
≥ 200 but <2,000 but (i.e., 200-1,999) 3 Medium
≥ 20 but < 200 but (i.e., 20-199) 2 Low < 20(i.e., 1-19) 1 Very Low
0(0) 0 Absent
Hydrophytes:
Emergent and floating/floating-leaved hydrophytes are at large absent along the
shoreline. No submerged hydrophytic vegetation could be seen apparently.
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However, detailed boat-based survey could not be conducted to detect their
presence in some portion of the reservoir. Presence of only fish-eating birds like
pelican, cormorant and egrets and absence of rallids like coot on the day of visit
indicated that submerged vegetation might not be abundant. There are several
shrubs of Prosopis juliflora on embankment and shoreline.
Habitat Components:
Habitat diversity (on 0-5 quantitative scale with 1 habitat = 1 score-point) is 3
(open water, shore-land, islets). The open water area constitutes the highest
proportion of overall habitat diversity of Sukhbhadar wetland area. The
proportion of shore-land was found to be much lower than that of open water area
and it was restricted to the periphery opposite to the side with bund and on eastern
side. Two sides of the reservoir are having bunds that render it a bowl shape.
Islets are present amidst open water but their numbers and extent are quite
limited. “Edge effect” is considered very important in wildlife management. At
Sukhbhadar, reservoir the edge between open water-spread and flat shore-land
should be considered important at this wetland. Edge between open water and
islets is less in extent due to small number and size of the islets.
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Three main habitat components-open water, islets and shore. Note some pelicans resting on islets
Water quality:
pH-9, TDS: 450 mg/l, DO: 12 mg/l, Total Alkalinity: 255 mg/l, Ca- 31 mg/l, Mg-
150 mg/l, TH- 181 mg/l, Chlorides-160 mg/l (in June 2009)
Socio-economic dependency:
Irrigation and fishing seem to be the main socio-economic dependencies. At least
3 fishermen boats of fairly big size were seen busy fishing. Each boat had around
4-5 fishermen (from outside Gujarat).
Adverse factors against conservation:
Fishing might be a problem for piscivorous birds like pelicans. Other adverse
factor seems to be poorer habitat diversity (i.e., scarcity of shore component and
island component and absence of reed bed habitat component).
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Fishing in Sukhbhadar reservoir by fishermen from Bihar
Tappar Dam, Kachchh
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Tappar dam, Anjar taluka
Introductory Profile:
Significance: Known to be one of the best dams from waterbird point of view as
informed by well-known bird experts from Kachchh.
Location: Tappar dam is located at 23°15’03.10” N latitudes and 70°8’06.82” E
longitudes. It is located at the distance of about 15 km from Bhuj city (Bhuj
Taluka) and 22 km west of Bhachau and about 19 km north-east of Anjar.
Biogeographic Region & Province: Indian Desert (3) & Kachchh (3B)
Geographic Region and District: Kachchh, Kachchh district
General information (based on secondary information and people’s perception):
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Tapar/Tappar dam is located at Tapar village in Anjar Taluka of Kachchh district.
The dam is built across the river Sarka in 1975 with the main purpose of water
supply. The maximum height of the dam above the lowest point of the foundation
is 16m. The length of the dam at its top is 4 km. The area of its waterspread at the
full reservoir level is 11.45 sq. km. Its catchment area is 305 sq. km. The mean
annual rainfall in the region is 356 mm.
Purpose of creation: Irrigation
Water Data:
Mean Annual Rainfall 356 mm
Catchment Area 303 sq. km
Meean Annual Run-off in Catchment Mm3
Gross storage capacity 48.8 Mm3
Effective storage capacity 13.6 Mm3
Max. Discharge 2258 m3/sec
Site description:
On approaching the dam site, an observer gets an impression of a huge and deep
water reservoir. The vast water-spread is not juxtaposed with land patches except
near the shore and due to that the water storage of the reservoir gives very
monotonous appearance. The land patches of varying size and shape (that may be
called islands/islets) are restricted to the near shore area. The stunted and dried
scrubs on these islands/islets as also in the water are also restricted to the near
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shore area of the reservoir. The waterbirds like cormorants and egrets were seen
using the islands for resting.
A view of Tappar Dam
Waterbirds (Species Richness and Abundance)
Tapar dam has significant place in waterbird scenario of Kachchh from the view
point of Great Crested Grebe. This is because the species has been recorded in
very high number on multiple dates as follows:
19-1-1992 (146 great crested grebes), 24-1-1993 (100), 16-1-1994 (2), 22-1-
1995(3), 7-1-1996 (200), 5-1-1997 (03), 30-1-1998 (10), 17-1-1999 (05), 15-1-
2000(50), 21-1-2001(03), 20-1-2002 (05), 12-1-2003 (dried wetland), 18-1-2004
(0), 23-1-2005(08), Jan. 2006 (no data), 21-1-2007 (10), Jan. 2008 (no data), 18-
1-2009 (08), 26-1-2010 (200).
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Foraging migratory cranes and resting pelicans and cormorants
Great White Pelicans in two sub-groups
During the field visit during this study, following waterbirds were recorded:
Great White Pelican (26), Great and Little Cormorants (125), Tufted Pochard (50+),
Eurasian Spoonbill (6), Common Cranes (78), Common Coot (30), Unidentified
ducks (in hundreds), Greater Spotted Eagle (2)
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Varu (2011, Pers. Comm.) recorded following species (with count) in January 2011:
Great crested Grebe (02), Great white Pelican (03), Dalmatian Pelican (01),
Unidentified pelicans (50) ,Oriental Darter (5) Little Cormorant (30), Great
Cormorant (50), Tufted Duck (11), Whiskered Tern (1), Indian River Tern(1).
However, GUIDE (2009) recorded 16 species of wetland birds (with total 423
birds) in winter 2006 and 28 species (with total 1,249 birds) in winter 2007.
Waterbird Species Richness (α diversity):
Based on GUIDE’s records of waterbirds in winter 2007, maximum species richness
(or α diversity) of waterbirds = 28 species
Waterbird Abundance level(on population scale of 0-6)-
Considering, waterbird count recorded by GUIDE in winter 2007, the waterbird
abundance level at Tappar dam can be up to Medium (3) level as shown in the table
below:
Bird population *Population scale(0- Interpretation 6)
≥ 20, 000 ^ 6 Abundant
≥10,000 but <20,000(i.e., 10,000-19,999) 5 Very High
≥ 2,000 but < 10,000 (i.e., 2,000-9,999) 4 High
≥ 200 but <2,000 (i.e., 200-1,999) 3 Medium
≥ 20 but < 200 (i.e., 20-199) 2 Low
< 20(i.e., 1-19) 1 Very Low
0(0) 0 Absent
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Hydrophytes:
No hydrophytic vegetation could be recorded. Emergent, free-floating and
floating leaved submerged plants (e.g., Nymphaea spp.) were found to be absent.
Water Quality:
pH: 7.8, Temp.: 30°C (morning) TDS: 2,090 mg/l, Total Hardness: 468 mg/l,
Toatal Alkalinity: 630 mg/l, Ca: 82 mg/l, Mg: 63 mg/l, Chlorides: 850 mg/l,
Sulphate: 19 mg/l, %Na:75 (in March 2009).
Habitat Components:
Habitat diversity (on 0-5 quantitative scale with 1 habitat = 1 score-point) is 3
(open water, shore-land and islets). Open water area has been the largest habitat
component and it gives observer an impression of vastness. There are small-sized
land-patches amidst water near the shore and due to their flat terrain and gentle
slopes at their edge with open waters, they found to be suitable for resting needs
of waterbirds like cormorants, egrets and ducks etc. There are stunted Prosopis
scrubs in water near the shore and also near such islets and they give resting
opportunity to birds like cormorants. No large islet could be seen amidst open
water. Peripheral land (i.e., land surrounding open water) was found to be less
suitable for resting/roosting of waterbirds.
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Tappar dam has vast water-spread area with very less habitat diversity
Small islets near shore are useful for resting by waterbirds
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Egrets and cormorants resting on islets near shore
An eagle at Tappar dam-Greater Spotted Eagle (?)
Socio-economic dependency:
The water of this dam is used for “Kandala Sankul”. On the day of visit to this
dam, a few scattered hutments were seen on the shore indicating inhabitance of
poor/nomadic/labourer families on the shore.
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Poor people living on shore
Adverse factors against conservation/Threats:
No apparent threat/disturbance. However, absence of hydrophytic vegetation is an
undesirable aspect of this and many other dams/reservoirs of Kachchh.
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Brief Profiles of Some Other Dams
Aji-II Dam, Rajkot District
Aji II Dam’s reservoir, Rajkot taluka
Aji-II Dam is an irrigation dam located near the village Gavridada in Rajkot
taluka of Rajkot district. It is located about 14 km north-east of Aji I dam. The
dam is 8 km north of Rajkot city (city airport). It is connected with other Aji dams
via Aji river. It has been built across Aji river (with construction commenced in
1980s) for irrigation purpose. It is 13 km long dam whose height from the lowest
foundation is 23.6 m. The volume content of dam is 278 x 103 m3. Its gross
staorage capacity and effective storage capacity are 22080 x 103 m3 and 20,750 x
103 m3 respectively. The maximum discharge from the spillway is 6011 m2/sec.
The reservoir area is 5080 x 103 m2. Water spread perimeter determined from
Bhuvan, ISRO was found to be 21 km. The catchment area of this dam is about
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3 171 sq. km. Its gross storage capacity is 22 Mm . And the gross command area of
the Aji-II dam is 2.500 ha. Maximum height of the dam above the lowest point of
thefoundation has is 20.5 m. Main habitat components were found to be open
water area, and shoreland. The shore-land has flat terrain and gentle slope at the
open water-shoreland edge which represents desirable feature for waterbirds’
resting/roosting/foraging needs. No islets were visible (in field and on image).
Considerable cultivation practice is carrried out on shore/landscape surrounding
open water. From the view-point of hydrophytic vegetation, spread of
Eichchhornia seems to be a feature worthy of attention. This weed was present
not just in waters near the edge, but even on muddy/moist shore land. No other
aquatic vegetation was prominent. Following waterbirds were recorded during a
visit in mid-winter season (2009):
Grey Heron (2), Glossy Ibis (6), Eurasian Spoonbill (20), Greater Flamingo (290),
Common Coot(110), Common Teal(25), Northern Shoveler (550), Northern
Pintail (10), Eurasian Wigeon (2), Spotbill Duck (4), Comb Duck (1), Great
White Pelican (75), Great Cormorant (30), Osprey (1), Gullbilled Tern (32),
Asian Openbill (1), Painted Stork (1), Ruff(95), Black-tailed Godwit (6),
Unidentified waders (280). Total about 1,500 waterbirds recorded. Gadhvi (2001)
recorded following waterbirds in 1999.
Great Crested Grebe (1), Little Grebe (1), Rosy or White Pelican (10), Large
Cormorant (1), Grey Heron (7), Pond Heron (100), Little Egret (25), White Ibis
(2), Glossy Ibis (5), Flamingo (26), Common Teal (9), Shoveller (125), Coot (20),
Avocet (1), Whitetailed Lapwing (4), Kentish Plover (6), Greenshank (1), Marsh
DA-200
Dams
Sandpiper (1), Wood Sandpiper (1), Common Sandpiper (3), Fantail Snipe (2),
Little Stint (1), Curlew Sandpiper (1), Ruff & Reev (56), Brown Headed Gull
(11), Black Headed Gull (1), Whiskered Tern (2), Caspian Tern (3), River Tern
(3), Large Pied Wagtail (2).
Mid-winter Asian Waterfowl Count is available for the years 1987(33
waterbirds), 1988 (266), 1990 (1,185), 1991(3,509), 1992 (4,179), 1993(12,613),
1994 (1,146), 1995 (1,468), 1996 (1,889), 2003(246), 2004 (1,463), 2005 (176),
2007 (3,906). This means that usually the waterbird abundance level at this site is
“Medium” to “High” on the scale adopted for this study.
One-time water quality assessment indicated that: pH- 7.84, TDS- 990 mg/l,
Total Hardness- 276 mg/l, Ca- 48 mg/l, Mg- 38 mg/l, Total Alkalinity- 270 mg/l,
Chlorides- 440 mg/l, %Na 70
Major socio-economic dependency is irrigation. Total 7 villages of Rajkot taluka
fall in the command area of Aji-II dam. Local farmers also carry out caultivation
on the shore itself, for which they draw water using diesel engine. The most
apparent threat to this good waterbird habitat is infestation of water hyasinth
(Eichhornia crassipes). During the field visit, Eichhornia was found to be spread
not only in shallow water, but also on muddy shore. Even the satellite image
indicates the infestation of Eichhornia.
DA-201
Dams
A view of the dam
Infestation of water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes)
DA-202
Dams
Ruff, stints and other shorebirds foraging on muddy shore lined with Eichhornia
Great Cormorant in association with shoveler and pelicans
DA-203
Dams
Pied Avocet Eurasian Spoonbill
Great White Pelicans resting & preening on shore with resting cormorants & ducks
Greater Flamingos and migratory ducks
DA-204
Dams
Ruffs, stints and other shorebirds
Purpose of creation: Irrigation
Water Data
DA-205
Dams
Brahmni Dam, Surendranagar district
Brahmni dam, Halvad Taluka
Brahmni Dam (22°53’33.88”N latitude, 71° 08’58.01”E longitude) is located
near the village Golasan in Halvad taluka of Surendranagar district. It is located
about 14 km south of Halvad town in slightly south-west direction. It has been
built across Brahmni river (with construction commenced in 1949 and completed
on 1953) for irrigation purpose. Water spread at full reservoir level is about 19.1
sq. km (with perimeter determined from a satellite image being 5 km) and the
catchment area of this dam is about 699 sq. km. Its gross storage capacity is 75
Mm3 and the gross command area is 10930 ha. Maximum height of the dam
above the lowest point of the foundation has is 22.7 m. Length of the dam at the
top is about 2.6 km. The command area of this irrigation dam covers 24 villages
DA-206
Dams
of Surendranagar districts, whereas 1 village of Rajkot district. Main habitat
components were found to be open water area and shoreland. The shore-land has
flat terrain and gentle slope at the open water-shoreland edge which represents
desirable feature for waterbirds’ resting/roosting/foraging needs. Considerable
cultivation practice is carrried out on shore/landscape surrounding open water. It
was also seen that village people would collect the fertile soils from the dried up
portion of the reservoir, dump it in their respective tractors to transport it
elsewhere. Following waterbirds were recorded during 2009 mid-winter season:
Over-view of Brahmni dam
Brahmni dam near Halwad (Surendranagar) is a huge dam that is surrounded by
agricultural land. It is not a well-vegetated wetland. It has predominance of open
water and as it has good proportion of wet/dry shoreland that merges with
agricultural fields in the vicinity. Therefore, waterbirds get good amount of
terrestrial environs for resting/roosting/foraging. Total number of waterbird
spp.(α diversity): Gadhvi (2001) recorded 30 species in December 1998. On the DA-207
Dams
day of visit on 29-3-2008 only 10 species could be recorded (Greater Flamingo,
Black-tailed Godwit, Black-winged Stilt, Red-watlled Lapwing, Demoiselle
Cranes, Large Egret, Little Egret, Little Ringed Plover, Little Stint, Common
Sandpiper). Ghadvi (2001) recorded following waterbirds in 1999.
Little Grebe (10), Large Cormorant (1), Little Cormorant (1000), Darter (1),
Purple Heron (2), Pond Heron (20), Large Egret (20), Painted Stork (4), Glossy
Ibis (1), Spoonbill (50), Lesser Flamingo (16), Ruddy Shelduck (500), Pintail
(5000), Common Teal (1000), Gadwall (1000), Shoveller (500), Common
Poachard (5000), Tufted Duck (500), Common Teal (1000), Marsh Harrier (2),
Coot (5000), Blackwinged Stilt (200), Indian Stone Curlew (3), Large Ringed
Plover (10), Curlew (1), Blacktailed Godwit (2000), Redshank (1), Greenshank
(1), Fantail Snipe (1), Little Stint (100), Gull Billed Tern (1), Lesser Pied
Kingfisher (1), Paddyfield pipit (1), Yellow Headed Wagtail (10), White Wagtail
(10). [Total waterbirds=22,967].
Mid-winter Asian Wetland Count (AWC) has been available for certain years and
they are as follows: 1988 (1,792), 1989 (1,265), 1991(1,740), 1992 (6,701), 1993
(2,436), 1994 (2,815), 1995 (312), 2002(17,370). Thus, based on waterbird counts
by Gadhvi (2001) and those of mid-winter AWC, it can be inferred that though
this wetland usually supports “Medium (3)” to “High (4)”, some times, it can also
support “Very High(5”) to “Abundant(6)” waterbird population. As far as
hydrophytic vegetation is concerned it may be admitted that this waterbody has
considerable growth of submerged rooted hydrophyte Vallisneria spirallis. Apart
from that other submerged plants like Hydrilla verticillata and Chara spp. also
DA-208
Dams
exist. Other types of hydrophytic plants were not found to be common. As far as
habitat diversity is concerned, open water spread and shoreland were found to be
the only predominant habitat components. As far as socio-economic dependency
is concerned, intensive fisheing may be a disturbing factor. It may also be posing
competition for common food resource with the piscivorous waterbirds.
Excessive collection of reservoir soils and transporting the soils through tractors
are also likely to be harmful activities ecologically.
DA-209
Dams
Lalpari Dam, Rajkot Disrict
Lalpari Dam, Rajkot Taluka
Lalpari dam is located in Rajkot city (Rajkot taluka) on Aji river. It is located at
the distance of about 3 km north of Aji 1 dam and over 6 km east of Rjkot city
airport. It was constructed in 1954 for the purpose of providing water supply to
Rajkot city. Uts catchment area is 142.45 sq km and its gross storage capacity is
29 Mm3. The area of its water spread at full reservoir level is 6.6 sq. km. The
maximum height of the dam from the lowest point of the foundation is 26 m and
the length of the dam at its top has been 3.4 km.
Some important waterbirds recorded during this study at this dam are as follows:
Gadwall, Spotbill Duck, Yellow-wattled Lapwing, Red-wattled Lapwitng, Grey
Heron, Great White Pelican, Common Teal, sandpipers, stints, terns etc.
DA-210
Dams
Ghadvi (2001) recorded following waterbirds in 1999. Rosy pelican (44), large
cormorant (9), grey heron (3), painted stork (5), black ibis (7), glossy ibis (1),
spoonbill (4), greater flamingo (103), ruddy shelduck (8), pintail (6), common teal
(96), spotbilled duck (43), mallard ( 1), wigeon (12), shoveller (58), tufted duck
(3), common crane (54), demoiselle crane (26), coot (8),
Mid-winter Asian Waterbird Counts (AWC) are available for several years as
follows:
1989 (5,500 waterbirds), 1990 (1,292), 1991 (2,978), 1992 (2,538), 1994 (1,093),
1995 (257), 1996 (1,215). 2004 (3.127), 2005 (2.400) and 2007 (2.630).
A view of Lalpari dam’s reservoir
DA-211
Dams
Yellow-wattled Lapwing at the edge of shoreland & open water
A pair of migratory ducks – shape of the beak at tip, shape of the head and colour pattern of face suggest Red-crested Pochard (female)
Ducks and other waterbirds
DA-212
Dams
Eurasian Spoonbill, Black-headed Ibis, migratory ducks on an islet
Grey Heron, Black-winged Stilt and Red-wattled Lapwing- even a small mound facilitates resting spot amidst a wetland
DA-213
Dams
Nayka dam, Surendranagar district
Nayka dam, Muli taluka
Nayka Dam is located at village Gautamgadh-Nayka in Surendranagar District. It
is hardly at the distance of 5 km from Muli on the Muli-Wadhavan road. Dholi
dhaja dam is located approximately 10 km east of Nayka dam. It is the second
major source of water supply to the district of Surendranagar. It is located 15 km
far from Surendranagar City on Surendranagar - Rajkot Highway. It is connected
with Dholi Dhaja Dam via river called Bhogavo. The dam is about 6 m high and
as per Bhuvan ISRO, the area of waterspread is about__sq.km and perimeter is
over 8 km. Main habitat components were found to be open water area, a couple
of islets and shoreland. Shoreland area is intensively utilized for cultivating
vegetables.
DA-214
Dams
Waterbirds: Nayka dam near Muli (Surendranagar) is a medium-sized dam that
is surrounded by agricultural land. It is not a well-vegetated wetland. It has
predominance of open water and as it has good proportion of wet/dry shoreland
(partly exposed and partly grass-covered) in between open waters and agricultural
fields in the vicinity, the waterbirds get good amount of terrestrial environs for
resting/roosting/foraging. Worthy of mention are Bar-headed Geese. Based on
presence of their droppings on grassy shore and in the agricultural fields, they
seemed to be exploiting both of these habitats in the environs of open waters of
the Nayka dam. Perhaps due to this reason, Nayka Dam was one of the two
wetlands where Bar-headed Goose was recorded (other one is Sudama talaav in
Saayla). In fact, this was the site covered during the survey that had maximum
number of Bar-headed Goose (n = 33). Total number of waterbird spp. (α
diversity): 15 (Greater Flamingo, Woolly-necked Stork, Bar-headed Geese,
Shoveler, Pintail, Common Teal, Garganey, Coot, Avocet, Black-winged Stilt,
Red-watlled Lapwing, Black Ibis, Glossy Ibis, Spoonbill, Demoiselle Cranes).
Gadhvi (2001) recorded 30 species in December 1998. Ghadvi (2001) recorded
following 25 vwaterbird species in 1999.
Grey Heron (3), Small Egret (24), Little Egret (8), Painted Stork (50), Black Ibis
(7), Spoonbill (25), Lesser Flamingo (25), Greylag Goose (50), Ruddy Shelduck
(2), Spotbilled Duck (20), Garganey (2), Shoveller (4), Demoiselle Crane (3),
Blackwinged Stit (20), Avocet (10), Redwattled Lapwing (6), Yellow – wattled
Lapwing (2), Common Sandpiper (10), Ruff & Reev (6), Common Tern (8),
DA-215
Dams
Black headed Wagtail (5), Yellow headed Wagtail (6), Grey Wagtail (2), White
Wagtail (7), Large Pied Wagtail (5).
Waterbird abundance level: Gadhvi (2001) recorded 1,587 birds in December
1998. Mid-winter Asian Waterfowl Counts (AWC) have been available for the
years 1991(1,725 waterbirds), 1992(10,500), 1994(804), 2002(11,190),
2003(2,393), 2004 (9,219), 2005 (2,326), 2006 (5,050). Thus waterbird
abundance level can be considered as “Medium” (3) to “High” (4).
Hydrophytes: Good, noticeable growth of emergent hydrophytic cover was not
found during field visit. Floating leaved rooted submerged hydrophytes were also
found to be absent. Among submerged aquatic vegetation, Vallisneria spiralis,
Hydrilla verticellata and Chara sp.(a macro-alga) were found to be perpetual near
shore.
Water quality: pH- 8.6, TDS- 750 mg/l, Total Hardness- 300, Ca- 72 mg/l, Mg-
30 mg/l, Total alkalinity- 340, Chlorides- 240 mg/l, %Na- 56
Socio-economic dependency and threats: Main socio-economic dependency is
for agriculture. It seems that cultivation on shore/drying basins and grazing on
shore/drying basins are some of the likely problems of this dam-site.
DA-216
Dams
Bar-headed Geese at Nayka Dam (Muli)
DA-217
Dams
Nyari-1, Rajkot district.
Nyari-1 Dam’s reservoir, Rajkot taluka
Nyari-1 Dam is located on the outskirts of Rajkot city in Rajkot district. It is
hardly at the distance of 10 km from Rajkot city (air-port) and about 33 km
southeast of Nyari-II dam. Waterspread area of the reservoir was found to be over
6 sq km and the perimeter of the reservoir is found to be around 15 km. This is a
large irrigation reservoir. Unlike Aji-I, Nyari has some amount of muddy (non-
rocky) shore that can be used by waders. It also has an island with fairly large
size. (0.7 km long periphery) towards the eastern shore of the reservoir.There is
another islet (with 0.5 km long periphery) towerds south-western shore. Towards
its north-western periphery Like many other large irrigation reservoirs, Nyari-I
too has a sloping embankment on at least one side. Such an embankment replaces
natural muddy/sandy shore and does not provide resting/roosting opportunity.
This waterbody lacks floating hydrophytes. Emergent hydrophytes are also absent
within/on periphery of the reservoir. However, tall and dense emergent vegetation
DA-218
Dams
(Sedges, Typha etc.) exists on the other side of embankment. Gadhvi (2001)
recorded 20 species in December 1998. Ghadvi (2001) recorded following
waterbirds in 1998. Little Cormorant (35), Grey Heron (4), Large Egret (1),
Openbilled Stork (2), Pintail (23), Common Teal (131), Spotbilled Duck (30),
Shoveller (1), Marsh Harrier (1), Common Crane (1), Demoiselle Crane (135),
Blackwinged Stilt (3), Indian Stone Curlew (1), Great Stone Plover (1), Red
Shank (1), Ruff & Reev (10), Lesser Black Headed Gull (1), Caspian Tern (1),
River Tern (4), Indian Tree Pipit (6), Paddy Field Pipit (3), Grey Headed Yellow
Wagtail (2).
Gadhvi (2001) recorded population of 387 birds in December. On the day of visit
for the current study, much lower population was present. Mid-winter Asian
Waterfowl Count (AWC) has been available for the following years (with
counts): 1987(1348), 1989 (391), 1990 (5,534), 1991 (2.719), 1992(521),
1993(2,973), 1993(3,672), 1994(1,341), 1995(1,244), 2002(1,395), 2003(3,553),
2004(3,830), 2005(8,140), 2007(1,263). Thus, as per the criterion adopted for the
present study, waterbird abundance level of Nyari-I dam can be said to be
medium (3) to high (4). Water Quality parameters showed following values: pH-
7.7, TDS- 300 mg/l, Total Hardness-132 mg/l, Ca-43 mg/l, Mg- 6 mg/l, Total
Alkalinity- 180mg/l, Chlorides- 50 mg/l, %Na 51.With regards to socio-economic
dependency, it can be said that apart from providing irrigation water in its
command area, the dam/reservoir is beneficial to fishermen/fish merchants and
local agriculturalists.
DA-219
Dams
A view of Nyari –I dam reservoir showing largish islets amidst vopen water area
Another view of Nyari I dam reservoir showing arms of shoreland extending into shallow shore waters forming good interspersion of open water and shoreland .
DA-220
Dams
Small Blue Kingfisher on rocky embankment Common Teal-foraging in a pair
Temmink’s Stint A sandpiper
Grebes in the Open Water Indian Cormorant
DA-221
Dams
Glariola pratincola/maldivarum
DA-222
Dams
Nyari II Dam, Rajkot
Nyari II Dam, Padadhari Taluka
Nyari-II Dam is located at Rangapur village in Padadhary taluka of Rajkot
district. It is built across the river Nyari with the main purpose of supplying
irrigation water and proposed pupose of supplying water to Rajkot city. The area
of the waterspread at full reservoir level is 4 sq.km and the catchment area of this
reservoir is 156 sq km. The perimeter of the reservoir has been found to be 15 km.
The dam’s gross storage capacity is 13 Mm3. The maximum height of the dam
from the lowest point on the Foundation has been 14 m. The length at the top of
the dam is about 4 km.
Some important waterbirds recorded at this dam are as follows: Little Egret (11),
Smaller Egret(4), Great Egret(12), River Tern (10), Pond Heron (4), Great White
Pelican(450), Demoiselle Crane(125), Common Crane (75), Eurasian
Spoonbill(50), Great Cormorant(15), Greater Flamingo (100), Glariola
pratincola/maldivarum (15), Unidentified waders(many). Mid-winter Asian
DA-223
Dams
Waterbird Counts (AWC) are available only for 1988 and 1991 for which only 75
and 1,950 waterbirds have been recorded respectively.
Egrets and terns busy foraging
Congregation of pelicans and other waterbirds
A Grey Heron at shoreland-open water edge
DA-224
Dams
Greater Flamingo
Migratory Cranes (with few Great White Pelicans)
Great Cormorants resting on an islet
DA-225
Dams
The Nyari-II dam’s reservoir has fairly good habitat diversity as except for
reedbed (emergent vegetation cover) all habitat components vast open water area,
islets and flat shoreland that meets open water with gentle slope. As far as socio-
economic dependencies are concerned, besides agriculture, fishing is the major
local socio-economic dependency. In fact, intensive fishing can be threat
Fishermen on the shore with their nets at Nyari-II dam’s reservoir
Fishing boat amidst open water at Nyari-II dam’s reservoir
DA-226
Dams
Veri dam, Rajkot district
Veri dam, Gondal taluka
Veri dam Dam is built on the outskirts of Gondal city of Rajkot district on
Gondli river. It is hardly at the distance of 4 km on the north of Gondal city.
Waterspread area of the reservoir (well-known as Veri talaav) was found to be
over 7 sq km. Actually it could be more, but heavy siltation/sedimentation has
affected this reservoir (as per personal communication with local people and
examination of satellite image). One of the reasons for heavy siltation may be its
‘age’. Thus, it is one of the oldest dams which was constructed in the year 1900
for water suppy to Gondal. The area of the waterspread in the reservoir at full
reservoir level is 4 sq. km. Its gross storage capacity is 4.6 Mm3. The length of the
dam is 3 km and its maximum height above the lowest point of the foundation is
6.5 m. The reservoir has long bund which is good for observing birds from
DA-227
Dams
various spots, but the considerable growth of Prosopis along it obstructs the vision
at many places. The reservoir has good habitat diversity in the form of large open
water, moderate shoreland with flat terrain and several ‘arms’ extending into the
open waters and patches of emergent aquatic vegetation. No floating hydrophytes
were noticiable and submerged vegetation could not be investigated due to
unavailability of boat. Veri dam’s reservoir is rich in waterbird-life. This was one
of the only two wetlands covered during this survey, where Mallard was recorded
(the other one was Thol talaav). Gadhvi (2001) recorded 70 species in December
1998. On the day of the visit during the current survey, 34 species were recorded
(Great White Pelicans, Demoiselle Crane, Greater Flamingo, Shoveler, Garganey,
Mallard, Common Teal, Pintail, Gadwall, Spot-billed Duck, Grey Heron, Pond
Heron, Cattle Egret, Little Egret, Large Egret, Little Cormorant, Purple
Swamphen, Red-wattled Lapwing, Black Ibis, Black-headed Ibis, Glossy Ibis,
Spoonbill, Comb Duck, Whiskered Tern, River Tern, Great Crested Grebe,
Dabchick, Painted Stork, Black-winged Stilt, Wigeon, Common Pochard etc.)
However, they include an extremely rare bird; viz., Red-necked Grebe. Apart
from it, Great White Pelican, Little Cormorant, Coots, Large Egret, Little Egret
etc. were seen. Waterbird abundance level of this wetland can be said to be “4-5”
(High-Abundant) as Gadhvi (2001) recorded population of 19,907 birds in
December 1998. Ghadvi (2001) recorded following waterbirds in 1999. Great
Crested Grebe(22), Little Grebe (190), Rosy or White Pelican (280), Spotbill
Pelican (3), Large Cormorant ((15), Little Cormorant (200), Darter or Snakebird
(8), Grey Heron (47), Little Green Heron (15), Pond Heron or Paddybird (240),
DA-228
Dams
Cattle Egret (700), Large Egret (65), Little Egret (180), Painted Stork (85),
Openbilled Stork (8), White Ibis (10), Black Ibis (45), Glossy Ibis (27), Spoonbill
(200), Pintail (75), Common Teal (280), Spotbilled Duck (270), Gadwall (20),
Wigeon (300), Garganey (50), Shoveller (230), Common Pochard (27), Tufted
Duck (40), Cotton Teal (90), Comb Duck (80), Marsh Harrier (30), Osprey (2),
Common Crane (3000), Demoiselle Crane (200), Spotted Crane (5), White
Breasted Waterhen (90), Indian Moorhen (130), Purple Moorhen (150), Coot
(310), Pheasant-tailed Jacana (35), Balck Winged Stilt (350), Avocet (28), Indian
Stone Curlew (20), Sociable Lapwing (8), Red Wattled lapwing (40), Yellow
Wattled Lapwing (20), Grey Plover (40), Golden Plover (4), Black-tailed Godwit
(7), Marsh Sandpiper (20), Common Sandpiper (80), Little Stint (70), Ruff (600),
Black Headed Gull (12), Whiskered Tern (18), Caspian Tern (80), River Tern
(65), Lesser Pied Kingfisher (13), Common Kingfisher (18), White Breasted
Kingfisher (22), Indian Great Reed Warbler (130), Black Headed Wagtail (200),
Yellow Headed Wagtail (800), White Wagtail (350), Large Pied Wagtail (120).
Mid-winter Asian Waterbird Count(AWC) was available for several years as
shown below: 1987(2,738), 1990(6,178), 1991(13,253), 1992(14984),
1993(1209), 1994(1739), 1996(15642), 2002(12,418), 2003(316), 2004(7308),
2005 (15,133). Thus, it can be inferred that the waterbird abundance level usually
remains “Medium(3)” to “Very High” (5).
Water quality is reflected in the values of following parameters: pH 7.1 TDS- 670
mg/l, Toal Hardness-220 mg/l, Ca-52 mg/l, Mg 22 mg/l, Total Alkalinity- 300
mg/l, Chlorides- 190 mg/l, %Na 63 . Main socio-economic dependency since the
DA-229
Dams
past is water supply for Gondal town. However, water is also use by local farmers
for agriculture. Fishing also is carried out. Poaching and fishing reported, but
siltation can be considered as the biggest “enemy” of this excellent waterbird
habitat.
DA-230
Irrigation Reservoir
IRRIGATION RESERVOIR
IR-1
Irrigation Reservoir
IRRIGATION STORAGE RESERVOIRS (17)
Name of Reservoir Page No.
1. Kanewal IR-3
2. Naghrama IR-16
3. Narda IR-31
4. Paalan IR-37
5. Pariej IR-46
6. Saiyant IR-56
7. Thol IR-70
8. Traj IR-86
9. Vasai IR-100
10. Wadhwana IR-113
11. Others IR-128
(Savli, Rani Porda, Waghroli, Heranj, Daloli,
Sripor Timbi, Nava Talav)
IR-2
Irrigation Reservoir
Kanewal Reservoir, Anand district
Kanewal Reservoir, Khambhat Taluka
Introductory Profile:
Significance: Prioritized wetland site from Gujarat. One of the eight wetlands of
National Importance identified in Gujarat state by the Ministry of Environment
and Forests, Govt. of India. This is also an Important Bird Area (IBA) Site of
India and also a proposed Ramsar Site by SACON (Source: SACON’s Atlas for
Wetland Conservation)
Location: Kanewal Irrigation Reservoir is located in Tarapur taluka of Anand
district at 22˚28’00”N latitudes and 72˚32’00”E longitudes. It is situated at the
distance of just 13 km from Tarapur, 19 km from Khambhat and about 44 km
from Anand.
IR-3
Irrigation Reservoir
Bio-geographic Region & Province: Semi-Arid (4), Gujarat-Rajwara (4B)
Region of Gujarat and District: Central/Middle Gujarat, Anand
General information (based on secondary information and people’s perception):
Kanewal is the largest freshwater man-made wetland of the twin districts of
Kheda-Anand. It is located at the distance of about 30 km north of the tip of Gulf
of Khmbhat and around 50 km south east of the southern portion of Nalsarovar. It
is located between the estuaries of the rivers Sabarmati and Mahisagar. The low-
lying saline areas of this region is converted into the storage reservoir by raising a
wall Parasharya and Jani (2006). The reservoir, which is under the control of
state irrigation department, is spread over 6.25 sq. km. Its maximum depth is of
about 12 m. The northern side of the reservoir is relatively shallow and supports
aquatic vegetation. The reservoir was initially constructed for irrigation purpose.
Then after, a scheme for drinking water supply to the surrounding villages was
also introduced. After the year 2000, a project of supplying water to the
Saurashtra region by pipeline has been operating Parasharya and Jani (2006).
IR-4
Irrigation Reservoir
A view of Kanewal reservoir covering area in the vicinity of its largest inhabited island
It is linked with Mahi River Branch Canal of Vanakbori weir raised on Mahisagar
River, which makes it a perennial wetland. The reservoir is periodically
replenished with canal water. There are three pumping station around the
reservoir, the two of which are used for supplying water to nearby villages. Third
pumping station is used for supplying water into a pipeline that supplies water to
Saurashtra region (Parasharya and Jani 2006).
Purpose of creation: Drinking and irrigation
Water Data: Average annual rainfall in the area is 868 mm. Storage is 8-18
M.cu.m. The water depth reaches upto 12 m with 8.18 MCM water storage
capacity. The researvoir is spread over 6.25 sq km.
IR-5
Irrigation Reservoir
Site Description:
The site of this wetland is off the Vataman-Tarapur High Way near Valli/Rel
villages that can be approached after crossing the village Varasda that has road-
side, moderate-sized Nymphaea-infested pond. On the shore of Kanewal
reservoir, there is a simple hut-like shade-giving structure erected by Forest
Department. The Department has also put several ‘pictorial display stones’
depicting birds occurring in Kanewal and its environs and it gives a good message
to the visitors about importance of this wetland for waterbirds.
Simple hut-like shade-giving structure for the visitors
IR-6
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Bird-painting stone-displays: an interpretation strategy by Forest Department
From the outskirt itself, a visitor gets an impression of a huge wetland with plenty
of water. One can also see large bed of leaves of Nelumbo/Nymphaea in parts of
the wetland’s periphery. A largish boat keeps on ferrying for picnickers/visitors
between the tourism’s hut-like structure and large inhabited island that can be
easily seen form the outskirt. One can see two islands/islets amidst open water
from the outskirt itself. In the winter season, one can always One of the
islets/islands that is most visible is endowed with good canopy cover and also
agricultural fields and human settlements. Surprisingly, this and other islets of
Kanewal are anonymous (unlike Nalsarovar, where each of the major 36 islets has
one or the other name). Of the three big islets (or islands), two are inhabited and
have cultivation on it. On third one there is no human settlement and perhaps, due
to non-disturbance from human being, a good heronry exists on the trees of this
islet/island.
Waterbirds (Species Richness and Abundance):
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Parasharya and Jani (2006) recorded following species in January 2005: Great
Crested Grebe(2), Little Grebe (130), Great Cormorant (10), Little Cormorant
(132), Oriental Darter(2), Grey Heron(8), Purple Heron(25), Pond heron (33),
Cattle Egret(300), Great Egret (15), Smaller/Median Egret (65), Little Egret(54),
Painted Stork(2), Asian Openbill(20), Oriental White Ibis (45), Black Ibis (7),
Glossy Ibis (103), Greylag Ibis (82), Lesser Whistling Duck(110), Common
Teal(800), Spotbill Duck (2), Gadwall (20), Eurasian Wigeon (1250),Gaganey
(80), Northern Shoveler (200), Cotton Teal (83), Comb Duck (4), Sarus Crane (2),
White-breasted Waterhen (1), Eurasian Curlew (2), Black-tailed Godwit (250),
Common Redshank (1), Marsh Sandpiper (2), Green Sandpiper (1), Wood
Sandpiper (4), Common Sandpiper (2), Fantail Snipe (4), Little Stint (40), Ruff
(50), Black-winged Stilt (50), Indian Moorhen (52), Purple Moorhen (73), Coot
(8854), Pheasant-tailed Jacana (322), Bronze-winged Jacana (7), Small Indian
Pratincole (2), White-tailed Lapwing (2), Red-wattled Lapwing (10), Kentish
Plover (2), Herring Gull (1), Whiskered Tern (1), Gull-billed Gull (3), Caspian
Tern (4), Indian River Tern (10), Indian Pied Kingfisher (2), Small Blue
Kingfisher (1), White-breasted Kingfisher (3), Indian Great Reed Warbler
(8),Yellow Wagtail (100), White Wagtail (4), Yellow-headed Wagtail (6). Total
waterbird species (α diversity) = 62 in late January. Mid-winter Asian Waterfowl
Count (AWC) data has been available for several years. The years along with the
waterbird count for the year are as follows: 1987 (17,015), 1988 (6,249),
1989(15,058), 1990 (35,614), 1991 (38,387), 1992 (15,320), 1993 (22,613),
1994(23,028), 2002(6,012), 2004 (41,127). Thus, undoubtedly, the Waterbird
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abundance level for Kanewal is (on the *population scale 0-6) = 5-6 (i.e., ‘Very
High-Abundant’).
Coot-the most abundant ralid at Kanewal Reservoir
Resting waders-Black-winged Stilts and Ruffs
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Purple Swamhens (left) & Glossy Ibis (right) foraging on the largest inhabited island
Purple Heron in grassy portion of an island Dabbling duck pair (Garganey)
Migratory dabbing ducks in open water area
Hydrophytic Vegetation: Kanewal is rich in aquatic/hydrophytic plant-life.
Submerged plants like Vallisneria spiralis, Potamogeton nodusus and Hydrilla
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verticellata are common and perpetual almost over the entire basin of the wetland.
At places, water is so transparent that one can see these plants rising from the
bottom (basin) to the water surface. Potamogeton pectinatus and Najas spp. are
other two commoner submerged species. Density of all these submerged plants
does not vary show much variation (Parasharya and Jani 2006). Nelumbo nucifera
is the commonest submerged rooted plant with floating leaves. It, however, does
not exist commonly in off-shore open waters or open waters away from islands.
Thus, its distribution is more associated with watery periphery of islands, north-
western shore of the wetland (along with Eichhornia crassopes) and western
shore portion between a pumping station and a guest house (Parashrya et al.
2005). Emergent plant-Typha angustata is thich, dense and high on/adjacent to
the margins of the largest inhabited island. Here, it can be as high as 8 ft or even
more. The growth of this plant is perpetual even on the eastern-east edge of the
reservoir (Parashrya et al 2005). Ipomoea carnea, an exotic invasive plant is is
abundant on the shore-portion near the point from where the boat takes and drops
off the picnickers. Parasharya and Jani (2006) have recorded following thirty
eight aquatic/hydrophytic plants: Limnophyton obtusifolium, Azolla pinnata,
Ceratophyllum demersum, Chara sp.(mavro-algae), Nitella sp.(macro-algae),
Ipomoea aquatica, Ipomoea carnea, Bulbostylis barbata, C. alopecuroides, C.
alulatus, C. difformis, C. pygmaneus, C. rotundus, C. rotundus, Fimbristylis
miliacea, Scirpus articulates, S.littoralis, S. roylei, S. supinus, Nymphoides
cristatum, N.indicum, Hydrilla verticellata, Ottelia alismoides, Vallisneria
spiralis, Spirodela polyrhiza, Wolffia globosa, Marsilea quadrifolia, Najas
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graminea, N. marina, N.minor, Nelumbo nucifera, Nymphaea nouchali,
N.pubescens, Eichhornia crassipes, Potamogeton crispus, P.nodusus,
P.pectinatus, Typha ungustata.
Potamogeton nodusus-the most abundant species in the genus Potamogeton
Most abundant Submerged vegetation- Hydrilla verticellata
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Ottelia alismoides
Typha angustata is very dense and tall (8-9’) on the margins of the biggest inhabited island in Kanewal
Water Quality:
Water quality was assessed for Dec. 2008 and Sept. 2009.
The values for the parameters in December 2008 are as follows:
Water temperature: 22°C, pH: 9.4, TDS: 151 ppm, DO: 3.4 mg/L, Total
Hardness: 119 mg/L, Total Alkalinity: 76 mg/L, Ca: 32 mg/L, Mg: 78mg/L,
Chlorides: 31 mg/L
The values for the parameters in Sept. 2009 are as follows:
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Water temperature: 34°C, pH: 9.8, TDS: 122 ppm, DO: 12 mg/L, Total Hardness:
107 mg/L, Total Alkalinity: 50 mg/L, Ca: 18 mg/L, Mg: 89 mg/L, Chlorides: 212
mg/L
Habitat Components:
Diversity of habitat components (on 0-5 quantitative scale with one score-point
for one habitat) is 4 (open water, island/islet, reedy/emergent aquatic vegetation
stand, floating-leaved vegetation bed of Nelumbo). This is one of the few
wetlands having considerable growth and spread of Nelumbo sp. The “bed” of
Nelumbo is extensive on western, south western and and southern portions of
shore. There are three largish islets. There are three large islets/islands in the
reservoir and local people occupy them and two of them are widely used for
cultivation (Parasharya and Jani 2006). The largest islet is 0.24 sq. km in area
(about 1.8 km perimeter) and the other two have 0.15 sq.km (about 1.8 km
perimeter) and 0.023 sq. km area (about 0.5 km perimeter).
Vast extent of open water area of Kanewal reservoir
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Edge between islets/islands and open water, edge between reedy/emergent
vegetation, and open water, edge between floating leaved vegetation bed mainly
of Nelumbo and open water are the major edges between different micro-habitat.
Edge between open water and reedy margin of an island
Socio-economic dependency:
Surrounding area of this wetland is mainly agricultural. Water of this reservoir is
used for irrigation and drinking purposes (Parasharya and Jani 2006). Irrigation
water is used for wheat (in winter) and rice (in monsoon) cultivation in the
surrounding areas. The reservoir is under the control of irrigation department. It is
given on contract for fisheries purpose (Parasharya and Jani (2006).
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Local people inhabiting a large island transport fuel-wood in a boat
Adverse factors against conservation/Threats:
Legally unprotected. Poachig is reported by local people during field-
investigation. Moreover, gun-fire heard during the field visit. Excessive floating
debris resulted from decomposition of submerged vegetation that deteriorates the
aesthetic view of the wetland, adversely affect the light penetration of sunlight
under the water surface and may create hurdle in foraging activity of waterfowl
requiring open water area for food collection.
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Excessive floating debris resulted from decomposition of submerged vegetation
Often, in central area of the reservoir, the water is too deep for dabbling/surface
feeding ducks like Common Teal, Garganey and Cotton Pygmy-Goose and thus
water level control from waterfowl point-of-view is non-existent, basically
because this is an irrigation reservoir.
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Naghrama Talaav
Naghrama Irrigation Reservoir, Matar Taluka
Winter 2004 Winter 2009 (Notice the spread in aquatic vegetation in the left-half of the wetland from jauary 2004 to Nov. 2009)
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Introductory Profile
Significance: As per SACON’s “Inland Wetland Conservation Atlas”, this is a
prioritized site from Gujarat. It is also a Proposed Ramsar Site from Gujarat as per
the Atlas.
Location: 220 40’ 6.22’’ N latitude & 720 41’33.47” E longitude (17.93 m
altitude from MSL). It is located between neighbouring villages Marala and
Naghrama (Matar taluka). The reservoir is located about 15 km south of Kheda
and 10 km south of Matar.
Biogeographic region & province: The Semi-Arid (4) & Gujarat-Rajwara (4B)
Region of Gujarat, District: Central/Middle Gujarat, Kheda district
General Information (based on secondary information):
Though the name of this wetland is based on the name of the village Naghrama
situated on the periphery of this wetland, this is not the only village on the
wetland’s periphery. As mentioned above, Marala and Naghrama are the two
neighbouring villages that are located on the periphery of this wetland and are
benefitted by this wetland. It may be noted that Marala is a village a slightly
bigger village with 249 households and 1,140 human population (as per 2001
census). Naghrama is somewhat smaller village with 188 households and 963
people (as per 2001 census).
Naghrama wetland has an area of 0.72 sq. km as per area determination through
Bhuvan (ISRO). Of this, 80% area falls in Naghrama whereas 20% area falls in
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Marala village. The perimeter/circumference (through Bhuvan-ISRO) has been
found to be approximately 4 km. As per the information provided by some local
people, the depth may reach 35-40 ft (10.5 m—12.5 m) at places. This is a storage
reservoir designed for irrigation purposes. Water is supplied to this wetland since
many years through Mahi canal network. Water quality is good for drinking and
fisheries point of view also. The area is agricultural landscape and the main crop
grown is paddy/ rice in monsoon and wheatin winter. Other crops like bajra are
also grown (in summer season).
Site Description:
On reaching Naghrama, one gets an impression of a huge and deep reservoir. This
wetland has monotonous vast sheet of water. In other words, there is near-absence
of islets or emergent hydrophytic growth amidst the water-spread area of this
wetland (except an Ipomoea covered islet near Naghrama village). Emergent plant
growth like that of Typha and Ipomoea carnea occurs densely along the periphery
of the wetland near Naghrama village. Growth of lotuses (Nelumbo nucifera) is
more towards Marala. Thus, lotus has over-grown the open water area towards
Marala. Local people informed that in the past (between early and mid-2000s), the
status of the water-spread was different. Thus, in the past, lotus had not achieved
‘weed’ status and there was predominance of open waters. However, intensive
and extensive spread of lotus began on the water-spread when people started
using lotus in some religious rituals performed on the shore. Such rituals led to
release of lotus/lotus seeds in water that further led to massive growth of this
hydrophyte.. There is a bund/untarred road on the periphery of the wetland that
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connects Marala and Naghrama villages that are separated by the distance of
approximately 1.5 km. Unlike at Saiyant, there are a good number of
trees/shrubs/herbs on the inner (lake-ward) side of the bund that creates good
shielding effect for waterbirds using open water. Remarkably, unlike at Thol,
where the vegetation cover along the bund consists of Prosopis, at Naghrama this
cover is predominated by different types of trees that include wood-apple, neem,
desi baaval etc.
Waterbirds(Species Richness and abundance):
In October 2008, following birds were seen: Little cormorant (3-4), Indian
Cormorant (4), Purple Heron(1), Pond Heron (1), Cattle Egret (6), Lesser
Whistling Duck (2), Pheasant-tailed Jacana (1), Bronze-winged Jacana (1),
Whiskered Tern (2), Purple Swamphen (9), Common Moorhen (2), Indian Sarus
Crane (3), Common Coot (255), Glossy Ibis (50), Asian Openbill (3),Black-tailed
Godwit(150). Parasharya and Jani (2006) recorded 28 species in January 2005.
Thus, alpha diversity of waterbirds at Naghrama is 28. Moreover, Parasharya
recorded 12,130 waterbirds in January 2005. In addition, mid-winter Asian
Waterfowl Counts are available for this wetland for some years. They are as
follows: 1989 (9,147), 1990 (1,404), 1991 (5,052), 1992 (3,089), 1993 (2,607),
1994 (2,761), 2002 (13,835), 2003 (4,501), 2004 (10,935)., Abundance level –
“High” (4) to “Very High” (5) .
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A Sarus Crane family
Juvenile Pheasant-tailed Jacanas foraging Purple Heron at the edge of the wetland
Waders (Black-tailed Godwit) and Glossy Ibis
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Northern Shoveler, Garganey &Northern Pintails with some Gadwalls and Common Coots
Marsh Harrier – a wetland dependent Booted Hawk-Eagle-a raptor not strictly raptor wetland-dependent
Bronze-winged Jacana flushed Indian Cormorant- resting on Eichhornia
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Hydrophytic Vegetation
Naghrama reservoir is a hydrophyte-rich wetland. It can also be considered as one
having “over-growth” of aquatic vegetation. Almost entire basin is covered with
submerged rooted hydrophytic vegetation that is predominated by Vallisneria
spiralis and Potamogeton spp. Among free-floating species, Eichhornia cressipes
occurs almost as “weed” towards Naghrama side. Towards Naghrama side,
Nymphoides spp.; mainly N.indicum (submerged hydeophyte with floating
leaves) and Typha angustata, Polygonum glabrum and Ipomoea carnea (all being
emergents) are abundantly occurring speceies in patches. It is remarkable that
Nelumbo has outcompeted Nymphaea as the latter was found to be almost absent.
Polygonum glabrum and Typha ungustata-common emergent hydrophytes especially towards the temple of Naghrama village. However, they also exist less abundantly towards Marala
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Nelumbo nucifera has gained “weedy” stage in this reservoir, especially so towards Marala
A view of Nelumbo growth at Naghrama-Marala wetland
Nymphoides spp. grows perpetually towards Naghrama shore
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Nympoides indicum(on left) commoner than N. cristatum(on right)
Predominant growth of Vallisneria spiralis Potamogeteton crispus also grows perpetually with some Najas sp.-submerged hydrophytes submerged hydrophytes
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Spread of water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) at Naghrama-Marala reservoir
Eichhornia crassipes- ‘weed’ for man, not for swamphens & nuktas
Water Quality
Water Temp.-28 °C (morn.), pH- 7.8, TDS- 400 mg/l, Total Alkalinity- 76 mg/l,
Total Hardness- 102 mg/l, Ca- 29 mg/l, Mg- 76 mg/l, Chlorides – 36 mg/l (in
February 2009)
Habitat Components
Diversity of habitat components (on 0-5 quantitative scale, with 1 score point for
1 habitat) in Nagharama reservoir is 4 (water-spread with/without floating leaved
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hydrophytes, reedy/emergent aquatic vegetation stand along the periphery of
water-spread, open shore-land, islets amidst open waters). Water-spread
with/without floating/floating leaved submerged hydrophytes is certainly the most
dominant habitat component. Though other components mentioned earlier are
present in this wetland, the proportion of their extent is significantly lower. This is
especially true in case of islets and open flat shore-land as their proportion is too
low (e.g., only 2 islets visible in satellite image as also on ground having less than
0.2 km perimeter). As islets are encroached upon by plants like Ipomoea carnea,
they have less/no utility for resting/roosting by waterbirds. Edges, that have high
wildlife value are as follows:
Edge between reedy/emergent vegetation and water-spread area, edge between
open flat shore-land and water-spread area, edge between islets and water-spread.
Socio-economic dependency:
People depend on this wetland for irrigating their paddy, wheat and other crops.
Market-oriented fishing is also carried out. It is also being used for meeting with
domestic water needs. The wetland is also used to some extent for carrying out
religious rituals.
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A resident of Naghrama village leading his buffaloes amidst water. Mugger crocodile does occur in this reservoir but does not harm men or their livestock as per local people
A Marala village boy carrying out some ritual at the edge of the reservoir. Some locals informed that the reason of over-growth of Nelumbo towards Marala village is the increased trend of using Nelumnbo in ‘pujas’ and then discarding them in the reservoir (along with seeds)
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Locals of Marala village carry out paddy cultivation in the vicinity of Marala-Naghrama reservoir. However, to protect their crop from waterbirds like Purple Swamphens they erect net (faintly visible in the pictures above)
Fishermen starting for their fishing round in Naghrama. Common fish available here are ‘Katla’, ‘Roha’, ‘Kothi’, ‘Dok’, ‘Chotia’ etc.
Threats and Disturbances: Tremendous spread of densely packed Nelumbo nucifera
especially towards Marala village side of the wetland is indeed a problematic issues as
this species has achieved a”weedy” state. Considerable growth of other “weedy” plants
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like Eichhornia crassipes (a free-floating hydrophyte) and Ipomoea carnea (an emergent
macrophyte) should also be considered as a threat to this wetland. Considerable spread of
decaying vegetation covering over more than 50% of water spread should also be
considered as a problematic issue for his wetland.
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Narda Reservoir, Kheda District
Narda talaav (reservoir), Matar Taluka
Introductory Profile
Significance: As per SACON’s “Inland Wetland Conservation Atlas”, this is a
prioritized site and also a proposed Ramsar Site in Gujarat.
Location: Narda talav (22035’13.80“N, 72037’53.94”E) is located near the
boundaries of Limbasi village having 1417 house-holds and human population of
7,293 and Shekhupura village having 269 house-holds and 1,408 people. It is
located at the distance of 20 km from Kheda (the district head quarter) and 3 km
from more well-known Pariej wetland. In fact, Traj, Narda and Pariej are on the
same Kheda-Matar-Limbasi-Tarapur state road.
Biogeographic region & province: The Semi-Arid (4) & Gujarat-Rajwara (4B)
Wetland type: Freshwater man-made irrigation reservoir
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Traj wetland
Narda wetland
Pariej wetland
Traj, Narda and Pariej are on the same Kheda-Matar-Limbasi-Tarapur state road.
General Information (based on secondary information):
As per Mukherjee and Wilske (2006)*, Narda wetland has an area of 0.57sq.km
Area determination through Bhuvan (ISRO) also showed almost the same area
(i.e.,0.60 sq.km). The perimeter/circumference (through Bhuvan-ISRO) has been
found to be 4.5 km. This is a storage reservoir designed for irrigation purposes
and has discharge capacity of 0.6 cfs. Water quality is good and is used for the
fisheries also (Mukherjee and Wilske, 2006). The area is agricultural landscape
and the main crop grown is paddy rice Oryza sativa (Mukherjee and Wilske,
2006)*.
______* Mukherjee, A. and Wilske, B. 2006: Importance of wetlands for conservation of birdlife in the dry lands of Western India in Waterbirds around the World. Eds. C.A.Gallbraith and D A Strood, The Stationary Office, Edinburgh, UK).
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Site Description: Narda wetland, like some others such as Traj and Pariej are
located on roadside. However, it can be called a “cryptic” wetland as unlike Traj
and Pariej, it is not easily detectable while passing along the road. After passing
Shekhupura village, one needs to detect a starting point of an inconspicuous trail
that is perpendicular to the Limbasi-Tarapur state road. After walking on this trail
that passes through the growth of Prosopis juliflora, an observer reaches an open
patch of land that is in fact, a portion of the shore of this wetland that is uncovered
with emergent hydrophytes. From this shore-land portion, one can see the main
water-spread of this wetland and one at-once gets an impression of a hydrophyte-
choked wetland. Almost entire water-spread area has lost its characteristics of
“openness” as almost entire water-spread is covered with Nelumbo and Nymphaea
leaves. Its margins too are densely covered with tall Typha ungustata. As the
wetland is located amidst paddy and wheat fields, an observer can come across
good number of Sarus Cranes that visit the wetland for resting/roosting. Owing to
the abundance of lotus/water-lily and dense emergent vegetation cover, one can
also see a good number of rallids like Purple Swamphen, Indian Moorhen and
Common Coot etc.
Waterbirds (Species Ricness and Abundance):
In December 2008, following waterbirds were recorded:
Little Cormorant(3), Great Cormorant(1), Black-headed Ibis(1), Comb Duck(10),
Northern Pintail(40), Common Teal(20), Gadwall(20), Sarus Crane(12), Purple
Swamphen(40), Common Coot(15), Marsh Harrier(1),
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Parasharya and Jani (2006) had recorded 3,377 waterbirds belonging to 22 species
in January 2005.
Hydrophytes:
Narda is a vegetation choked wetlands. Submerged floating and emergent
hydrophytes abound in the wetland. The most abundant species are Typha
anugustata (an emergent hydrophytes) and Nelumbo nucifera (a submerged
rooted hydrophytes with floating leaves).
Narda is vegetation choked wetland
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Emergent hydrophytes (Typha angustata) and floating leaved submerged hydrophyte (Nelumbo nucifera)
Ipomoea aquatica and I. carnea along with Nelumbo nucifera
Water Quality (Jan. 2009)
Water Temp.-28 °C, pH-9, TDS- 300 mg/L, DO- 6 mg/L, TA- 140 mg/L, TH-166
mg/L, Ca- 50 mg/L, Mg- 116 mg/L, Chloride – 110 mg/L
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Habitat Components:
Diversity of habitat components: 3 (water-spread with/without floating leaved
hydrophytes, reedy/emergent aquatic vegetation stand along the periphery of
water-spread, open shore-land)
Dominance of habitat components: Water-spread with/without floating
hydrophytes > reedy/emergent aquatic vegetation stand > open shore-land
Diversity of micro-habitats (edges): 2 (edge between reedy/emergent vegetation
and water-spread area, edge between open flat shore-land and water-spread area).
Dominance of edges: Edge between flat open shore and water-spread > edge
between water-spread and reedy/ emergent aquatic vegetation.
Socio-economic dependency:
Surrounding area of this wetland is mainly agricultural. Water of this reservoir is
used for irrigation Parasharya and Jani (2006) Irrigation water is used for wheat
(in winter) and rice (in monsoon) cultivation in the surrounding areas. Fishing is
also carried out.
Factors leading to disturbance/Threats:
Vegetation choked state of this wetland is very undesirable for waterbirds (e.g.
ducks) using open water areas. Such a state is also undesirable from the view-
point of ecosystem function/structure.
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Paalan, Valsad district
Paalan talaav, Valsad taluka
Introductory Profile:
Significance of the wetland: Nationally Important Wetland (Prioritized/BCPP
site; Source: SACON)
Location: Located at 20°50’00” N, 73°00’00” E in Valsad taluka, Valsad district.
It is located at the distance of 8 km north-east of Valsad.
Bio-geogeographic region and province: Western Ghat(5) & Malabar (5B)
Region of Gujarat and District: South Gujarat, Valsad
Other general information (based on secondary information & people’s perception):
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Apart from Paalan village (that has given the name to this wetland), Kevadaa and
Khajurdi are other two villages that are situated in the vicinity of this wetland. It
is a reservoir in Palan village (having population of 1,633 people in 426
households as per 2001 census data). Its total periphery is 2.35 km that includes
floating leaved vegetation covering water surface on the periphery. Its area as per
original records has been 270 ha, but the current records indicate only 62 ha area
(Mohammad Jatt, Pers. Comm.). If we consider the area of the waterspread during
good monsoon to be 100%, then it is observed that usually it shrinks to 75% in
winter and up to 40% during summer (Mohammad Jatt, Pers. Comm.). Water is
poured into the wetland through Rainfall and through Kakrapar (Ukai Dam) canal,
through which, water can be replenished at any given point (Pers. Comm, M.
Jatt).
Site Description:
This wetland is excessively choked with floating-leaved, free-floating and
submerged hydrophytes. Probably no wetland other than Palan is so intensively
choked with hydrophytic vegetation. Even the satellite image (Google Earth,
Bhuvan) clearly indicates such growth. The on-site observation of the wetland
gives a prominent impression of highly eutrophic wetland.
Waterbirds (Species Richness and Abundance):
Due to widespread growth of Nelumbo along with some sedge, this wetland
provides excellent habitat conditions for jacanas, moorhens, swamphens, Glossy
Ibis, Purple Heron and pond heron. On the day of visit, we certainly saw hundreds
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Irrigation Reservoir
of Jacanas and Swamphens/Moorhens. However, due to the extensive growth of
the Nelumbo nucifera, its carrying capacity for surface–feeding and diving ducks
might have greatly reduced. (Purple Heron, Grey Heron, Little Egret, Pheasant
tailed Jacana, Bronze- winged Jacana, Purple Swamphen, Common Moorhen,
Glossy Ibis) in March 2008. Secondary information has indicated that a Sarus
Crane pair and a Black-necked Stork occur at this wetland. M. Jatt has reported
occurrence of following waterbirds: Little Grebe, Little Cormorant, Grey Heron,
Purple Heron, Pond Heron, Cattle Egret, Large Egret, Intermediate Egret, Little
Egret, Open-billed Stork, White-necked Stork, White Ibis, Glossy Ibis, Northern
Pintail, Spot- billed Duck, Gadwall, Eurasian Wigeon, Northern Shoveler,
Common Pochard, White Eye Pochard, Cotton Teal, Comb Duck, Lesser
Whistling Duck, Ruddy Shelduck, Black-winged Kite, Marsh Harrier, Osprey,
Sarus Crane, White-breasted Water hen, Common Moorhen, Purple Swamphen,
Common Coot, Pheasant-tailed Jacana, Bronze-winged Jacana, Painted Snipe,
Red-wattled Lawpwing, White-tailed Lawpwing, Common Sandpiper, Indian
River Tern, Common Kingfisher, White Breasted Kingfisher, White Stork,
Peregrine Falcon, Lesser Adjutant stork , Ballion’s Crake. Thus, total number of
waterbird spp. (α diversity or species richness) at Paalan is about 45 spp.
Mangoes, Pipal, Banyan trees and Babool trees are planted by Fisheries Dept. on
its boundary and about 2,500 to 3,000 heronry-forming birds roost on them.
Waterbird abundance level can be inferred based on mid-winter Asian Waterfowl
Counts(AWC) available for some years as shown below: 2002 (766 birds),
2003(163 birds), and 2006 (747 birds). Thus as per the waterbird abundance
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criteria adopted for this study, the waterbird abundance level of Palan is at least
“Low (2)” to “Medium (3)”
Purple Swamphen is very common in Palan talaav
A Purple Heron camouflaged among Cormorant resting in a patch of Eichhornia Nelumbo nucifera and I.carnea
Hydrophytic vegetation: Luxuriant growth of rooted submerged vegetation, i.e.
Nelumbo nucifera exists that has led Palan to vegetation-choked stage. Apart from
that, submerged plant Hydrilla and free-floating Eichhornia also contribute in
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making Palan a vegetation-choked wetland. Emergent hydrophytic cover is
dominated by Scirpus sp. In all, at least 10 species of hydrophytic plants have
been recorded that include Nelumbo nucifera (abundant and predominant),
Nymphaea (patchy distribution), Nymphoides sp. (patchy disribution), Eichhornia
(abundant), Ipomoea aquatica, Hydrila (abundant), Azolla (patchy distribution),
Scirpus sp. and Ipomoea carnea.
Ipomoea carnea-an invasive species growing side-by-side Nelumbo nucifera
Nymphoides and Nymphaea are not as common as Nelumbo
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Azolla occurs patchily at Palan
Hydrilla- a submerged hydrophyte greatly contributes in making Palan a vegetation- choked wetland
Nelumbo – a floating leaved submerged hydrophyte is a major contributor in making Palan a vegetation-choked wetland
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Eichhornia is one of the dominant floating hydrophytes at Paalan
Habitat Components:
Water-spread with floating/floating-leaved aquatic vegetation and emergent
hydrophytic cover seem to be predominant habitat components. Open water is
present to some extent, but barren shore-land is almost negligible. The spread of
floating/floating-leaved aquatic vegetation is so extensive that, unlike in many
other wetlands of the state, open water area in Paalan is not a dominant habitat
component.
Socio-economic dependency:
Most of the communities in the surrounding areas are dependent on farming for
their source of income. Their main crops are sugarcane, rice, mangoes and
‘chikoo’ and Paalan wetland is important water resource for their farming
especially in winter and summer. Fishing is also a major dependency and the
wetland is routinely given on lease to fish merchants. Govt. of Gujarat has
developed a hatchery near this lake in about 4 ha area. As per the Superintendent
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of Fisheries, this is an ideal place for fisheries, especially for developing Chinese
hatcheries. Data of the year 2000-2001 has indicated that 6,07,00,000 fish-seeds
(including Catla: 1,42,00,000; Rohu:3,15,00,000; Mrigal: 1,11,00,000; Grass
carp: 39,00,000) were produced during that year. The ‘seeds’ so produced are
distributed to ‘fish farmers’ all over the state (Pers. Comm., M. Jatt)..
Adverse factors against conservation: Vegetation choked state is a problem.
There are hutments in some area on the embankment that reduces aesthetic view
of the wetland. The residents of these hutments even excrete in some part of
embankment. Fishermen of the area are often not well-equipped and so to get a
good catch with inferior equipments, they often pump out the wetland’s water
excessively, whin in turn, harm the wetland ecology (Pers. Comm. M Jatt.).
Nelumbo and some other hydrophytes have acquired ‘weedy’ state at Palan wetland
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Paalan is so critically choked up by hydrophytic vegetation that boatmen (a fish contractor and his assistant) have only a stretch of open water to navigate their boat
Children living in hutments on the embankment. The hutment-dwellers wash their cloths in near-shore water and excrete at places on embankment.
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Pariej Irrigation Reservoir, Kheda District
Pariej reservoir, Limbasi taluka
Introductory Profile:
Significance: Prioritized wetland site from Gujarat. One of the eight wetlands of
National Importance identified in Gujarat state by the Ministry of Environment
and Forests, Govt. of India. This is also an Important Bird Area (IBA) Site of
India. Also a proposed Ramsar Site by SACON (Source: SACON’s Atlas for
Wetland Conservation)
Location: Pariej Irrigation Reservoir is located in Limbasi taluka at 22˚33’00”N
latitudes and 72˚38’00”E longitudes. It is situated at the distance of just 7 km
north of Tarapur on Tarapur-Kheda State highway.
Biogeographic Region and Province: The Semi-Arids (4) and Gujarat-Rajwara (4B)
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Region of Gujarat and District: Central/Middle Gujarat, Kheda.
General information (based on secondary information and people’s perception):
Pariej reservoir is one of the largest man-made freshwater wetland of Kheda-
Anand. The wetland has the circumference of 12 km and water depth is 2.6m on
average and 3.2m maximum. The area of the reservoir is found to be about 5 sq.
km (determined from Bhuvan, ISRO). As per Parasharya and Jani (2006), its
submergence area is 4.45 sq.km. Adjoining Pariej Reservoir, on the southern side,
there is a small tank known as Rakteshwar, which has an area of 33 ha and depth
of 4-5 m. A sub-minor canal joins Pariej and Rakteshwar. Pariej, like Kanewal
reservoir, is a perennial wetland because, like Kanewal, it is linked with the
MRBC through Vanakbori wear (Parasharya and Jani (2006). Though in the past
only Mahi canal water was supplied into this wetland, in the present time, waters
from the river Narmada constitutes the main supply. The waters of this reservoir
is used for both, irrigation and drinking purposes. Seven villages, namely, Pariej,
Saila, Khekhupur, Indravarna, Viroja, Daloli and Ambi-nu-Paru surround the
reservoir (Parasharya and Jani (2006). Eastern nd southern sides of the wetland
are saline land whereas remaining two sides are agricultural fields. Between
Pariej Village and reservoir, there are few fishponds for stocking fish seeds. The
land between Rakteshwar tank and Pariej reservoir is highly saline and at least in
monsoon, the farmers grow paddy. The land on the eastern side of the Limbasi-
Tarapur state highway that runs parallel to some portion of the bund of the
reservoir retains rain water run-off and seepage water of the reservoir. This 10 ha
land that runs along Limbasi-Tarapur state highway for its 1.25 km stretch
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functions as a shallow water wetland when water from rains and seepage from
Pariej accumulates here with depth ranging from few centimeters to few feet. Due
to shallowness of water and having a mound-like islets as part of the basin, this
wetland functions as a good foraging and/or resting/roosting habitat for
resident/wintering waders (large and small) and dabbling ducks. Between the
bund of Pariej that runs parallel to Limbasi-Tarapur state highway and the state
highway itself, there is a groove-like, 1.5 km depression that keeps inundated by
water and here one can see dense growth of tall Typha as also some Prosopis
juliflora and Ipomoea carnia. This 1.5 km stretch provides excellent habitat for
secretive waterbirds like bitterns, rails, crakes, moorhens and waterhen etc.
Shallow wetland on eastern side of Limbasi-Tarapur highway that is formed by seepage of Pariej water and rain water/ run-off
Pariej reservoir is under the control of state irrigation department. Since 1989-90,
this reservoir also provides water supply to 45 villages under the water
distribution scheme of Gujarat Water Supply and Sewage Board. Since the year
2000, under the Saurashtra Pipeline Project, the reservoir’s water is supplied to
Pipli village (by pipeline) which is located at the distance of 52 km from Pariej.
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From this village, the water is further supplied to many villages and towns of
Saurashtra region. Forest Department has developed a beautiful eco-tourism site
on one of its shores off Limbasi-Tarapur state highway. There are two pumping
stations on the southern side for the supply of water through pipeline to the
Saurasthra region as well as nearby villags. Surrounding land is owned by the
revenue department of Matar Taluka.
Purpose of creation: Irrigation and drinking water
Water Data: Average annual rainfall in the area: 868 mm, Maximum 10 m depth;
water-holding capacity-11 MCM.
Site Description:
Pariej lake gives the first impression of a vast reservoir, that like other irrigation
reservoirs of Kheda district, is dominated by submerged, floating and emergent
hydrophytic vegetation. Like Kanewal, Pariej also exhibits an undesirable feature
of yellowish brown mat of dead plant matter on the surface of its open water area.
The mat is so thick and extensive that is creates as illusion of barren land. Unlike
at Kanewal, an observer cannot notice any islands within the open water area. The
observation platform, watch tower and other eco-torism/caming facility developed
by Forest Department enhances the beauty and utility (for nature
education/birding etc.) of this wetland. From this observation platform/watch-
tower, an overview of the wetland can be got if one is equipped with spotting
scope. Through the spotting scope one can see few predominant feature of this
wetland. Water-spread extensively covered with decomposing vegetation mat
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(due to which the water-spread area cannot be termed as “Open Water” area),
good number of Pheasant-tailed Jacanas, some Bronze-winged Jacanas and Indian
Moorhens walking on this decomposing mat and coots in pockets of open water,
intensive growth of Nelumbo at the remote shore and good growth of Typha along
considerable portion of the shoreline of this island.
Waterbirds (Species richness and abundance):
Parasharya and Jani (2006) recorded following species in January 2005: Great
Crested Grebe(4), Little Grebe (19), Great Cormorant (26), Little Cormorant
(170), Indian Cormorant (60), Grey Heron(3), Purple Heron(19), Pond heron (85),
Night Heron (25), Cattle Egret(251), Great Egret (15), Smaller/Median Egret (29),
Little Egret(59), Painted Stork(2), Asian Openbill(1), Woolley-necked Stork (6),
Oriental White Ibis (3), Black Ibis (8), Glossy Ibis (1,078), Greylag Goose (40),
Lesser Whistling Duck(50), Common Teal(1,865), Spotbill Duck (8), Mallard (2),
Gadwall (232), Eurasian Wigeon (136),Gaganey (110), Northern Shoveler (256),
Common Pochard (56), White-eyed Pochard (4), Tufted Duck (1), Cotton Teal
(130), Comb Duck (20), Sarus Crane (15), White-breasted Waterhen (1), Eurasian
Curlew (6), Black-tailed Godwit (300), Common Redshank (20), Marsh
Sandpiper (85), Green Sandpiper (15), Wood Sandpiper (27), Common Sandpiper
(12), Fantail Snipe (4), Little Stint (48), Black-winged Stilt (72), Indian Moorhen
(52), Purple Moorhen (69), Coot (22000), Pheasant-tailed Jacana (121), Bronze-
winged Jacana (25), Collared Pratincole (20), White-tailed Lapwing (2), Red-
wattled Lapwing (38), Kentish Plover (3), Herring Gull (1), Whiskered Tern (8),
Gull-billed Gull (4), Caspian Tern (2), Indian Pied Kingfisher (3), Small Blue
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Kingfisher (2), White-breasted Kingfisher (1), Indian Great Reed Warbler
(6),Yellow Wagtail (150), White Wagtail (4), Yellow-headed Wagtail (2) Total
waterbird species (α diversity) = 65 in late January. Mid-winter Asian Waterfowl
Counts (AWC) are available for following years-1987 (11,568 waterbirds), 1988
(13,805), 1989(15,046), 1990 (12,349), 1991(16,650), 1992 (28,121), 1993
(14,708), 1994 (22,492), 2002 (38,866), 2003 (36,623), 2004(29,390),
2005(29,743). Thus, AWC data leads to an inference that the Waterbird
abundance level (on the *population scale 0-6) = 5-6 (i.e., ‘Very High’ to
‘Abundant’)..
Brahminy Ducks in shallow wetland adjacent to Pariej reservoir
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Spotted/Dusky Redshank – foraging Northern Shoveler and Black-winged Stilts - resting
Northern Shovelers-males and females resting and foraging
Hydrophytic Vegetation:
Pariej is rich with aquatic/hydrophytic vegetation. The northwestern region is
shallow and full of aquatic vegetation, whereas southeastern region is
comparatively deep and has less vegetation. Parasharya and Jani (2006) recorded
following 34 hydrophytic/aquatic plants: Limnophyton obtusifolium, Azolla
pinnata, Ceratophyllum demersum, Chara sp., Nitella sp., Ipomoea aquatica, I.
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carnea, Cyperus alopecuroides, C. alulatus, C. compressus, C. difformis,
C.pygmaneus, C.rotundus, S.articulas, S.littoralis, S.roylei, S.supinus, Hydrilla
verticellata, Ottelia alismoides, Vallisneria spiralis, Wolffia globosa, Spirodela
polyrhiza, Marsilea quadrifollia, Najas graminea, N.marina, N.minor, Nelumbo
nucifera, Nymphaea pubescens, Polygonum glabrum, Eichhornia crassipes,
Potamogeton crispus, P.nodusus, P.pectinatus, Typha angustata.
Typha angustata and Ipomoea carnea are the two prominent emergent plant
species that exist all along the fringes. Nelumbo nucifera exists along entire
northern side and in south-eastern corner (Parasharya and Jani 2006). Submerged
vegetation like Potamogeton nodusus, P.pectinatus, Hydrilla verticillata and
Vallisneria spiralis are found on entire bottom of the reservoir. Floating debris
resulted from decomposition of submerged vegetation cover large portion of the
open water area.
Polygonum glabrum is one of the commoner emergent hydrophytes
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Water Quality:
Water quality was assessed for Dec. 2008 and Dec. 2009.
The values for the parameters in December 2008 are as follows:
Water temperature: 23.5°C, pH: 9.4, TDS: 157.5 mg/l, Total Hardness: 121 mg/l,
Total Alkalinity: 87.5 mg/l, Ca: 32 mg/l, Mg: 89.34 mg/l, Chlorides: 33.5 mg/l
The values for the parameters in December 2009 are as follows:
Water temperature: 33°C, pH: 9.8, TDS: 144 mg/l, Total Hardness: 102 mg/l,
Total Alkalinity: 45 mg/l, Ca: 19 mg/l, Mg: 83 mg/l, Chlorides: 183.5 mg/l
Habitat Components:
Diversity of habitat components (on 0-5 quantitative scale with one score-point
for one habitat) is 3 (open water, reedy/emergent aquatic vegetation stand,
floating-leaved vegetation bed of Nelumbo). Unlike in Kanewal, there are no
islets/islands in the wetland. However, a strip of slightly rised land exists that
extends from the western shore to the center of the wetland The northern portion
(especially north-western portion) of the wetland is shallower and is full of
aquatic vegetation(Parasharya and Jani 2006). The entire wetland is located in
agricultural landscape of Kheda that is predominated by rice cultivation in
monsoon and wheat in winter.
Socio-economic dependency:
Crops like rice, millet (bajri), wheat and ‘tuver’ are cultivated in the area around
this reservoir. The reservoir is given on contract for the fishing purpose. People
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use Pariej’s water for irrigation and drinking purpose. It is used by people of
Gujarat as an eco-torism and nature education site due to the initiatives taken by
the Forest Department.
“Tarapa”- a locally made mode of transport
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Saiyant Sinchai Talav, Kheda
Saiyant Irrigation Reservoir, Thasra taluka
Introductory Profile
Significance: As per SACON’s “Inland Wetland Conservation Atlas”, this is a
prioritized site from Gujarat.
Location: Saiyant wetland (220 48’ 26.35’ N latitude, 730 05’41.69”E longitude;
50 m altitude from msl) is located at Saiyant village (Thasra taluka) having 675
house-holds and human population of 3,343 (as per 2001 census). It is at the
distance of about 14 km from Dakor town (a famous place of pilgrimage in
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Gujarat) having 4,834 house-holds and 23,794 people (as per 2001 census). It is
located at the distance of 42 km northeast of Kheda.
Biogeographic Region & Province: The Semi-Arid (4) & Gujarat-Rajwara (4B)
Region of Gujarat and District: Central/Middle Gujarat, Kheda
General Information (based on secondary information):
A view of Saiyant Irrigation Reservoir
Saiyant wetland has waterspread area of about 1-1.5 sq. km as per area
determination through Bhuvan (ISRO). This is a longish wetland with its 2 km
long bund having NW-SE orientation. Its perimeter is over 5 km (derived through
Bhuvan-ISRO). This is a storage reservoir designed for irrigation purposes
originally through Mahi canal network. Apart from Saiyant village, Ramnagar and
Bordi villages are also are benefited by this irrigation reservoir. The area is
agricultural landscape and paddy rice and tobacco are the main crops in this area.
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Irrigation Reservoir
Some locals informed that Narmada water supply to this wetland started a decade
ago through a canal and as a result, water remains in this reservoir throughout the
year. Some people also complained that after this canal-based supply, the land in
this area has turned saline.
Site Description:
Saiyant wetland, is located on Mahudha-Alina-Dakor road (Thasra taluka, Kheda
district), but it cannot be visible from the road side due to its interior location with
respect this road. One has to take a local un-tarred road after traveling for a few
kilometers from Alina cross-road. This un-tarred road of a couple of kilometers
connects the above-mentioned highway and the bund of Saiyant reservoir. It runs
parallel to a small canal that at places has dense growth of Typha and other
emergent hydrophytes. Once the observer’s vehicle ‘climbs up’ the bund, the
wetland unfolds its open water-cum-marshy habitat assemblage. It is a peculiarity
of this wetland that the open water expanse (w/wo submerged vegetation) gets
interrupted not by multiple barren islets (as in Nal), but by pockets of emergent
hydrophytic growth. Apart from the ‘pockets’ of hydrophytic vegetation growth,
there is an extensive belt of emergent hydrophytic growth on the shore opposite to
that with 2 km long bund from where an observer observes this wetland. Water
depth at different points varies from and found to Local people informed that at
the time of good rainfall, this wetland gets filled up to such an extent that water
spills over the bund and flows into the fields located at lower elevations.
However, such an “overflowing” effect remains only for a week or so as per local
people. An undesirable aspect of this wetland from the view-points of birds and
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birders is that there is total absence of scrubs/trees along the bund and thus
observer is not shielded from the waterbirds. This often results into waterbirds
getting disturbed and flushed (at least from the vicinity of the bund) along with
the movement of the observer along the bund. Though thick barrier of Prosopis
spp. as along the bund of Thol is undesirable (as it discourages birders from
having good view of waterfowl in open waters), total absence of such scrub/trees
too is undesirable.
Large pocket of emergent hydrophytic growth amidst open water
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Multiple pockets of emergent hydrophytic growth render rich interspersion of habitats in Saiyant wetland
Waterbirds (Species Richness and abundance):
In March 2009, following waterbirds were recorded:
Red-necked Grebe-1, Little Cormorant-25, Large Egret-1, Grey Heron-1, Black
Ibis-2, Black-headed/Oriental White Ibis-2, Glossy Ibis-8, Asian Openbill-2,
Painted Stork- 4, Pheasant-tailed Jacana(3), Bronze-winged Jacana-1, Spot-billed
Duck(20), Garganey(2), Cotton Teal(2), Gadwall(50), Indian Sarus Crane(3),
Common Coot (269), Whiskered Tern (3), Marsh Harrier (1), Globally
Threatened waterbirds recorded include Black-headed Ibis (NT), Painted Stork
(NT), Oriental Darter (NT), Indian Sarus Crane (VU).
Parasharya and Jani (2006) recorded 22 species of waterbirds with 4,670
individuals in January 2005. Alpha diversity-22,
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Mid-winter AWC for some years is as follows: 1989 (1,202), 1990(469),
1991(2,796), 1992 (1,560), 1993(404), 1994(413), 2002(8,373), 2004(4,417).
Thus, it can be inferred that the waterbird abundance of Saiyant wetland is usually
“Medium” (3) to “High”(4).
Pheasant-tailed Jacana foraging in shallow waters
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Common Coots foraging
Garganey pair foraging along with Common Coots
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Sarus Crane family at the edge of open water and emergent vegetation belt on shore opposite to the bund
Grey Heron, cormorants and a coot R.n.Grebe Cotton Teal with Gadwall and coots
Hydrophytic Vegetation:
Though Saiyant wetland is not a hydrophyte-choked wetland, it is certainly a
wetland with considerable amount of submerged (with/without floating leaves)
and emergent hydrophytic vegetation. The emergent hydrophytic growth is
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peculiar in this wetland in the sense that it not only grows abundantly and densely
on the eastern shore opposite to the bund, but also has ‘pockets’ of emergent
hydropytes, mainly of the Scirpus and Cyperus genera. Such pockets or patches of
emergent hydrophytic growth contribute towards building almost “hemi-marsh”
wetland conditions unlike several other irrigation reservoirs like Thol, Vadhvana
etc. Such pockets/patches increase the edge effect and interspersion in this
wetland that should be considered good from the view-point of wildlife habitat
management. Other emergent plants include Typha angustata (uncommon) and
Ipomoea carnea (very common along the bund and other portions of the
shoreline). Among the submerged rooted hydrophytes with floating leaves,
Potamogeton nodusus has been most wide-spread and abundant. Nymphoides
indicum is also dense patchily. It is remarkable that unlike in well-known
wetlands of Kheda like Pariej, Kanewal and Narda there is no/negligible
proportion of Nelumbo nucifera (i.e., lotus) and Nymphaea spp. (i.e., water- lily).
Najas sp. is very wide-spread submerged hydrophyte in Saiyant and probably that
is the reason for the good population of Common Coot in this wetland.
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Potamogeton nodusus is an abundantly growing floating-leaved rooted submerged hydrophyte
Najas sp. – a luxuriantly growing submerged rooted hydrophyte provides food to waterbirds like coots
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Nymphoides cristatum is patchily common
Cyperus rotundus-not as common as Scirpus littoralis at Saiyant
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Typha angusata
Scirpus littoralis growth
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A view of Scirpus littoralis clearly showing spikelet
Water Quality
Water Temp.-30 °C, EC- 0.35, pH-9, TDS- 410 mg/l, DO- 6 mg/l, TA- 190 mg/l,
TH-100 mg/l, Ca- 31 mg/l, Mg- 86 mg/l, Chloride – 15 mg/l, Phosphates- 10
mg/l, Nitrates-100 mg/l (in Oct. 2008)
Habitat Components
Diversity of habitat components (on 0-5 quantitative scale with 1 score point for 1
habitat) is 5. The habitat components are water-spread with/without floating
leaved hydrophytes, reedy/emergent aquatic vegetation pockets amidst open
water, reedy/emergent aquatic vegetation along the margins of the open water,
leveled/flat open shore-land, islets/land-strips amidst open waters)
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Though water-spread with/without floating hydrophytes is a predominant habitat
component, the extent/proportion of reedy/emergent aquatic vegetation pockets
amidst open water and that along the margins of open water is only little less than
open water area. The extent of flat shoreland areas depend upon the
drying/flooding of the wetland, but during this study this area was found to be
negligible. Extent of Islets is also insignificant and it is likely that some of the
islets are covered with excessive growth of reeds/emergent hydrophytes.
Following ‘edges’ are present- edge between flat open shore and water-spread,
edge between water-spread and reedy/ emergent aquatic vegetation along open
water margin, edge between open waters and pockets of reedy/ emergent aquatic
vegetation, edge between islets/land-strips and open water.
Socio-economic dependency:
Surrounding area of this wetland is mainly agricultural. Water of this reservoir is
used for irrigation. Irrigation water is used mainly for rice and tobacco as per
local peole. Fishing is also carried out. Poor locals use this water for drinking too.
Buffaloes and other livestock use it for drinking and submersing.
Factors leading to disturbance/Threats:
Over-exploitation of water for irrigation. Absence of tree/scrub-shield along the
bund that may cause disturbance and flushing of waterbirds on human movement
along the bund.
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Buffalo owners bring their buffaloes for facilitating drinking water and satisfying their life- requisite of submersing in water
Poor locals use wetland’s waters for drinking
Agriculture based on irrigation from Saiyant
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Thol talav, Mehsana district
Thol wetland, Kadi Taluka
Introductory Profile:
Significance: Wetland-based Wildlife/Bird Sanctuary, Important Bird Area
(IBA), Nationally Important Site
Location: Located in Kadi taluka of Mehsana district, but just 25 km north-west
of Ahmedabad city, this wildlife sanctuary is situated between 23° 15’ to 23° 30’
N and 72° 30’ to 72° 45’ E.
Biogeographic region and Province: Semi-Arid (4) and Gujarat-Rajwada (4B)
Region of the Gujarat and District: North Gujarat, Mehsana
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General information (based on secondary information and people’s perception):
Though famous as “Thol Lake” among nature lovers of Ahmedabad and
Gandhinagar cities (at distance of 25 km and 40 km respectively), in actuality it is
an irrigation reservoir created in 1912 by the erstwhile Gaekwad ruler during the
reign of the then Baroda State over the area (GEER 2002). Thus, ideally, Thol
wetland should neither be classified as “pond” (as it is called “talaav” in native
language) not as “lake”. It should ideally be classified as a reservoir or
impoundment. It was declared as a Bird Sanctuary by Gujarat Forest Department
in 1988 under section 18 of the Wildlife (Protection), Act 1972 (Singh 2001).
From ecological view-point, it can be classified as a freshwater man-made
wetland located between 22˚78’ N to 22˚96’N latitudes and 71˚92’E to 72 64’E
longitudes. Its total area is 6.99 sq. km, its periphery is 5.62 km long, its
catchment area is 320 sq. km. and command area is 55.95 sq. km (Singh 2001,
GEER 2002). There is a continuous earthern bund on its western, southern and
eastern periphery. It helps in collection/harvest and storage of water that flows
into its basin during rainy season. Thol wetland not only receives run-off directly
from the catchment area (including areas of Kalol, Kadi, Visnagar and Mehsana),
but also through a number of canals draining into a feeder canal located on the
north-northeastern sides of the wetland. Water is received through following
canals:
Eastern canal, Saij-Hajipur canal, Irana-Indrad-Wamaj canal-Hajipur-Piyaj canal,
eastern feeder at Saghan drain and Jaspur canal (GEER 2002).
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The depth the water in the reservoir is variable over its entire basin. It may be
noted that even during exceptional rainfall, the entire waterbody is not inundated.
Less than a half of basin area of the wetland holds water on a regular basis by
August-September (GEER 2002). By November, only a small L-shaped area (see
yellow marking in the satellite picture above) along its south-western periphery
holds water. The water starts drying up from eastern and northern sides and with
that, cultivation practices begin in dried parts. The maximum depth of water in
Thol wetland can be upto 2.5 m or little more. If the level of water reaches beyond
that, the water is diverted to a waste weir. This waste weir drains into a canal
which runs along the eastern boundary of the Thol wetland to reach Nal Sarovar
wetland which is located south-west of Thol Bird Sanctuary. Thol and Nal are
thus connected with each other. Waterbird abundant level is Very High to
Abundant.
Apart from about 100 species of waterbird species, 10 species of
aquatic/amphibious macrophytes, 5 species of planktons, 9 species of
zooplanktons and zoo-benthos and 8 invertebrates have been recorded.
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A view of entry-point to Thol Wildlife Sanctuary indicating its popularity as a ‘bird sanctuary’ having area of 6.99 sq. km.
Site Description:
This is much smaller sized wetland based bird sanctuary of Gujarat as the largest
bird sanctuary of Gujarat, i.e., Nalsarovar, is 94% larger than it. Unlike
Nalsarovar, which is hardly at the distance of approximately 50 km from Thol,
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Thol
50 km kmkm
Nal
Relative areas of Nal and Thol and Distance between them
Thol wetland, is devoid of luxuriant growth of submerged and emergent
hydrophtic vegetation, though it is not completely absent. Growth of emergent
hydrophytes (mainly Typha sp.) and floating hydrophytes (mainly, Ipomoea
aquatica) is mainly restricted to the perpherial waterlogged areas parallel to
western and southern bund. Major reason for the lack of luxuriant growth of
hydrophytic vegetation seems to be greater depth (maximum up to 2.5 m). There
is a continuous earthern bund on its western, southern and eastern periphery.
Being an artificial wetland originally created for the irrigation purpose, Thol has
less habitat diversity compared to Nal Sarovar. Thus, compared to Nal, it has very
negligible area under emergent aquatic/marshy vegetation, that too, mainly along
the peripheral waterlogged trench (10-25 m wide and 0.30-1.0 m deep running
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parallel to western and southern bunds of main waterbody). Number of islets too
is very low (less than 25 as compared to 300 in the Nal) and shoreland area also
being less that is predominantly restricted to the peripheral parts without the bund
(Jethlaj and Bhimasan sides).
Common Crane can occur in thousands at Thol, though Demoiselle Cranes do not been recorded here.
Spotted/Dusky Red Shank and Common Glossy Ibis-an abundant waterbird species Sandpiper
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A glimpse of migratory ducks at Thol wetland
Waterbirds (Species Richness and abundance):
During a comprehensive study carried out from Sept 1999 to March 2001 by
GEER Foundation, 92 species of waterbirds were recorded with total population
of about 62,678 birds in December 1999. Considering some stray studies
conducted prior to GEER’s study, the total number of waterbird species recorded
at Thol wetland have been 100. Families Anatidae (15 species), Scolopacidae (13
species), Ardidae (10 species) and Charadridae (10 species) contributed
significantly (i.e., over 50%) to the overall species richness of waterbirds at Thol
Sanctuary from 1999 to 2001 (GEER 2002). As per the studies, Resident-Migrant
waterbird species contribute more (i.e., 40% of overall waterbird species) than
resident species (i.e., 30% of all waterbird species) and migratory species (i.e.,
30%) species each towards building overall species richness of waterbirds at Thol.
About 10 species of Globally Threated species have been recorded at Thol
sanctuary (GEER 2002). During the GEER’s study it was found that during the
peak of the wintering season (i.e., in December), Ruff would be the most
abundant waterbird contributing as high as 98% to the total waterbird population.
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Up to 60,000 ruffs have been recorded. Other species with relatively high
population at Thol include Glossy Ibis (up to 3,000 recorded, nesting also
recorded by K.Kathju), Common Cranes (over 1,500 recorded) , Great White
Pelican, Greater Flamingo, Greylag Goose and migratory ducks [(Northern
Shoveler-1,300, Common Teal-550, Garganey-50, Gadwall-25, Northern Pintail-
400, Eurasian Wigeon-100, Common Pochard-15, Tufted Pochard-10)].
Migration pattern at Thol has shown that the migratory species start arriving as
early as August (GEER 2002) and can be seen at Thol till as late as early April
(pers. observations). Thol and its environs has one more significance from
waterbird point of view and that is existence of several pairs of Indian Sarus
Cranes. Up to 20 pairs have been recorded K. Kathju (GEER 2002).
Great White Pelicans resting on an islet amidst open water. Hundreds of these pelicans occur at Thol wetland every winter
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A Greylag Goose- one of the most A ‘Greylag’ in dark plumage abundant and noisiest waterfowl
Thol might be supporting Greylags of varying size. Here, the leading-one is usual sized Greylag, but one following it is smaller in size, has roundish head, shorter neck and shorter bill
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‘Greylag Geese at Thol show considerable plumage variation. On left: A goose with overall darker brown upper plumage, white on the root of upper mandible. On right: A goose with prominent black bars on the belly, yellowish eye-ring, and darker head and neck .
Heronry at Thol (near Bhimasan-side Boundary)
Thol is not good only for migratory waterfowl. High concentration of resident
Lesser Whistling Teals (up to 200 birds) and Comb Ducks (up to 350+ birds) had
been recorded on 2-4-2008 and 26-4-2008 respectively. This is the only site
where around 60 Painted Storks (globally “Near Threatened” stork) were recorded
together on 26-4-2008). During this study, Thol was also found to be one of the
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only two wetlands (the other being Veri talaav in Gondal) of Gujarat where an
uncommon duck for Gujarat, viz. Mallard was recorded. Thol is also one of the
few wetlands of Gujarat where, both Greylag Goose and Barheaded Goose were
recorded. In fact, Thol reservoir has been the wetland where population of Grey-
lag Goose was maximum (up to 2,000 geese) among all the wetlands of Gujarat
wherein Grey-lag Goose was recorded. As mentioned earlier Good population of
migratory waders (e.g., Black-tailed Godwit, Ruff etc.) and varying population of
migratory or resident-migratory ducks (e.g., Common Pochard, Gadwall,
Common Teal, Northern Pintail, Northern Shoveler, Brahminy Duck etc.) had
been revealed during the field visits. On 25-4-2008 following birds were
recorded: Greater Flamingo (363), Com Duc (257), Ruff(175), Eurasian
Spoonbill(130), Spotbill Duck (10), Darter (2), Whiskered Tern (30), Wood
Sandpiper(2), Northern Shoveler (7), Glossy Ibis (100), Paintd Stork (6)), Little
Egret (25), Great Egret(10), Median Egret (6), Oriental White Ibis (4), Little
Cormorant (6), Indian Cormorant(2), Black Ibis (2), Brahminy Duck(2), Dusky
Redshank (1), Red-wattled Lapwing (6), Black-winged Stilt (30), Common Crane
(2), Indian Sarus Crane (4). Total no. waterbird species (α diversity) recorded
during the visits for the present study = about 40. However, past studies (e.g., one
by GEER Foundation in late 1990s/early 2000s) has indicated the occurrence of
about 100 species of water birds. As far as waterbird abundance is concerned, one
should consider the waterbird counts conducted by Gujarat Forest Department at
every 2-years’ inerval. In mind-winter 2006, a total of 17,991 waterbirds
(belonging to 67 species) were recorded, whereas in mid-winter count in 2008, a
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total of 25,165 waterbirds (belonging to 77 species) had been recorded. Some
mid-winter Asian Waterfowl Counts (AWC) for Thol are as follows:
1989 (10542), 1991(2,289), 1992(1,02,445), 1994 (2,145), 1996 (1,214), 1997
(1,807), 2003(1,390), 2006 (19017). Thus, waterfowl count for 2006 (17,991) by
GFD is somewhat lower than that by AWC (19017).
Considering these counts, it can be inferred that maximum waterbird abundance
level for Thol wetland is “Very High”(5) on 0-6 abundance level scale
Greater Flamingo is one of the species that regularly occurs in good numbers
A pair of Brahminy Ducks at Thol near land-water edge
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Hydrophytic vegetation:
Along the shore, Ipomoea aquatica is the most common hydrophyte that occurs in
patches. Nymphaea reported by K.Kathju towards Jethlaj. No visible free
floating/rooted floating hydrophytes in the main waterbody. Submersed
hydrophytes may be present to some extent (as inferred from the presence of
hundreds of coots in winter), but there is need of a boat for its surveillance.
However, the submersed vegetation has certainly reached the stage of weedy
growth as in Nal. Cyperus spp (including C. littoralis) and Scirpus spp. occur
towards Bhimasan. Dense growth of Typha angustata present patchily outside the
bund towards main entrance of the Thol Sanctuary. In all, following
aquatic/amphibious macrophytes have been recorded during this and previous
studies: Ceratophyllum demersum, Hydrilla verticillata, Ipomoea aquatica,
Nymphea nauchali, Neptunea sp., Eichhornia crassioes, Cyperus sp.,Scirpus sp.
Ipomoea carnea, Typha angustata, (pers. obervations, GEER 2002, Karia 2011).
Emergent hydrophytic vegetation (Sedges-Cyperus sp.)
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Water quality:
pH:8.5, EC: 0.5 mmho/cm, Ca: 83 mg/l, Mg:40 mg/l, Total Hardness:150 mg/l,
Total Alkalinity: 100 mg/l, Acidity: 60 mg/l, TDS: 800 mg/l, Chloride: 40 mg/l,
Sulphates: traces (Source: GEER 2002)
As per a sampling in December 2008: pH- 9. Temperature- 23° C, TDS-222
mg/L, Total Alkalinity- 300 mg/L, Ca- 32 mg/L, Mg- 95 mg/L, Total Hardness-
126 mg/L, Cl- 99 mg/L.
As per a sampling in May 2008 by GEER Foundation: pH- 10, Water Temp:
30.5°C, TDS-321 mg/L, Total Alkalinity: 216 mg/L, Ca: 35 mg/L, Mg: 91 mg/L,
Total Hardness: 129 mg/L, Cl: 102 mg/L
Habitat Components
Thol wetland offers very good micro-habitat assemblages to the waterbirds.
Besides the large open water area that is intensively used for foraging by
waterbirds like pelicans, cormorants, darters, waterfowl (i.e., the anatids),
flamingos, terns etc., the wetland has several tree covered/tree-less islets/islands,
shoreland in the area located beyond the interpretation center towards Jethlaj
village, trees-groves amidst open water (especially towards Bhimasan wherein
heronry forms every year), waterlogged marshy “trench” outside the main
waterbody that runs parallel to the embankment/bund of the main waterbody etc.
Above all, as the entire wetland is situated amidst the agricultural landscape, the
presence of crops in the environs of the wetland is a prominent attraction for
waterfowl and other waterbirds depending on agricultural crops as wintering food.
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Open Water component of Thol Wetland
Socio-economic dependency:
Agricultural practices that are carried out intensively in the environs of Thol
wetland are dependent on irrigation waters received from this wetland besides
rains. In fact, this dependency is going on since the Gaekwad rule as the very
construction of this man-made wetland (in 1912) was done for the purpose of
facilitating irrigation water. Wheat and rice are the major crops. Unlike many
other reservoirs of the state, Thol wetland does not support fishing activity
perhaps because it is under the legal control of Gujarat Forest Dept (apart from
Irrigation Dept.). However, a unique socio-economic dependency in case of Thol
is for recreation purpose (like in case of few other wetlands of the state like Nal
and Wadhvana). A very large number of tourists/recreationists visit Thol wetland
especially on the week-ends/holidays during winter months.
Adverse factors against conservation:
Algal bloom on the periphery of the main talaav (especially along the curvature
of the bund near irrigation dept. office/cabin) seems to be the problematic issue as
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it not only causes aesthetic deterioration, but may also lead to ecosystem/habitat
degradation. Another problematic issue is the linear marshy waterlogged area that
runs parallel to the embankment of the main waterbody. Though the linear
marshy waterlogged area is a fine abode of moorhens, swamp hens, jacanas,
herons, some dabbling ducks (e.g. Garganey), its location outside the
embankment might result into the devaluation of this otherwise, fine waterbird
habitat by the visitors. In other words as this marshy area is separated out from the
main waterbody by bund and untarred road running parallel to the bund, many
visitors do not pay attention to it despite its waterbird richness. Another problem
for this wetland is that there is growth of weeds like I.carnea in open water area.
If the spread of such emergent weed expands, waterbirds like pelicans and ducks
preferring open water area will face reduction in habitat area suitable for them.
Visitors that are not properly oriented to enjoy such wetlands are also a
problematic issue. They not only create noise and chaos that are harmful to the
birds, they also adversely affect the issue of conservation. Apart from these
factors, many experienced bird/nature enthusiasts consider a factor of excessive
water-level to be a serious threat to the waterbird-life of Thol. Thus, often the
water level of Thol wetland becomes very high due to release of water through
some or other canal-network that connects with Thol wetland. Though there is no
scientific study giving evidence that excessive water level results into low
waterbird life in Thol, it is a serious view of several experienced bird enthusiasts
and appeals to a common sense and therefore it should be respected. However, it
is not advisable/possible to revert the “foreign”/”outside” waters that have come
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through some canal to Thol. At the same time, if it is not desirable to store these
waters into Thol wetland leading to water-level rise, there might be a need of
some engineering intervention. Some civil engineering-cum-hydraulic
engineering strategy might be thought of, by which, Thol and its satellite wetlands
like Chandrasan, Adhana, Govindpura, Nadan etc. get interconnected through
some kind of canal/pipeline networking. If that can be done, Thol's water level
can be regulated as per the need by releasing any "extra" water to one or more of
these satellite wetlands. That way, the "extra" waters can be released from Thol
even when farmers won't be in need of waters. And such release will not be an
irreversible loss for farmers as that released water will remain in the same area.
If the spread of emergent weed like I.carnea expands, open water birds like pelicans will be at risk of habitat degradation
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Traj talaav, Kheda District
Traj Irrigation reservoir, Matar taluks
[Satellite images showing Traj in Feb. 2007 (Left) and in March2009 (Right). Notice the spread of aquatic vegetation in right-half of the wetland in 2 years]
Introductory Profile
Significance: As per SACON’s “Inland Wetland Conservation Atlas”, this is a
prioritized site and also a proposed Ramsar Site in Gujarat.
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Location: Traj wetland (220 40’19.37’ N latitude, 72038’48.11”E longitude) is
located in Traj village having 792 house-holds and human population of 4,206. It
is at the distance of about 4 km from Matar village having 2,542 house-holds and
13,421 people(as per 2001 census). It is located at the distance of 9 km from
Kheda (the district head quarter) In fact, Traj, Narda and Pariej are on the same
Kheda-Matar-Limbasi-Tarapur state road.
Biogeographic region & province: The Semi-Arid (4) & Gujarat-Rajwara (4B)
Region of Gujarat and district: Central/Middle Gujarat, Kheda district
Traj wetland
Narda wetland
Pariej wetland
Traj, Narda and Pariej are on the same Kheda-Matar-Limbasi-Tarapur state road.
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General Information (based on secondary information):
An overview of Traj wetland
Traj wetland has an area of 0.41 sq. km as per area determination through Bhuvan
(ISRO). The perimeter/circumference (through Bhuvan-ISRO) has been found to
be approximately 3 km. This is a storage reservoir designed for irrigation
purposes. Water is supplied to this wetland since many years through Mahi canal
network. Water quality is good for drinking and fisheries point of view also. The
area is agricultural landscape and the main crop grown is paddy rice Oryza sativa
Traj wetland had become ill-famous in the recent past for an incident of a 9 year
old girl mauled to death by a mugger in August 2009. As per the villagers there
are 10-15 muggers in the reservoir and usually they capture fish as their food
resource and seldom attack cattle and birds. However, this was the lone incident
of killing of a girl who went to the reservoir to fetch drinking water.
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An islet amidst open water is covered with Ipomoea carnea and Acacia trees
Site Description:
Traj wetland, like some others on Kheda-Matar-Limbasi-Tarapur state-road (such
as Narda and Pariej) is located on road-side. A portion of it is visible while
passing through Traj village on the above-mentioned road, but rest of its large
portion can be visible only when walking/driving along a local narrow village
road that is perpendicular to Matar-Limbasi road (having north-south orientation)
and running parallel in east-west orientation to a eastern side of this reservoir.
While walking along this road, one can see paddy fields on the opposite side of
the road. The periphery of the reservoir is predominantly covered with Typha
angustata and Ipomoea carnea plants. Prosopis juliflora is also present. When the
reservoir was visited in late winter, one of the prominent habitat features of this
wetland had been considerable proportion of ‘arms’ of shoreland extending into
open water area and presence of multiple number of islets amidst open water area.
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Such land-within-water feature in this wetland was found to be favorable not only
for resting ducks and waders, but also resting muggers. On visiting this wetland,
one realizes that the main water-spread of this wetland is neither hydrophyte-
choked as Narda wetland is not infested with thick extensive mat of decomposed
submerged vegetation material. In other words, it has good amount of actual
“open water” area. However, this does not mean that the water spread area is
devoid of any vegetation as one can see the hydrophytes like Nymphaea,
Nymphoides and Eichhornia.
A view of Traj wetland that reveals presence of mugger crocodile in this wetland
Waterbirds (Species Richness and abundance):
In February 2009, following waterbirds were recorded:
Little Cormorant-6, Great Cormorant-26, Oriental Darter-1, Great Egret-9,
Smaller/Intermediate Egret- 2, Little Egret- 8, Cattle Egret-1, Grey Heron- 1,
Purple Heron-1, Black-headed Ibis-5, Glossy Ibis-4, Painted Stork-10, Asian
Openbill-6. Comb Duck-4, Lesser Whistling Duck-8, Sarus Crane- 2, Black-
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winged Stilt-2, Common Moorhen-1, Greenshank-1, Osprey-1. Black-headed Ibis
(NT), Painted Stork (NT), Oriental Darter (NT), , Indian Sarus Crane (VU),
Spoonbill (Schedule 1 species)(Total 5 spp.) are the Globally threatened species
recorded.
Parasharya and Jani (2006) had recorded 180 waterbirds belonging to 12 species
in Jan. 2005.However, based on present study Alpha diversity: 20, Mid-winter
Asian Waterfowl Count (AWC) for this wetland for some years is as follows:
1988(968), 1989 (2,561), 1990 (402), 1991(2,157), 1992 (2,252), 1993 (330),
1994 (3,989), 2003 (24), 2004 (110)
All these counts leads to an inference that waterbird abundance level of this
wetlad is “Medium”(3) to “High”(4)
Great Egret and Little Cormorants
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A pair of Sarus Cranes at Traj wetland
A Painted Stork swallowing a fish-Traj
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A Grey Heron & a Purple Heron foraging at Traj
Congregation of Painted Storks, Great Egrets, spoonbills & ibises
Foraging egrets and Glossy Ibis and resting Comb Ducks at Traj
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Resting Painted Storks and foraging Black-winged Stilts at Traj wetland
Osprey
Asian Openbills & an Oriental Darter resting at the top of ‘Neem’ tree adjecent to Traj
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Great Cormorants using a large tree at Traj wetland for resting
Hydrophytic Vegetation
Traj, unlike Narda wetland is not a hydrophyte-choked wetland, But still dense
and intensive growth of Typha anugustata occurs along the margins. Ipomoea
carnea also grows along the edges. Among floating-leaved rooted submerged
hydrophytes, Nymphoides sp. was found to be the most visible hydrophyte in
February 2009. Free-floating hydrophyte Eichhornia crassipes also exists
commonly and it was also seen getting transported with waters flowing in local
canals associated with this wetland.
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Nymphoides sp.
Eichhornia crassipes at Traj
Water Quality
Water Temp.-28 °C, pH-7.3, TDS- 280 mg/l, DO- 6 mg/l, TA- 120 mg/l, TH-100
mg/l, Ca- 30 mg/l, Mg- 6 mg/l, Chloride – 60 mg/l in February 2009
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Habitat Components
Diversity of habitat components (on 0-5 quantitative scale): 4 (water-spread
with/without floating leaved hydrophytes, reedy/emergent aquatic vegetation
stand along the periphery of water-spread, open shore-land, islets and extended
arms of shores penetrating open waters). Of these, the component of water-spread
with/without floating hydrophytes is the most dominant one, followed by
reedy/emergent aquatic vegetation stand that is mainly restricted to the peripheral
portion. Both other habitat components, viz. open shore-land and islets are in the
lowest proportion. Of these, the extent of open shoreland is very dynamic as it
depends on the magnitude of drying of the water-spread area. However, on drying
up of the open waters, the shoreland often “opens” up in such a way that it forms
“arms of land” extending from the periphery and penetrating into the open water
area. Such a land-water interspersion is highly beneficial to creatures like
muggers and turtles as they get land closely juxtaposed with water for resting/
basking in the sun and forms There is only one islet of fair size (with perimeter of
about 0.2 km) and as it is considerably vegetated with scrub/trees on it, it has
good value as roosting/nesting site for waterbirds like cormorants, ibis, herons,
egrets etc.
Socio-economic dependency:
Surrounding area of this wetland is mainly agricultural. Water of this reservoir is
used for irrigation (Parasharya and Jani 2006). Irrigation water is used for wheat
(in winter) and rice (in monsoon) cultivation in the surrounding areas. Fishing is
also carried out.
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Diesel engines accelerate drying of Traj wetlad
Factors leading to disturbance/Threats: Over-exploitation of water for
irrigation, infestation of aquatic weed like water hyasinth etc.
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Vasai Irrigation tank, Ahmedabad district
Vasai Irrigation Reservoir, Daskroi Taluka
Introductory Profile
Significance: Prioritized wetland site from Gujarat (Source:SACON’s Atlas for
Wetland Conservation)
Location: Located at 22˚52’00” N, 72˚33’00” E in Daskroi taluka, Ahmedabad
district. It is located at the distance of about 6 km west of Bareja that is located
on Ahmedabad-Kheda highway.
Bio-geogeographic region and province: Semi-Arid (4) & Gujarat-Rajwada (4B)
Region of Gujarat and District: Middle/Central Gujarat, Ahmedabad (near Ahmedabd-
Kheda border)
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General information (based on secondary information and people’s perception) and
Site Description:
Vasai Irrigation Reservoir is surrounded by the paddy-dominated landscape of
Daskroi taluka. It is situated at 30 km south of Ahmedabad. Its area 0.75 sq.km
(as measured on Bhuvan ISRO image) and the perimeter of this wetland is about
10 km. Maximum depth is of about 2.5 m as reported by local people.
A view of Vasai irrigation reservoir
The site of this wetland is on Bareja-Vasai-Pirana road and can be reached after
passing through Vasai village after approaching it from Bareja. In fact, there are
two irrigation reservoirs at Vasai; one is called’ old’ and the other one is referred
to as’ new’ by the locals. The reservoir surveyed for this project is an “old” one
that was created in late 1950s. This is a longish reservoir (over 3 km long bund)
located in the agricultural landscape. Being narrow, standing on one shore, one
can waterbirds on opposite shore also. The reservoir is deepest in beginning
portion. This wetland lacks good shoreline and number of islets too is low. This
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reservoir gets water in monsoon through rain-water runoff and through some
canals. There are good numbers of Acacia/Prosopis trees/shrubs on one of the
shores and on an islet.
Overview of duck population in winter at Vasai wetland
Waterbirds species richness and abundance:
In January 2009, following waterbirds were recorded: Oriental Darter (1),
Common Teal (2000), Garganey (53), Northern Shoveler (200), Gadwall(1),
Spot-billed Duck(5), Tufted Duck (130), Common Pochard (2), Northern
Pintail(6), Brahminy Duck(6), Comb Duck (15), Coot (9), Little Cormorant(170),
Little Grebe (4), Pond Heron(3), Large Egret (14), Grey Heron (1), Night Heron
(5), Little Egret (20), Asian Openbill (15), Common Moorhen(1), Whiskered Tern
(up to 7), River Tern (up to 5) and Marsh Harrier (1). Around 400 Ruddy
Shelducks (Brahminy Duck) and a pair of Osprey were recorded on 23-1-07.
Other waterbirds recorded during different visits up to April 2009 include a pair
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of Sarus Cranes, Great Cormoranat (up to 10), Glossy Ibis (up to 20), Oriental
White Ibis (up to 6), Black Ibis (up to 2), Eurasian Spoonbill (up to 12), Painted
Stork (up to 6), Woolly-necked Srork (up to 1), Red-wattled Lapwing(a pair or
two), Black-winged Stilt (up to 40), Lesser Whistling Teal (up to 15), Ruff (in
small flocks) and Common and Green Sandpipers(solitarily). No other wetlands
visited had such a high population of Brahminy Duck (i.e., 400 birds). Population
of Tufted Pochards (Aythya fuligula) too was the highest among the populations
of Tufted Pochards at all other wetlands visited. There is also a small heronry at
this wetland which is predominated by Little Cormornat nesting. Total waterbird
species (α diversity) = 39 in late January.
As far as water abundance level is concerned, the use of Mid-winter Asian
Waterfowl Count (AWC) and the criteria adopted for this study (explained in the
section of dams) leads to the inference that the usual waterbird abundance level of
Vasai irrigation reservoir is “Medium”(3) to “High” (4). The summary of AWC is
given below: 1987(359 waterbirds), 1988 (3,383), 1989 (2,780), 2002(1,692).
Waterbird abundance level (on the *population scale 0-5) = 4 (i.e., ‘Above
Average’).
Vasai wetland supports good population of migratory dabbling ducks like Northern Pintail (right), Northern Shoveler and Common Teal (left)
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Vasai reservoir also supports one of the best populations of diving ducks, especiallyTufted Pochards (on left) and Common Pochard (on right)
Mixed flock of diving ducks (Tufted Duck) and dabbling ducks (Northern Pintail, Common Teal)
Coot is an uncommon species at Vasai wetland indicating absence/rarity of submerged hydrophytes
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Resting Ruddy Shelducks (left); Foraging Ruddy Shelducks accompanied by a Nukta (right).Ruddy Shelducks occurred in numbers as high as 400 individuals;
Several well-grown Acacia trees are potential nesting, roosting and resting sites for herons, egrets, storks, ibis and cormorants
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Grey Heron resting in Acacia canopy Great Cormorants resting on a land-strip & a darter on a branch of Acacia nilotica
Osprey occurs during winter either singly or in pair
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Ruffs occur at Vasai due to availability of grasses on shore and rice-fields in the environs
Painted Storks and Great Egrets in shallow water area surrounded by dense canopy
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Indian Sarus Crane (left) & Woolly-necked Stork (right) in the vicinity of Vasai wetland
Hydrophytic vegetation:
This wetland is poor in hydrophytic vegetation. Among emergent macrophytes
Ipomoea carnea exists in the vicinity of the wetland. Some grasses occur on the
shores, but apart from that, there are no emergent aquatic plants. Even
floating/submerged-floating aquatic plants seem to be absent. Very low
population of Common Coot (Fulica atra) is an indicator of absence/rarity of
submerged plants. Absence/near-absence of floating/floating-leaved submerged
hydrophytes has resulted in good open water area (unlike some vegetation choked
wetlands) resulting in good duck population.
Though Ipomoea carnea grows densely in patches, no emergent hydrophytes exist.
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Habitat Components:
Diversity of habitat components (on 0-5 quantitative scale with 1 score-point for 1
habitat):5 (open water, open water with tree growth, open flat shore land, tree-covered
shore land, islets). Undoubtedly, the open water is the most dominant habitat component.
Existence of thorny trees/shrubs like Acacia nilotica and Prosopis juliflora amidst open
water is a noticeable feature of habitat complex of this wetland as it was found that it is
routinely used by waterbirds like Osprey, cormorants and Nukta for resting. As the
embankment/bund (“Paalo”) drastically meets open waters on the side towards Vasai
village, the shoreland is extremely limited on that side. However, moderate amount of
shoreland exists on the opposite bank that has some barren area as also some tree cover.
An islet of fairly good size exists on the extreme west. As it has tree/scrub cover as also
open flat land, it provides a good resting site for a) waterbirds wanting to rest under the
shade formed by trees (migratory ducks were seen utilizing the shady portions of the
islets); b) waterbirds wanting to perch on the trees for nesting (e.g. Nuktas and
cormorants were seen perching); and c) waterbirds wanting to forage/rest at land/water
edge.
Open water area surrounded by trees/shrub-covered shore land
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Open flat shore area is very limited at Vasai wetland and therefore shorebird population is extremely poor, unlike duck population which is high due to vast open water area
Vasai wetland is endowed with Acacia trees with good canopy. Shadow of such trees and presence of islets beneath the canopies at certain places create good resting conditions especially towards latter part of migratory season (mid-Feb. to April) when summer-heat is considerable
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If islets do not exist beneath the canopies of Acacia trees in open water area, ducks cannot rest in the shadow formed by the canopy. Nevertheless they get attracted to forage in the shadow formed by the canopy
Water quality:
pH: 9.8, EC: 0.35 mmho/cm, Total Hardness: 60 mg/l, Ca Hardness = 37.5 mg/l,
Mg hardness= 22.5 mg/l, Acidity: 50 mg/l, Alkalinity: 245 mg/l, Chlorides: 25
mg/l, TDS: 400 mg/l
Socio-economic dependency:
Surrounding area is mainly agricultural. Water is used for wheat and rice
cultivation in the surrounding areas. Mainly, Vasai and Mahijada villages get
benefit of water of this irrigation reservoir. Paddy cultivation is a predominant
feature of the surrounding landscape and all this cultivation in aforesaid villages
becomes possible (even as summer cultivation) due to this waterbody. As per
local people, about six canals originate from the waterbody for supplying
irrigation water. Fishing takes place every year after the rainy season. Local
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people also graze their live-stock on grassy shores. As per local people, poaching
does not occur, but occasionally trapping might be taking place as per local
people.
Livestock (buffalos) are grazed upon on a bank of Vasai wetland
Adverse factors against conservation/Threats:
Legally unprotected. Algal blooms are excessive enough to be noticed to a casual
observer too. In fact among all the wetlands visited, this was one the wetlands
with maximum algal bloom. When visited in late January, algal bloom was
restricted to one of the shores towards north-west and western sides. However,
when visited in late March, algal bloom had occupied considerable open water
area towards its northern portion. Need of regulating water exploitation for
irrigation through diesel engine.
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Wadhvana Irrigation Reservoir, Vadodara District
Wadvana reservoir, Dabhoi taluka
Introductorry Profile:
Significance: Prioritized wetland site from Gujarat and Proposed Ramsar Site as
per SACON’s atlas for wetland conservation (Source: SACON’s Atlas for
Wetland Conservation),
Location: Vadhwana Irrigation Reservoir, is located in Dabhoi taluka of
Vadodara district at 22˚ 09’ 43.23” N latitudes and 73˚ 29’ 14.74” E longitudes. It
is located at Wadhvana village.
Bio-geographic region and province: Semi-Arid (4) and Gujarat-Rajwara (4B)
Region of Gujarat and district: Central/Middle Gujarat and Vadodara
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General information (based on secondary information and people’s perception):
The reservoir was constructed during the Gaekwad rule for fulfilling irrigation
and other needs of local populations. It is situated in Vadhwana village (having
1,456 population living in 318 households) at the distance of 38 km from
Vadodara city, 10 km from Dabhoi and 20 km from Jambughoda. The area of
Vadhwana wetland is 5.8 sq km (Roy and Hussain 1993). The perimeter of
Vadhwana reservoir is about 11 km. Vadhwana reservoir (as also Ajwa and
Pavagadh lake) is thought to be representative of the large number of small
wetlands in eastern Gujarat and southern Rajasthan (Roy and Hussain 1993). This
is irrigation reservoir was constructed about 100 years ago in the year 1909-1910
by Shrimant Maharaja Sir Sayajirao Gaekwad III of erstwhile State of Baroda,
with the purpose of providing water to the agricultural fields. The area falls in
Semi Arid Zone of Central Gujarat with more or less stable rainfall (Padate et al.
2008). Traditionally, it derived its water from Orsang river, but nonetheless from
beginning of 21st centuary, Narmada waters are supplied to it through Narmada
Canal network under Sardar Sarovar Project. The reservoir has catchment of 860
sq. km. Its live storage is 12.83 million meter cube. The reservoir is constructed
with an embankment measuring 8.5 km.
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A view of Wadhvana reservoir displaying vast open water are predominated by Common Coots and a watch tower on the bund in its portion opposite to the portion of ‘entrance’
Site Description: Vadhwana reservoir can be approached from Nanderi gate and
one has to pass through Kukad village (having 292 householdsands, 1,417
population). Kukad village itself has a waterbird-rich village pond that includes
Greylag Goose, Comb Ducks, Lesser Whistling Ducks etc and thus it is very
likely that it may be functioning as a satellite wetland of Vadhwana reservoir.
Vadhwana wetland, though not legally protected as a sanctuary or national park,
has a well-developed eco-camp site. At times, hundreds of visitors are seen
utilizing this eco-camp site. Just like Thol reservoir in Kadi taluka, one cannot
see the water-spread right from the access road (or eco-camp site) due to
peripheral bund that is quite high as compared to the level of road /eco-camp site.
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The peripheral bund is much wider than that of Thol and thus one can even drive
one’s four-wheel vehicle.
Bund (‘Paalo’) along the periphery of the open water spread of Wadhvana reservoir. Due to predominance of bund there is little shore-land that is otherwise useful for resting / roosting of waterbirds.
Waterbird (Richness & Abundance):
Padate et al (2008) has summarized waterfowl of Vadhwana as follows: Larger
Anatids (mainly, Greylag Geese and Ruddy Shelducks, but uncommonly also
Bar-headed Goose and Common Shelduck), Diving Ducks (mainly, Common
Pochard and Tufted Pochard and uncommonly Ferruginous Pochard and Red-
crested Pochard), Marsh Ducks/Dabbling Ducks (Northern Shoveler, Northern
Pintail, Common Teal, Garganey and Eurasian Wigeon) and Resident Ducks
(Comb Duck, Lesser Whistling Duck, Spot-billed Duck, Cotton Pygmy-Goose)
In January 2009, following waterbirds were recorded: Little Grebe (20), Little
Cormorant (7), Great Cormorant (1), Black Ibis (8), Black-headed Ibis (10),
Glossy Ibis (87), Intermediate/Smaller Egret (1), Cattle Egret (70), Pond Heron
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(7), Purple Heron (4), Grey Heron (1), Painted Stork (2), Common Teal (142),
Garganey (7), Northern Shoveler (50), Northern Pintail (60), Gadwall (140),
Eurasian Wigeon (140), Common Pochard (103), Tufted Duck (37), Spot-billed
Duck (6), Comb Duck (207), Lesser Whistling Duck (83), Ruddy
Shelduck/Brahminy Duck (120), Greylag Goose (45), Common Coot
(1,310),Purple Swamphen (25), Pheasnt-tailed Jacana (1), Black-winged Stilt (8),
White-tailed Lapwing (2), Common Sandpiper (3), Green Sandpiper (2), Wood
Sandpiper (5), Ruff (1050), Oriental Pratincole (4), River Tern (1), Gull-billed
Tern (3), White-throated Kingfisher (3), Marsh Harrier (3), Osprey (2), Spotted
Eagle (1), Pied Wagtail (1), White Wagtail (1), Grey Wagtail (1)
Parikh (2010) recorded following waterbirds in January 2008: Bar-headed Goose
(9), Greylag Goose (13), Ruddy Shelduck (260), Common Pochard (50), Eurasian
Wigeon (13).
Patel (2011) has recorded a Black-necked Stork and Greylag Geese (400
individuals) in November 2010.
Waterbird Species Richness/Alpha diversity = 44; Total waterbirds recorded in in
Jan. 2009: 3,783; Likely Waterbird Abundance Level (LWAL) = 5 (Abundant).
Other birds recorded in Jan. 2009 include; Wire-tailed Swallow (1), Red Munia
(1), Streaked Fantail Warbler/Zitting Sisticola (1).
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Juvenile Bronze-winged Jacana at Kukad village pond-a satellite wetland of Wadhvana
Cotton Pygmy-goose-foraging in open water area
Greylag Geese foraging in open water area
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Flock of resting waterbirds predominated by Lesser Whistling Ducks, but also including Greylag Geese, Northern Shoveler, Eurasian Wigeon,egrets, Black-headed Ibis and Common Coots-using an edge between a lone islet and open water
Yellow Wagtail foraging on thick mat of decomposing submerged vegetation
Hydrophytic Vegetation:
Emergent macrophyes recorded at Vadhwana include: Typha angustata, Cyperus
sp., Scirpus littoralis and Saccharum spontaneum. Rooted Submerged
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hydrophytes with floaing leaves: Nympoides spp and Ipomoea aquatica,
Submerged hydrophytes: Though due to unavailability of a boat, entire reservoir
could not be surveyed for hydrophytic vegetation, Vallisnaria spiralis (most
likely dead) was found to be present in bulk in water along the bund. .
Typha angustata and Tamarix aphylla on the adjacent to the bund
Scirpus littoralis that contributes to Saccharum spontaneum – Kans grass Marshy growth along bund’s portion a perennial grass at wetlands opposite to eco-tourism site
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Nymphoides spp. and Ipomoea aquatica (submerged rooted hydrophyte with floating leaves) and Scirpus sp. and Cyperus sp. (emergent hydrophytes)
Vallisnaria spiralis – an abundant submerged hydrophyte in waters along bund
Water Quality:
Water quality was assessed for December 2008.
The values for the water quality parameters in December 2008 are as follows:
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Water temperature: 22°C, pH: 9.4, TDS: 400 mg/l, Total Hardness: 121 mg/l,
Total Alkalinity: 58 mg/l, Ca: 21 mg/L, Mg: 106 mg/l, Chlorides: 35 mg/l,
Habitat Components:
Diversity of main habitat components (on 0-5 quantitative scale with 1 score-
point for 1 habitat) is 3 (Open Water, islet and expanse of marshy vegetation
along bund). Wadhvana’s main habitat component is open water. Due to supply
of Narmada waters to this waterbody since early 2000s, there is lot of inundation
and in turn, there is no open, flat shoreland as such. Number of islets too is
limited (just one). The surrounding landscape is predominantly agricultural land.
Wadhvana is situated in agricultural landscape
‘Edges’ between different micro-habitats have high value for wildlife (including
waterbirds). At Wadhvana, edge between islets/islands and open water, edge
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between shore-land and open water, edge between open water and marshy
expanse are the important edges at Wadhvana wetland.
Socio-economic Dependency:
As this is an irrigation reservoir, the main socio-economic dependency is for
irrigated agriculture. Thus, it is the water source for 25 nearby villages. Through
its system of canals 88 sq. km of annual irrigation is achieved. The waters are also
supplied to Vadodara city when the critical need arises.
The reservoir is also used for fish cultivation. The wetland and its vicinity areas
are used by local people to graze their livestock. Some locals were also seen
harvesting wetland dependent emergents to use them as fodder.
An irrigation canal from Wadhavana reservoir
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Cropland adjacent to Wadhvana reservoir
Fodder collection among Typha growth adjacent to the bund near “entry-point” to Wadhvana reservoir
A large number of bird-watchers and nature lovers from Vadodara and other parts
of Gujarat and elsewhere have been visiting this wetland to fulfill their desire of
rich bird-watching and nature exploration experience.
In the past, the Office of the Conservator of Forests - wildlife had prepared plans
to make Wadhvana reservoir an eco-tourism spot considering the importance of
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this area for migratory as well as resident birds. They have already got a ‘Prajeev
Ecological Development Samiti’ consisting of local people for administering
theirplans. Thus, this wetland has great potential to support local people through
eco-tourism based activities.
Tourist-load near eco-tourism site at Wadhvana reservoir in mid-winter
Eco-tourists at a watch-tower on bund on the side opposite to the eco-tourism camp-site
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Threats and Disturbance:
In the recent years, the inundation of this reservoir by waters through Narmada
waters under Sardar Sarovar Project has brought about significant changes in
composition of avifauna of this wetland (Padate et al 2008). However, as per
Padate et al. (2008), this artificial inundation is not necessarily harmful to the
avian (especially anatidian) status. Based on their waterbird data for the years
ranging from 1995 to 2007, Padate et al (2008) has postulated that the impact of
Narmada water inundation has proved be positive for the waterbirds in this area.
They, based on their analysis of waterfowl data from 1995 to 2007, have
concluded that duck density has increased in the years after the Narmada-water
inundation in Wadhvana (i.e., after 2001).
However, in the long run, there is a threat of occurrence of unfavourable habitat
conditions for the fulfillment of foraging/resting/roosting life requisites of
dabbling ducks/diving ducks and/or waders if the Gujarat Forest Department and
Irrigation Department do not work together intelligently for regulation of water
levels considering the multiple utilities of this wetland for wildlife conservation
and wildlife recreation/tourism besides irrigation needs of villagers.
Sometimes the tourist load is very heavy at this wetland and people not oriented
towards bird-recreation walk haphazardly and noisily on the bund and that may
cause disturbance to the waterbirds. At places, one can see the thick mat of
decomposing vegetation matter and that may adversely affect the aesthetic appeal
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of this wetland that is so famous for recreation. In the past, grazing pressure was
very heavy at this wetland (Roy and Hussain 1993).
At places, thick mat of decomposing dead vegetation matter deteriorates aesthetic view
Spread of such hydrophytic vegetation from the periphery to core area should be checked to maintain “open water” characteristic amidst the wetland
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Brief Profiles of
Other Irrigation Reservoirs
Savli reservoir, Kheda Rani Porda reservoir, Kheda Waghroli reservoir,Kheda
Heranj irr. Res,kheda Daloli irigation reservoir, Anand
Daloli Sinchai talaav/Daloli Irrigation Reservoir (22° 31' 37.64 N, 72° 34'
25.73 E) is a man-made freshwater wetland in Taratpur taluka of Anand district
that is located 26 km south-west of Kheda. It is about 3 km south-west of Pariej
(from its south-west corner). Moreover, it is located 10 km norh-east from
Kanewal. Its area is at least 0.8 sq.km and has perimeter at least of about 5 km.
The village Daloli is a village with 264 households and population of 1440 people
(Census 2001).
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Waterbirds recorded in February 2009 include: Common Coot (131), Grey Heron
(1), Little Cormorant (5 ), Common Moorhen (7), Spot-billed Duck (2), Common
Sandpiper (1), Pied Kingfisher (1). Parasharya and Jani (2006) recorded 858
waterbirds belonging to 8 species in January 2005. Waterbird Species Richness-
8, Waterbird Abundance Level- 2 (Below Average). This wetland is mainly
utilized for irrigation purpose. Fishing also is carried out by fishermen engaged by
leasee fish merchants.
A view of Daloli Irrgation Reserve
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Daloli wetland is juxtaposed by paddy/wheat fields
Daloli wetland is predominated by open water expanse, dense growth of Ipomoea carnea along its perphery and lack of islets
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A gate with screen for water supply
Ipomoea carnea-a predominent macrophyte along the bund on the periphery of open water
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Along the bund, Typha angustata grows only patchily as an associate of Ipomoea carnea
Scirpus sp. is quite prolific in some portions Pied Kingfisher-ready to plunge
A pair of Spot-billed Ducks
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Flock of foraging Common Coots Common Moorhen-transporting
A Grey Heron and a Wood Sandpiper at the edge of water of Daloli wetland
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Heranj talaav/Heranj Irrigation Reservoir (22° 40' 7.99” N 72° 41' 31.73” E)
is a man-made freshwater wetland that is located 7 km south of Kheda and 20 km
west of Nadiad.
It is located on Garmala-Nadiad road that can be approached after crossing Matar
and before approaching Traj. Heranj wetland is one of the prioritized wetlands of
Gujarat as per the inland wetland conservation atlas of SACON. Heranj is a
village with 364 households and human population of 1862 individuals. The
wetland has an area of 0.7 sq. km and has perimeter of 3.5 km. Heranj wetland,
like many other wetlands of Kheda/Anand is surrounded by agriculural fields;
especially paddy rice. When these paddy rice fields are inundated by rain-waters,
one can see good population of Glossy Ibises (often, in hundreds), egrets, Sarus
Cranes, storks(Openbill and Woolley-necked) foraging in fields.
Though Parashrya (2005) has recorded 710 waterbirds belonging to 19 species in
January 2005, during the present study very few species could be recorded at/near
Heranj wetland that included Little Grebe, Little Cormorant, Little Egret , Smaller
Egret, Pond Heron, Purple Heron, Glossy Ibis, Northern Shoveler, Common Coot,
Common Moorhen, Purple Swamphen, Red-wattled Lapwing, Black-winged Stilt,
Black-tailed Godwit and White-throated Kingfisher.
As per local fishemen a mugger crocodile exists in this wetland. This wetland can
be developed as a small eco-tourism site due to presence of a nice shady land-
patch on shore on Garmala-Nadiad road.
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Overview of Heranj Wetland
Open water area of Heranj wetland
Black Ibis foraging amidst Ipomoea growth
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Ipompoea aquatica- a common creeping hydrophyte that is submerged rooted with floating leaves
Emergent macrophyte Ipomoea carnea grows densely and extensively at Heranj wetland
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Polygonum sp. is a common species at Heranj wetland and its vicinity
A huge Ficus bengalensis on a shore of Heranj may give opportunity for developing a small eco-tourism/eco-recreation site at Heranj wetland
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Fish in shallow turbid water near shore
Narmada waters, after passing through canals get poured in Heranj through such inlets
Black-tailed Godwits foraging in inundated field adjacent to Heranj wetland
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Glossy Ibis in/over inundated field adjacent to Heranj wetland
Indian Sarus Cranes feeding in fields near Heranj wetland
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Navaa Talaav, Surendranagar District
Nava talaav (23° 12’ 28.13” N, 71° 44’ 52.43” E) is situated at Savda village of
Patadi taluka of Surendranagar district. It is also known as Savda talaav. By
genesis, it is a natural depression located on the southern fringe of the Little Rann
of Kachchh, but later it was deepened to utilize for water storage for the irrigation
purpose (Gadhvi 2001).
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Location of Navaa Talaav (marked with dark pink circle)near the fringe of Little Rann of Kachchh (marked with blue border line)
The area of this wetland is about 4 sq.km and it has an average depth of 2 m.
GEER Foundation had conducted monthly waterbird count at this wetland from
December 1997 to February 1998. The species with their maximum counts are as
follows: Great White Pelican (180), Dalmatian Pelican (11), Grey Heron (3),
Cattle Egret (26), Great Egret (32), Smaller/Intermediate Egret (5), Little Egret
(10), Western Reef Egret (1), Pond Heron (4), Painted Stork (70), Eurasian
Spoonbill(305), Greater Flamingo (450), Lesser Flamingo (1,600), Northern
Pintail(83), Common Teal (229), Spotbill Duck (4), Gadwall(2), Eurasian Wigeon
(82), Garganey (14), Northern Shoveler (308), Common Pochard (1), Common
Crane (127), Demoiselle Crane (143), Common Coot (14), Black-winged Stilt
(11), Avocet (400), Red-wattled Lapwing (3), Kentish Plover (27), Black-tailed
Godwit(817), Marsh Sandpiper (8), Spotted Redshank (2), Little Stint (80),
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Herring Gull (1), Slender-billed Gull (3), Black-headed Gull (308), Gull-billed
Tern (3), Whiskered Tern (68), Indian River Terrn (12), Pied Kingfisher (2),
Unidentified waders (550), Unidentified Gull (3), Unidentified Ducks (9,0000). In
other words,a total of 40 species of waterbirds had beed recorded with the total of
14,07 individuals. Mid-winter Asian Waterbird Count (AWC) for this wetland
for various years is as follows: 1989(1925), 1992(4,612), 1994 (17,602), 1995
(11,240), 2002 (2,583), 2003 (19746), 2004 (6022), 2007(21039).
Tere et al ( 2007 ) had recorded following waterbirds in January 2006: Little
Grebe (54), Great Crested Grebe (6), Little Cormorant (65), Indian Pond
Heron(22), Cattle Egret (300), Little Egret (12), Smaller/Intermediate Egret (20),
Purple Heron(20), Grey Heron(1), Painted Stork(4), Blak-headed/Oriental White
Ibis (20), Eurasian Spoonbil(100), Greater Flamingo (94), Ruddy
Shelduck/Brahminy Duck (500), Gadwall (1,000), Common Teal (300), Spot-
billed Duck (6), Northern Pintail (1,000+), Garganey (20), Northern Shoveler
(900), Common Pochard (150), Ferruginous Duck (2), Unidentified Ducks
(2,000), Indian Sarus Crane (3), White-breasted Waterhen (2), Common/Indian
Moorhen (165), Common Coot (12,000), Black-winged Stilt (150), Avocet (31),
Red-wattled Lapwing (15), Black-tailed Godwit (300), Redshank (1), Marsh
Sandpiper (2), Greenshank (1), Green Sandpiper (2), Wood Sandpiper (4),
Common Sandpiper (5, Little Stint (50), Ruff (150), Unidentified waders (300),
Gulls (10), Whiskered Tern (5), Gull-billed Tern (2), Unidentified Tern (100),
Pied Kingfisher (1), Marsh Harriers (many).
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During the present study, the wetland was visited even as late as in 3rd week of
March 2009. Even during such non-wintering teime-frame, waterbirds like Great
White Pelicans(250), Demoiselle Cranes(4,250), Northern Shovelers (30),
Common Teal (20), Brahminy Ducks (20) etc were recorded. This wetland was
found to be of great value as a roosting place for tens of thousands of Demoiselle
Cranes (as per local people).
Observations through GEER Foundation’s study and that by Tere et al (2007)
indicate that at least around 45 species of waterbirds can occur at this place, with
total numbers well above 20,000 (as only coots were in numbers as high as 12,000
as per Tere et al (2007)’s observations in Jan. 2006). Thus, undoubtedly, this
wetland can support upto “Abundant” (6) waterbird population as per the criterion
adopted for this study.
Some of the socio-economic dependencies when carried out unregulated. take the
form problems against conservation of this wetland. These are: water extraction
using diesel engines for irrigation, fishing, grazing of livestock, removal of
hydrophytes etc. Occasional poaching and trapping of birds have also been
reported (Gadhvi 2001).
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Waders (mainly Black-tailed Godwits) in front and migratory ducks (mainly shovelers) in the back
Ruddy Shelducks, some waders and Demoiselle Cranes getting ready for roosting
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Great White Pelicans-in water and in the air
Hundreds of migratory ducks (mainly shovelers) resting with Common Cranes and Greater Flamingos in background
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White-tailed Lapwing foraging in shallow marshy area of Navaa Talaav
Scirpus littoralis is one of the common emergent hydrophytes at Nava talaav
Cyperus sp. (‘Deer’/’Deelo’) half-eaten from the top by grazing livestock (mainly buffaloes)
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Utricularia sp. (an insectivorous aquatic plant) in a puddle near Savda talaav
Irrigation water is a socio-economic dependency, but when it is carried out intensively, the dependency becomes the potential threat to the wetland
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Some local people use truck/tractor-wheel’s tube for fishing purpose
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Rani Porda Irrigation Reservoir, Thasra taluka, Kheda District
‘Rani Porda talav’/ Rani Porda Irrigation Reservoir (22° 51' 34.18 N, 73° 10'
33.53 E) is a man-made freshwater wetland (receiving waters from the river
Vehla) that is located 12km north of Dakor. Its area is 0.70-0.75 sq.km and it has
perimeter of 4 km. The village Rani Porda is a village with 322 households and
population of 1611 people (Census 2001). During the field visists in February
2009 the wetland was found to be having perpetual water. Many agricultural crop
fields exist nearby this reservoir (like in case of many other reservoirs of Kheda/
Anand district). The reservoir is created for irrigation water demand. Its gross
staorage capacity and effective storage capacity are 1745 x 103 m3 and 1724 x 103
m3 respectively.
Waterbirds recorded in February 2009 include: Common Pochard (49), Tufted
Pochard (20 ), Northern Pintail ( 204), Large Egret (1), Little Egret (2), Smaller
Egret (2), Cattle Egret (10), Pond Heron (1), Grey Heron (1 ), Black Ibis (2),
Glossy Ibis (95+), Black-headed/Oriental White Ibis (5), Little Cormorant (10),
Greater Flamingo (52), Ruddy Shelduck ( 12 ), Bar-headed Goose (4), Eurasian
Spoonbill (55), Norhthern Shoveler? ( 25) ), Common Teal (20), Common
Sandpiper (1), Wood Sandpiper (6), Black-tailed Godwit (80), Indian River Tern
(2), Red-wattled Lapwing (4), Black-winged Stilt (6).
Among hydrophytic vegetation, Typha and Cyperus rotundus were found to be
common. People mainly depend on this wetland for their irrigation needs. Almost
half of the basin of this wetland was under cultivation in Februaruy 2009. Main
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Irrigation Reservoir
crops cultivated (and irrigated with Rani Porda’s waters) were reported to be
wheat and rice (paddy). About 40% area of the wetland was under open waters
and 10% area was found to be mudflat. When the reservoir goes dry, local farmers
use the basin and its surroundings for cultivation of wheat, bajra etc. No threat
could be noticed at the wetland, but pesticide/fertilizers getting drainied into
waters during good rainy season may be a likely threat to this wetland as the
agricultural fields are very close-by and farmers even carry out cultivation on the
exposed basins/beds. Another likely problem may be disturbance by fishermen
who were observed to be walking in the waters of this wetland for spreading their
fishing nets in open water area. Their movement was found to cause disturbace to
the waterbirds.
Rani Porda has good interspesrsion of land and water that is beneficial for foraging and resting of waterbirds like darter, ducks and waders
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Irrigation Reservoir
Greater Flamingos and ducks resting in open water near shore-land
Smaller/Intermediate Egret
Cyperus rotundus-a common emergent hydrophyte at Rani Porda wetland
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Irrigation Reservoir
Fisherman busy spreading their net
Ducks (mainly Northern Shovelers) resting on an islet and Greater Flamingos foraging in open water
Rani Porda has good shore-line that is appropriate for resting requisite of many waterbirds. Therefore, waterbirds often remain in the vicinity of the shore-line even for foraging.
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Irrigation Reservoir
Northern Pintails – foraging activity
Rani Porda is intensively used by local farmers for irrigating their fields using diesel engines
Agricultural practice takes place on the shore
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Irrigation Reservoir
‘Savli sinchai talav’/Savli Irrigation Reservoir ( 22°57’12.4” N, 73°6’
56.27” E) is a man-made freshwater wetland that is located in Kapadvanj taluka
48 km north-east of Kheda. Its area is about 1 sq.km and has perimeter of 6 km.
The village Savli is a village with 500 households and population of 2465 people
(Census 2001). During the field visists in 2009 and 2010, the wetland was found
to be devoid of water (in 2009) or having little water (2010). This wetland was
found to be tightly/ closely emberassed by fallow land/croplands, probably
because of the exposed bed in want of water. Gross and effective staorage
capacity of Savli is 4875 x 103 m3 and spillway maximum discharge is 204
m2/sec.
Waterbirds recorded in February 2009 include: Grey Heron (1), Cattle Egret
(20+), Ruddy Shelduck (12), , Eurasian Spoonbill (12), Little Cormorant (1),
Norhthern Shoveler? (6), Common Sandpiper (1), Little Stint (1).
No hydrophytic vegetation was recorded probably because of scarcity of water
during the field visits. However, in the surrounding area, especially at a canal near
this wetland, Typha angusata is patchilty dense and abundant. Moreover, there is
was green grass-cover on the land surrounding existing water-spread and that may
be a feature that might have attracted Brahminy Ducks despite limited/shrunk
water-spread. People mainly depend on this wetland for their irrigation needs.
Massive need for irrigation water from the reseroir also leads to fast deptletion of
reservoir waters as per local farmers. When the reservoir goes dry, local farmers
use the basin and its surroundings for cultivation of wheat, bajra etc. Even if little
water exists in the basin, the farmers lead their bullocks to this water for
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Irrigation Reservoir
quenching their thirst. No threat could be noticed at the wetland, but
pesticide/fertilizers getting drainied into waters during good rainy season may be
a likely threat to this wetland as the agricultural fields are very close-by and
farmers even carry out cultivation on the exposed basins/beds. Another likely
problem may be the unavailability of habitat/food resources for waterbirds during
the years of scanty/no rainfall as was seen during the two consecutive visits
during two different years.
Spoonbills in association with Brahminy Ducks amidst shrinking open waters
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Irrigation Reservoir
Dried up Savli reservoir
Agricultural practice adjacent to the reservoir
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Irrigation Reservoir
A view of Savli with highly shrunk waterspread
Local farmers depend on Savli reservoir to facilitate drinking water to their bullocks
A sandpiper Grey Heron
Sripor Timbi, Vadodara District
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Irrigation Reservoir
SriporTimbi, Vaghodiataluka
Shi-Por Timbi (22°18’45” N; 73°17’ 2.0”E) is located in Vaghodia taluka of
Vadodara district. It is located 6 km south-east of Vadodara air-port and 14 km
south-west of Ajwa lake. Its area is 5.5 sq. km. and perimeter is around 7 km. It is
located in Sri Por village having population of 569 people living in 119
households. The reservoir was constructed during Gaekwadi rule by Maharaja
Sayajirao Gaekwad mainly to cater to the irrigation water needs of local people.
Parikh (2010) had recorded Black-necked Stork (1) and Asian Openbill (6) in
August 2008. Jhala (2002) had recorded Greater Spotted Eagle (1) and Marsh
Harier (1) early winter period of 2001-02. Jhala (2001) recorded following
waterbirds in Aug-Sept. 2000: Garganey (25), Black-tailed Godwit (35), Avocet
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Irrigation Reservoir
(2), Common Coot (6), White-eyed Pochard (3), Northern Shoveler (14), Eurasian
Curlew (15), Common Pochard (13).
During the field visit in February 2009, no emergent hydrophytic vegetation
recorded except some scattered growth of grasses along the bund. However,
during the field, over a hundred Common Coots were recorded, which indicates
the likely presence of one or the other (e.g., Najas sp.) submerged hydrophytic
vegetation. Habitat diversity is poor as it is predominated by sheet of open waters
that is surrounded by a bund. As mentioned earlier, the main socio-economic
dependency is irrigation. It is also used for fishing. Threats to this wetland are
unknown but it seems that haphazard movement and noise by local people of the
settlement in the vicinity of the bund may cause disturbance.
Waghroli Irrigation Reservoir, Thasra taluka, Kheda District
‘Waghroli talav’/ Waghroli Irrigation Reservoir (22° 53' 22.64 N, 73° 17'
16.79 E) is a man-made freshwater wetland in Thasra taluka that is located 11.56
km north-east of Rani Porda wetland and 23 m north-esast of Saiyant wetland. It
is about 64 km north-east of Kheda and 48 km north-east of Nadiad. Its area is
1.5 sq.km and has perimeter of about 11 km. The village Waghroli is a village
with 1,417 households and population of 7,291 people (Census 2001). As per
local people, this was orginally constructed by the British to combat “Chhapaniya
dukaal’ (i.e., severe drought of 1956).
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Irrigation Reservoir
In February 2009, following waterbirds were observed: Little Egret (16), Large
Egret (13), Cattle Egret (12), Grey Heron (2), Pond Heron (19), Little Cormorant
(1), Oriental Darter (2), Eurasian Spoonbill(16), Painted Stork (20), Northern
Shoveler (4), Common Teal (211), Comb Duck/Nukta (15), Brahminy
Duck/Ruddy Shelduck (19), Greater Flamingo (14), and Indian Sarus Crane (4),
Avocet (6), Greenshank (1), Little Stint (20), River Tern (2) and Pied Kingfisher
(2). It was reported by local people that at times, congregation of up to over 50
Indian Sarus Cranes can be seen at this wetlands. In November month Greylag
Geese (16), Asian Openbill (1) and Indian Sarus Cranes (3 including 1 juv.) had
been recorded.
Though the main waterbody itself was found to be devoid of emergent and
floating/floating-leaved submerged hydrophytic vegetation, considerable growth
of Cyperaceae plants, Limnophyton obtusifolium and Marsellia quadrifolia exists
in the vicinity.
One of the main socio-economic dependency on this wetland is for agriculture.
Local farmers use the waters of this reservoir mainly for irrigating their fields of
paddy, wheat and tobacco. Fishing is another major socio-economic activity at
Waghroli wetland. It was informed in February 2009 by local people that fishing
during that year started in last week of January. Some of them informed that
fishing activity certainly disturbed waterbird profile. Thus, before fishing started,
i.e., from early winter to early January, waterbird life was perpetual at this
wetland. Upto 6-7 fishing boats simultaneouly keep indulged in fishing activity
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Irrigation Reservoir
everyday. Themain fish that are available include ‘rohu’, ‘catla’ and ‘dok’.
Moreover, crabs and ‘jhinga’ are also captured.
A view of Waghroli irrigation reservoir
Drying of fish on the shore of Waghroli reservoir
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Irrigation Reservoir
Asian Openbill busy foraging Sarus Cranes- Adults with a juvenile
Limnophyton obtusifolium in marshy habitat adjacent to Waghroli reservoir
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Natural Lakes
NATURAL LAKES (NL)
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Natural Lakes
Natural Lakes
Pond Name Page No.
1. Chaari Dhandh Lake NL-03
2. Nal Sarovar NL-19
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Chhari-Dhandh Lake, Kachchh
Chhari-Dhandh, Nakhatrana taluka
A view of Chhari –Dhandh
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Introductory Profile
Significance: This is an IBA Site in Gujarat. As per SACON’s “Inland
Wetland Conservation Atlas”, this is a prioritized site and proposed Ramsar
Site in Gujarat.
Location: Chhari-Dhandh (23034’42.54“N, 69018’58.08”E) is located in
western Kachchh, 80 km south-west of Bhuj and about 25 km north of
Nakhtrana town in Kachchh district. It is situated in “Nani Banni” area and
near the southern fringe of Great Rann of Kachchh. Fulay is the nearest
village that is well-connected to Nakhatrana by road.
Biogeographic region & province: The Indian Desert (3) & Kachchh (3A)
Wetland type: Freshwater-cum-brackish/salty water natural lake with
associated marsh.
General Information (based on secondary information):
Chhari-Dhandh is a seasonal inland wetland in India’s largest grassland area-
Banni. The word ‘Chhari’ means “salt affected” and ‘Dhand’ means shallow
wetland with perpetual/enough water in local (‘Sindhi’) language [Other
‘Sindhi’ terms indicating shallow wetlands with lesser water quantity than
that in ‘Dhandh’ are ‘Chhachh’, ‘Thath’ and ‘Kar’]. This is a rain-fed inland
wetland near the southern fringe of the Great Rann of Kachchh. Chhari-
Dhandh, like Nalsarovar lake in North Gujarat/Saurashtra, is a fresh-cum-
brackish/salty water wetland. Thus, when Chhari-Dhandh gets inundated
during rainy season owing to influx of water from rivers (like Chhari/Dhurud,
Layari, Gajansar etc.), various seasonal streams and rain-water run-off from
the uplands and local hills (e.g., Dhino, Kiro, Palkhiari etc.) it contains “fresh
water (Varu 2007, Tiwari 2009). However, as the months pass on, its water
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not only evaporates under the influence of strong winds and sunshine, but
also becomes brackish to saline due to inherent salinity of the soil. Under the
perpetual water conditions in rainy season, the area of this wetland swells up
to 80 sq. km. The maximum water-depth of 2m is recorded in the central
portion and in water channels (Tiwari, 2009) during good rainfall year.
However, scanty rainfall or drought conditions are not uncommon in the
region of Chhari-Dhandh and in such years Chhari-Dhand goes completely
dry. Like several other wetlands in Kachchh, Chhari-Dhandh too is located
on the pathway of wintering migratory birds. Due to this reason, very rich
birdlife occurs here in winter and that has rendered great fame to this wetland
as “Nalsarovar of Kachchh”(Varu 2009). The wetland and its environs often
support 40,000 Common Cranes (Grus grus). Chhari Dhandh and
surrounding terrestrial habitats support over 200 species of birds (Tiwari
2009). A total of 60 species of wetland birds have been recorded at Chhari
Dhandh in late 2000s that belonged to 19 families and 40 genera (GUIDE
2009). Chhari-Dhandh had been declared as a “Conservation Reserve” by
Govt. of Gujarat in May 2008. It is a wetland which qualifies the criteria as
Ramsar Site.
Site Description (based on field visit/ observation):
On seeing Chhari-Dhandh from one of its two watch-towers, an observer gets
an impression of a natural lake with huge sheet of open water fringed with
extensive growth of tall emergent aquatic vegetation (reedbed). On the
horizon, the observer can see isolated hills like Dhinodhar, Pakhiyel, Kiro
etc. The observer having seen Nalsarovar at once realizes that Chhari-
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Dhandh, unlike Nal, lacks islets but has scattered hills on horizon. Moreover,
unlike in Nalsarovar, proportion of emergent vegetation growing in pockets
amidst open water is negligible as such vegetation is mainly restricted to the
periphery of the wetland. Thus, habitat diversity is less at Chhari-Dhandh as
compared to Nalsarovar wetland. However, unlike Nal, it is free from some
challenges like heavy boat-traffic of picnickers and extensive thick mats of
decomposing submerged vegetation. Chhari-Dhandh has good growth of
Salvadora persica in some portion of its shoreland and environs. On the top
of some Salvadora shrubs/trees, an observer can see raptors like Steppe Eagle
or a Tawny Eagle. An observer, especially in summer, can see herds of
camels that are led to this wetland by camel herders from nearby and remote
places. Such camels keep resting or foraging in the vicinity of this wetland
during the day and enter the waters near the shore to quench their thirst,
usually twice a day. Another feature that an observer can notice is the
presence of large number of Common Cranes in the environs that feed on
“theg” (Cyperus sp.)
Waterbirds (Species Richness and Abundance):
Following waterbirds were recorded during the visits in November 2008:
Great White Pelican (1,000), Little Grebe (1), Black-necked Grebe (1), Large
Egret (62), Grey Heron (2), Eurasian Spoonbill (40), Northern Shoveler (91),
Northern Pintail (81), Gadwall (60), Eurasian Wigeon (7), Greater Flamingo
(551), Lesser Flamingo (90), Common Coot (1,775), Common Crane (170),
Black-winged Stilt (21), Black-tailed Godwit (600), Brown-headed Gull (1),
Gull-billed Tern (2), Marsh Harrier (1).
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Varu (2010) recorded following birds between last week of April 2010 to the
first week of May 2010: Great White Pelican (400+), Grey Heron (10),
Purple Heron (5), Glossy Ibis (15), Painted Stork (60), European White Stork
(1), Black-necked Stork (4), Greater Flamingo(1000+), Lesser Flamingo
(900+), Spot-billed Duck (90), Northern Shoveler (40), Eurasian Wigeon
(90), Garganey (5), Common Coot (210), Purple Moorhen (30), Black-
winged Stilt (35), Eurasian Curlew(8), Black-tailed Godwit (160), Spotted
Redshank (15), Marsh Sandpiper(1), Ruff (5), Kentish Plover(30), Slender-
billed Gull (100), Caspian Tern (50), White-winged Black Tern
(1),Whiskered Tern (180), Blue-cheeked Bee-eater (3)
Varu (2008) recorded following birds in June 2007: Greater Flamingo (5000),
Black-necked Stork (2), Painted Stork (400), Eurasian Spoonbill(500),
Glossy Ibis (25), Garganey (100; in April), Common Crane (2), Black-tailed
Godwit (2000), Common Coot (70), Purple Swamphen (5), Caspian Tern
(130), Gull-billed Tern (7), Whiskered Tern (3).
Varu (2007) recorded Dalmatian Pelican (3), White Stork (2) and Black-
necked Stork (4; 2 adults & 2 juv.) in December 2007. Species Richness/α
diversity for waterbird species-60 (GUIDE 2009); Abundance level of
waterbird species: 6 (Abundant) [In January 2007, around 75,000-80,000
waterbirds had been recorded (Tatu and Chavda 2009).
Threatened birds (as per IUCN Red List of Threatened species 2010):
Dalmatian Pelican (VU), Oriental White/Black-headed Ibis (NT), Eurasian
Spoonbill(Schedule 1 species), Painted Stork(NT), Black-necked Stork (NT),
Oriental Darter (NT), Harriers and other Accipiters (Schedule 1 species),
Sarus Crane (VU), Black-tailed Godwit (NT).
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Local hills like Dhino, Kiro, Pachhiyel on the horizon
Great White Pelicans resting in watery patch buffered by emergent vegetation
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Great White Pelicans foraging
Eurasian Spoonbills & Common Coots foraging in vast, shallow open water
Greater Flamingos
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Black-necked Grebe-foraging
Migratory surface-feeding ducks in shallow sheet of water adjacent to emergent vegetation growth
Common Cranes resting amidst open water
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An Eagle near Chhari Dhandh
Eurasian White Stork
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Hydrophytic vegetation:
Thick mats of reeds (emergent hydrophytes), 1 to 2 m high grow on the outer
fringes of Chhari-Dhandh (Tiwari and Rahmani, 1998). Emergent
hydrophytes of Cyperaceae family is represented commonly by Cyperus
rotundus, C.bulbosus and C. exaltatus and also Scirpus affini; all called “Kal”
/ “Kaluro” locally (Dr. Pankaj Joshi, Pers. Comm.). Tiwari (2006) has
reported Eleocharis dulcis. Too, which is called “Dir” locally. A species
(unidentified) of Fimbristylis also exists (Dr. Pankaj Joshi, Pers. Comm.).
Floating leaved submerged rooted hydrophytes include Marsilea quadrifolia
and Nymphaea sp. that can be observed after good rains every year (Varu
2007). Submerged aquatic plants (including macro-algae) include Nitella sp.,
Chara sp. and Vallisneria spirallis.
Habitat Components:
Diversity of habitat components (on 0-5 quantitative scale with 1 score point
for 1 habitat) is 3. The major habitat components are open water, flat open
shore and reedbeds. Open water habitat is the most dominant component
followed by reed beds, and flat open shore. Edge effect is an important
concept in wildlife studies/management. At Chhari Dandh following edges
exist: Edge between flat open shore-land and open water, Edge between
reedbeds and open water. The most dominant edge is the Edge between open
water and reedbed (emergent vegetation cover) followed by edge between
open water and flat open shore-land.
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Sedges. Locally called Dir
Spikelet of the sedge-‘Dir’
Sedge (“Dir”) is used as a support by Odonata nymps
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Sedges locally called “Kal”
Najas sp. –A submerged hydrophyte
Vast growth of Cyperaceae plants(‘Dir’ & ‘Kal’)
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Vast open water area lacks islets/islands unlike Nalsarovar in N. Gujarat/Saurashtra
Structures created by Forest Department to provide resting place to waterbirds- manmade habitat diversity
Camels are led to Chhari Dhandh to quench their thirst
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Natural Lakes
Water Quality:
pH- 9.6 TDS- 2,460 mg/L, Total Hardness- 148 mg/L, Total Alkalinity- 190
mg/L, Ca- 48 mg/L, Mg- 100 mg/L, Chlorides- 1,320 mg/L, Na-888 mg/L,
Sulphate- 34 mg/L, % Na-92 (in Nov. 2008).
Socio-economic Dependency:
There are 13 villages adjoining the Dhandh. These are; Sirva, Bhagadia,
Chhachhlo, Chhachhi, Hajipar, Nirona, Fulai, Jhalu, Dador, Vang, Kharadia,
Bibber and Nera. According to 2001 census, 13 villages support human
population of 14,206 people. About 13% of this population belongs to
socially marginalized communities. The main communities are Bhanushali,
Ahir, Darbar, Rabari, Patel and Muslims. In general, majority of population
are occupied in agriculture, livestock rearing and wage labour in agriculture.
Recently, the charcoal making from the wood of Prosopis juliflora has
emerged as an economic source for local communities.
Local people daily come to Chhari Dhandh with their camels or buffaloes
from different villages like Chhari, Fulay, Barkal, Bersara, Moti Chor, Moria
and Vajira. Camel herders mainly come from the villages situated within 25
km from Chhari Dhandh. Apart from these villages, the camel herders also
come from relatively distant places like Bhachau and Khavda (Pachchham).
Some camel herders might be coming from the villages located near India-
Pakistan border. Pastoralists/camel herders from the villages relatively away
from the Dhandh and/or those coming from distant places camp at places
nearby this wetland for many day; may be till water exists in the wetland
during any one year. Undoubtedly, among all the livestock that is brought to
Chhari Dhandh, camels are the most abundant. Upto 250-400 camels can visit
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Chhari Dhandh on a single day for drinking water. The camel herders who
come to the wetland with their respective camels belong to different castes
like Mutva, Jat, Sama, Koli, Kanthi etc.
Fishing was one of the major activities at Chhari Dhandh. Before declaration
of Chhari Dhandh as a Conservation Reserve, 60 to 70 fishermen used to be
engaged in fishing activity in this wetland. These people mainly belong to
Pathan, Jeja, Mutva and Koli casts. They mainly carried out fishing in winter
season. However, after declaration of Chhari as Conservation Reserve,
fishing is allowed only for the livelihood purpose and therefore very few
fishermen are seen at this wetland. In Chhari dhandh wetland different types
of fishes like Popdi, Moradi, Mundhi, Donngri, katla, Khaga Tilabhi, and
Chiri occur in Chhari Dhandh.
Chhari Dhandh is not much useful for irrigation purpose. One of the potential
uses of this wetland for local people in future may be tourism based
livelihood practices. For this, however, a model of Keoladeo National Park
should be followed where local people working as guides or pedal-rickshaw
drivers for the tourists know the names of birds and help tourists to identify
the birds. At Chhari, local people are not very conversant with bird
identification and thus they should be trained for that.
Adverse factors against conservation/Threats:
The major threats/disturbances faced by Chhari-Dhandh are as follows:
a) Cattle and people of the villages on the periphery of the wetland are heavily
dependent on the area for their bio-mass requirements. This uncontrolled
collection of biomass is threatening the habitat of the wetland.
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b) Large number of migratory cattle from adjoining talukas, districts and
Rajasthan state put these areas under extreme grazing pressure just after the
onset of monsoon. This phenomenon heavily damages the new recruits in
the habitat.
c) Till recently, commercial fishing was the major threat to the survival of
migratory and residential piscivorous waterbirds. However, this has been
stopped after declaration of this wetland as Conservation Reserve.
d) Because of the high potential on western region for mining, the priority of the
state may change.
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Natural Lakes
Nal-Sarovar Lake, Ahmedabad & Surendranagar districts
Nal-Sarovar, Viramgam & Limbdi talukas
A view of ‘official’ entry-point to Water depth seldom exceeds Nal Sarovar exceeds 3 m
Introductory Profile
Significance: This is an IBA Site in Gujarat. Also a Nationally Important
Site and a ‘Bird Sanctuary. Proposed Ramsar Site from Gujarat since long.
Location: Nal-Sarovar is located between 22˚78’ N to 22˚96’N latitudes and
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71˚92’E to 72 64’E longitudes. It is situated at the distance of just 64 km
from Ahmedabad, 42 km from Sanand and 40 km from Viramgam.
Biogeographic region & province: Semi-Arid (4) & Gujarat-Rajwara (4B)
General information (based on secondary information):
Nal-Sarovar is a freshwater wetland having total area is 170 sq. km., (Tatu
1997, Tatu et al., 1999), of which about 120.89 sq. km has been declared as
bird sanctuary in 1981. This is the largest, inland wetland based bird
sanctuary of Gujarat. Satellite data analysis for the year 2010 has shown that
open water component has an area of 30 sq km, emergent cover 41 sq. km
(Talegaonkar 2011, unpublished thesis).The depth of Nal does not exceed 3
m. In December 2008, the depth was measured to be 49 inches (1.22 m) on
average. Open water area is the predominant component of this wetland, but
it varies from year to year or even from season to season within a year. Thus,
one of the smallest extents recorded 2.6 sq. km that was recorded in 1987
(i.e., culminating year of the three consecutive droughts) and the largest
extents recorded had been 25 sq.km in 1994 and 30 sq. km. in 2010. The
open water component completely disappeared in summer 1988 due to the
impact of three drought years. It might be important to note that Nal-
Sarovar’s eastern portion falls in Ahmedabad district (North Gujarat) and its
western shore falls in Surendranagar district of Saurashtra region. The Nal-
Sarovar Bird Sanctuary is bound by Shahpur village boundary on north
(Ahmedabad district), Shiyal village boundary on south (Ahmedabad
district), village boundaries of Kayla, Vekaria, Meni and Durgi on east
(Ahmedabad district) and Digvijaygadh, Panali, Mulbavla, Ranagadh,
Bhagvanpur, Galiela and Nani Kathechi on west (Surendranagar district).
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About 210 species of birds (about 110 waterbird species), 72 species of
flowering plants, 48 species of algae, 76 species of zooplanktons and zoo-
benthos, 20 species of fish and 13 species of mammals are recorded in this
wetland area.
Site Description (based on field visit/ observation):
On observing this wetland from the shore, one realizes that undoubtedly, this
should be one of the largest inland wetlands of the country. The basin of the
lake is shallow, hence the water depth seldom exceeds 3 meters. Apart from
vastness of the lake there are some other peculiarities of this wetland that can
be noticed in situ. These include presence of luxurious and extensive growth
of emergent and submerged aquatic vegetation, presence of many
islets/islands (total 300, largish 36 as per authentic literature), abundance of
coots in winter season, presence of large number of other waterbirds
including ducks, migratory cranes, flamingos and shorebirds/waders and also
large number of picnickers during week-ends of winter seasons who use
many recreation boats to move in the wetland for recreation.
One can notice various habitat components of this wetland like open water,
emergent aquatic/marshy vegetation, vegetated islets, barren islets,
barren/muddy shore, shore land with tree/shrub cover and shore land with
crops. Nevertheless, Open Water Area and Emergent Aquatic/Marshy
Vegetation are the two main habitat components that constitute the main
aquatic area of this wetland. It is a known fact that the extent of open water
area is under the influence of magnitude and pattern of rainfall, extreme
events like drought and flooding, release of water from the canal networks
and extent of emergent aquatic/marshy vegetation. Emergent Aquatic
NL-21
Natural Lakes
Vegetation has been mainly restricted in southern and south-western portion
of the sanctuary area. Apart from that, some emergent vegetation is also
present in the north-eastern portion (i.e., towards Shahpur/Kayla). Several
patches/pockets of emergent vegetation also occur amidst the open water
component. No other inland wetland of Gujarat is as richly endowed with
islets/islands (locally called ‘bet’) as Nalsarovar (36 largish islets/islands out
of total 300 islets/islands). Dharabla is a large islet that has dense tree/scrub
and grass cover as compared to any other islets. Majority of other islets are
either sparsely vegetated or barren. Some well-known islets are Chorathali,
Paanvad, Shiyal, Bor, Jambuda etc.
Waterbirds (species richness and abundance):
Nal-Sarovar is well-known for its high species richness of waterbirds and
abundance of several waterbird species. A total of around 117 waterbird
species have been recorded at Nal-Sarovar at one time or the other. Forest
Department conducts waterbird census at Nalsarovar at the interval of 2-3
years. Thus, the first census was conducted in the mid-winter season of 1992
and the last census was conducted in mid-winter season of 2010. The
summary of censuses of all the years from 1992 to 2010 is given in the table
given below. It shows that minimum 50,581 (in 2000) waterbirds and
maximum 2,53,254 (in 2008) have been recorded during the waterbird
censuses. Species Richness/ α diversity of waterbirds = 117
Waterbird abundance level = 6 (Abundant)
NL-22
Natural Lakes
Open water habitat being used by Greater Flamingos
Common Cranes are found on islets with marshy fringes
White Stork-an extra-limital migrant
NL-23
Natural Lakes
Sr. No. Waterbird Waterbird Count
Group Mid- Mid- Mid- Mid- Mid- Mid- Mid- Mid- winter winter winter winter winter winter winter winter 1992 1996 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010 1 Grebes 738 140 121 101 129 130 503 82
2 Pelicans 6337 1813 78 363 46 87 67 1162
3 Cormorants & 785 101 352 3001 1031 3638 1061 1217 Darters 4 Herons & Egrets 8010 9381 815 1768 2129 2601 2116 2258
5 Storks 590 106 931 11469 3241 3978 15237 184
6 Ibis & Spoonbill 12062 21544 1723 4333 8386 6818 8130 2355
7 Flamingo 10413 4159 1660 3928 0 5820 11580 5115
8 Geese & ducks 25074 46221 14930 50610 82024 119039 84529 27228
9 Cranes 32548 22012 2189 3294 1702 385 2001 12636
10 Rails, crakes 19198 14343 22605 41406 58035 82146 114020 53768
11 Jacana 144 0 129 141 407 255 475 390
12 Shorebirds 63836 15811 4699 11686 23795 2208 8347 19717
13 Gulls 2575 5344 312 1078 643 650 851 1533
14 Terns/skimmers 1983 544 ? 0 0 0 0 0
15 Kingfishers 65 15 37 18 16 54 98 101
16 Wagtails/Pipits 0 0 0 0 5647 2054 3897 3195
17 Eagles/Harriers 0 0 0 0 235 239 342 149
18 Others 32552 0 0 1613 7063 0 0 0
Total 21703 14153 50581 13497 19107 252682 253254 13130
4 4 5 6 6
NL-24
Natural Lakes
Common Coot (left) is the predominant waterbird of open water habitat. Seeds of submerged plant like Najas (right) is its major food
Sarus Crane (on left) and Purple Swamphen (on right)-two resident species
Black-headed Gulls loafing on open
NL-25
Natural Lakes
Hydrophytic vegetation:
A variety of species of rooted floating, free floating and emergent
hydrophytes have been recorded during the field investigations. Emergent
hydrophytes include species like Phragmites karka (locally called
“Bakhedo”), Typha angustata (locally called “Paan”or Ghaa-Baajariyun),
Scirpus littoralis (locally called “Gondro”) and Cyperus rotundus (locally
called “Deelo”). Rooted Submerged hydrophytes with floating leaves include
Nymphaea nauchali (locally called Poyna), N. stellata. (locally called Poyna),
rooted submersed plants like Hydrilla verticellata., Vallisneria spirallis.,
Potamogeton sp., Chara erythrogyna, C. globulins, Nitella accuminata,
N.transilis, Najas sp. etc.
Nymphaea nauchali Nymphea stellata
Phragmites karka (locally called Bakhedo) grows in pockets amidst open water; it can be as tall as 2.5m.
NL-26
Natural Lakes
Typha angustata (locally called “Paan”) is very dense, tall and wide-spred
Scirpus littoralis (locally called ‘Gondro’) is one of the most dominant emergent hydrophytes at Nal Sarovar wetland. It can be as tall as 3 m.
Hydrilla is one of the common submerged hydrophytes in Nal Sarovar wetland
NL-27
Natural Lakes
Water quality:
pH: 8.5, EC: 0.5 mmho/cm, Ca: 83 mg/l, Mg:40 mg/l, Total Hardness:150
mg/l, Total Alkalinity: 100 mg/l, Acidity: 60 mg/l, TDS: 800 mg/l, Chloride:
40 mg/l, Sulphates: traces
Habitat Components:
Diversity of habitat components (on 0-5 quantitative scale with 1 score point
for 1 habitat) is 4. The major habitat components are open water, islands, reed
beds and shore with/without cultivation. Open water habitat is the most
dominant component followed by reed beds, shoreland and islands. Edge
effect is an important concept in wildlife studies/management. At Nalsarovar
following edges exist: Edges between shore and open water, Edges between
shore and reed beds, Edges between islands and open water, Edges between
islands and reed beds. The most dominant edge is the Edge between shore
and open water followed by edges between shore and reed beds.
Socio-economic dependency:
Local people depend on boating for tourists. Some of them also earn
livelihood by offering ethnic food to the tourists. Fishing was carried out
intensively in the past, but now in regularized manner. Local people also
graze their buffalos on hydrophytic vegetation. Agricultural practices are
carried out in the environs.
NL-28
Natural Lakes
Open water habitat - richly endowed with submerged hydrophytes like Hydrilla, Najas and macro-algae Chara and Nitella
Nalsarovar is a unique freshwater inland wetland of Gujarat in having a large number of islets amidst open water-Chorathri and Panwad bets
Local people depend on boating & ethnic catering for tourists
NL-29
Natural Lakes
Local people also carry out fishing
Buffaloes of local people are adapted to graze upon hydrophytic vegetation
Excessive decomposed submerged vegetation floating on the water surface degrades aesthetic view of the wetland, cuts off the sunlight penetration and can also prevent/reduce atmospheric oxygen getting dissolved into water.
NL-30
Natural Lakes
Adverse factors against conservation:
Excessive growth of submerged aquatic vegetation that forms a thick mat of
decaying vegetation seems to be a management issue. Very high population
of Common Coots (in thousands in December) also appears to be a
management issue. Excessive (weedy) growth of submerged vegetation and
very high population of coot seem to be interlinked issue as coots mainly feed
on submerged plants. Careful monitoring of agricultural activity in the
surrounding area of the lake to avoid possible negative impact on the lake.
Some algal blooms present near Vekaria shore and near edge of islands (e.g.
Dharabla) which hampers aesthetics of the shore.
Unproportionately high population of Common Coots in open water areas that are routinely visited by tourists is a discouraging factor for serious bird-watchers wanting to see a variety of ducks
NL-31
Village Pond
VILLAGE POND (VP)
VP-1
Village Pond
Village Pond
Pond Name Page No.
1. Bhimsar Talaav VP-03
2. Bhimasar Talaav VP-13
3. Fadvel Pond VP-21
4. Govindapura Village Pond VP-29
5. Nandan Village Pond VP-34
6. Ningal Talaav VP-39
7. Santalpur Village Pond VP-49
8. Other Village Ponds VP-58
VP-2
Village Pond
Bhimsar Talaav, Kachchh District
Bhimsar Talav, Nakhatrana Taluka
Introductory Profile
Significance: Considered to be an important waterbird habitat by Kachchh‟s
veteran bird experts. Before independence it was a duck-shoot area of Kachchh‟s
rulers
Location: Bhimsar talaav is located at 23°27‟14” N latitudes and 69° 22‟
25.48” E longitudes at Bhimsar village in Nakhatrana taluka.
Wetland type: Man-made village pond
Biogeographic Region & Province: The Arid/ Indian desert (3) & Kachchh (3B)
Geographic Region and District: Kachchh, Kachchh district
VP-3
Village Pond
Other information (based on secondary information and people’s perception):
Total area of Bhimsar pond is about 0.72 sq. km (GUIDE 2009). Its maximum
depth is 1.8 m (Shantilal Varu, Pers. Comm.). In historical period, this pond was a
duck-shoot area of the royal family especially in the times of Shri Madansinhji
(Pers. Comm., Shantilal Varu).
There is a large extent of reed-bed between open waters of Bhimsar and Dhinodhar-hill
Site Description:
This wetland is a “crypic” wetland in the sense that its presence cannot be noticed
unless someone who knows about it indicates its presence. This is because it is
hidden behind a medium-sized temple premise and dense growth of Prosopis. The
first impression that an observer builds on seeing Bhimsar talaav is of marshy
VP-4
Village Pond
wetland predominated by emegent and submered floating hydrophytes. On one of
the sides of this wetland, there is thick growth of Prosopis juliflora. The near-
shore open water area usually remains turbid and is often occiupied by several
dabchicks. The presence of Dhinodhar in the background of this wetland and vast
stretch of emergent hydrophytic growth between the talaav and the hill gives an
impression of a woderful aquatic wilderness area.There are some islets and land-
strips located in the portion of the open water area that is away from the village-
side shore and towards Dhinodhar. They are not only utilized by resting
ducks/cormornats/egertas but t also by marsh crocodile for resting. The human
presence at this wetland is negligible. Mainly graziers were seen with goat/sheep
or cattle/buffaloes.
Marsh crocodile using a land-strip amidst open water for resting
VP-5
Village Pond
Waterbirds (Species Richness and Abundance):
In November 2009, following waterbirds were recorded:
Little Egret(1),Median Egret (7), Cattle Egret (4), Pond Heron (2), Little
Grebe(7), Black-headed/Oriental White Ibis (1), Black-winged Stilt (4), Red-
wattled Lapwing (4), Wood Sandpiper(1), Green Sandpiper (1), Common
Snipe(1), Common Kingfisher (1); Common Coot (12), Eurasian Spoonbill(6).
Other birds recorded include a) Common Teal, b) Garganey, c) Northern Pintail
Pomal (2007) had recorded following waterbirds in June 2006: Comb Duck (11),
Eurasian Spoonbill (2), Grey Heron (1), Common Sandpiper (1).
GUIDE (2009) recorded 15 species with total 283 individuals in winter of 2006
and 17 species with total 138 individuals in winter of 2007. Of these 2 are Near
Threatened species as per IUCN Red List of threatened species.
Waterbird Species richness/α - diversity: 20; Waterbirds abundance level as
per the criteria adopted for the study : “Low” to “Medium” (i.e., level 2- level
3 on the sscale of 0-6) (Considering GUIDE‟S data).
VP-6
Village Pond
Small Blue Kingfisher at Bhimasar Little Grebes
Spoonbills, a Glossy Ibis and egrets at Bhimsar in front of Dhinodhar hill
Threatened birds (as per IUCN Red List of Threatened species 2010/Wildlife
Protection Act, 1972): Black headed Ibis (Near Threatened), Eurasian Spoonbill
(Schedule 1 species as per Wildlife Protection Act, 1972),
VP-7
Village Pond
Northern Pintials (females) in nearshore shallow water of Bhimsar
Hydrophytes:
Emergent hydrophtes and submerged floating plants could be recorded. Among
emergent hydrophytes, Scirpus littoralis was most abundant. It was found to be
dense, tall and wide-spread also and can be considered to be the predominant
contributor to the formation of marshy habitat at Bhimsar wetland. Cyperus
rotundus, though present at Bhimsar, was found to be comparatively less wide-
spread and less abundant. Among submerged floating hydrophytes, Ipomoea
aquatica was found to be densely growing species especially in near-shore zone
of the wetland. Among the submerged plants, Nitella (a macro-alga) and
Vallinera spiralis were observed in shallow waters near the shore.
VP-8
Village Pond
Dense growth of Ipomoea aquatica (a submerged floating hydrophyte) in near-shore area
Scirpus littoralis is very dense, tall, abundant and wide-spread emergent hydrophyte at Bhimsar wetland
VP-9
Village Pond
Nitella sp.– a dominant submerged plant Vallisnera spiralis underneath Nitella sp.
Cyperus rotundus is less common as compared to Scirpus littoralis at Bhimsar
VP-10
Village Pond
Growth of Prosopis juliflora along one side of Bhimsar
Habitat Components:
Diversity of habitat components: 4 (open water, shoreland, land-bars due to drying
of open waters, reedbed)
Dominance of habitat components: open water (Most Dominant) > reedbed >
Shore-land > land-bars formed by drying of open water.
Diversity of micro-habitats (edges): 3(Edge between shore-land and open water,
Edge between islet and open water, Edge between reedbed and open water)
Dominance of edges: Edge between open water and open shore-land (most
dominant) > Edge between open water and reed-bed > Edge between open water and
land-bars/strips
VP-11
Village Pond
Water Quality:
pH-9, TDS-2,500 mg/L, Total Hardness-320 mg/L, Total Alkalinity- 140 mg/L, Ca-
100 mg/L, Mg- 65 mg/L, Chloride-500 mg/L,
Socio-economic dependency: Drinking water for livestock, grazing of goats
Adverse factors against conservation/Threats: Highly vegetation-choked wetlands.
Need to control the spread of emergent hydrphytic growth.
VP-12
Village Pond
Bhimasar Talaav, Anjar Taluka
Bhimasartalaav, Anjar taluka
Introductory Profile:
Significance: Considered to be an important waterbird habitat by Kachchh‟s
veteran bird experts
Location: Located at 23° 11‟ 05.39” N latitude and 70° 09‟ 52.60” E longitude. It
is located 16.50 km north-east of Anjar. Bhimasar is a village with 653 household
and 2791 people as per the Census 2001.
Wetland type: Man-made village pond
Biogeographic Region & Province: The Arid/ Indian desert (3) & Kachchh (3B)
Geographic Region and District: Kachchh, Kachchh district
VP-13
Village Pond
Other information (based on secondary information and people’s perception):
Bhimasar is very old village tank. It is said that famous lovers „Hothal-Padamani‟
and „Odho Jam‟ used to bathe in this tank. It has periphery of about 2 km and
maximum depth of about 2 m. It‟s area is about 5 sq.km (Pers Comm, Shantilal
Varu).
Site Description:
Bhimsar talav, though located on road-side cannot be easily detectable from the
road due to its high bund. However, from the bund of this talav, one can have its
overview almost in entirety. One realizes that the village pond is of fairly large
size and though predominated by open water area, the island in the core and
marshy/ emergent vegetation cover in southern and southwestern portions
Waterbird (Species Richness and Abundance)
Following waterbirds have been recorded in March 2009
Eurasian Spoonbill (20), Common Coot (25), Northern Shoveler (50), Great
Crested Grebe (1), Great White Pelican (2), Little Cormorant (10), Great
Cormorant (5). Varu (2010 has recorded Tufted Pochard and Greater Spotted
Eagle in the past. Asian Waterfowl Count (AWC) during various years for this
wetland is as follows: 1987 (449), 1988(0), 1989(1321), 1990(949), 1991(1091),
1992(27),1993(935),
1994(153),1995(60),1996(149),2002(197),2003(98),2004(847),2005(196),2006
(658),2007(494).
VP-14
Village Pond
Thus, waterbird species richness of Bhimasar is at least 10 species and maximum
waterbird abundance level can be “Medium” (i.e.,abundance level 3 on 0-6
abundance scale).
Common Coots, Northern Shoveler and cormorants
Common Coot
VP-15
Village Pond
A group of resting Eurasian Spoonbills
Great White Pelican landing on water surface of Bhimasartalav
VP-16
Village Pond
Hydrophytes:
Emergent vegetation cover consists of plants of Cyperaceae family and Typhaceae
family, submerged plants include Potamogeton sp. whereas floating-leaved
submerged rooted plants include Ipomoea aquatica.
Emergent (Cyperus sp.), Submerged (Potamogeton sp.) and floating (Ipomoea aquatica) hydrophytes
Emergent plant-Saccharum spontaneum
VP-17
Village Pond
Habitat Components:
Four main habitat components, viz. open water, central/core island, emergent
hydrophytic cover in south/south-west and some shore-land.
Bhimasar has good combination of habitat components with a fairly big island amidst the water-spread and largish patch of emergent vegetation growth in on western &south- western
Bhimasar has hemi-marsh conditions in some parts
VP-18
Village Pond
Socio-economic Dependency: It is used for bathingand washing clothes.
Bund construction
Locals bathing in a corner
VP-19
Village Pond
Adverse factors against conservation: Solid waste dumping/littering etc .
Polythene pollution on the shore where a Near Threatened Species-Painted Stork feeds
VP-20
Village Pond
Fadvel Pond, Valsad District
Fadvel basin gets exposed when the wetland dries up completely
Introductory Profile:
Significance: Included in the Directory of Indian Wetlands by WWF-I & Asian
Wetland Bureau (AWB).
Location: 20º 44‟ 27.2”N, 73º 10‟ 26.9”E. It is located at the distance of about 23
km east of Bilimora, Valsad district, Gujarat
Wetland Type: Man-made tank/impoundment
Biogeographic Region and Province: Western Ghats(5) and Malabar Coast(5B)
Region of the State and District: South Gujarat, Navsari
VP-21
Village Pond
Other general information (based on secondary information and people’s
perception): Its total perimeter is approximately) 1.77 km its area is about 13 ha.
Site Description:
This is a fairly large seasonal freshwater man-made road-side tank that is
surrounded by mango and eucalyptus trees. Its land tenure belongs to the
Panchayat of Fadvel. The wetland is dependent entirely on monsoon rainfall. In
Some portion of the basin, it is as deep as 15 m, but considerable part is shallow
(Roy and Hussain 1993, Pers. Comm., local people). In summer, Fadvel wetland
goes completely dry. It is a wetland that is highly choked with floating-leaved,
free-floating and submerged hydrophytes when not dry.
Waterbirds:
Due to tremendous growth of floating leaved hydrophytes, this wetland provides
excellent habitat conditions for jacanas, moorhens, swamphens, Purple Heron and
pond heron. On the day of visit, we certainly saw a large number of Swamphens,
Moorhens and javcanas. However, due to the extensive growth of the Nymphaea
and Nelumbo, its carrying capacity for surface–feeding and diving ducks might
have greatly reduced. Total number of waterbird spp. (α diversity):8 (purple
heron, Pheasant-tailed Jacana, Purple Swamphen, Common Moorhen, glossy ibis)
March 2008. Waterbird Abundance: Low-Moderate.
VP-22
Village Pond
Purple Heron, Purple Swamphen and Pond Heron in vegetation choked Fadvel
Hydrophytes
Among all the wetlands covered for this survey, Fadvel is different in having
profuse growth of water chestnut (Trapa natans Var bispinosa). Another
difference in vegetation characteristics is the absence Ipomoea carnea that has
acquired a weed form at majority of wetlands including those in South Gujarat.
Apart from Trapa natans, Nymphaea has been the other rooted submerged
hydrophyte with floating leaves. Water hyacinth has been the predominant free-
floating hydrophyte, whereas Myriophyllum sp. and Typha angustata have been
the predominant submerged and emergent hydrophytes respectively. All these
hydrophytes, owing to their profuse growth, has rendered this wetland a
vegetation-choked status resulting in reduced open water area
VP-23
Village Pond
Trapa natans was found only at Fadvel wetland among all the wetlands surveyed
Peculiar phylotaxy in Trapa natans for maximum availability of sunlight through minimization of leaf overlap
VP-24
Village Pond
Dense growth of Typha in patches at Fadvel wetland. Typha was not recorded at other wetlands of South Gujarat (e.g., Panoli, Palan, Karjan, Lakhi dam etc.)
Eichhornia cressipes in flowering at Fadvel. Eichhornia is one of the plants that contributed in reducing open water area of this wetland
VP-25
Village Pond
Submerged plant Nitella/Myriophyllum sp.
Open water, area with floating and emergent vegetation cover and shore
VP-26
Village Pond
A strip of land (islet) amidst aquatic area
Habitat Components:
Diversity of habitat components: 3 (open water, shore-land and floating
vegetation cover)
Dominance of habitat components: Floating vegetation cover > open water >
Shore-land.
Diversity of micro-habitats (edges): 2 (Edge between shore and open water,
edge between open water and floating vegetation cover)
Dominance of edges: Edge between shore and open water < edge between open
water and floating hydrophytic vegetation cover.
Water quality:
pH- 8.0, TDS- 170 mg/l, DO- 2, Total alkalinity: 250 mg/l, Ca- 35 mg/l, Mg- 235
mg/l, Total hardness- 270 mg/l, Chlorides- 280 mg/l
VP-27
Village Pond
Socio-economic dependency:
The water of this wetland is used for domestic consumption and irrigating paddy
fields in the vicinity (Roy and Hussain 1993). Trapa is deliberately grown for
market demand. Typha is harvested as thatch material.
Adverse factors against conservation:
Vegetation choked state is a problem. There are hutments on the margin that
reduces aesthetic view of the wetland. Some people consider it a source of terrible
mosquito menace and thus such people can have negative approach to the
conservation of this wetland.
VP-28
Village Pond
Govindpura Village Pond, Mehsana district
Govindpura village pond, Mehsana district
Introductory Profile:
The significance of this wetland is that it is a Prioritized Inland Wetland of
Gujarat as per SACON (MoEF).
Located in Kadi taluka of Mehsana district, but just 26 km north-west of
Ahmedabad city, this prioritized wetland site from Gujarat is situated at 23° 05
02.17” N and 72° 17‟ 30.24”E. The famous “Thol Lake” is just over 10 km from
Govindpura village pond and can be considered as a satellite wetland of Thol due
to their proximity with each other and from the view-point of potential sharing of
these two wetlands by same waterbirds. Govindpura wetland is in fact, the village
pond of Govindpura village and it has an area of around 0.05 sq. km (determined
from Google-earth). The pond has periphery of about 1km. It is mainly fed by
rains and rain-water run-off.
VP-29
Village Pond
Waterbirds:
Good concentration of migratory ducks like Gadwall, Wigeon and teals even in
later part of winter (14-2-2008). Total no. of bird species recorded through
field visit (α diversity/species richness) = 12, Waterbird abundance level = 3
(i.e., „Average‟).
Many coots and few ducks at Govindpura village pond
Purple heron and cormorants at the edge of open water and shore
VP-30
Village Pond
Hydrophytes:
Only pond among those visited during the survey where Singhara (Trapa sp.)
occurs (reported by local people). Submerged plants (Hydrilla sp. and Chara sp.),
floating hydrophytes (i.e., Ipomoea aquatica) and emergent hydrophytes (Scirpus/
Cyperus spp.) recorded near shore
Submerged aquatic vegetation at Govindpura
Hydrilla vertisellata, Valisneria Chara sp.-a macro-alga at spiralis and Najas spp Govindpur talaav
VP-31
Village Pond
Open water is the most predominant habitat followed by shoreline. Subsequently, the edge between them is also a predominant one.
Habitat Components:
Diversity of habitat components: 2 (open water, shore)
Dominance of habitat components: Open water (Most dominant) > Shore
(Limited).
Diversity of micro-habitats (edges): 1(Edge between shore & open water)
Dominance of edges: Edge between shore and open water
Socio-economic dependency:
Pond is mainly used for fishing (using nylon nets) and domestic activities (mainly
washing clothes).
Adverse factors against conservation:
Legally unprotected (Poaching of waterbirds (with gun) was done by a person few
years back). During the visit, women washing clothes on the periphery had been
noisily talkative that might be a disturbing factor for the birds. Washing activities
VP-32
Village Pond
may lead to water pollution. Fishing with nylon nets and livestock brought to the
pond for drinking water might also be disturbing if done in uncontrolled manner.
Fishing is carried out using nylon nets.
One of the daily activities at the wetland
VP-33
Village Pond
Nadan Village Pond, Mehsana district.
Nadan Village Pond, Mehsana district
Introductory Profile:
The significance of this wetland is that it is a Prioritized Inland Wetland of
Gujarat as per SACON (MoEF).
Located in Kadi taluka of Mehsana district, but just 27 km north-west of
Ahmedabad city, this prioritized wetland site from Gujarat is situated at 23° 06‟
N and 72° 17‟ E. The famous “Thol Lake” is just 11 km from Nadan pond and
can be considered as a satellite wetland of Thol due to their proximity with each
other and from the view-point of use of these two wetlands by waterbirds. Nadan
wetland is in fact, the village pond of Nadan village and it has an area of around
0.05 sq. km (determined from Google-earth). The pond has periphery of about 1.3
km. It is mainly fed by rains and rain-water run-off.
VP-34
Village Pond
Waterbirds:
This is one of the very few wetland sites recorded in the state during the present
survey where congregation of hundreds of Comb Ducks was seen in March 2008.
There is a hillock in the center of the pond that is covered with old trees. Several
Comb Ducks were seen sitting on it during the visit to this wetland and many
were seen resting under the canopy of large trees. Painted Storks and Cormorants
too were seen using tree cover on this hillock. The hillock with tree cover is a
good nesting spot for egrets, herons and storks as per locals. Total waterbird
species (α diversity): 10 (in March 2008). Waterbird abundance level: 3
‘Average‟ (in March 2008).
Nadan pond is one of the three wetlands where over 300 Comb Ducks were found
VP-35
Village Pond
Tree-cover on the wooded islet in the mid-portion of Nadan village pond offers a good heronry site
Open water is predominant habitat component. Shoreland is not only limited but also undulating and covered with Prosopis. Comb Ducks rest at the edge of open water and shoreland
VP-36
Village Pond
Hydrophytes:
No visible rooted floating/free floating plants except Ipomoea aquatica. Emergent
hydrophytes too were found absent.
Habitat Components:
Diversity of habitat components: 3 (open water, shore, rocky hillock with
thorny trees )
Dominance of habitat components: Open water (Dominant) > Shore > hillocky
island (Limited)
Diversity of micro-habitats (edges): 2 (Edge between shore and open water,
Edge between islands and open water,
Dominance of edges: Edge between shore and open water < Edge, between
island and open water.
Water Quality:
EC: 1 mmho/cm, Hardness: 180 mg/l, Acidity: 170 mg/l, Alkalinity: 150 mg/l,
Chlorides: 0 mg/l, TDS: 400 mg/l, Phosphates: 50 mg/l,
Socio-economic dependency:
Being a village pond, it is mainly used by village women for washing utensils and
cloths etc. Also used for other domestic washing activities. To a limited extent, its
water is also used for irrigation as reported by village-folks.
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Village women washing their utensils and clothes at the edge of Nadan village pond
Adverse factors against conservation:
Legally unprotected. Washing activities of village women on periphery can
disturb ducks and can cause domestic pollution.
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Ningal Village Pond, Kachchh District
Ningal Talaav, Anjar Taluka
Introductory Profile:
Significance: Considered to be an important waterbird habitat by Kachchh‟s
veteran bird experts.
Location: Ningal village (23° 13‟ 12.24” N latitude, 69° 46‟ 34.59” E longitude)
is located at the distance of 15 km from Bhuj. It is located at the distance of about
7 km from Madhapar town adjacent to Bhuj.
Wetland type: Man-made fresh water reservoir
Biogeographic Region & Province: The Arid/ Indian desert (3) & Kachchh (3B)
Geographic Region and District: Kachchh, Kachchh district
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Other information (based on secondary information and people’s perception):
Ningal talaav is located on the outskirts of Ningal village. It has an area of 1 sq.
km. and maximum depth of 1.8m (Shantilal Varu, Pers. Comm.). It is a 70- years
old man-made talaav that was originally constructed for getting drinking water
supply. It was built by the Mistry (or Kachchh Gurjar Kshatriya) community who
founded Ningal village.
Site Description: Ningal pond is one having large open water area. One of the
distinct features of this wetland is the presence of well-grown trees on its
periphery. Another peculiar feature is the presence of dense reed-bed (Scirpus sp.)
along considerable portion of shoreline. The presence of some islets/land-strips
amidst open water that are endowed with trees also constitute a desirable wetland
feature from its value as waterbird habitat. However, the wetland observer may
not appreciate the facts that the open flat shoreland is limited and not in good state
and also the fact that at least in the near-shore area submerged/floating
hydrophytes are limited.
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Village Pond
Along some portion of the periphery there is good tree-growth and a couple of bungalows
Waterbirds (Species richness and abundance):
During the field survey in January 2010, following waterbirds were recorded:
Gadwall(the most dominant duck species)- 125, Northern Shoveler (32), Common
Teal (11), Little Cormorant (6), Black-tailed Godwit (1), Common Sandpiper (1),
Black-winged Stilt(2), Little Egret(1), Spot-billed Duck (6)
Varu (2002, 2011) recorded 4 and 1 Great Crested Grebes in January 2002 and
January 2011 respectively. Varu (2008, 2009) recorded White-eyed/ Ferrugineous
Pochard in November 2007 and Common/Fantail Snipe (9) in January 2009.
Pomal (2007) has reported following waterbirds in April and June 2006: Pond
Heron (3), Little Grebe (40), Little Cormorant (10), Garganey (11), Great Crested
Grebe (2 adults, 2 juveniles), Northern Shoveler (9), Spot-billed Duck (40), Coot
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(35; 4 nesting in June), Purple Swamphen (4), Common Moorhen (8),Wood
Sandpiper (2), Marsh Sandpiper (1), Indian River Tern (2)
Total waterbird count as per the Asian Waterfowl Census data for Ningal pond is
as follows: 1987 (696), 1988 (0), 1989(133). 1990(261), 1991 (278), 1992(201),
1993 (105), 1994(318), 1995 (65), 1996 (227), 2002 (93), 2003(105), 2006(390),
2007 (142)
Total number of waterbird spp. (α diversity/species richness): 21
Waterbird abundance level: “Low” to “Medium” (2-3)
Nesting: Nesting of hundreds of Painted Storks takes place on the trees around
the wetland almost every year.
Ducks constituted the most dominant group of waterbirds at Ningal in Jan. 2010
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Waders were very less in variety and numbers in Jan. 2010 -a Common Sandpiper and a Black-tailed Godwit
Northern Shoveler resting and/or preening and Common Teal foraging near the edge between open water-open flat shoreland
Gadwall was the most dominant waterfowl in January 2010
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Hydrophytes:
There is no visible submerged hydrophytic vegetation at least in near-shore zone.
However there is luxuriant growth of emergent aquatic vegetation (reedbed) in
considerable portion of the open water periphery. It consists mainly of Scirpus sp.
Absence of submerged aquatic vegetation in near-shore zone
Scirpus sp. grows densely along the edge of open water
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Village Pond
Open water area of Ningal talaav is bordered with well-grown trees due to which ducks foraging in open water area get ‘sheltered’ from the disturbances of outside human world
Habitat Components:
Diversity of habitat components: 4; Open water, Flat open shoreland, reedbed
(emergent aquatic vegetation), island/land-strip
Dominance of habitat components: Open water (most dominant) > reedbed
(emergent aquatic vegetation bed) > islets/land-strips > flat open shoreland
(limited)
Diversity and dominance of micro-habitats (edges): 03; Edge between open
water and emergent vegetation bed > edge between open water and island/land-
strip > edge between open water and flat open land
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Residential buildings on shore may constitute sources of sewage pollution
Broad land-strip amidst the open water with well-grown Acacia trees that can work as potential heronry site on one hand and resting/roosting site for many species of waterbirds including ducks
An island amidst open water that is endowed with land suitable for resting/roosting by ducks and waders as also Acacia trees that can be used by egrets, herons, ibis etc.
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Village Pond
Water Quality:
pH-7.5, Temp- 33 ° C (in late morning), TDS-5,670 mg/l, Total Hardness-1,264 mg/l,
Total Alkalinity-670 mg/l, Ca-115 mg/l, Mg-234 mg/l, Chlorides-2,710 mg/l
Socio-economic dependency:
In historical times, it was used for catering to drinking water needs. It is also used
to facilitate the needs of the livestock (e.g., drinking water).
Submersing in wetland’s water – a prime requirement for buffaloes
Threats/Adverse effects:
Not known; except that it is likely that pariah dogs that were seen on shoreland
may be a threat/disturbance factor to the resting/roosting waterbirds. Moreover, as
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the wetland lies on the outskirt of Ningal village with residential buildings right
on the shore (at least in some portion), sewage pollution is likely.
Pariah dogs on shore may become a source of threat/disturbance to waterbirds
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Santalpur Village Pond, Patan district
Introductory Profile:
The significance of this wetland is that it is a Prioritized Inland Wetland of
Gujarat as per SACON (MoEF).
Located in Radhanpur taluka of Patan district, at the distance of about 50 km
from Radhanpur city, this prioritized wetland site from Gujarat is situated at 23°
45” N latitude and 71° 10‟ 30 E longitude. It is located on NH 15 between
Radhanpur and Adesar. Santalpur wetland is in fact, the village pond of Santalpur
village and it has an area of around 0.4 sq. km (determined from google-earth).
The pond has periphery of over 2.5 km. It is mainly fed by rains and rain-water
run-off. Three villages are located on its three sides, with a village on each side.
Santalpur is located on southern side, Kalyanpur on eastern side and Ranmalpur
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on the western side. The watershed / water-source of this wetland is on its
northern side (Thakkar 2000). Before 1998, this wetland fell in Banaskantha
district, but after reconstruction of the districts in the state, it came within the
boundaries of Patan district. Geographically, it is located on the fringe of the
Little Rann in the water scarcity area and thus droughts are not uncommon in this
area. The Great Rann of Kachchh is located on its northern side and the Little
Rann is located on its south-western side. It is belived that in the historical times,
Santalpur area might be located on the banks of river Saraswati (Thakkar 2000).
Ahirs constitute the main human population and animal husbandry is their main
occupation. Thus, it is not uncommon to see a good number of livestock that visit
Santalpur wetland in quest of drinking water. There are several other small and
large wetlands in the radius of 30 km that include Nanda bet, Sindhada dam,
Chhansara dam, Rozu dam, Jamwada dam, Garamdi village pond etc (Thakkar
2000)
Site Discription: This is a moderate sized man-made wetland having
bunds/elevated banks on its three sides. A temple and row of densly situated
village houses on one of the banks that is at some elevation in comparison to the
basin elevation, a government school and open space on another bank that too is
at some elevation and thick growth of Prosopis in the backdrop of fields and
wastelands on other two sides-that is what all one can see at the site of this
wetland if he/she is not interested in birds. Water too is turbid and water-spread,
except on temple-side bank/bund, has no dense emergent/floating hydrophytic
vegetation. However, on the edge of the wetland towards the temple/row of
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village houses, there is dense growth of floating-leaved hydrophyte (Nelumbo sp.)
that has achieved the status of weed. A large number of village women are found
busy washing clothes and utensils and livestock owners keep visiting the shores to
provide drinking water to their animals or to wash them. In essence, the in situ
conditions at the site of Santalpur wetland indicates that though it is a famous
waterbird abode among birdwatchers of North Gujarat, the wetland has not
received an attention from conservation point of view and continues to be treated
as an ordinary village pond that has not aesthetic appeal if there were no
waterbirds.
Dense growth of floating-leaved hydrophyte (Nelumbo sp.) that has achieved the status of weed
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Very dense growth of Prosopis exists on the bank opposite to that with Santalpur village settlement
A temple on the bank with village settlement of Santalpur
Waterbirds:
Good concentration of migratory ducks like Gadwall, Wigeon and teals even in
later part of winter (14-2-2008). Total no. of bird species recorded through
field visit (α diversity) = 12, Waerbird abundance level = 3 (i.e., „Average‟).
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Coots foraging in open water area
Waterbirds (species richness and abundance):
One of the two wetlands (the other being Thol) visited where over 1,500
shorebirds were recorded at the end of wintering season (on 31-3-2007). It is
estimated that of all the waders, 75% were Ruffs and 25% Black- tailed Godwits.
Apart from waders, good population (i.e. in hundreds) of migratory ducks like
Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, Common Teal, Garganey Teal etc and Coots was
recorded as late as on 31-3-2008. Total number of waterbird spp. (α diversity)
=16 (31-3-2008). Waterbird abundance level = 4 (i.e., Above Average) (on 31-
3-2008)
Detailed account of waterbirds species and their numbers recorded on 17-1-2009
is given below: Northern Shoveler (12), Common Teal (30), Gadwall (14), Little
Grebe (3), Spoonbill(3), Grey Heron (1), Little Egret(3), Cattle Egret (1), Black-
winged Stilt (6), Red-wattled Lapwing (2), Black-tailed Godwit(4), Little
Stint(10), WhiteWagtail (2), Barn Swalow (few).
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Village Pond
Congregation of Ruffs and other shorebirds
Black-tailed Godwit in breeding Grey Heron foraging just few meters plumage away from village-women
Foraging Gadwalls A pair of Eurasian Wigeons
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Greater Flamingos and coots in open water area of Santalpur wetland
Hydrophytes:
Dense growth of Nelumbo nuciefera in a small patch (aprox. 1% of total wetland
area) on the village-side shore, Scirpus/Cyperus spp.were present to limited extent
on the shore opposite to the village-side shore.
Scirpus sp. is the only emergent hydrophytic species which is not very abundant
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Habitat Components:
Diversity of habitat components: 3 (open water, shore, Nelumbo growth )
Dominance of habitat components: Open water > Shore > Nelumbo patch.
Diversity of micro-habitats (edges): 2 (Edge between shore and open water,
edge between Nelumbo patch and water )
Dominance of edges: Edge between shore and open water > Edge between
Nelumbo patch and open water.
Socio-economics:
Pond is intensively used for domestic activities (mainly washing clothes by
village women, washing livestock and provisioning of drinking water to the
livestock).
Man and Beast sharing Santalpur Are wetlands meant only to satisfy wetland side-by-side villagers’ mundane needs?
Adverse factors against conservation:
The wetland considerably under influence of daily human activities (e.g., cloth
washing, water drinking by cattle, nomadic dogs/pigs/donkeys/ children etc.) and
yet supporting good migratory waterbird population even in late wintering season
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(i.e. 31/3). Water was found to be turbid (muddy) and algal blooms present in
some patches near the shore.
Algal bloom that deteriorates aesthetic Submerged vegetation is in precarious of view Wetland this condition due to highly turbid waters
Cattle, buffaloes and bullocks-all forms of domestic livestock is brought here for provisioning drinking water but this has turned a beautiful waterbird habitat into a chaotic cattle-trench
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Other Village Ponds
Gobhlaj village pond, Kheda Damri village pond, Kheda
Bhanderaj talav, Anand Vada Talav, Halol
Bhanderaj talaav (22° 25‟ 49.55” N, 72° 39‟ 13.88” E) is a man-made
freshwater wetland (village pond) in Tarapur taluka of Anand district that is
located about 7 km south of Tarapur. It is situated about 14 km south-east of well-
known Kanewal wetland. Its area is over 5.5 sq.km and has perimeter at least of
over 3 km. The village Bhanderaj is a village with 286 households and population
of 1480 people (Census 2001).
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Nineteen species of waterbirds were recorded in March 2009 which included:
Grey Heron (1), Great Cormorant (6), Indian Sarus Crane (10), Woolley-necked
Stork (2), Painted Stork (21), Eurasian Spoonbill (51), Black-headed Ibis (4),
Glossy Ibis (2), Little Egret (3), Smaller/Intermediate Egret (4), Great Egret (2),
Cattle Egret (9), Purple Swamphen (5), Pheasant-tailed Jacana (3), Lesser
Whistling Duck (5), Red-wattled Lapwing (2). However, ohad recorded 1669
waterbirds that belonged to 34 species in January 2005. Alpha diversity (speciess
richness of waterbirds=34, Abundance level= low
Bhanderaj wetland is in highly vegetation-choked state mainly due to Eichhornia
cressipes (a free-floating hydrophyte) and Nymphoides spp.(submerged rooted
hydrophytes with floating leaves). Interestingly, the otherwise common
hydrophytes like Nymphaea spp. and Nelumbo nucifera were found to be absent.
Noticeably, emergent hydrophytes (like Typha sp./Scirpus sp. / Cyperus sp. ) also
were found to be absent. People mainly depend on this wetland for their fishing
and domestic needs. The biggest problem of this wetland seems to be the
excessive growth of submerged rooted and free-floating hydrophytic vegetation.
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Bhanderaj is a hydrophyte-choked wetland
Congregation of large waders at Bhanderaj lake
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Woolley-necked Storks, Painted Storks and Eurasian Spoonbills at Bhanderaj lake
Indian Sarus Cranes
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Indian Cormorants, Black-headed/Oriental White Ibis and Eurasian Spoonbills
A mixed flock of resting/foraging Indian Sarus Cranes, Painted Stork, Black-headed Ibis, Glossy Ibis amd River Terns
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Purple Swamphen & Lesser Whistling Ducks
Little and Great Egrets
Eichhornia cressipes
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Nymphoides indicum (front five) and N.cristatum (rear one) at Bhanderaj
Nymphoides spp. - one of the abundant hydrophyte at Bhanderaj
Socio-economic dependencies- fishing (fishing net) and livestock grazing
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Fishing women
Damri talaav (22° 44' 50.25 N, 72° 37' 39.48 E) is a man-made freshwater
wetland (village pond) in Kheda taluka that is located 28 km south of Kankariya
lake of Ahmedabad and 5.5 km north of Kheda town. It is about 2 km south of
Gobhlaj. Its area is 0.2 sq.km (including its associate marsh) and has perimeter
of about 2 km (including its associate marsh). The village Damri is a village with
121 households and population of 627 people (Census 2001).
A remarkable aspect of this wetland is that a portion of it is divided by a village
road and thus some portion falling towads/near the the village settlement and the
majortity portion falling farther from the village settlement. The noticeable aspect
is that the waterbirds like shovelers and teals and darters are very confiding and
they do use village-side portion of this wetland too. If in future, some
development for the well-being of this wetland would be considered from
conservation/wildlife interpretation/eco-recreation point of view, then the required
physical development can be done in the village-side portion of this wetland.
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Village Pond
Waterbirds recorded in January 2010 include: Little Grebe (3), Little Cormorant
(4), Indian Shag/Cormorant (10), Little Egret (4), Smaller/Intermediate Egret (1),
Great Egret (1), Greylag Goose (350), Eurasian Wigeon (6), Northern Pintail (8),
Grey Heron (1), Purple Heron (1), Black-headed/Oriental White Ibis (4), Painted
Stork (2), Gadwall (70), Norhthern Shoveler (100 ), Garganey (6), Common
Pochard (8), Common Teal (10), Common Coot (70), Purple Swamphen (10),
Bronze-winged Jacana (2).
Damri wetland (a village pond) is rich from the view-point of hydrophytic
vegetation. The submerged rooted hydrophytes and emergent hydrophytes could
be recorded. The submerged rooted hydrophytes with floating leaves mainly
included Nymphaea nauchali (white and bright pink flower varieties), Nelumbo
nuciferea, Nymphoides sp., Lymnophyton obtusifolium and Ipomoea aquatica.
Emergent hydrophytic plant community was found to be predominated by
Cyperus rotundus, Scirpus littoralis and Typha ungustata. However, emergent
hydrophytes are so concentrated towards the far western and south western sides
of this wetland, it appears that Damri wetland is a complex of pond-marsh
ecosystem. Submerged hydrophytes like Hydrila, Najas or Vallisneria could not
be recorded due to unavailabitlity of the boat and due to the fact that they were
absent near the shores, some or all of them might be present.
The disturbance/threat to this wetland seems to be twofold: over-exploitation of
waters for irrigation that sometimes makes the wetland devoide of open waters
and converts it into a marshy ecosystem. Thus, it was found that in the beginning
of the post-monsoon season (October) of 2010-11, the pond almost lacked open
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water area and the entire pond was covered with Nymphoides spp, Nymphaea spp
and Nelumbo nucifera. This may not be a good habitat conditions for the
migratory ducks and geese that would be immigrating to this wetland in winter
season (i.e., Novemebr) as they would need good amount of open area for
foraging by swimming in open waters. Another matter of concern may be the
disteurbance by on-going noisy vehicles. A portion of the pond‟s periphery lies
parallel and adjacent to local road and several vehicles keep passing on this road
and in turn, they can disturb the waterbirds foraging/resting near this portion of
the periphery.
A view of Damri village pond- the portion towards village settlement
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Common Moorhen getting cover in the growth of Ipomoea aquatica
Northern Shovelers busy foraging in the portion of the wetland that is located nearby the vilage settlement
Gobhlaj talaav (22°47'55"N 72°36'12"E) is a man-made freshwater wetland
(village pond) in Matar taluka of Kheda district. It is located about 25 km south
of Kankariya lake of Ahmedabad and over 8 km north of Kheda town. Its area is
2 sq.km and has perimeter of about 8 km. The village Gobhlaji is a village with
462 households and population of 2469 people (Census 2001).
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Waterbirds recorded in January 2010 include: Little Grebe (10), Median Egret (1),
Large Egret (2), Grey Heron (4), Little Cormorant (46), Eurasian Spoonbill (20),
Black Ibis (2), Black-heade/ Orienntal White Ibis (4), Glossy Ibis (1), Asian
Openbill (1), Painted Stork (9), White-necked Stork (2), Spot-billed Duck (8),
Garganey (6), Northern Shoveler (many), Common Teal (many), Grey-lag Goose
(11), Purple Swamphen (25), Common Moorhen (1), Common Coot (7), Indian
Sarus Crane (6), Black-winged Stilt (8), Black-tailed Godwit (64), White-tailed
Lapwing (2), River Tern (1), Pied Kingfisher (3), White-throated Kingfisher (1),
Yellow Wagtail (1). Thus, total 28 species of waterbirds recorded with „average‟
(i.e., Level-3) population. Painted Stork, Black-headed Ibis and Black-tailed
Godwit that were recorded here are globally Near Threated species, whereas
Indian Sarus Crane has been a Vunerable species.
Gobhlaj talav was found moderately rich from the view-point of emergent
hydrophytic vegetation. Its shore on eastern side was surveyed for hydrophytic
vegetation. It was found that Cyperus sp. , especially Cyperus difformis was found
to be one of the predominant species on margins. Moreover, Scirpus sp. was also
found commonly growing on the margins. Nymphaea nauchali, Nymphaea
stellata and Limnophyton obtusifolium were found to be present uncommonly in
the water-filled areas in the vicinity of the talaav. Some other studies in the past
have recorded presence of free-floating pteridophyte Azolla and Hydrilla
verticillata (a submerged hydrophyte).
Gobhlaj, being a village talaav is used for domestic puroses like washing
cloths/livestock, provisioning drinking water to the livestock etc. Fishing can be
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carried out on very small scale. Among disturbance and/or threat we may count
excessive growth of vegetation and likely activity of bird-poaching.
Water quality parameters analyzed for March 2009 are as follows: pH-7.5, TDS-
1200 mg.l, Total hardness- 265 mg/l, Total Alkainity-440 mg/l, Ca- 50 mg/l, Mg-
35 mg/l, Chlorides- 50 mg/l, Sulphates- 200 mg/l
Vada Talaav wetland (N 22° 29' 23.74, E 73° 33' 30.44) is located about 38 km
north-east of Vadodara and about 8.5 km east of Halol town in Halol taluka of
Panchmahal district. Dev dam is located about 12 km south of Vada talaav and
Ajwa reservoir is located about 21 km south-west of Vada talaav. The village of
Vada Talav has 301 house-holds with total population of 1,863 people. Its area is
approximately 0.9-1.0 sq km and its perimeter is 4.4 km (Source: Bhuvan).
The wetland is a part of historical heritage of Pavagadh-Champaner kingdom at the
distance of about 40 km from Vadodara. Champaner was founded in the 8th
century by King Vanraj Chavda of the Chavda Kingdom. Pavagadh and the city of
Champaner were captured by the Chauhan Rajputs around 1300 AD, and they ruled
the area for almost the next two hundred years. In 1969 a 7-year study was done by
the Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, leading to many insights about the
growth and identity of the city. Though the main fort and fortifications were located
on the Pavagadh hill, the principal township of the kingdom was established at the
base of the hill and Vada Talav was constructed as a part of this township. Vada
Talav should not be considered in isolation as multiple reservoirs to store monsoon
rains and waters of the natural streams coming downhill were constructed using
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earthen beams. The series of created reservoirs emptied into each other as they
successively overflowed, eventually ending in the largest reservoir- the Vada Talav
Water quality for the month of Dec. 2008 is as follows: Water temperature - 22
°C, pH- 10, TDS- 80 mg/l, Alkalinity- 35 mg/l, Ca- 23, Mg- 59 mg/l, Total
Hardness-81 mg/l, Chloride- 18 mg/l.
In December 2008, following waterbirds were recorded: Little Grebe (2),
Smaller/Intermediate Egret (1), Cattle Egret (10), Grey Heron (1), Eurasian
Spoonbill(44), Black-headed/Oriental White Ibis (1), Glossy Ibis(30), Painted
Stork (26), Northern Pintail (75), Northern Shoveler (6), Common Pochard (155),
Tufted Pochard (2), Common Teal (250), Lesser Whistling Duck (20), Ruddy
Shelduck (1), Common Coot (70), Black-winged Stilt (2), Red-wattled Lapwing
(2), Yellow-wattled Lapwing (1), Green Sandpiper (2), Indian River Tern (1),
White Wagtail (1), Pied Kingfisher (2), Osprey (1), Marsh Harrier (1). Alpha
diversity of waterbirds- 25 & Waterbird Abundance Level (707 birds) – 4 (Above
average).
During the field-survey, though submerged hydrophytic vegetation like Hydrilla
and Vallisneria could not be surveyed due to unavailability of a boat, it was quite
apparent that floating leaved plants like Nymphaea, Nelumbo, Nymphoides etc.
were absent. The only abundant floating leaved submerged rooted plant was
Ipomoea aquatica on/adjacent to the shore, especially on the shore‟s portion
towards Pavagadh.
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Observations/investigations during the field visit regarding socio-economic
dependency have revealed that local people mainly depend on this wetland for
fulfilling domestic water needs (mainly for washing clothes, utensils and
livestock). Buffaloes were seen being grazed on the grasses that existed on the
shore. The talaav is also useful for local irrigation as there is a canal through
which water is supplied to nearby villages like Gokalpura, Zankhariya,
Rayanwadia and Chhajdiwali. Likely problems for the biota of this wetland may
be: disturbance to birds by local people, stray dogs and livestock moving on
shore, pollution due to domestic and irrigation activities etc.
A view of Vada Talaav with Pavagadh in background
A view of Vada talaav showing shore-side opposite to the Pavagadh-side
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Pavagadh-side shore line suitable to resting/roosting needs of ducks and waders. Due to presence of some grasses and I.aquatica it is also useful for foraging needs of grazing ducks and some resident rallids
An islet amidst vast open water area-not many islets exist in this wetland
Vada talaav is used by buffalo-owners for fulfilling life requisites of their bovines- submersing in water and grazing on shore
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Agriculture practice adjacent to Vada talav
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City Reservoir
CITY RESERVOIR (CR)
CR-1
City Reservoir
City Reservoir
Reservoir Name Page No.
1. Gaurishankar Lake CR-03
2. Hamirsar Reservoir CR-12
3. Lakhota/Ranmal Lake CR-20
CR-2
City Reservoir
Gaurishankar lake, Bhavnagar District
Gaurishankar Lake
Different views of Gaurishankar Lake
An island with ‘development touch’
CR-3
City Reservoir
Introductory Profile:
Location: 21° 44' 50"N, 72° 07' 01"E. Gaurishankar lake, which is also known
as “Bor Talaav” is located near Victoria Park in Bhavnagar city.
Wetland type: Man-made reservoir
General information (based on secondary information and people’s
perception):
Gaurishankar lake (or Bor Talaav) is a beautiful man-made lake (reservoir) amidst
hillocks. It was conceived and built by Shree Gaurishankar Oza, the Deewan of
the then Maharaja (king) of Bhavnagar in 1872. It was created mainly to meet the
demand of drinking water of people of Bhavnagar, but today it is one of the most
preferred tourist as well as picnic spots in the city. The reservoir (or a man-made
lake), that has an area of 381 ha and maximum depth of about 14m is
characterised by vast open water and some islets. Marshy areas that are usually
constituted by emergent hydrophytic vegetation is almost absent. The wetland is
encircled by human habitation (residential/commercial buildings and hutments)
on the three margins.
Site Description:
Gaurishankar lake or Bor Talaav is located in the suburb of Bhavnagar city. While
approaching from the Victoria Park side, the man-made lake cannot be seen from
the road due to very high embankment. However, as one climbs up several stairs
and reach the top of the embankment, the first impression that this reservoir gives
is an assemblage of vast waterspread dotted with some islets scattered amidst the
CR-4
City Reservoir
open water. One can also see an amusement park (Balvatika) for children, temple
of Lord Shiva and a big palace for Highness Family. On the days of field-surveys,
it was observed that the man-made lake was used as relaxation spot by city folks
on one hand and as fishing ground by fishermen equipped with boats. Near the
lake is a mini forest called Victoria Park, a repository of flora and fauna, with more
than 1 lakh trees. One of the few city-forests in India, this natural haven provides
shelter to varied species of flora and fauna. Within the forest premises there are two
nurseries which cultivate plants for gardens and forests.
Waterbirds (Species Richness and Abundance):
From waterbird point of view, combination of open water and islets/islands seems
to be good for waterbirds as all the necessary life requisites of non-breeding
waterfowl, i.e. foraging, resting and roosting can be satisfied. However, on the
days of field study, herbivorous birds were in insignificant numbers (from species
richness and abundance view-points). Though a few Common Teals were seen
and some pairs of coots were seen foraging on the margins of open waters on the
submerged plants, there was clear predominance of piscivorous birds like Great
Crested Grebe, Great Cormorant and Little Cormorant, pelicans and Caspian Tern
at this wetland. This indicated that distribution of submerged hydrophytic
vegetation might be restricted only to the (shallow) margins of the open water.
Total number of waterbird species on the day of visit (α diversity/species
richness): 18 (Great Cormorant, Little Cormorant, Common Coot, Great White
Pelican, Dalmatian Pelican, Painted Stork, Dabchick, Great Crested Grebe,
Caspian Tern, River Tern, Whiskered Tern, Brown-headed/Black-headed Gull,
CR-5
City Reservoir
Common Teal, Grey Heron, Great Egret, Intermediate Egret, Little Egret, Pond
Heron).
It may be noted that as per a long-term study conducted in the past by other
researcher, 102 species of birds have been recorded at Gaurishankar lake between
December 1998 and December 2005, of which 100 species can be categorized as
wetland-dependent (i.e., birds except Chiff-chaff and Tree Pipit). Some of the
significant spcies recorded include: Great Crested Grebe, Black-necked Grebe,
Dalmatian Pelican, Greater Flamingo, Lesser Flamingo, Brahminy Kite, Common
Crane, Demmoiselle Crane, Caspian Tern etc.
Ghadvi (2001) recorded following waterbirds in 1998 & 1999.
Little Grebe (8,0), Rosy or white Pelican (4,1000), Large Cormorant (4,0), Indian
Shag (0,50), Little Cormorant (15,0), Grey Heron (3,1), Large Egret (2,1), Little
Egret (15,0), Painted Stork (1,0), Openbilled Stork (1,7), Spoonbill ((4,66), Ruddy
Shelduck (130,25), Pintail (500,21), Common Teal (120,210), Spotbilled Duck
(4,0), Gadwall (2,0), Wigeon (32,0), Shoveller (400,200), Comb Duck (20,0),
Brahminy Kite (2,0), Coot (1,0), Blackwinged Stilt (22,0), Great Stone Plover
(0,2), Small Indian Prantincole (8,0), Red Wattled Lapwing (0,10), Little Ringed
Plover (20,0), Blacktailed Godwit (10,500), Redshhank (1,0), Marsh Sandpiper
(10,0), Green Sandpiper (0,1), Common Sandpiper (25,2), Fantail Snipe (0,1),
Little Stint (0,2), Lesser Black Backed Gull (0,1), Brown Headed Gull (2,38),
Whiskered Tern (10,0), Gull billed Tern (2,2), River Tern (3,0), Indian Tree Pipit
(2,0), Paddyfield pipit (4,0), Grey headed Yellow Wagtail (1,0).
CR-6
City Reservoir
Great Cormorants, Little Cormorant, Caspian Tern patrolling from mid-air Great Egret and Little Egret-resting
Resting Spot-billed Ducks
Waterbird abundance level: “2” (i.e., „low‟ on the day of visit, but it may be
high in mid-winter season). Gadhvi (2001) too recorded low waterbird abundance
(i.e., 1388 birds in Dec. 1998 and 2140 birds in Dec. 1999), which according to
the criteria adopted for this study falls in the abundance level of “Medium”.
Gadhvi (2001) mentions that looking to the large size of this wetland the bird
population is less, probably because the reservoir is as deep as 14 m at places and
thus only the margins are useful to waterbirds as wetlands. Moreover, scarcity of
vegetation in the lake can also be a potential reason for low bird abundance.
CR-7
City Reservoir
Hydrophytes:
Emergent and floating/floating-leaved hydrophytes are absent in majority of
areas. Submerged hydrophytic vegetation could be seen along the margins of the
open water. They included Vallisneria spiralis, Chara sp., and Najas. However,
detailed boat-based survey could not be conducted to detect their presence in
some portion of the reservoir. Presence of only fish-eating birds like pelican,
cormorant and egrets and absence of rallids like coot on the day of visit indicated
that submerged vegetation might not be abundant. There are several shrubs of
Prosopis juliflora on embankment and shoreline.
Gaurishankar seems to be poor in hydrophytic vegetation. However, Submerged hydrophytic vegetation exists on shore (dominated by Hydrilla)
Habitat Components:
Diversity of habitat components: 3 (open water, shore, islands/islets)
Dominance of habitat components: Open water > Island/Islet > Shore
CR-8
City Reservoir
Gaurishankar reservoir is endowed with open water, islands/islets and shore-land making it a good wetland from habitat diversity point-of-view. However, lack of emergent hydrophytic vegetation and greater depth in limnetic zone are unfavourable aspects for waterbirds.
Diversity of micro-habitats (edges): 3 (Edge between shore and open water,
edge between open water and embankment, edge between island and open water)
Dominance of edges: Edge between open water and shore (Most dominant) >
Edge between open water and embankment = Edge between open water and
islands (Limited).
Water quality:
pH-9, TDS: 450 mg/l, DO: 12 mg/l, Total Alkalinity: 255 mg/l, Ca- 31 mg/l, Mg-
150 mg/l, TH- 181 mg/l, Chlorides-160 mg/l (in June 2009)
Socio-economic dependency:
Irrigation and fishing seem to be the main socio-economic dependencies. At least
3 fishermen boats of fairly big size were seen busy fishing. Each boat had around
4-5 fishermen (from outside Gujarat).
CR-9
City Reservoir
Adverse factors against conservation:
Fishing might be a problem for piscivorous birds like pelicans. Other adverse
factor seems to be poorer habitat diversity (i.e., scarcity of shore component and
absence of reed bed habitat component). The magnitude of development around
the lake is rapid and excessive and it not only leads to spread of residential
buildings, but also hutments with poor sanitation and sewage discharge
mechanism.
In fact, this is one of the unfortunate wetlands of Gujarat. After mid-1980s, the
lake has been seeing bad days. Earlier, in the olden days, there was just a cart-
track across the lake-bed that connected Bhavnagar city on one shore of the lake
and Sidsar village on the opposite shore. This track was utilizable only for the 3-4
months of summer when water-level would recede considerably. In the modern
times, a metaled road had been constructed across the lake bed to connect
Bhavnagar city and Sidsar village. This has been done by filling up a portion of
the lake-bed and raising portion of bed-level. Due to the metaled road, 20% of
eastern part of the lake bed had been fragmented from the main lake bed portion.
Consequently, this isolated portion was conveniently used by builders for
developing residential buildings. GEB had erected poles and over-head
transmission lines across the lake bed (Gadhvi 2000).
In the olden days, there were rolling grass-covered hillocks on the western side of
the lake. These hilllocks have been encroached by hutment-dwellers and hutments
of around 5,000 people exist on these hillocks. About 90% of these people use
CR-10
City Reservoir
shores of Gaurishankar lake for excreting every morning. Moreover, wastes and
sewage of this settlement are released in this lake (Gadhvi 2000).
Development around Gaurishankar lake
Electric poles and overhead lines erected across the lake
CR-11
City Reservoir
Hamirsar Reservoir, Kachchh
Hamirsar, Bhuj Taluka
Introductory Profile
Significance: A prioritized wetland in Wetland Conservation Atlas of SACON.
Also recommended as an important wetland to be surveyed by local waterbird
experts.
Location: Hamirsar is located at 23⁰ 15‟ N latitudes and 69 40‟ E longitudes in
Bhuj city (Bhuj Taluka). In Bhuj city, it is located in on the outside of the
Mahadev Gate.
Wetland type: Man-made reservoir
Biogeographic Region & Province: The Arid/ Indian desert (3) & Kachchh (3B)
Geographic Region and District: Kachchh, Kachchh district
CR-12
City Reservoir
Other information (based on secondary information and people’s
perception):
Total area of Hamirsar is 68 ha (GUIDE 2009). It is a man-made water storage
reservoir amidst the town. It is surrounded by high stone-walls of an ancient fort.
The depth varies from 2m to 9m. When the monsoon fails, the wetland dries up
completely. This reservoir is under the control of Bhuj Municipal Corporation.
Site Description:
Hamirsar is unique in being located amidst the city and yet supporting birds like
pelicans, flamingos and numerous migratory ducks in winter. This reservoir is
located at such a place where traffic of the city keeps passing around it because
Bhuj city‟s roads are located around it. On one of its sides, Chhatardi talaav exists
on the other side of the road on the periphery of Hamirsar. Thus, it looks like
Hamirsar and Chhatarwadi are twin wetlands. Hamirsar gives impression of a
typical artificial „talaav‟ with no shore or aquatic vegetation. There is well within
the basin of this reservoir which has higher collar. On this collar, one can often
see cormorants, egrets and even pelicans.
Waterbirds (Species richness and abundance):
Waterbirds recorded in November 2008 are as follows: Great Egret(1), Grey
Heron(1), Little Cormorant(10), Great Cormorant(40), Great White Pelican(4),
Dalmatian Pelican(8), Common Teal (30), Spot-billed Duck(10), Common
Pochard(3), Black-winged Stilt(10), Gull-billed Tern(3), River Tern(1).
CR-13
City Reservoir
GUIDE (2009) has recorded 17 species with total 691 individuals.
Varu (2009) has reported Dalmatian Pelican (18), Great White Pelican (200) In
January 2009. Varu (2002) has also reported migratory ducks like Gadwall,
Northern Shoveler, Common Pochard and Tufted Pochard in January 2002.
Roy and Hussain (1993) have mentioned the occurrence of dabbling and diving
ducks like Spot-billed Duck, Northern Shoveler and Common Pochard. They have
also mentioned that when water in the reservoir recedes, several waders such as
Lesser Sand Plover, Little Ringed Plover, Common Redshank and Common
Sandpiper are seen here. Other common birds like Brown/Black-headed Gulls and
uncommon birds like Red-necked Phalaropes and White-tailed Lapwings have
also been recorded in the past (Roy and Hussain 1993).
On the trees around Hamirsar, cattle egrets breed in good numbers every year.
Total number of waterbird spp. (α diversity/species richness): 23
Waterbird abundance: 3 (average)
Threatened birds (as per IUCN Red List of Threatened species 2010):
Dalmatian Pelican (Vulnerable)
CR-14
City Reservoir
Dalmatian Pelicans on the rim of a well amidst Hamirsar talaav
Little Egret resting amidst Hamirsar talaav and Great White Pelicans foraging near its peripheral wall
Little Cormorant Great Cormorant
CR-15
City Reservoir
Pond Heron Black-winged Stilt
Hydrophytes: There is no visible hydrophytic vegetation.
Habitat Components:
Diversity of habitat components: 3 (open water, shore-land, islet)
An islet amidst open water of Hamirsar talaav- a useful micro-habitat for cormorants and pelican
CR-16
City Reservoir
Dominance of habitat components: open water (most dominant) > Shore-land >
islet (very less).
Diversity of micro-habitats (edges): 1(Edge between shore-land and open water)
Dominance of edges: Most dominant- Edge between open water and open shore-
land
Water Quality:
pH-6.8, TDS-320 mg/L, Total Hardness-160 mg/L, Total Alkalinity-200 mg/L,
Ca- 40 mg/L, Mg-14 mg/L, Chlorides-80 mg/L, Na-30 mg/L, Sulphate-8 mg/L, %
Na-20
Socio-economic dependency:
Hamirsar reservoir was created by the rulers of the historic times for fulfilling the
domestic needs of the people of Bhuj (pers. Comm.. Shantilal Varu). In the
modern times, economically unprivileged people are seen washing their cloths
and utensils. As Roy and Hussain (1993), the reservoir is used by local people for
swimming, fishing, bathing and washing purposes. It is also used for watering
private gardens and for recreational purposes (sailing).
CR-17
City Reservoir
Poor locals use Hamirsar for bathing and washing cloths
People and Pelicans on two sides of a wall of Hamirsar talaav
CR-18
City Reservoir
Adverse factors against conservation/Threats:
The reservoir is under threat of excessive pumping of water to maintain private
gardens along its bank. Motor boats pollute the reservoir‟s waters (Roy and
Hussain 1993). Littering and Developmental activities on the periphery.
Littering on limited shore-land and development pressure on the periphery of Hamirsar
CR-19
City Reservoir
Lakhota Lake (Ranmal Lake), Jamnagar District
Lakhota wetland, Jamnagar city
Introductory Profile:
Significance: Prioritized Wetland Site with Biodiversity Rank 2 and High Socio-
economic importance as per SACON (MoEF).
Location: 22° 27‟ 44.65” N latitude and 70° 04‟ 05.23” E longitudes. It is located
amidst the city of Jamnagar at the distance of about 6.5 km east of Jamnagar air-
port.
Wetland type: City reservoir
Bio-geographic Region & Province: The Semi-Arid (4) & Gujarat-Rajwara (4B)
Administrative Region and District: Saurashtra, Jamnagar
CR-20
City Reservoir
Other General information (based on secondary information):
Lakhota lake (Ranmal talav) is situated in the heart of Jamnagar city. It covers an
area of 0.8 sq.km and its average depth is 5m. This lake receives lot of urban
sewage on daily basis. Despite the fact that lots of people move around the lake
for different purposes daily and created considerable disturbance, the lake
harbours good population of waterfbirds.
Site description:
Lakhota (Ranmal) talaav, being situated amidst the city of Jamnagar is highly
influenced by human activities. A large number of people use this site as a
relaxation/recreation site and number of tress-passing pedestrians is also high.
Movement of vehicles too is considerable. The talaav is surrounded by roads and
builds of Jamnagar city. The wetland is exposed to all kinds of pollution i.e. noise,
air, water and solid-waste. It seems that the influence of sewage release in the
wetland is substantial as algal bloom is rampant in this talaav. Solid waste
dumping also appears to be a problem. Plastic bags, empty/used plastic bottles
and other everyday wastes are thrown in the talaav. People are often seen
supplying food to the birds like Spot-bill Ducks and gulls. Though, the site is
situated amidst the busy city and exposed to several undesirable environmental
conditions, when one takes a glance of its open water area, one gets an
opportunity to see a variety of ducks, coots, grebes , gulls and terns, cormorants,
egrets, herons, ibis and storks.
CR-21
City Reservoir
Waterbirds diversity and abundance: In January 2007, following waterbirds
were recorded: Spotbilled Duck, Lesser Whistling Teal, Common Coot, Little
Grebe, Little cormorants, Spotbilled Pelican
Bird survey on 9-11-2008 has revealed following birdlife:
Tufted Pochard (108), Coot(10 adult, 2 chicks), Great Cormorant (160), Pond
Heron(3), Spotbilled Duck(28), Oriental White Ibis(7), River Tern(1), White-
throated Kingfisher (1), Little Egret (1), Little Grebe (2 ad.+2 chick),Common
Pochard(1),Gull-billed Tern (1), Slenderbilled Gull (40), Norhtern Pintail (1),
Black-winged Stilt (3). α-diversity/species richness: 18
Ghadvi (2001) recorded following waterbirds in 1999.
Little Grebe (8), Rosy or White Pelican (40), Large Cormorant (2), Little
Cormorant (28), Darter (1), Grey Heron (2), Purple Heron (1), Cattle Egret (31),
Large Egret (2), Little Egret (5), Painted Stork (2), White Ibis (10), Black Ibis
(5), Flamingo (20), Ruddy Shelduck (2), Pintail (37), Common Teal (32),
Spotbilled Duck (11), Gadwall (35), Shoveller (122), Common Pochard (39),
Indian Moorhen (4), Coot (180), Pheasant-tailed Jacana (2), Avocet (95),
Redwattled Lapwing (9), Curlew (4), Blacktailed Godwit (30), Marsh Sandpiper
(5), Common Sandpiper (18), Little Stint (35), Brwonheaded Gull (18),
Blackheaded Gull (10), Gull Billed Tern (2), Caspian Tern (4), River tern (2),
Common Kingfisher (1), Whitebreasted Kingfisher (3), Yellow headed Wagtail
(2), White Wagtail (12).
CR-22
City Reservoir
Hydrophytes:
Baring algae, which was found in blooms at places, higher aquatic plans
(hydrophytes) have been found to be uncommon. However, Nelumbo nucifera
and Lemna sp. were found in patches near the edge of the reservoir. Along the
edge, patches of some emergent hydrophytes were found to be present.
Habitat Components:
Diversity of habitat components: 2 (open water, islets)
Dominance of habitat components: Open water (Most dominant) > Islets
(Limited)
Diversity of micro-habitats (edges): 1 (edge between open water and islet)
Dominance of edges: Edge between open water and shore < Edge between open
water and bund.
Water quality:
pH- 7.1, Temp.- 30°C TDS- 290 mg/l, Total Hardness- 132 mg/l, Ca- 43 mg/l
Mg- 6mg/l, Total Alkalinity- 180 mg/l, Chlorides- 60 mg/l
Socio-economic dependency: City water storage and recreation
Adverse factors against conservation:
Sewage pollution, algal blooming, solid waste dumping, haphazard development
around the periphery, pollution arising from city traffic, people feeding birds with
unnatural food items (like puffed rice and much more)
CR-23
Saltpans
SALTPANS (SP)
SP-1
Saltpans
Saltpans
Wetland Name Page No.
1. Charakala Salts SP-03
2. Kumbharwada Wetland SP-13
SP-2
Saltpans
Kumbharwada wetlands, Bhavnagar District
Kumbharwada salt works, Bhavnagar taluka
Introductory Profile:
Significance: Nationally Important Wetland (Prioritized/BCPP site; Source:
SACON)
Location: Located at 21° 47‟ 17”N 72° 06‟ 53.3" E in Bhavnagar taluka,
Bhavnagar district. It is located in the vicinity of Bhavnagar city.
Wetland type: Marshy area-cum-salt works area
Biogeographic Region & Province: The Semi-Arid (4) & Gujarat-Rajwara (4B)
Administrative Region and District: Saurashtra, Bhavnagar
SP-3
Saltpans
General information (based on secondary information and people’s perception):
Kumbharwada wetland is located on the southern fringe of Bhavnagar city. The
wetland covers 300 ha area, with maximum depth of 0.5 m. The entire area, that is
famous as Kumbharwada wetland, can be divided into two major habitat classes.
Marshy habitat formed due to sewage and man-made habitat of salt pans. Some
of the waterbirds are common to both the habitats such as Black-winged Stilt,
Greater Flamingo and Ruddy Shelduck. On the other hand, some birds like
Lesser Flamingo and Avocet are only restricted to the salt pan area and some
birds like Purple Swamphen, Indian Moorhen and jacanas are restricted only to
the Marshy habitat. This wetland, especially the salt-pan area, is famous for good
congregation of Lesser Flamingo that occurs very regularly. It provides a good
example of the fact that if suitable habitat and food source are available and
simultaneously, if the disturbance from people is negligible, even the Near
Threatened species like Lesser Flamingos can inhabit in the vicinity of human
society. Breeding of 10 residential waterbirds was observed at this wetland
including Purple Moorhen, Indian Moorhen, Pheasant-tailed Jacana, Spot-billed
Duck etc. Besides that several trees like Prosopis juliflora, Eycaliptus, Ficus
religiosa etc, which are located on the fringe of wetland were used for nesting
Pond Heron, Western Reef Egret, Cattle Egret and Black Ibis. Several heronries
regularly recorded in the city, among which the colonies of Oriental White Ibis,
Spoonbill, Cormorant, Night Heron etc. are important. All these heronries
occurred during June to October every year
SP-4
Saltpans
Site Description:
Kumbharwada wetland is a unique combination of marshy habitat formed by
sewage seepage and salt-pan habitat formed due to salt industry. On entering the
wetland premises, one sees extensive waterlogged area densely covered with
emergent hydrophytes. For laymen, this marshy area can be a “wasteland” or a
“kharaba”, but its fertile nature can be understood on seeing large number of
Ruddy Shelducks, many Northern Shovelers and other birds like Glossy Ibis,
swamphens, moorhens and jacanas feeding in this area. Particularly, Ruddy
Shelduck attracts one‟s attention as hundreds of individuals can be seen here. Salt
pan area is located interiorly and it can be approached after crossing the marshy
area. One can see different salt pans with salt in different stages of preparation.
Some salt-pans are typically having reddish brine indicating presence of tiny
crustaceans that is the food for flamingos. Thousands of Lesser Flamingos can be
seen here with/without hundreds of Greater Flamingos can be seen in couple of
such salt pans. .
Waterbirds:
On 11-2-2009 following waterbirds were recorded in Marshy Area that a bird-
watcher encounters before reaching salt-pan are: Grey Heron(1), Purple Heron
(5), Large Egret (7), Little Egret (14), Pond Heron (1), Black-winged Stilt (35),
Red-wattled Lapwing(2), Purple Swamphen (3), Painted Stork (9), Oriental White
Ibis (3), Glossy Ibis (5), Greater Flamingo (15), Wood Sandpiper (30), Marsh
Sandpiper (15), Little Stint (20),Northern Shoveler (5), Ruddy Shelduck (182),
SP-5
Saltpans
Spot-billed Duck (14). In Salt Pan area following birds were recorded: Lesser
Flamingo (2,000 adults + 395 immature = 2,395), Greater Flamingo (370), Avocet
(150), Black-winged Stilt (260). Thus, total number of waterbird spp. (α
diversity/species richness): 20.
Gadhvi (2001) recorded following waterbirds in 1999.
Rosy or White Pelican (28), Dalmatian Pelican (6), Indian Shag (18), Grey Heron
(2), Pond Heron (3), Large Egret (2), Painted Stork (16), White Ibis (2), Black
Ibis (5), Spoonbill (1), Flamingo (300), Lesser Flamingo (4400), Ruddy Shelduck
(20), Pintail (25), Common Teal (450), Spot-billed Duck (15), Wigeon (85),
Shoveler (540), Common Pochard (2), Marsh Harrier (4), Indian Moorhen (35),
Coot (1), Black-winged Stilt (800), Avocet (400), White-tailed Lapwing (1), Red-
wattled Lapwing (27), Black-tailed Godwit (4), Spotted Red Shank (1), Marsh
Sandpiper (5), Green Sandpiper (1), Wood Sandpiper (2), Common Sandpiper (1),
Fantail Snipe (2), Little Stint (5), Ruff & Reeve (52), White-breasted Kingfisher
(2).
Waterbird abundance level: “Above average” bird population on the day of visit
in February 2009. Gadhvi (2001) had recorded 36 species of waterbirds with total
of 7,263 birds in Dec. 1999. Some of the significant species that he recorded
include: Lesser Flamingo (max. 5,500 in March), Greater Flamingo(max. 350
birds), Ruddy Shelduck, Northern Shoveler, Common Crane, Demoiselle Crane,
Avocet, (max. 400), Black-winged Stilt (max. 800) etc. Kumbharwada salt area is
famous for its flamingos. In May 2004, about 16,000 Lesser Flamingos were
SP-6
Saltpans
recorded that included 2,500 juveniles. All these indicate that maximum waterbird
abundance level can reach at least to “Very High” (i.e., level-5 on the scale of 0-
6), but may also reach “Abundant” (i.e., level-6, on the scale of 0-6).
Lesser Flamingo is the Flagship species at Kumbharwada wetlands
Though Lesser Flamingos are known to be partial to saline water for foraging, at Kumbharwada, they often abound in the grass-covered sewage water wetland just adjacent to the salt-pans
SP-7
Saltpans
Glossy Ibis and Painted Stork-all foraging in nutrient rich man-induced wetlands with dense grass cover
Black-tailed Godwit and Wood Sandpiper-though migratory, these shorebirds/waders were recorded at Kumbharwada wetlands till as late as April
Black-winged Stilt is the second-most dominant waterbirds that forage grassy areas
SP-8
Saltpans
Resident-Migratory Brahminy Ducks can be seen as late as in April
Purple Swamphen busy building its nest
Painted Storks (adults & juveniles), Great Egrets and Black-winged Stilts at a Kumbharwada pond
SP-9
Saltpans
Brahminy Ducks and Spot-billed Ducks
A pair of Spot-billed Duck
A Crested Lark at waters edge to drink water
SP-10
Saltpans
A flock of resting Great Cormorants
Hydrophytes:
Emergent hydrophytes exist in the grassy sewage area though it is absent in the
saltpan area. Though Typha angustata exists scantily, Scirpus littoralis is
comparatively more abundant. Predominant floating vegetation has been Lemna
sp., that is commonly known as „duckweed‟. Note that at places, duck-weed exists
in the form of „bloom‟. There is no vegetation in salt pan areas. Among the
grasses Sporobolus sp. was found to be commoner.
Habitat Components:
Diversity of major habitat components: 4 (Grassy meadow with sewage water,
salt-pans, open water pools/ponds and barren land).
Dominance of major habitat components: Grassy meadow > Salt pans > Open
water pools/pond.
SP-11
Saltpans
Diversity and dominance of major micro-habitats (edges): 3 (edge between
grassy meadow and open water pools > Edge between grassy meadows and salt-
pans > edge between salt-pans and barren land).
Water quality:
pH-9, TDS: 6,000 mg/l, Total Alkalinity: 1,100 mg/l, Ca- 1150 mg/l, Mg- 450
mg/l, TH- 1600 mg/l, Chlorides-1200 mg/l (in May 2010).
Socio-economic dependencies:
Salt-pans are useful for salt-production. Many salt-workers get employment by
working in the salt-pans. Marshy area is used for buffalo grazing.
Threats/Adverse factors etc.:
Overhead transmission cables can cause electrocution of large birds like
flamingos. Likelihood of any chronically toxic substance in the polluted water
needs to be assessed. Movement of salt-workers and other locals as also that of
salt-work vehicles in the area may be a disturbing factors to flamingos especially
when they are with juveniles.
SP-12
Saltpans
Charakla Salts, Jamnagar District
Tata Salts (Charakla)
Tata Salt-works, Charakla
Introductory Profile:
Significance: Important Bird Area (IBA) site
Location: Located at 22º 9‟ 8.4”N 69 º 8‟ 14.2”E in Dwarka taluka, Jamnagar
district. It is located in the vicinity of Dwarka city (about 17 km away) on
Mithapur-Nageshwar road. It is located at the distance of 120 km from Jamnagar
city.
Wetland type: Large salt-pan area
Biogeographic Region & Province: The Semi-Arid (4) & Gujarat-Rajwara (4B)
Administrative Region and District: Saurashtra, Jamnagar
SP-13
Saltpans
General information (based on secondary information and people’s perception):
Tata Chemicals is the second largest producer of soda ash in the world. It is an
India's market leader in the branded and iodized salt segment as well as in urea
and phosphate fertilisers.
Tata salts, Charakla is situated in the Okhamandal Rann. The area of Tata salts at
Charakla, though situated near Dwarka city, is rather secluded (which is
beneficial to this IBA). This is because tourists congregate at the famous Dwarka
temple, and then disperse to the other parts of Jamnagar, leaving this IBA mostly
undisturbed despite the fact that the salt pans are typically located on two sides of
roads that can be used for transport. It may be noted that the 121.4 sq. km Tata
Chemicals' salt pans at Charakla is in fact, not used for actually manufacturing
salt there itself (i.e., at Charakla). Rather, Charakla salt pans are used to
accumulate/store sea water that is taken further to a suitable place for actual salt
production. However, there is regular pumping of sea water into these salt pans.
This is advantageous for the birds, since the pumped sea water brings in fresh and
large quantities of small fish, shrimp, algae, molluscs and prawns and thus
provides rich food resource to a variety of waterbirds. This is the reason why a
host of waterbirds occur in this man-made saline water wetland. Flocks of
flamingos are almost a permanent feature and they are usually found in constant,
but unhurried search for food. But that is not all. As many as 121 species of birds,
migratory and resident, have been recorded at the Charakla salt works (Source:
‘Tata Planet & People Initiatives’ Published by Group Corporate Affairs
Copyright Tata Sons Limited, 2009).
SP-14
Saltpans
Site Description:
On approaching the site, one experiences that he/she is amidst the secluded world
of the salt-pans. There are no reeds (emergent hydrophytic vegetation), no shore-
land, and no island and thus, in nutshell, there is no habitat diversity, but what one
sees is a series of square/rectangular large pans of saline water. The exceptional
feature of this site is that though it is a man-made wetland, waterbird presence is
more common than the human presence. This does not mean that the site is
completely free from human disturbance as vehicles do pass along the roads that
cut across the salt-pan area and salt-works and/or the attendants do move in the
area as per the requirement. Yet, such movements are found to be quite negligible.
Though this is a lentic, man-made wetland, there is considerable wave action
under the influence of strong winds that blow probably due to open areas.
Waterbirds (Species richness and abundance):
The entire area of Tata salts is a rich and relatively safe habitat for birds. The
solar processing of salt requires the regular pumping of sea water into the salt
pans. This is advantageous for the birds, since it brings in fresh and large
quantities of small fish, shrimp, algae, molluscs and prawns and provides them a
daily feast. Due to these reasons, most of waterbirds turn up in this man-made
wetland area. Even during the non-migratory season, flocks of flamingos can be
seen foraging and resting in the salt-pans. Species like Dalmatian Pelican and
Rosy Pelicans, Black-necked Stork, Western Reef Egrets, Black-necked Grebes
and Great Egrets are commonly seen in this area. As many as 121 species of
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Saltpans
birds, migratory and resident, have been recorded at the Charakla salt works.
(Source: ‘Tata Planet & People Initiatives’ published by Group Corporate
Affairs, Tata Sons Limited, 2009). On the day of field survey, following
waterbird species were recorded: Grey Heron (1), Large Cormorant (2), Greater
Flamingos(many), Spotted Redshank (1), Greenshank (1), a plover (1), Dalmatian
Pelican (1), Western Reef Egret (1), Black-necked Grebe (275), Great Crested
Grebe (1) etc. Old records indicate that in Jan. 2000, over 50 red-necked
phalaropes were recorded here (Balar 2000). Other significant birds recorded at
this site by other birders are as follows: Black-necked Grebe (over 800 individuals
recorded), Greater Spotted Eagle , Slender-billed Gull (up to 82 birds recorded),
Painted Stork, Osprey, Avocet, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Black-tailed
Godwit, egrets, Painted Stork, Spoonbill, Pond Heron etc. (Balar 1999, Varu
1998, Khacher 2000).
Charakla is famous for huge congregation of Black-necked Grebe almost every
winter. Summary of number of Black-necked Grebes seen during different years
is given below (Source: Vihang yr 2, No. 2)
Month/Year No. of Black-necked Grebes
Jan 1996 150+ Nov. 1996 51 Dec. 1996 200+ Feb.1997 300+ Dec. 2008 800-1000 Jan. 1999 300
SP-16
Saltpans
Charakla Salt Works is one of the very few sites with nesting colony for Caspian
Terns and the Slender-bill Gulls in India.
Black-necked Grebes occur in large flocks at Charakla salt-works
Flamingos constitute a very regular avian feature at Charakla salt-works
Lesser Sand Plover-a shorebird Great Crested Grebe – a solitary grebe unlike Black-necked Grebe
SP-17
Saltpans
Spotted Redshank Western Reef Egret Grey Heron, Cormorant and Greenshank
Charakla is famous for huge congregation of Black-necked Grebe almost every
winter. Summary of number of Black-necked Grebes seen during different years
is given below (Source: Vihang yr 2, No. 2)
Hydrophytes:
Emergent hydrophytes were found to be absent. Status of submerged hydrophytes
could not be determined, but considering the total absence of otherwise common
herbivorous birds like coots, it can be inferred that submerged vegetation would
be nil/negligible in saltpans.
Habitat Components:
Diversity of habitat components: 2 (Open waters of Salt-pans, edges of salt
pans)
Dominance of habitat components: Open water of salt pans
Diversity of micro-habitats (edges): 1 (Edge between open water of salt-pans
and their edges)
Dominance of edges: Edge between open water of salt pans and embankment.
SP-18
Saltpans
Open water and barren edges of salt-pans
Water quality:
pH- 10, TDS: 60,000 mg/l, DO: 6.00 mg/l, Total Alkalinity: 200 mg/l, Ca- 165
mg/l, Mg- 40 mg/l, Total Hardness- 205 mg/l, Chlorides-60 mg/l (in May 2009).
Socio-economic dependencies:
Salt-pans are useful for salt-production. Many salt-workers get employment by
working in the salt-pans. This site is well-known for birding based recreation.
Threats/Adverse factors etc.: Unknown.
Conservation Efforts: The water level in the saltpan is regulated to ensure that the island on which these
birds nest does not get inundated. Nesting of Caspian Terns takes place from June
to October, which coincides with the monsoon season in the region. Hence, if
there are heavy downpours which raise the water level in the saltpan, the excess
SP-19
Saltpans
water is pumped out. Two new islands have also been constructed in the saltpans,
in coordination with the state forest department, to encourage the birds to expand
their nesting area. Tata Chemicals employees take waterfowl counts, and maintain
a record of the birds sighted. They maintain the area as a protected environment
by guarding against poachers, and restricting vehicular and human egress,
ensuring that the birds remain undisturbed
(Source: ‘Tata Planet & People Initiatives’ Published by Group Corporate Affairs Copyright Tata Sons
Limited, 2009).
SP-20
Marshy Wetlands
MARSHY WETLANDS (MW)
MW-1
Marshy Wetlands
Marshy Wetland
Wetland Name Page No.
1. Bhaskarpura MW-03
2. Devisar Pond MW-10
3. Kuchhadi MW-22
MW-2
Marshy Wetlands
Bhaskarpura Marsh, Surendranagar district
Bhaskarpura wetland, Lakhtar taluka
Bhaskarpura marshy wetland is situated near Vithalgadh village (22°59’22”N
71°58’33”E) in Lakhtar taluka of Surendranagar district (Gujarat). Basically a
shallow village tank, this marshy wetland is located 24 km north-east of Lakhtar,
and about 76 km south-west of Ahmedabad. This wetland is known as
‘Bhaskarpura wetland’ among the birdwatchers of northern Gujarat / Saurashtra,
and is a designated Important Bird Area (IBA) (Islam & Rahmani 2004). It is a
largish shallow wetland having the depth of 50–75 cm (Anon. 1998).It is located
approx. 15 km from Nani Kathechi village on the north-western shore of
Nalsarovar (Anon. 1998), on the western shore of Nalsarovar Lake (Fig.1), which
is a wellknown bird sanctuary established in 1969. An ‘escape’ of Saurashtra
Branch Canal (under Narmada Canal Network) is upstream of this tank. The tank
MW-3
Marshy Wetlands
has broad crested spillway. During the heavy rains, the tank. The surplus water
from the tank passes through existing spillway towards Nalsarovar’s direction,
ultimately finding its way to the Gulf of Khambhat. During heavy rains water
does not drain out immediately as the terrain in this area is very flat and hence
sometimes the water remains for long period in this area (GEER 1998). During
the heavy rains, the area gets flooded with 2 to 2.5 m deep water, which slowly
drains out in Nalsarovar. The total drain from Bhaskarpura wetland to Nalsarovar
is about 17km. As the rain-water remains in the area for long time from year to
year, extensive marshy habitat is formed, mainly due to dense and tall
Scirpus/Eleocharis sp and to some exent, also due to Cyperus sp. and Typha sp.
Submerged plants at Bhaskarpura includes Potamogeton nodusus, Hydrilla
verticellata, Vallisneria spiralis as also macro-algae Chara spp.
Bhaskarpura marsh is rich in birdlife. It has unique place in Indian Ornithology as
at this place the first-ever photographic evidence was achieved in October 2009
by the consultant’s personal recreational visit. The close resemblance of Black
Tern in winter plumage with Whiskered Tern and White-winged Tern makes it a
difficult species for confirmed Identification. However, at the Bhaskarpura marsh,
close photographs of few individuals (juveniles moulting into first winter
plumage) could be taken in October 2009 in which its main identification marks
were clearly visible. It may be noted that Black Tern is a Vagrant species for
India. Apart from Black Tern, some other waterbirds like Greylag Geese, Sarus
Crane, Purple Swamphen, Common Moorhen, Purple Heron, Grey Heron,
Large/Great Egret, Great White Pelican, Greater Flamingo, White-tailed Lapwing,
MW-4
Marshy Wetlands
Red-wattled Lapwing, Ruff, Greenshank, Common Redshank, Green Sandpiper,
Black-tailed Godwit, Northern Shoveler, Common Teal, River Tern,Whiskered
Tern. However, the population of waterbirds at any time did not appear to be
impressive (‘low’ to ‘medium’). People were found to be dependent of
Bhaskararpura marsh for fishing and irrigation.
A view of Bhaskarpura marshy wetland
Another view of Bhaskarpura marsh. Notice the growth of Tamarix
MW-5
Marshy Wetlands
Emergents like Typha and Scirpus/Eleocharis grow quite densely
A view of submerged aquatic vegetation at Bhaskarpura marsy wetland
MW-6
Marshy Wetlands
A view of Spill-way of Bhaskarpura tank
Bhaskarpura marsh is the first site in Gujarat and Western India to have first photographic evidence of Black Tern
MW-7
Marshy Wetlands
Spill-way is a center of attraction for these foraging River Terns (and other terns & pied kingfisher also) as fingerlings swimming with forcefully flowing water over the spill-way get exposed in thin layer of water flowing over the spill-way and in turn, become easy prey
Fish-the most sought-after resource; not only for terns and kingfishers but also for local fisherment
MW-8
Marshy Wetlands
Greylag Geese standing in shallow water adjacent to cotton field
A pair of Sarus Cranes foraging in Bhaskarpura marsh
MW-9
Marshy Wetlands
Devisar Pond, Kachchh
Devisar talav, Bhuj
Introductory Profile:
Significance: Considered very important waterbird habitat by local bird experts
of Kachchh
Location: Devisar pond is located at 23° 22’ 36.47” N latitudes and 69° 41’
56.92” E longitudes. It is located very close to Rudramata dam and the distance of
about 15 km from Bhuj.
MW-10
Marshy Wetlands
Wetland type: Road-side marshy shallow wetland
Biogeographic Region & Province: 3 & 3A
Region and District: Kachchh, Kachchh district
Other information (based on secondary information and people’s perception): Devisar is a man-made wetland (talav) of historical times. Its significance from
the view-point of Gujarat’s ornithology lies in the fact that Leister used to visit
this wetland for studying waterbirds at this wetland that had a big heronry in the
olden times. The wetland has played a role in construction of Rudramata dam as
the soil from this wetland had been utilized in the construction work of
Rudramata dam. Devisar talav is 3 sq. km in area and has maximum depth of 1.2
m (Shantilal Varu, Pers. Comm.)
Site Description:
A view of Devisar pond-marsh ecosystem
MW-11
Marshy Wetlands
Devisar wetland should ideally be called a pond-marsh ecosystem. Though
originally a talav (a pond) in historical times, an experienced naturalist/biologist
of the present time would be at once convinced by the fact that marshy growth is
the predominant feature of it. One of the interesting features about this wetland
is its road-side existence. It is located on left-hand side on the Bhuj-Rudramata
dam-Nakhatrana road when traveling from Bhuj. However, due the thick growth
of Prosopis juliflora between the road and the marshy or open water area, the
waterbirds get a good buffering effect. Another interesting feature of the wetland
is mosaic of micro-habitats that the waterbirds might be getting at this wetland.
This is because, unlike several dam-reservoirs of Kachchh (e.g., Bhukhi,
Rudramata etc.), this wetland (as also Bhimsar wetland) does not offer a
monotonous open water area to the waterbirds. Rather, it (as also Bhimsar) offers
an assemblage of open water, islet/land-strips amidst the open water, extensive
reed-beds (emergent aquatic vegetation) and some amount of the shore land. Such
a “micro-habitat complex” might be luring the waterbirds for exploring foraging,
resting, roosting and nesting opportunities. Devisar wetland might be functioning
as a satellite wetland for Rudramata dam (or vice versa) as both of these wetlands,
which are of very different types, are located closely. Great White Pelican, Great
Crested Grebes, species of migratory ducks are recorded at both the wetlands.
Waterbirds (Species Richness & Abundance): Following waterbirds were recorded in
November 2009.Northern Pintail(10), Great White Pelican(54), Greater
Flamingo(12),Black-tailed Godwit(15), Painted Stork(50), Eurasian
Spoonbill(15), Grey Heron(2), Black-winged Stilt(10), Oriental White /Black-
MW-12
Marshy Wetlands
headed Ibis (2), Little Cormorant (10), Purple Heron(1), Grey Wagtail(1),
Common Coot(10), Northern Shovler(25), Gadwall (65), Little Stint(2), Wood
Sandpiper(1), Large Egret(2), Red-wattled Lapwing (1), Pied Kingfisher(1)
Varu (2000, 2001, 2002, 2006) had reported following birds at Devisar talav: In
August 2000: Nukta (8), Lesser Whistling Duck (4), Green Sandpiper (2),
Whiskered Tern (10), Little Tern (1), Brahminy Kite (1); In December 2002:
White-tailed Lapwing (1); In July 2006: Black-winged Stilt (15; nesting
recorded); In June 2006: Great Crested Grebe (1), Glossy Ibis (27); In January
(2006): White-tailed Lapwing (2); In February 2000: Small Indian Pratincole (6)
Pomal (2007) reported following waterbirds in June 2006: Glossy Ibis (27), Grey
Heron (1), Black-winged Stilt (20), Little Cormorant (10).
GUIDE (2009) has not covered this wetland for recording species richness and
abundance during winter 2006 & 2007 though it has covered about 20 wetlands of
Kachchh (e.g., Bhimsar talaav, Hamirsar talaav, Rudramata dam) for this
purpose.
Species Richness (α- diversity)- 31; Abundance level: Medium to High
Threatened birds (as per IUCN Red List of Threatened species 2010/Wildlife
Protection Act, 1972): Black-tailed Godwit(Near Threatened), Painted Stork
(Near Threatened), Oriental White Ibis (Near Threatened), Eurasian Spoonbill
(Schedule 1 species as per Wildlife Protection Act, 1972)
MW-13
Marshy Wetlands
Gadwall utilizing open water fringed by emergent aquatic vegetation
Great White Pelicans (adults and juveniles) resting on a mound-like island and ducks foraging in open water
MW-14
Marshy Wetlands
Hydrophytic vegetation: Though locally called a ‘talaav’, the emergent vegetation
growth is so intensive that it can be categorized as a marshy wetland. Scirpus
littoralis and Cyperus sp. are abundant and wide-spread at the wetland. However,
Scirpus littoralis is the commoner sedge that covers considerable portion of the
wetland.
Habitat Components:
Diversity of habitat components : 4 (open water, shoreland, islet/land-strips,
reedbed)
Dominance of habitat components : open water = reedbed > Shore-land > islet.
Diversity of micro-habitats (edges) : 3 (Edge between shore-land and open
water, Edge between islet/land-strip and open water, Edge between reedbed and
open water)
Dominance of edges : Edge between open water and reed-bed > Edge between
open water and open shore-land: > Edge between open water and islet/land-strip.
MW-15
Marshy Wetlands
A
B
Scirpus littoralis (A) and Cyperus sp. (B)
MW-16
Marshy Wetlands
Spikelets of Cyperus sp. Spikelets of Scirpus littoralis
Phragmites sp. – not common a common plant
MW-17
Marshy Wetlands
Dense growth of Ipomoea aquatica
Ipomoea biloba and I. aquatica- terrestrial habit
MW-18
Marshy Wetlands
Marsilea quadrifolia-aquatic habit
Dense growth of submerged aquatic vegetation
MW-19
Marshy Wetlands
A view of good habitat combination for a waterbird [open water, a land strip extending from shore into open water and emergent aquatic vegetation (reedbed)]
A view of habitat combination of open water, small islets and emergent aquatic vegetation (reedbeds)
Water Quality:
pH-9.1, Temp-28°C, TDS-1720 mg/l, Total hardness- 580 mg/l, Ca-115 mg/l,
Mg-71 mg/l, Total Alkalinity-240 mg/l, Chlorides-860 mg/l
MW-20
Marshy Wetlands
Socio-economic dependency: People use water for irrigation by installing diesel engines
(Varu 2002). Devisar pond-marsh is a popular site for watching birds and thus many
bird/nature-lovers of the area depend on this wetland to fulfil their passion for birds.
Diesel engine at Devisar pond
Threats/Adverse factors:
Over-exploitation of water for irrigation is possible. Proximity of the state road
may provide easy access to poachers. Over-growth of Prosopis juliflora and
absence of native trees like Acacia, Tamarix dioica etc. that may be used as
heronry site by heronry-forming species.
MW-21
Marshy Wetlands
Kuchhadi Jawar , Porbandar district
Kuchhadi marsh, Kuchhadi taluka
A view of Kuchhadi wetland
MW-22
Marshy Wetlands
Introductory Profile;
Significance: This is a prioritized wetland of Gujarat as per SACON (2004).
Location: Kuchhadi wetland (21° 42’ 22.64” N lat. and 69° 33’ 58.37 E long.) is
located near Kuchhadi village in Kuchhadi taluka of Porbandar district. Some
nearby villages are kuchhadi, Javar, Boshira and Kaatela.
Wetland type: Marshy shallow wetland
Biogeographic Region & Province: The Semi-Arid (4) & Gujarat-Rajwara (4B)
Region and District: Saurashtra, Porbandar district
General Information from secondary sources:
A large, shallow, well-vegetated wetland. It has an area of 8 sq. km and water
depth of 0.25m to 1.25m (Pers. Comm., Bharat Rughani). Predominance of short-
to-medium height emergent vegetation. Habitat composition appears to be
favourable for waterfowl as it has combination of marsh-cum-shallow open water
habitats. Appears to have high utility for flamingos, large waders, shorebirds,
gulls, and migratory cranes
Waterbirds (Species Richness and Abundance):
Total number of waterbird spp. (α diversity): 14 on 16-3-2008 when observed
from Kuchhadi Watch Tower (Birds seen: Lesser Flamingo, Demoiselle Crane,
Great White Pelicans, Little Cormorant, Grey Heron, Pond Heron, Large Egret,
Little Egret, Intermediate Egret, Painted Stork, White Ibis, Spoonbill, Black-tailed
Godwits, Northern Shoveler etc.). Gadhvi (2001) recorded 60 species (77 species
considering kuchhadi coseway and jawar khadi together) in January 1998. Old
bird records at Kuchhadi include following birds: Dalmatian Pelican, Great White
MW-23
Marshy Wetlands
Pelican, Northern Pintail, Eurasian Wigeon, Garganey, Comb Duck, Common
Pochard, Tufted Pochard, Common Teal, Great Crested Grebe (breeding),
Common Coot (breeding), Purple Swamphen (breeding), Greater Flamingo,
Lesser Flamingo, Western Marsh-Harrier, Common Crane, Demoiselle Crane,
Redshank, Common Greenshank, Black-tailed Godwit, Marsh Sandpiper,
Whimbrel, Eurasian Curlew, European Golden Plover, Grey Plover, Little Stint,
Temmink’s Stint, Curlew Sandpiper, Yellow-legged Gull, Lesser Blackbacked
Gull, Black-headed Gull, Brown-headed Gull, Western Reef Egret, Painted Stork,
Spoonbill, Oriental White Ibis, Glossy Ibis, Northern Pintail. Northern Shoveler
etc (Bharat Rughani, Pers. Comm.).
Great Egret looking for prey A marsh tern patrolling for the prey
Kuchhadi Watch-Tower Tourism Dept. board
MW-24
Marshy Wetlands
Demoiselle Cranes on look out
Cranes in flight
MW-25
Marshy Wetlands
Greater Flamingos foraging in Kuchhadi wetland
Foraging Great White Pelican Common Coot-a breeding species
Ghadvi (2001) recorded following waterbirds in 1999.
Great Crested Grebe (22), Little Grebe (100), Rosy or White Pelican (400), Little
Cormorant (30), Grey Heron (20), Pond Heron (150), Large Egret (1200),
Smaller Egret (50), Little Egret (50), Indian Reef Heron (500), Pained Stork (60),
White Ibis (35), Black Ibis (20), Glossy Ibis (50), Spoonbill (200), Flamingo (50),
Lesser Flamingo (300), Ruddy Shelduck (5), Pintail (500), Common Teal (500),
Gadwall (10), Garganey (150), Shoveler (1500), Common Pochard (50), Grey
MW-26
Marshy Wetlands
Headed Fishing Eagle (15), Marsh Harrier (1), Common Crane (200), Demoiselle
Crane (4000), Baillon’s Crake (15), Whitebreasted Waterhen (10), Indian
Moorhen (25), Purple Moorhen (10), Coot (3000), Pheasant tailed Jacana (2),
Painted Snipe (300), Blackwing Stilt (250), Avocet (25), Indian Stone Curlew
(25), Great Stone Plover (10), Collard Pratincole (200), White-tailed Lapwing
(15), Redwattled Lapwing (200), Yellow wattled Lapwing (50), Golden Plover
(12), Little Ringed Plover (1000), Kentish Plover (30), Whimbrel (2), Curlew
(400), Greenshank (25), Green Sandpiper (20), Terek Sandpiper (30), Pintail
Snipe (55), Fantail Snipe (10), Sanderling (105), Temminck’s Stint (25), Dunlin
(350), Curlew Sandpiper (300), Yellow legged Herring Gull (30), Lesser Black
backed Gull (45), Black Headed Gull (300), Gull Billed Tern (60), River Tern
(50), Common Kingfisher (5), Whitebreasted Kingfisher (10), Indian Great Reed
Warbler (20), Moustache Sedge Warbler (3), Yellow Headed Wagtail (15), Grey
Wagtail (25), White Wagtail (20), Large Pied Wagtail (15).
Waterbird abundance level: Gadhvi (2001) recorded population of 17,887 birds
in Kuchhadi coseway area that indicates waterbird abundance level of “Very
High” (level-5 on 0-6 abundance scale). However considering Kuchhadi coseway
and Zawar khadi together, Gadhvi (2001) recorded 36,629 birds that can be
classified as “6” (“Abundant”).
Hydrophytic vegetation: Very clear domination of emergent hydrophytic cover
constituted by plants of Cyperaceae family.
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Marshy Wetlands
Scirpus littoralis is the dominant emergent hydrophytes at Kuchhadi wetland
Habitat Components
Diversity of habitat components : 3 (open water, emergent vegetation cover,
muddy shore)
Dominance of habitat components : open water > Emergent cover > Shore
Diversity of micro-habitats (edges) : 3 (Edge between shore and open water,
edge between open water and emergent cover, edge between sore and emergent
vegetation)
Dominance of edges : edge between open water and emergent vegetation cover >
Edge between shore and open water > Edge between shore and emergent
vegetation cover.
Water quality : pH-6.4, Temp- 32°C, TDS 11,470 mg/l, Total Hardness- 1140 mg/l,
Ca- 288 mg/l, Mg- 101 mg/l, Total Alkalinity- 690 mg/l, Chlorides- 6,400 mg/l
Adverse factors against conservation: Spread of Prosopis cover, Windmills and
transmission line and road traffic seem to be unfavourable features. Dense algal
bloom observed at places indicating excessive nutrient-rich status of the wetland.
MW-28
Marshy Wetlands
Spread of Prosopis juliflora
Wind-mills and transmission lines-not very favourable for the waterbirds in flight
Severe algal bloom at Kuchhadi
MW-29
Other Freshwater Wetlands
OTHER INLAND WETLANDS (OIW)
OIW-1
Other Freshwater Wetlands
Other Inland Wetlands
Name of Wetland Page No
1. Gosa Bara OIW-03
2. Kaj Wetland OIW-12
3. Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary OIW-21
4. Nanda Bet Wetland OIW-29
5. Panoli Pond OIW-34
OIW-2
Other Freshwater Wetlands
Gosa Bara, Porbandar district
Gosa Bara, Porbandar taluka
Introductory Profile
Significance: Proposed Ramsar Site from Gujarat as per SACON (MoEF)
Location: Located in Gosa taluka at 21⁰ 30‟ N and 69⁰ 45‟ E in Porbandar district
at the distance of about 15 km south-east of Porbandar city. Nearest villages are
Gosa and Tukada.
Wetland type: Man-made, freshwater wetland created due to construction of long
bund to prevent salinity ingress and to store rain-water run-off
Bio-geographic Region & Province: The Semi-Arid (4) & Gujarat-Rajwara (4B)
Administrative Region and District: Saurashtra, Porbandar
OIW-3
Other Freshwater Wetlands
General information (based on secondary information):
In late 1990s a 14 km bund was constructed between Tukada village and
Gosabara to check the coastal salinity ingress (Vora 2005). The construction
work of this bund was carried out from 1991 to 2000. This strategy led to the
formation of wetland which supports thousands of waterbirds every year
especially in winter. Tukada Gosa is a coastal village with human population of
1624 people belonging to 289 households (Census 2001). Other neighbouring
villages are Oddar, Gosa etc. All these villages and their agricultural practice have
been benefited by creation of this wetland (Vora 2005). The area of this wetland
is approximately 100 sq. km (Bharat Rughani, Pers. Comm.). Apart from
rainwater run-off, the main source of water is Minsar river. The catchment area of
the wetland is about 1,217 sq. km (Bharat Rughani, Pers. Comm.)
Site description :
The site dominated by shallow open water area on both sides of concrete track.
One can walk along or drive slowly along the track and look for the waterbirds on
both the sides. On the day of visit the water level on both side was just below the
level of the track. On one side of the track, one can see Gosa Bara bridge at
distance, almost parallel to the track. People (women) were seen washing their
clothes at places. Cotton Teals were many on the day of visit. Fragments of dead
submerged hydrophytes were seen floating near the edge. There were many fishing
boats anchored in open water near the track. The glimpse of the site can be got
from the pictures given below.
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Anchored fishing boats
Glimpse of Gosa Bara Bridge
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Concrete track on which an observer can walk and see birds in open water on both sides (Notice women washing clothes)
Waterbirds (Species richness and abundance):
Gadhvi (2001) recorded 66 species in January 1998. Some of the waterbirds
recorded at this wetland are Common Crane, Northern Shoveler, Heuglin‟s Gull,
Saunder‟s Tern, Blackwinged Stilt, Lesser Sand Plover, Purple Heron, Painted
Stork etc.
Ghadvi (2001) recorded following waterbirds in 1998.
Great Crested Grebe (10), Little Grebe (26), Rosy or White Pelican (150), Little
Cormorant (50), Grey Heron (25), Purple Heron (10), Pond Heron (75), Large
Egret (150), Smaller Egret (10), Little Egret (8), Indian Reef Heron (40), Painted
Stork (100), White Ibis (20), Black Ibis (10), Glossy Ibis (25), Spoonbill (75),
Flamingo (200), Lesser Flamingo (750), Ruddy Shelduck (4), Pintail (300),
Common Teal (200), Spotbilled Duck (150), Wigeon (50), Garganey (60),
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Shoveler (200), Common Pochard (500), Marsh Harrier (40), Demoiselle Crane
(2500), Baillon‟s Crake (10), White Breasted Waterhen (6), Indian Moorhen (12),
Purple Moorhen (10), Coot (2000), Pheasant-tailed Jacana (8), Painted Snipe (4),
Blackwinged Stilt (200), Avocet (20), Indian Stone Curlew (10), Collard
Pranticole (40), Whitetailed Lapwing (12), Redwattled Lapwing (100), Yellow-
wattled Lapwing (20), Golden Plover (25), Whimbrel (6), Curlew (150), Bartailed
Godwit (15), Spotted Redshank (12), Redshank (10), Greenshank (5), Green
Sandpiper (10), Terek Sandpiiper (20), Pintail Snipe (25), Sanderlibng (50), Little
Stint (70), Dunlin (70), Curlew Sandpiper (100), Black Headed Gull (1200), Gull
Billed Tern (30), River Tern (50), Lesser Pied Kingfisher (4), Common
Kingfisher (6), White Breasted Kingfisher (12), Indian Great Reed Warbler (30),
Indian Tree Pipit (3), Paddyfield Pipit (7), Grey Headed Yellow Wagtail (5),
Yellow Headed Wagtail (14), Grey Wagtail (10), White Wagtail (8).
Waterbird abundance level (0-6 scale) : “4” (i.e., “Above average” abundance
level ) as Gadhvi (2001) recorded 10,137 waterbirds. Thus, as per the criteria
adopted for this study, the waterbird abundance level can be said to be “very
high” (level 5).
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Pacific Reef Egret at Gosa Bara
A view of Gosa Bara wetland-with two Common Moorhens
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A Great Egret and a Grey Heron looking for fish
Hydrophytic vegetation:
Plants belonging to Cyperaceae family, submerged vegetation like Najas, Chara
etc.
Submerged hydrophytes at Gosa
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Floating fragment of Najas sp.
Habitat Components:
Diversity of habitat components : 2 (open water, exposed sandy/ muddy shore)
Area on the other side of Gosa Bara brigdge
Dominance of habitat components : open water (Most dominant) > Shore
(limited)
Diversity of micro-habitats (edges) : 1 (Edge between shore and open water)
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Dominance of edges : Edge between shore and open water
Water quality : pH- 6.6 mg/l, TDS- 8910 mg.l Total Hardness- 1016 mg/l, Ca -240 mg/l,
Mg- 100 mg/l, Total Alkalinity- 810 mg/l, Chlorides- 4860 mg/l
Socio-economic dependency: As mentioned earlier, water is used for domestic purpose,
such as washing clothes. However, main dependencies are fishing using boats and
supply of water for irrigation.
Adverse factors against conservation: Unknown. However, water appeared too turbid
on the day of visit.
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Wetlands at/near Kaj, Junagadh district
Kaj Wetland, Kodinar taluka
Introductory Profile
Significance: This is a Prioritized wetland from Gujarat with biodiversity rank-1 and
high socio-economic use as per SACON (MoEF).
Location: Located at 20º 46‟ 06.43‟N, 70º 49‟19.25” E at Kaj/Nanavada village
in Kodinar taluka, Junagadh district. It is located about 13 km east of Kodinar.
Nanavada village has 327 household and 1737 people, whereas Kaj has 630
houeholds and 3933 people as per 2001 Census.
Wetland type: Man-induced, freshwater wetland
Bio-geographic Region & Province: The Semi-Arid (4) & Gujarat-Rajwara (4B)
Administrative Region and District: Saurashtra, Junagadh
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Other general information (based on secondary information and people’s
perception):
Western Reef Egret, Great Egret and other waders
By the term “Kaj wetland” we hereby refer to a wetland formed by a check-dam built
on a small river near Kaj/Nanavada neighbouring villages. In fact, a huge wetland is
also formed in every monsoon by rainwater run-off of Nana and Mota Kaj, Velan and
Mandhval villages getting accumulated due to a nine km long bund. The bund was
constructed in 1985-86 as scarcity relief measure covering coastal villages like Kaj,
Jogikharo, Velan and Madhwalhkharo. It was constructed for the dual purposes of
checking coastal salinity ingress and storing freshwaters for the benefit of local people
This wetland is 9 km long and 1.5 km wide (Vora 2005).
As mentioned in the beginning of this section, there is a check-dam on a small river
Sangawadi that flows towards the Arabian Sea and it also has created another
freshwater wetland having an area of about 5 sq. km. This freshwater wetland is on the
western side of the check-dam. Both the freshwater wetlands are in more or less same
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locality and get mingled during heavy monsoon. On the eastern side of the check-dam,
there is coastal water. The shallow freshwater wetland supports large population of waterbirds.
Migratory cranes are known to utilize coastal mudflats along with the freshwater reservoir. In
January 2000, 18000 migratory cranes were recorded at Kaj, of which, 7,500 were Common
Cranes and 10,500 were Demoiselle Cranes (Gadhvi 2001). This reservoir is densely vegetated
and therefore, offers foraging and resting habitats to a number of bird species. The emergent
vegetation like Typha sp. And Cyperus sp. Are dominant along with rich submered vegetation
(Gadhvi 2001).
Waterbirds (Species Richness and Abundance): This is a unique wetland complex
constituted by construction of bund/check-dam behind Kaj village that blocks a small
river Kaj before it can meet the Arabian Sea. Thus, the bund separates huge freshwater
area (500 ha) on one side (western side) and coastal water on the other side (eastern
side) (Gadhvi 2001). Freshwater side has dense growth of marshy vegetation and
submerged vegetation (Gadhvi 2001). Thus, Kaj wetland complex is a good
combination of fresh open water, saline open water and dense marshy vegetation. On
the day of the visit (date: 14-3-2008), we could not cover the portion behind Kaj
village, and thus could not cover marshy area. However, we could visit open water area
on one side of the road. The area covers the land of Kaj and Sarkharia villages and
extends up to a temple of a goddess which is about 3 km further Kaj village.
Total number of waterbird spp. (species richness/α diversity): During the field
visit only 15 species were recorded (Greater Flamingo, Demoiselle Crane,
Large/Great Egret, Common Coot, Northern Shoveler, Spot-billed Duck, Little
Terns, River Tern, Western Reef Egret, Brahminy Kite, Common Teal, Common
Moorhen, Bar-tailed Godwit, Greenshank, Marsh sandpiper) on 14-3-2008.
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However as per Gadhvi (2001), 65 species of waterbirds were encountered at Kaj
wetland in December 1998 (though only 25 species were recorded in May 1999
by Gadhvi (2001)).
Waterbird abundance level (on 0-6 scale of abundance): “4” (i.e. “Above
average”) on the day of visit. However, Gadhvi (2001) has recorded 15901
waterbirds in Nov. 1999, 42,988 waterbirds in Dec. 1999 and 42,856 waterbirds
in Jan. 2000 and 27,495 waterbirds in Feb. 2000, which means waterbird
abundance level as per the criteria adopted in this study can reach from “Very
High (level-5)” to “Abundant (level-6)”.
Dalmatian Pelican in water and a Demoiselle Crane on land
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Congregation of Demoiselle Cranes (resting) at Kaj Wetland
Greater Flamingos and Northern Shovelers resting in open water
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Ghadvi (2001) recorded following waterbirds(with numbers in brackets) in 1999.
Rosy or White Pelican (400), Dalmatian Pelican (25), Indian Shag (100), Little
Cormorant (1000), Grey Heron (200), Purple Heron (11), Pond Heron (100),
Large Egret (1500), Indian Reef Heron (25), Painted Stork (200), Blacknecked
Stork (1), White Ibis (50), Spoonbill (2000), Flamingo (5000), Lesser Flamingo
(1000), Ruddy Shelduck (100), Common Teal (1000), Spotbilled Duck (1),
Gadwall (2000), Wigeon (1000), Shoveler (700), Marsh Harrier (5), Common
Crane (7000), Demoiselle Crane (10000), Indian Moorhen (20), Purple Moorhen
(50), Coot (5000), Blackwinged Stilt (1000), Avocet (600), Little Ringed Plover
(25), Blacktailed Godwit (1000), Redshank (12), Marsh Sandpiper (200), Wood
Sandpiper (1), Common Sandpiper (1), Little Stint (25), Ruff & Reeve (1000),
Brownheaded Gull (2).
Hydrophytic vegetation:
Typha angustata, Cyperus spp., Scirpus spp. on the marshy side.
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Scirpus sp. at Kaj wetland
Cyperus sp. at Kaj wetland
Habitat Component:
Diversity of habitat components : 3 (open water, shore, emergent vegetation )
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Dominance of habitat components : Open water (Most dominant) > Emergent
vegetation cover (reed bed) > shore.
Diversity of micro-habitats (edges) : 2 (Edge between shore and open water,
edge between reed beds and open water)
Dominance of edges : Edge between open water and shore > Edge between open
water and reed beds.
Water quality : pH-9.8, Temp- 27 °C (morning), TDS-1330 mg/l, Total
Alkalinity- 151 mg/l, Total Hardness- 298 mg/l, Ca- 63 mg/l, Mg-230 mg/l, DO-7
MG/L, Cl-74 mg/l (winter season sampling)
Adverse factors against conservation: Unknown.
Kaj wetland is located at Kaj village in Kodinar Taluka of Junagadh District. Kaj
wetland is created few years before by constructing a check dam and preventing
the small river flowing towards the Arabian Sea. Thus eastern side of the reservoir
is coastal water and western side is a huge reservoir about 500 ha area which
supported large population of birds. Migratory Cranes were observed to utilize the
coastal mudflat along with the reservoir. As the reservoir is densely vegetated, it
offers most suitable abode for a large number and variety of birds. The emergent
vegetation like Typha sp. and Cyperus sp. were dominant along with the rich
submerged vegetation, which provides ample food and shelter to the birds.
Among all the wetland surveyed, the highest population of wintering Cranes was
observed in January 2000. 18000 Cranes were recorded from the Kaj of which
7500 were Common Crane and 10500 were Demoiselle Cranes. The bird
population in comparison with the year 1998-1999 was very high in the year
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1999-2000. These phenomena might have been observed due to scarcity of water
in other wetlands of the District and the adjoining Districts. The bird population
of other area might have been attracted towards Kaj. In December 1999 and
January 2000, 14 species of birds were recorded from 1000 to 10000 in number.
Which included species like Coot, Pintail, Gadwall, Common Teal, Wigeon etc.
and waders like spoonbill, Ruff & Reeve, Blacktailed Godwit etc? Maximum
number of species (65) was observed in December 1998 whereas minimum
number of species (25) was observed in May 1999. Breeding of residential
waterfowl was recorded, of which Purple Moorhen, Chestnut Bittern, Kora,
Indian Moorhen, White Breasted Waterhen, Spotbill Duck and Little Grebe were
observed with their chicks or juveniles.
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Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary, Jamnagar District
Khijadiya wetlands, Jamnagar Taluka
Introductory Profile:
Significance: Bird Sanctuary (Protected Area) under Indian Wildlife (Protection),
Act-1972, IBA Site from Gujarat
Location: Khijadiya wetland (22° 32‟ N, 70° 08‟ E) is located on the western
point of the country on the southern coast of the Gulf of Kachchh. It is situated at
the distance of 12 km from Jamnagar city (on the north-east side of the city).
From the capital city of the state, this wetland is located at the distance of 345 km.
Climatically, it is located in the semi-arid land and biogeographically the area is
located in 4B Gujarat-Rajwara biotic province.
Wetland type: Combination of man-made freshwater marshy pools very adjacent
to coastal wetlands (salt-pans and inter-tidal flats)
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Other general information (based on secondary information and people’s
perception): During the 1930s, a barrage was constructed between Jamnagar and
Navlakhi (43 km to the east) to reclaim coastal salt marsh for agricultural land.
Only 7 km of barrage, in the Khijadia area, have been maintained in working
order. The principle of the barrage was to desalinate the salt marsh by preventing
tidal inundation and to use the monsoon rains to fertilize the soils with the rich silt
washed down by the flood waters. As the salinity decreased in the 1940s and
1950s, the reservoirs were colonized by aquatic plants and extensive reed-beds
developed. By the time, however, the need for freshwater had become more
important than the requirement for agricultural land and plans to drain the area
were abandoned. Instead, four pumping stations were installed at the east of the
main Khijadia “lake” (reservoir) to supply freshwater to nearby villages.
The marshes and the reservoirs are fed by the monsoon rainwater run-off in
several seasonal streams. Khijadia salt-pans, which lie to the north and the east of
the barrage, extend into a large area of salt mash between the barrage and the sea.
A deep channel connects the outflow from the lakes with a tidal channel running
down to the sea. By the end of the monsoon the flood waters may reach 2 m in
depth and cover over 1,000 ha; as the dry season advances, the area of the open
water decreases, exposing extensive mud-flats, especially at the eastern end of the
reservoir. At low water levels, salt water seeps under the barrage from the Gulf
during high tide. Studies conducted in February and March 1984 revealed no
contamination of the water with salt, a pH of 7, a noticeable green algal bloom
and steady rate of water-loss of 0.8-0.9 cm per day. Two of the 3 reservoirs are
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bunded with a motorable road along one side and third is dammed by a larger
structure of cement, stones and earth (soil). In 1985 and 1986, all the three
reservoirs dried out in the summer months (March-June) as a result of inadequate
monsoon rainfall.
The Khijadiya wetlands were declared as a sanctuary under the Wildlife
(Protection) Act, 1972 vide Govt. of Gujarat, Forests and Environment
Department Notification no. AKH-81-WLP-1081-102123/P dated 27-5-1981 and
AKH-209182-WLP-1081/102123-42 dated 6-11-1982. Formerly, this area was a
seacoast and marshy revenue wasteland of the village Khijadiya, Jambuda and
Dhunvav of Jamnagar district. The seashore forms the northern boundary of the
sanctuary, Jambuda village land forms eastern boundary, village land of Dhunvav,
Khijadiya and Jambuda villages forms the southern boundary and Jamnagar land
forming western boundary. The vast land surrounding Khijadiya sanctuary is
degraded wasteland and cultivated land on landward side and intertidal seacoast
on seaward side. On the seaward side it faces marine sanctuary area and salt
works (Pandey and Teli 2005).
Site description:
A visitor moving along a trail connecting freshwater marshy pools may
subconsciously compare Khijadiya wetlands with „Bharatpur wetlands‟ (i.e.,
Keoladeo National Park). This is because, a visitor wanting to carry out birding in
the freshwater marshy pools has to move along the straight untarred track and just
like at Keoladeo N.P., he/she would see wetlands on both sides of the track.
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However, the differences are many. E.g., the visitor would see freshwater marshy
pools on one side of the track, but see salt-pans and inter-tidal flats on the other
side. And this makes Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary a unique wetland based PA as it is
the only wetland based PA in Gujarat (and perhaps also in Western India), where
one can find combination of freshwater and salt-water wetlands. Thus, on one
hand, one may find rallids like Purple Swamphen and Common Moorhen in the
freshwater marshy pool that would usually avoid visiting salt-water/coastal
wetlands and on the other hand he/she may come across waterbirds like Eurasian
Oystercatcher, dunlins and sanderlings which one cannot expect at freshwater
marshy wetlands. Thus, Khijadiya Sanctuary offers the best of both the worlds to
an enthusiastic birder. Another difference is that unlike at Keoladeo, whereas
there is absence of Prosopis juliflora in Keoladeo N.P, there is predominance of
Prosopis juliflora along with Salvadora persica shrubs on the sides of the
untarred track. An attentive birder can at once notice the presence of White-eyes
in the „canopy‟ of these shrubs through their calls. Unlike in Keoladeo N. P.
where there is only one watch-tower at the end of the straight track from entrance
to the “Kevladeo temple/World Heritage Site display-board, Khijadiya has
multiple, well-spaced watch-towers to facilitate good bird-watching. It would be a
great experience for an enthusiastic birder to set a spotting scope on a watch tower
and see a female Black-necked Stork at its nest at the top of a tree. While moving
in the sanctuary one can also see a number of nilgai (bluebull) and wild boars
foraging in freshwater marshy habitats. As far as coastal habitat is concerned one
can see coastal birds in salt-pans and inter-tidal flat.
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Waterbirds: Khijadiya wetland is an extremely important staging and wintering
area for a wide variety of waterbirds. Almost 200 species of birds have been
recorded in the Sanctuary that includes about 94 species of waterbirds (Roy and
Hussain 1993). During a study by GEER Foundation during late 1990s/early
2000s, a total of 189 species of birds had been recorded of which 117 species
were waterbirds and 72 species were of terrestrial birds. Of the 117 species of
waterfowl recorded at Khijadiya 38% were migratory, 37% were resident-
migratory and 35% were resident species for the Indian subcontinent. It was
found that months of winter have been the months with maximum diversity and
population of waterbirds. Of the 189 species of birds recorded in Khijadiya
Sanctuary, 12 species were Globally Threatened species as per Birdlife
International 2001 and IUCN Red List of the Threatened species. Apart from rich
wintering birdlife, Khijadiya wetland is very important for the nesting waterbirds.
Three uncommon nesting waterbirds, viz. Great Crested Grebe, Glossy Ibis and
Black-necked Stork have been regularly nesting at the Khijadiya wetlands
(Pandey and Teli 2005). Khijadiya sanctuary is perhaps the only place in India
where Great Crested Grebe can be seen throughout the year. On the day of the
visit on 15-3-2008, Great Crested Grebe, River Tern, Grey Heron, Demoiselle
Crane, Pied Kingfisher) were sighted..
However, Ghadvi (2001) recorded following waterbirds in 1999.
Great Crested Grebe (10), Black necked Grebe (25), Rosy or White Pelican (260),
Dalmatian Pelican (10), Large Cormorant (210), Little Cormorant (410), Darter or
Snakebird (12), Grey Heron (25), Purple Heron (10), Little Green Heron (2), Pond
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Heron (29), Large Egret (15), Smaller Egret (20), Little Egret (10), Night Heron
(55), Painted Stork (460), Blacknecked Stork (6), White Ibis (23), Black Ibis (2),
Glossy Ibis (49), Spoonbill (125), Lesser Whistling Teal (3), Pintail (94),
Common Teal (78), Spotbilled Duck (10), Wigeon (100), Shoveler (350), Cotton
Teal (25), Marsh Harrier (3), Common Crane (4000), Demoiselle Crane (5500),
Ruddy Crake (2), Whitebreasted Waterhen (3), Indian Moorhen (25), Purple
Moorhen (26), Coot (170), Oystercatcher (2) Avocet (250), Crab Plover (150),
Collared Pranticole (150), White-tailed Lapwing (8), Little Ringed Plover (10),
Whimbrel (30), Blacktailed Godwit (150), Spotted Redshank (30), Redshank (10),
Greenshank (20), Terek Sandpiper (18), Pintail Snipe (3), Sanderling (8), Little
Stint (1), Temminck‟s Stint (36), Curlew Sandpiper (95), Yellow Leged Herring
Gull (20), Lesser Black Backed Gull (10), Great Blackheaded Gull (5),
Brownheaded Gull (26), Blackheaded Gull (29), Slender Billed Gull (20),
Whiskered Tern (6)), Gull Billed Tern (40), Caspian Tern (26), Little Tern (60),
Indian Skimmer (120), Lesser Pied Kingfisher (3), Common Kingfisher (1),
Whitebreasted Kingfisher (4), Blyth‟s Reed Warbler (3), Indian Great Reed
Warbler (10), Large Pied Wagtail (4).
Thus, total waterbird species richness (or α diversity) -70.
It may, however, be noted that Pandey and Teli (2005) have recorded 117 species
of waterbirds at Khijadiya bird sanctuary.
Waterbird abundance level: “Low” on the day of visit on 14-3-2008. However,
that does not represent truly winter data. Gadhvi (2001) recorded 13,636
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waterbirds in December 1998 and 13,616 waterbirds in December 1999. Pandey
and Teli (2005) recorded as many as 12554 waterbirds and 15,689 waterbirds
only at Jambuda freshwater pools in Nov. 2001 and Dec.(1st week) 2001
respectively. Based on these observations of the past studies, it can be
undoubtedly inferred that as per the criteria adopted for the present study
waterbird abundance level of Khijadiya can reach at least “Very High” level
(i.e., level 5 on 0-6 scale) and it is very likely that it can also reach “Abundant”
level (i.e., level 6 on 0-6 abundance scale).
Hydrophytic vegetation: The principal emergent species include Typha
angustata, Scirpus littoralis/validus, Cyperus sp and Saccharum spontaneum.
Submerged aquatic plants include Hydrilla verticillata, Vallisneria spirallis and
Najas minor. During the study conducted by GEER Foundation, following
species were recorded: Nymphaea stellata, Hydrilla verticellata, Najas sp.,
Scirpus grossus, Cyperus bulbosus, Cyperus compressus Cyperus iria, Cyperus
pangorei, Cyperus rotundus, Fimbristylis sp., Ipomoea aquatica, I. pes-carpea,
Bulbostylis barbata, Bulboschoenus maritimus, Ipomoea fistulosa, Polygonum
plebejum.
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Habitat Components:
Diversity of habitat components within the sanctuary : 4 (open freshwater,
freshwater marsh, Scrub cover, shore land )
Dominance of habitat components : Open freshwater (most dominant) ~ marshy
vegetation > Scrub cover/tree cover > shore (least)
Diversity of micro-habitats (edges) : 2 (Edge between shore and open water,
edge between open water and marsh)
Dominance of edges : Edge between open water and shore < Edge between open
water and marsh
Water Quality:
For freshwater reservoirs-pH- 9, TDS- 1440 mg/L, Ca- 2 mg/L, Mg- 2 mg/L,
Total Hardness- 3 mg/L, Total alkalinity- 270 mg/L, Chlorides- 275 mg/L
(sampling in mid- winter season).
Khijadiya coastal: pH- 6.4, TDS- 5,120 mg/L, Total Hardness: 904 mg/L, Ca -
227 mg/L, Mg- 22 mg/L, Total Alkalinity- 330 mg/L, Chlorides- 2,690 mg/L
(sampling in mid- winter season).
Socio-economic dependency: Water supply for drinking and domestic uses in
nearby villages, also for irrigation, salt production
Adverse factors against conservation: A well-protected wetland. However, if
we compare this sanctuary with Keoladeo N. P. in Rajasthan where Prosopis
juliflora is absent (after human intervention), too much presence of Prosopis
juliflora appears undesirable. Only native plants like Acacia nilotica and
Salvadora Persica should ideally thrive.
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Nanda bet wetland, Kachchh
(A)
(B)
(A) Nanda bet wetland (shown by a rectangle frame), Bhuj Taluka-its location with respect to Adesar (B): Detailed View
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Introductory Profile
Significance: Recommended as an important wetland to be surveyed by local
waterbird experts.
Location: Nanda bet wetland is located at 23⁰ 33‟ N latitudes and 71⁰ 05‟ E
longitudes in Rapar taluka of Kachchh district. It is situated at the distance of 10
km southwest of Adesar (Kachchh district) and 5 km off Piprala (Banaskantha
district).
Wetland type: Coastal brackish and saline lagoon and marsh (Roy and Hussain
1993).
Other information (based on secondary information and people’s
perception):
Total area of sq. Nanda bet wetland is 5 is 50 sq. km or 5,000 ha (Roy and
Hussain 1993). It is a natural wetland though its hydrology is influenced by the
damming/bunding. It is a part of fringe area of Little Rann of Kachchh. The
wetland is formed, both by the waters of the river Banas and the tidal waters from
portion of Gulf adjacent to the Little Rann of Kachchh in monsoon (Singh et al.,
1998). There exists a bund her river Banas. Thus, this wetland is unique in being
formed by inter-mixing of freshwater of a river Banas and tidal waters from the
Gulf of Kachchh. In winter, the main source of water is the course of the river
Banas (Singh et al 1998). The mean annual rainfall in this area is 320 mm and the
rainfall is highly erratic. Temperatures reach extremes in summer and winter (Roy
and Hussain 1993).
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Site Description: This is a very large wetland and is separated into northern and
southern portions by a bund-cum-road that connects Adesar with Nanda bet
(island). The waters of the northern and southern parts are interconnected through
the pipelines installed across the bund. When an observer stands on the bund-
cum-road connecting Adesar with Nanda bet, he/she observes a vast sheet of open
water during post-monsoon to mid-winter season following a good rainy season.
When dried, especially in summers, he/she sees mirage at the far end with
illusory reflection of trees. During good water conditions, though the open water
sheet is a predominant feature. After a good rainy season, the entire habitat is
mainly dominated by the shallow open water and shallowness is often indicated
by the presence of foraging waders like stilt, avocet, godwits and sandpipers as
also the surface feeding ducks. There has been a narrow belt of the muddy edge
on the northwestern side near the beginning of the bund where few waders are
seen quite often. The open water area on the southern side of the bund was seen
under the influence of Bihari fishermen who carry out fishing activity using
manually operated canoes and nylon nets.
Waterbirds (Species richness and abundance): Following waterbirds were
recorded in January 2009:
Northern Shoveler (2,000 +), Common Coot (1000+), Eurasian Spoonbill (214),
Black-tailed Godwit (60), Great White Pelican (53), Greater Flamingo (28), Little
Egret (10), Dalmatian Pelican (3), Avocet (22), Little Egret (10), Slender-billed
Gull (6), Painted Stork (4), Grey Heron (4), Little Stint (3), Western Reef Egret
(1)
OIW-31
Other Freshwater Wetlands
Singh et al (1998) recorded following waterbirds (with maximum count in
parenthesis):
Great Crested Grebe (2), Little Grebe (3), Great White Pelican (226), Dalmatian
Pelican (14), Little Cormorant(2), Grey Heron (11), Large Egret (18), Smaller
Egret (4), Western Reef Egret (22), Painted Stork(40), Black-head/Oriental White
Ibis (2), Eurasian Spoonbill(890), Greater Flamingo (2,071), Lesser Flamingo
(5,000), Northern Pintail (5,917), Common Teal (110), Eurasian Wigeon (500),
Northern Shoveler (5,000), Common Pochard (37), Marsh Harrier (1), Greater
Spotted Eagle (1), Common Crane (220), Common Coot (4183), Black-winged
Stilt (87), Avocet (15), Black-tailed Godwit (200), Marsh Sandpiper (54),
Whiskered Tern (28), Gull-billed Tern (4), Little Tern (14), Kentish Plover(32),
Little Ringed Plover(10), Common Redshank(4), Greenshank(3), Common
Sandpiper(8), Ruff(20), Brown-headed Gull(62), Slender-billed Gull(61), Black-
headed Gull (5), Gull-billed Tern(54), Caspian Tern (5).
Total number of waterbird spp. (α diversity/species richness): 41
Waterbird abundance: 5 (abundant)
Threatened birds (as per IUCN Red List of Threatened species 2010):
Dalmatian Pelican (Vulnerable), Lesser Flamingo (NT), Painted Stork(NT).
Black-head/Oriental White Ibis (NT), Black-tailed Godwit (NT)
Hydrophytic vegetation: There is no visible hydrophytic vegetation.
Habitat component:
Diversity of habitat components: 3 (open water, shore-land)
OIW-32
Other Freshwater Wetlands
Dominance of habitat components: open water (Most dominant) > Shore-land
(Limited)
Diversity of micro-habitats (edges): 1(Edge between shore-land and open water)
Dominance of edges: Edge between open water and open shore-land
Water Quality: pH-, TDS- mg/L, Total Hardness-mg/L, Total Alkalinity- mg/L,
Ca- mg/L, Mg- mg/L, Chlorides- mg/L, Na- mg/L, Sulphate- mg/L, % Na-
Socio-economic dependency: Fishing, recreation (bird-watching)
OIW-33
Other Freshwater Wetlands
Panoli Effluent Treatment/ Filtration Pond, Bharuch District
Panoli Wetland, Ankleshwar Taluka
Introductory Profile:
Significance: Prioritized inland wetland site as per SACON (MoEF)
Location: Located at 21º 33‟ 735”N, 72º 59‟ 117”E in Ankleshwar taluka,
Bharuch district. It is located in GIDC-Panoli at the distance of about 10 km from
Ankleshwar.
Wetland type: Man-made effluent treatment /filtration pond
Bio-geographic Region and Province: The Semi-Arid (4) & Gujarat-Rajwara (4B)
Administrative Region and District: South Gujarat, Bharuch
OIW-34
Other Freshwater Wetlands
Other general information (based on secondary information and people’s
perception): The area of this wetland is about 19.5 ha (derived from Google
earth) and total perimeter of it is about 2 km.
This is a filtration pond on the GIDC premise. As per local people interviewed,
the water from Ukai dam comes to this pond, filtered and provided for the units/
offices within GIDC.
Site Description: This is a small-sized rectangular pond with a concrete, sloping
rocky embankment. Thus, due to this embankment, there is very little natural
shoreline. There have been some Cyperaceae plants and grasses growing from
amidst the rocks on the embankment and except them, there has been no emergent
hydrophyte. However, there is a Broad-gauge railway track passing in the vicinity
and between this rail-track and the pond, there is a large patch of very tall and
dense Typha in which good number of potentially nesting Black-headed Munias
and Black-throated/Streaked Weaverbirds occur. The first impression this pond
gives to a serious observer is of a pure duck-pond. This is because, owing to the
lack of suitable shore-line, this wetland is unsuitable for warders on one hand and
therefore no waders are seen here. On the other hand, it supports a variety of
ducks every winter owing to good amount of submerged vegetation.
Waterbirds (Species Richness and Abundance):
Total number of waterbird spp. (α diversity/species richness): 8 on 14-3-2008
[Gadwall (53), Northern Pintail (64), Northern Shoveler (65), Common Teal (35),
OIW-35
Other Freshwater Wetlands
Garganey (27), Little Cormorants (17), Indian Cormorant (5), Common Coot
(103)].
However, Patel (2011) recorded following waterbirds in January 2011: Gadwall
(70), Spot-billed Duck (50), Eurasian Wigeon (70), Common Teal (50), Garganey
(40), Northern Pintail (80), Northern Shoveler (80), Common Pochard (10),
Waterbird abundance level : “4” (Above Average)
Panoli wetland is predominantly inhabited by only migratory ducks and coots
A tree on the margin is utilized by egrets and cormorants and therefore it is heavily marked with their white excreta
OIW-36
Other Freshwater Wetlands
Hydrophytic vegetation: Total absence of floating-leaved submerged plants is
noticeable feature of this wetland. As mentioned in „site description‟ there is
negligible presence of emergent hydrophytes as barring Scirpus sp. of Cyperaceae
family no hydrophytic plants exhibit significant present on the margin of the
wetland as the margins are sloping and rock-ladden embankments. Besides
dominant Scirpus sp., Ipomoea carnea and Typha aungustata exist to a limited
extent on the embankment. Submerged hydrophytic vegetation is luxuriant with
Chara sp. –a macro-alga being the predominant hydrophyte. Vallisneria and
Hydrilla also exist. There is also a possibility of presence of Blyxa sp.
Panoli wetland has luxuriant growth of rooted submerged hydrophytic vegetation
OIW-37
Other Freshwater Wetlands
Chara sp. – one of the most predominant submerged plants (a macro-alga)
Blyxa sp. an uncommon rooted submersed hydrophyte. Unlike Vallisneria, its leaves are broad, non-linear and they are not ribbon-like. As shown in in-set, they have acute tips (see inset picture)
OIW-38
Other Freshwater Wetlands
Scirpus validus Vahl surviving on the dry margin of Panoli filtration-pond
Ipomoea carnea occurs patchily on rocky margin (embankment)
OIW-39
Other Freshwater Wetlands
‘Open water’ is the only significant habitat component of this wetland as there is almost no shore area due to rocky, sloping embankment encompassing the open water habitat. No islets/islands.
Habitat Component:
Diversity of habitat components for waterbirds : 1 (open water)
Diversity of micro-habitats (useful edges for waterbirds) : 0
Due to sloping rocky embankment around this man-made pond, there is no useful edge for waterbirds unlike open water-muddy shore edge that exists at many wetlands
OIW-40
Other Freshwater Wetlands
Dominance of useful edges : No useful edge
Water quality: pH: 10, TDS: 134 mg/l, DO: 5 mg/l, Ca: 21 mg/l, Mg: 62 mg/l,
Total Hardness: 84 mg/l, Total alkalinity: 136 mg/l, Chlorides: 30 mg/l (sampling
in mid-winter season).
Main socio-economic dependency: Filtration of water that is further provided to
GIDC units/offices etc.
Adverse factors against conservation: As this is a filtration pond, the water
received may be polluted. Broad-gauge rail-track is very near to this wetland and
heavy train-traffic can create noise pollution problem for sensitive birds.
OIW-41
Management Suggestions
MANAGEMENT SUGGESTIONS (MS)
MS-1
Management Suggestions
CHAPTER 10
MANAGEMENT SUGGESTIONS
Wetland management strategies should be planned and implemented to fulfill two
major goals; i.e., a) long-term conservation of its ecology and biodiversity, and b)
sustainable use for human community that is dependent on the respective
wetlands.
Earlier works by Gadhvi (2001), Parashrya and Jani (2006), and GUIDE (2009)
have already given several wetland management suggestions. The present study
reiterates and supports them.
Besides, as this report is based on the directory of wetlands as per the major types
(such as Dams, Irrigation Storage Reservoirs, Village Ponds, City Reservoirs,
Marshy Wetlands, Salt Pans etc.), “type-specific” management suggestions are
given in the succeeding sections. Such, type-wise management suggestions had
not been attempted by earlier workers (mentioned above) who carried out wetland
projects through the funding by Gujarat Forest Dept. It should, however be noted
that though there indeed exist some suggestions that might be unique to each
wetland type, it is impossible to give type-wise management suggestions without
some overlap. So, some suggestions would be found under multiple wetland
types.
11.1 Management Suggestions for Dams in Gujarat
MS-2
Management Suggestions
1. This study has shown that several dams (or more specifically; several reservoirs
associated with dams), have been supporting a variety of resident and migratory
waterbirds in good numbers. Dantiwada, Veri, Bardasagar etc. are some
examples. So, it is highly desirable to propagate/popularize avian
value/significance of the dams that are known to support rich waterbird diversity
in winters from year to year. Various sections of the society, including the
authorities, planners, developers, NGO officials etc. should be made aware about
avian value/significance of such dams.
2. The present study has shown that some of the dams such as Dantiwada,
Bardasagar, Veri, Amipur, Sihan, Aji, Machhan nala etc. have very high
value/significance as waterbird habitats. Therefore, similar to wildlife/bird
sanctuary status given to Thol wetland despite its original purpose as irrigation
reservoir, possibility of giving recognition to some of these dams as sanctuaries/
Conservation Reserves should be explored.
3. It was observed at several some dams (e.g., Nayka, Dantiwada, Amipur etc.) that
cultivation is carried out up to/very near to the edge of the waterbody (dam’s
reservoir), especially when water in the reservoir has been getting dried at a rapid
rate from mid-winter to summer season. This kind of practice is not ecologically
sound as on one hand it increases the possibility of pesticide pollution of water of
the reservoir and on the other hand it may also accelerate shore-erosion process
leading to sedimentation and turbidity of reservoir waters. Possibility of leaving
some “no agriculture zone” immediate environs of the reservoir should be
explored if some dams can be given Conservation Reserve/ sanctuary status.
MS-3
Management Suggestions
4. Majority of dams have rock/ stone/brick embankment covering large portion of
periphery of the reservoir. Such embankments drastically meet open water edges,
leaving no scope for open shore-land area that is ideally so important for
resting/roosting life requisites of ducks, waders and some other waterbirds like
cormorants, darters etc. This kind of slanting embankment represents loss of
resting/roosting habitat. To substitute for such a loss of resting/roosting habitat
along the periphery of a dam-reservoir (i.e., at the edge between open water and
rocky embankment), wooden, tarapas-like floating planks may be anchored at the
afore-said edge on trial bases. Such a trial can be done for those dams which
might be selected for rendering the status of Conservation Reserve/Sanctuary. It is
very likely that waterbirds like cormorants, egrets, ducks etc. would use them as
substrate for resting and roosting.
5. At Lakhi dam (Mandvi taluka, Surat), waterbird poaching was recorded and has
been reported in this study report. It is likely that such poaching incidents might
be occurring at other bird-rich dams like Bardasagar, Amipur and Dantiwada
dam. To prevent/reduce it, Forest Dept. can establish small filed-offices at major
bird-rich dams with patrolling staff. The patrolling staff should be equipped with
motor-bike and necessary weapons which would not only help catching poachers
but also create threat in the area among poaching elements. In fact, ideally it is
very important that dams (at least selected dams known for their rich birdlife)
should be under the dual control of Irrigation Department and Forest Department.
MS-4
Management Suggestions
If such a dual jurisdiction is possible for Thol wetland, such possibility should be
explored for dam-reservoirs of Gujarat.
6. If there is an islet of fairly large size amidst a reservoir (e.g., in Rudramata, Ghee
etc.), some of its space in the center/core should be used for growing trees like A.
nilotica leaving peripheral area open (i.e., uncovered with trees). Such a strategy
would provide substrate for nesting/roosting by heronry-forming waterbirds on
trees in the core area and substrate for resting/roosting by waders/ducks etc in
peripheral open land of the islet.
7. Dam-reservoirs are typically deep waterbodies and therefore they are usually
characterized by lack of emergent vegetation. Ideally, lack of emergent vegetation
is not a desirable aspect for any wetland from the view point of waterbird habitat.
Therefore, efforts should be made to detect any shore-land area available to grow
emergent vegetation like Typha and Scirpus etc. To grow emergent plants, the
parent material can be transported from nearest wetland with emergent plants. The
parent material can be whole plants, 20-30 cm stems, rhizoms or tubers rather
than seeds (Mitsch and Gosselink 2000). The planting and maintenance of
emergents can be a shared responsibility of Forest Dept. and local people/NGOs.
8. To emphasize the use of dams by waterbirds and bird-watchers/nature-lovers,
descent bird displays (in the form of pictures attached at the top of posts) should
be erected at several places within the dam-premises by Forest Dept/NGOs.
MS-5
Management Suggestions
9. Dams like Dantiwada (Sabarkantha), Bardasagar (Porbandar), Amipur
(Porbandar), Veri(Rajkot), Machhan (Dahod), Sihan (Jamnagar), Aji II (Rajkot)
and Brahmni (Surendranagar) and Nayka (Surendranagar) are found to be
waterbird-rich dams. So they should be given one or the other conservation status
at least by considering them as Wetlands of National Significance..
11.2. Management Suggestions for Irrigation Reservoirs of Gujarat
1. Many irrigation reservoirs, especially those of Central and South Gujarat (Kheda
Anand and Valsad districts) are infested with over-growth of submerged,
submerged-floating, free-floating and emergent hydrophytes. Their growth has
reached to the stage that compels one to consider the hydrophytic growth as
“weedy growth”. When such vegetation dies off, it forms a thick, slimy and
yellow mat of decomposing matter that floats on surface and in turn, affects the
ecology of the wetland and also reduces the aesthetic aspect of the wetland. Thus,
it is high time that the wetlands like Pariej, Traj, Naghrama, Saiyant and Kanewal
in Kheda-Andand districts and Paalan in Valsad district should be taken on
priority basis for mechanical or chemical weed control. Mechanical control is
more desirable as chemical control may have adverse impact on food-web. Efforts
should be made to have “hemi-marsh” system at the wetlands (50% open water,
50% vegetation cover).
2. The excessive growth of hydrophytic vegetation that leads to the vegetation-
choked wetland is often a result of man-induced accelerated nutrient enrichment
MS-6
Management Suggestions
of the wetland referred to as “cultural eutrophication”. It may be noted that
majority of such irrigation reservoirs are located in agrarian landscape (e.g. Pariej,
Kanewal, Naghrama etc.) and one cannot deny the possibility of phoshphate and
nitrate ferilizers mixing with the agricultural run-off and further draining into the
wetlands. Thus, to decelerate excessive growth of hydrophytes, likely process of
“cultural eutrophication” should be retarded and that further calls for the need of
educating farmers to use organic manures/vermin-compost/ organic fertilizers etc.
Undoubtedly, this is a long-term solution but it needs intensive
propaganda/popularization by government agencies and NGOs encouraging
farmers to use organic fertilizers/manure/vermin-post instead of synthetic N/P
based fertilizers. Overflowing may be permitted in a well-controlled manner to
wash out the thick scum layer on water surface in irrigation wetlands. Effort may
be made to see that PA based irrigation reservoirs and natural lakes(like Thol,
Chhari-dhandh and Nal-Sarovar), that are known to be “waterbird havens” should
not cross “hemi-marsh” stage. This is because Baldassare and Bolen (1994) have
stated that wetlands with a water-to-vegetation ratio of 50:50-a condition known
as “hemi-marsh”-may support the greatest diversity of the bird species
[Baldassare and Bolen (1994): Waterfowl Ecology and Management, John Wiley
& Sons, Inc., 609pp].
3. Waters of many storage irrigation reservoirs are used by local farmers intensively
without any regulation. This trend must be reduced/controlled for the benefit of
waterbirds and other aquatic fauna.
MS-7
Management Suggestions
4. Due to delayed rainy season, or some other reasons, irrigation reservoirs like
‘Thol’ are sometimes filled up with water to their brims just at the onset of
waterfowl wintering season. Such phenomenon is undesirable as majority of
waterbirds occurring at Thol are surface feeding ducks and waders that require
shallow waters. Such undesirable aspect can be solved by considering the fact that
Thol-like reservoirs are primarily constructed for human need of irrigation. Thus,
at the onset of waterfowl wintering season, if the Thol wetland is found full of
water (upto the brim), care may be taken to release its waters to surrounding
irrigation need. Thus, both the requirements, i.e., irrigation water needs of local
farmers and shallow water depth needs of majority of waterbirds can be fulfilled.
However, sometimes problem arises from the view-point of waterbird habitat
quality when local farmers too do not need irrigation water from Thol and in that
case, waters need to be kept stored in the wetland and in turn, water-level reaches
up to the brim of the wetland (i.e., Thol). To solve such problem, in the long
term, there is need of some long-term civil engineering-cum-hydraulic
engineering strategy by which Thol and its satellite wetlands like Chandrasan,
Adhana, Govindpura, Nadan get interconnected through some kind of
canal/pipeline networking. If that can be done, Thol's water level can be regulated
as per the need by releasing any "extra" water to one or more of these satellite
wetlands. That way, the "extra" waters can be released from Thol even when
farmers won't be requiring. If Thol is filled up to the brim at the on-set of
wintering season of waterfowl migration, another simple way to release waters
MS-8
Management Suggestions
from Thol wetland might be to release it to Nal as it is well-known that Thol and
Nal are connected through a canal.
5. Many of the irrigation reservoirs are used for releasing fish-fingerlings and
carrying out market oriented fishing activity. Typically, the wetlands are given on
lease to fish-merchants and these fish-merchants engage poor fishermen from
states other than Gujarat (mainly from Bihar). It must be noted that fish is a food
resource shared by men and piscivorous waterbirds alike. So, considering that
fish-eating birds also need fish as a food resource, indiscriminate fishing without
any control should be controlled. Fishing nets with small mesh size that facilitate
capturing small fish (fingerlings etc.) should be legally banned. Moreover, there
should be some control on number of boats operating in a wetland per day and/or
number of hours of fishing per day and/or number of fishermen. In case of large
irrigation reservoir (e.g., Kanewal in Anand, Waghroli in Kheda etc.), some open
water areas should be kept free from commercial fishing activity (employing use
of nylon nets). Such areas can be decided based on short-term studies to
understand where maximum foraging activities of piscivorous birds is taking
place. In no case, fishing should be allowed during nesting season of heronry-
forming birds. All this banning pertaining to unsustainable fishing should be
implemented at least in those wetlands (irrigation reservoir) that are either PAs or
IBAs or potential Ramsar Sites or Nationally Important wetlands.
MS-9
Management Suggestions
6. Irrigation reservoirs that are known to support rich waterbird life from year to
year should be given one or the other legal conservation status and their status
should be propagated. If it is not possible to give them PA status, they should be
considered for the status of Conservation Reserves to discourage indiscriminate
commercial exploitation of the resources like fish and water (for irrigation).
Moreover, they can also be declared as Wetlands of National Importance. Pariej,
Kanewal, Traj, Saiyant, Naghrama, Paalan, Wadhvana are few such example.
Like If administratively feasible, just like Thol irrigation reservoir, all such
wetlands should be under the dual control of Gujarat State Irrigation Dept. and
Gujarat Forest Dept.
7. At irrigation reservoirs having bird sanctuary status (e.g., Thol) and other
reservoirs with IBA status like Pariej, Wetland Interpretation Complexes (WIC)
should be established. Such complexes would be different from conventional
Interpretation Centers of Forest Dept. typically housed in single, small buildings.
Rather, each of such complexes would be the cluster of various
interpretation/knowledge imparting centers spread over several acres of land
(depending on availability) adjoining the wetlands. Each of Such Interpretation
Complex may be constituted of wetland information Center, flora-fauna
identification center/wetland-based natural history museum, amphitheater,
wetland library, wetland audio-visual center, observation-hides etc.
11.3. Management Suggestions for Natural Lakes-Nal and Chhari
MS-10
Management Suggestions
1. Management suggestions 11.1 (6) and 11.2 (1,2,3,5,7) are more or less applicable
to lake management too.
2. Natural lakes like Nal (the Ramsar Site) and Chhari(a potential Ramsar Site) are
natural entities. Therefore sincere efforts should be made to preserve their natural
properties/characteristics by discouraging haphazard, un-supervized (by Forest
Dept.) entry of ‘foreign’ waters from man-made sources as such waters may
affect water quality or hydrology of such natural, shallow-water lakes.
3. Chhari Dhandh is a ‘Conservation Reserve’ and yet there is no tourism based,
business oriented boating activity, leave alone the ethnic catering and horse riding
activities. On the other hand, Nal Sarovar, despite having ‘higher’ status of a
Wildlife Sanctuary, intensive business oriented boating activity, ethnic catering
activity and horse-riding activities are carried out at large scale which on one
hand disturb the birdlife and on the other hand failure of Nal Sarovar Bird
Sanctuary to convey conservation message to the masses. This kind of
contradiction should be removed by implementing Chhari-Dhandh model at Nal
Sarovar. As far as tourist-load is concerned, instead of unregulated recreational
boating, tourists wanting to explore Nal through boating may be ‘handled’ in the
manner of Gir PA. In Gir PA, a visitor/group of visitors has to take an approved
field guide nominated by the Gir PA with him/them in a vehicle approved by the
PA authorities, in the same way at Nal too, a visitor/a group of visitors should
take a boat and approved field guide-cum-boatman provided by Forest Dept. All
such strategies are desirable considering the “Ramsar Site” status of Nalsarovar.
MS-11
Management Suggestions
5. As far as Chhri Dhandh is concerned, its Conservation Status may be upgraded to
Sanctuary if it is administratively practical. If possible, Chhari Dhandh and
various other “Thaths”, “Dhandhs” and “Kars”(e.g., Bhagadiyo Thath, Vekariya
Dhandh, Servo Dhandh, Kirovalo Kar) etc. existing in its surrounding area as also
Banni grassland may be included in “Kachchh Biosphere Reserve”. This
suggestion is being done considering that Chhari Dhandh is a proposed Ramsar
Site as per SACON’s inland wetland atlas and it is also an IBA site from Guajrat.
11.4. Management Suggestions for Village Pond and City Reservoirs
1. Village ponds and city reservoirs should be developed and maintained as nature
recreation sites. They should be developed in such a way that villagers/citizens
can enjoy company of water, wind and waterbirds and relax themselves.
2. Village ponds and City reservoirs should not be used to release domestic sewage
and pollutants. They should not be used to dump solid wastes also. Villagers use
outskirts of otherwise wonderful village-ponds for disgusting purposes like
excreting. Such a devaluating use of wetlands should be banned.
3. City reservoirs with rich birdlife (e.g., Lakhota) should be used for nature
education and bird-research activities of the schools and colleges in the respective
cities.
4. People should be educated not to feed waterbirds with unnatural food (e.g., puffed
rice)
5. In cities like Ahmedabad, the municipalities and urban development authorities
have been developing existing ponds in the suburbs of the city. However, the
MS-12
Management Suggestions
development is done at the cost of their ecological and/or biodiversity values. For
example, Vastrapur wetland in the Vastrapur suburb of Ahmedabad was known to
support around 90 species of birds in late 1990s. However, today it has been
developed from the narrow view-point of modern recreation (with features like
fountains and boats for picnickers etc.). Thus, it is important to manage suburban
ponds in such a way that their ecological character is not lost and simultaneously,
cititzens should be oriented to enjoy such ponds with their ecology intact.
6. For proper development, use and maintenance of urban, sub-urban and rural
waterbodies (mainly ponds/tanks etc.), there should be Urban & Village Wetland
Development and Maintenance (UVWDM) authority that may be represented by
Forest Dept. officials, ecologist, municipality officials and urban development
authority officials, officials of landscape architecture organization/university etc.
7. There are several examples of degraded suburban and village based ponds. But,
there are almost, no examples of restoration of wetlands from conservation view
point or from holistic view-point which would treat such wetlands not just as
recreation-sites or for domestic needs, but also as part of nature. There are
examples of suburban ponds (e.g., Vatrapur “lake” and Malav talav in suburbs of
Ahmedabad) having been developed as recreation/relaxation spots by the urban
authorities. But, this is not a correct way of restoration as it lacks ecological
touch. Vastrapur “lake” and its marshy surrounding used to support around 90
species of waterbirds and several hydrophytes in 1990s. These flora and fauna
aspects are now lost after developing the wetland mainly for recreation/relaxation.
During the study, some village ponds were observed that were under “deepening
MS-13
Management Suggestions
process” by the village authorities/people. Such a process also results into habitat
loss of several wading waterbirds or surface feeding ducks. For example,
Lapkamanj village pond (Ahmedabad-Ognaj-Vadsar-Thol road) used to support
several waders (e.g., godwits, sandpipers and large waders like flamingos).
However, all such birds have lost their habitats after the pond has been deepened
with a kind of hillock created in the center.
11.5. Management Suggestions for Marshy areas
1. The marshy habitats are extremely important for the existence of the secretive
species like rails, crakes and bitterns. Due to their secretiveness, these waterbirds
usually remain out-of-sight of bird-watchers and those involved in bird censuses.
Therefore, it is difficult to determine their population status from year to year.
Such being the case, at least their marshy habitats should remain intact to keep
their population status in good condition.
2. Wherever possible, marshes should not be treated as ‘kharaba’ or wasteland.
Especially in suburbs and rural areas, there may be well-established and large
marshy areas predominated by well-grown Typha ungustata (e.g., along the road-
side on the way to Pariej reservoir in Kheda sitrict, between Pipli and Dholera in
Ahmedabad district etc.)
2. Bhaskarpura marsh (Surendranagar district) was revealed supporting Black Terns
(Chlidonias niger) during winter 2009 during the course of this study. This is a
vagrant species for the country with no previous records in Gujarat with
photographic evidence. Therefore, Bhaskarpura marsh should be protected and
every year monitoring should be done during winter to assess the status of Black
MS-14
Management Suggestions
Terns in this marshy area. This is an IBA Site from Gujarat. Thus, it deserves at
least a watch-tower if one such watch-tower is provided to Kuchhadi marsh in
Porbandar.
4. Kuchhadi marsh in Porbandar area not only supports a large number of migratory
Demoiselle Cranes and various migratory ducks, waders and pelicans, it also
supports breeding of resident-migratory species- Common Coot. Thus, apart from
providing one more watch-tower (one already existing), there is a need of doing
much more for the protection of this valuable wetland habitat that exists in the
vicinity of state road with busy traffic. One of the management steps that can be
taken is to develop a strip of native tree growth along the portion of road that
passes across the Kuchhadi marsh. Such strip plantation should be done with an
objective of creating a buffer that would separate the marsh from the state road
(and its traffic) to certain extent and would give some seclusion to the marsh-
dwelling birds.
MS-15
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ANNEXURE 1 DIRECTORY OF NAMES OF WETLANDS THAT HAVE BEEN COVERED FOR ASIAN WETLAND COUNTS FROM 1987 TO 2007 (Source: Asian Wetland Bureau)
Name of the wetland Region/District Geographical coordinates
Adadra Panchmahal: Kalol N2252E07420 Advana Dam Porbandar: SAURASTRA N2155E06936 Aghlod Talav Dahod: Gargoda N2249E07416 Ajawa Vadodra N2224E07325 Aji-I Rajkot: Madhapar N2216E07050 Aji-Ii Rajkot: Madhapar N2222E07046 Aji-Iii Rajkot: Madhapar N2155E07055 Akvada Tank Bhavnagar N2150E07215 Alansagar Lake Rajkot: JASDAN N2200E07110 Alina Tank Kheda: ALINA N2248E07303 Amali Dam Surat N2102E07255 Ambakui Junagadh: SASAN/GIR FORE N2110E07100 Ambla Talav Bhavnagar N2146E07209 Amipur Tank Porbandar/Junagadh As in the report Amli Dam Surat NA Anandpar Rajkot N2133E07045 Anil Starch Marsh, New Port Road Bhavnagar NA Ankewalia Village Tank Surendranagar NA Arambda Salt Works Jamnagar N2220E06905 Asalali Village Pond Ahmedabad N2205E07235 Ashapura Navsari N2109E07009 Auranga River Tidal Creek Valsad N2035E07300 Avaniya Pond Bhavnagar N2140E07149 Bagodara - Nal Kantha Surendranagar N2205E07235 Bajana Creek - Tundi Surendranagar: Bajana NA Bajana Okla Surendranagar N2205E07235 Bakor Village Tank Sabarkantha N2321E07336 Bamanwad Panchmahal: Lunawada N2250E07418 Bander Salt Pan Bhavnagar N2150E07215 Bandiabeli Talav Surendranagar: Chotila N2245E07136 Barada Sagar Dam Porbandar N2140E06940 Barbodan Lake Surat N2112E07248 Bareja Village Tank Ahmedabad N2205E07235 Barka Talav Panchmahal: Dahod N2252E07419 Bavalyali Village Pond Bhavnagar NA Berachiya Reservoirs Naliya N2312E06900 Bhadar Dam Rajkot:Gonda N2149E07046 Bhadkha Godhara N2252E07419 Bhadreshwar Creek Kuchchh: Mundra N2250E06942 Bhanderaj Tarapur N2225E07238 Bhashkarpara Surendranagar:Vitthalgadh N2255E07203 Bhimadabad Dam Bahvnagar dist. As in the report Bhimasar Tank Kachchh N2331E07052 Bhogavo - 2 NA N2233E07139 Bhukhi Reservoir Nakhatrana As in the report Bhumbhli Pond; Bhumbhli Via Gogha Bhavnagar NA Bhutsad Tank Navsari NA Blackbuck National Park Valbhipur N2200E7200 Bodha Talaab In Wadhwan Surendranagar N2243E7143 Bokh Lake Himmatnagar N2205E07235 Bordi Village Tank Alina N2247E07306 Boriyala Tank Dahod N2237E07256 Boriyavi Village Pond Anand N2237E07256 Borsi Dam Meghraj N2330E07315 Bortalao/Gaurishankar talav Bhavnagar: Bhavnagar As in the report Botad Wetland Bhavnagar N 2217E7166 Brahmani Dam Surendranagar:Halvad N2253E07110 Causeway Lake Surat N2102E07255 Chamaraj Gam Talao Surendranagar: Dudhrej NA Chandala Pond; Via Ghogha Bhavnagar NA Chandola Lake Ahmedabad N2301E07236 Changa Village Pond Ahmedabad N2245E07245 Chanon Village Pond Kheda NA Charadwa Surendranagar N2245E07140 Charakla Saltworks Jamnagar N2220E06905 Check Dam Nr Nilkanth Mahadevi Mandir Kutch: Bhuj NA Chhanasara Dam Varahi NA Chhari Dhandh Kachchh: Nakhatrana N2140E06924 Chhatardi Tank Kachchh: Bhuj N2310E06945 Chhaya Creek (Sewage) Porbandar N2137E06935 Chhotaudepur Pond Vadodara N2218E07312 Chikli Tank Navasari N2205E07235 Chitersumba Village Tank Dakor N2252E07307 Chitral Village Tank Padra N2215E07257 Curly Tidal Area Porbandar N2135E06933 Dabhoi Talav Vadoadara N2245E07245 Dadusor Bund Near Dholka Town Ahmedabad NA Dahisara Village Tank KACHCHH: Bhuj N2310E06945 Daloli Anand: Tarapur N2231E07234 Damarala Lake (Near Shetrunji River) Palitana NA Dandi Surat N 2119E7237 Dantiwada Dam Banaskantha N2410E07229 Dassada Village Tank Surendranagar: Patdi NA Datar Lake Junagadh N2135E07035 Dedadra Talav Surendranagar: Wadhwan N2242E07140 Demi-I Rajkot: Morbi N2234E07045 Demi-Ii Dam Rajkot: Morbi N2242E07044 Demli Tank Panchmahal: Godara N2250E07055 Deo Dam Panchmahal: Halol As in the report Dev Dam (Irrigation Project) Panchmahal: Halol N2230E07325 DEVISAR Tank Kachchh: SAMKHIYANI N2047E07258 Devsar Navsari: Bilimora N2047E07258 Dhakwada Navsari N2046E07259 Dhamboliya Tank Sabarkantha N2342E07320 Dhanol Panchmahal: Halol NA Dhanora Lake Vadodara N2215E07315 Dhansura Tank Sabarkantha N2321E07312 Dharabala/ Chorathali Sanand NA Dharia Dam Vadodara N2230E07325 Dharoi Dam Babsar Sabarakantha N2401E07252 Dhedhuki Surendranagar N2245E07140 Dholera Ahmedabad N2205E07235 Dholi Dhaja Dam Surendranagar N2245E07140 Dhonsaa Jheel Bhavnagar N2150E07215 Dhrokadia Dam Porbandar N2137E06935 Dhroneshwar Junagadh N2040E07105 Dhuvnan Sea Coast Anand:Khambhat NA Dodhasan Mandir Banaskantha: Suigam N2425E07220 Don Reservoir & Village Tank Kachchh: Mandvi N2251E06919 Dongaria Talav Panchmahal: Godhra N2230E07325 Dori Kalwada Valsad N2035E07265 Doswada Surat N2100E07330 Dudhala Lake Palitana NA Dudhrej Talav Surendranagar N2242E07140 Eshar Dam Surat N2108E07245 Eshwaria Jamnagar N2221E07004 Excel Salt Pan Bhavnagar: Bhavnagar NA Fad Dang - Beti Rajkot: Sardhar N2215E07101 Fadvel Lake nAVSARI N2045E07300 Fansa Tank Valsad N2012E07236 Fariadka Lake NA N2150E07215 Ferera Reservoir NA N2110E07100 Fodara Dam Porbandar NA Fuljar Reservoir Upleta N2151E07030 Futa Tank NA N2155E07004 Gajarawadi Sewage NA N2215E07315 Gambhira Mahi Bridge Padra N2215E07257 Gamla Dahod N2247E07414 Ganga Creek Kutch: Mandvi N2251E06924 GANGASAR Tank Ahmedasad N2505E07205 Gantmeshwar Lake Bhavnagar: Sihor N2132E07306 Garamadi Dam Patan N2340E07105 Garibpura Pond Bhavnagar: Tansa N2140E07215 Garmala Matar N2241E07242 Gatehara Pond - Saij Kalol N2252E07419 Gaurishanker Lake (Bortalav) Bhavnagar N2145E07210 Gautameshwar Lake Bhavnagar: Sihor N2132E07306 Gavier Lake Surat N2112E07214 Gengadia Panchmahal: Kalol N2252E07419
Ghee Dam jAMNAGAR As in this study Ghelo River Estuary Ahmedabad NA Ghodadhroi Reservoir Porbander: MORBI N2245E07140 GHOGHA Coast & SALT PANS Bhavnagar N2140E07210 Ghotamashwar Reservoir Anand N2142E07157 Gobarapura Anand: Tarapur N2236E07234 Goblaj Kheda N2247E07238 Godh-Chundadi Panchmahal: Godhal NA Golabresda Banaskantha NA Goli Godhra N2243E07332 Goma Dam Bhavnagar N2215E07200 Gomati NA N2215E06905 Gondali And Vachhapari Dam Rajkot N2203E07052 Gopnath Sea Coast Bhavnagar: Taluja N2241E07142 Gorad Smashan Bhavnagar N2145E07210 Gosabara - 1 Porbandar N2135E07035 Gosabara - 2 (Near Bridge) Porbandar N2140E06940 Govindpura Mehsana As in the report Great Rann Of Kachchh (Flamingo City) Kachchh N2351E06924 Guneli Panchmahal: Shehra N2230E07325 Gutal Vadodara: Waghodia N2218E07312 Hadmatiya Dam Or Dairy Dam Banaskantha N2226E07029 Haduf Irrigation Dam Panchmahal: Limkheda 2253N 73°52E Halar & Kamdar S.W. Jamnagar N2231E07002 Halwad Pond Surendranagar N2155E07055 Hamirpara Dam Taluja N2136E07303 Hamirsar Tank Kachchh: BHUJ N2310E06945 Hanumanpura Lake Vadodara N2215E07315 Harani Vadodara NA Harbatiyali Rajkot N2250E07055 Haripura Vadodara:SAVLI NA Harni Pond Vadodara N2218E07213 Harsad Mata Creek Porbandar N2150E06922 Hasnapur Dam Junagadh N2135E07035 Hathab (Via Koliyak) - Sea Shore Bhavnagar N2136E07216 Hathmati Reservoir Sabarkantha: Bhidoda N2342E07313 Heranj Vaso N2240E07242 Hiran-Ii Junagadh N2155E07055 Ipcl Water Effluent Pond Vadodara N2215E07315 Ishwaria Lake Rajkot N2221E07045 JAFARABAD Coast (SALT WORKS) Amreli N2050E07130 Jafarabad Creek Amreli N2050E07130 Jafarabad Pond Amreli N2050E07125 Jagdesan Tank Tarapur N2237E07245 Jakhwada Ahmedabad: Viramgam NA Jalat Dahod N2250E07417 Jamli Chota Udepur N2300E07300 Jamnagar district: bhanvad taluka (4 inland wetland) Jamnagar N2155E06950 Jamnagar district: dhrol taluka (3 inland wetland) Jamnagar N2235E07025 Jamnagar district: dwaraka taluka (6 inland & 5 coast) Jamnagar N2215E06902 Jamnagar district: jamjodhpur taluka (9 inland wetland) Jamnagar N2150E07010 Jamnagar district: jamnagar taluka (8 inland & 6 coast) Jamnagar N2230E07005 Jamnagar district: jodiya taluka (1 inland & 21 coast) Jamnagar N2242E07018 Jamnagar district: kalavad taluka (5 inland wetland) Jamnagar N2215E07025 Jamnagar district: kalyanpur taluka (8 inland & 5 coast) Jamnagar N2210E06925 Jamnagar district: khambhalia taluka (3 inland & 6 coast) Jamnagar N2212E06937 Jamnagar district: lalpur taluka (2 inland wetland) Jamnagar N2210E07005 Jamwada Dam Jamnagar N2353E07120 Janjaria Hanuman Bhavnagar N2145E07210 Jaspur Gandhinagar N2230E07315 Javala (Jawla) Tanks Vadodara N2230E07330 Javar Porbandar N2139E06938 Jeenaj Village Pond Khambhat N2222E07237 Jetalpur Village Tank Ahmedabad N2205E07235 Jewla (Jesola?) Panchmahal: Lunawada N2230E07325 Jhahanginpaia Village Pond Anand: Tarapur NA Juni Akhal Sea Coast Anand:Khambhat NA Kabutari Dam Dahod: Limkheda N2258E07356 Kada Dam Panchmahals N2215E07315 Kadana Dam, Andhari Village Gadhada N2318E07349 Kadval (100 Km From Baroda) Bodeli NA Kajori Vadodara N2215E07315 Kakrapar Dam Surat N2222E07316 Kali Dam Dahod N2258E07414 Kalindri Dam Porbandar: KUTIYANA N2142E06957 Kaliyakuva Panchmahal: Godhara N2232E07325 Kalu Talav Bhavnagar: Bhavnagar NA Kalubhar Dam Bhavnagar: Gadhada N2251E07137 Kalwad Tank Rajkot N2100E07300 Kama Tank Bhavnagar N2218E07217 Kamaleshwar Reservoir Junagadh N2110E07100 Kamnath Mahdev Pond Bhavnagar: Godha NA Kanajari Village Pond Anand N2237E07256 Kanelav Talav Panchmahal: Godara N2245E07332 Kanewal Anand: Tarapur N2228E07232 Kanka Talav Panchmahal: Hunawada N2307E07334 Kankanpur Talav Panchmahal: Godhra N2230E07325 Kankaria Lake Ahmedabad N2230E07230 Kankavati Dam Jamnagar N2222E07006 Kapura Vadodara NA Karachiya Irrigation Tank Vadodara N2256E07327 Karad Gadhada: Ghoghumba N2233E07544 Karajan Dam Rajpipla As in this report Kareda Dam Bhavnagar: Tansa N2101E07215 Karkoliya Lake (Near Mota Surka Village - Valavad) Bhavnagar N2140E07149 Karli Dam Porbandar N2137E06935 Karmal Dam Ratkot N2202E07059 Kathivadar Lake & Salt Pans Amreli: Mahuva N2101E07939 Kevadi Dam Surat N2102E07255 Kevadia Colony & Gurudeshwar Rajpipla N2215E07315 Khadodi Village Pond Anand NA Khageshri - Ishwaria Dam Porbandar N2137E06935 Khambala Dam Porbandar N1957E07337 Khambat Mud Flats Khambat N2215E07230 Khanpaliya & Vadadhari Pond Surendr: Mulidam NA Khansul Village Pond Nar N2232E07244 Khar Talav - Indrunaj Village Pond Anand: Tarapur Khari Reservoir N2155E07055 Kharo Dam Palitana Kharva Talav Surendranagar: Wadhwan N2245E07140 Khatri Pond Kachchh: Bhuj N2247E06900 Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary Jammnagar N2232E07004 Khirjog Bhuj N2247E07130 Khodiar Dam (Amreli) Amreli N2126E07052 Khodiyar Lake (Bhavnagar) Bhavnagar N2150E07215 Kholadiad Gam Talab Wadhwan N2213E07318 Killa- Pardi Valsad, Pardi N2036E07255 Kiu Point N2220E06905 Koliak (Bhavnagar Dish) - Seashore Bhavnagar N2136E07216 Konka Talav Gadhada: Lunawada N2300E07400 Korda Sandher Banaskantha N2425E07220 Kothamba Godhara N2230E07325 Kothavi Village Pond Sojitra N2232E07244 Kribhco Lake Surat N2112E07214 Krushnakunj Lake Bhavnagar N2135E07305 Kuchadi (Kutchidi) Reservoir Porbander N2140E06940 Kuda, Taluko Ghogha N2150E07215 Kukma Village Tank Kachchh: Bhuj N2243E06825 Kumbhariya Dam Rajkot: Morbi NA Kumbharwada Sewage Pond Bhavnagar: Limkheda N2146E07211 Kushki Tank NA N2338E07322 Kutch Salt Pond, Nakti Estuary NA N2310E07010 Kuvadwa NA N2222E07056 Laeja Creek NA N2250E06925 Lair Reservoir Kachchh: Bhuj N2243E06825 Lakhi Dam Surat: Vyara N2102E07255 Lakhnka Irrigation Dam Bhavnagar N2142E07208 Lakhota Lake Jamnagar N2228E07005 Shekhupur Village Pond Kheda: Limbasi N2235E07238 Sherpura Tank NA N2215E07315 Shervo Dhandh Kuchchh: Bhuj N2334E06924 Shetrunji Dam Palitana N2128E07152 Shil - 2 N A N2135E07035 Shil Creek NA N2135E07035 Shinay Reservoir Kachchh: Gandhidham N2315E07008 Shingoda (Singhoda) Dam Junagadh N2101E07046 Shitladeri (Sitla Tail, Tail, Shitala) Tank Ghogha Rd Bhavnagar N2140E07210 Shivpuri Talav Panchmahal: Godhra N2308E07406 Shivsagar Lake NA N2203E07112 Shokhada Dam Talav Dhrangadhra N2204E07235 Sidhada Dam Banaskantha: Suigam N2345E07115 Sihan Dam Jamnagar As in the report Sinaj Reservoir Adipur NA Sindhrot NA N2215E07315 Singach Saltpans NA N2230E07005 Singash Village Tank NA N2230E07005 Sinoi (Snai) Reservoir Kutch: Adipur N2343E06932 Sipu Dam Banaskantha: Dantiwada N2422E07215 Sokhda Talav Patdi N2242E07140 Sonaria Lake NA N2150E07215 Soneth Dam NA N2359E07124 Sorathi Dam Porbandar N2158E06935 Sri(Por) Tinbi Vadodara N2224E07325 Srukhbhudar Dam Bhavnagar As in the report Sudamada - 2 Surendranagar N2245E07140 Sudamapuri Check Dam Sayla N2230E07131 Sudamda Tank Surendranagar: Sayla N2230E07128 Sukhbhadar Bhavnagar N2220E07132 Sukhi Dam Vadodara N2226E07353 Surat Airport Lakes (6 Lakes) Surat N2104E07244 Surka Lake Bhavnagar:SIHOR NA Talat Tank Dahod N2253E07419 Tapar Reservoir Kachchh: ANJAR N2308E06955 Tapi Barrage Surat N2112E07253 Tapi River At Causeway Surat Surat N2112E07252 Tapi River At Mandvi Surat N2112E07252 Tapi River At Umra Surat NA Tarapur Sea Coast Anand:Khambhat NA Temba Tank NA N2323E07300 Thanpa Lake NA N2220E06905 Thol (Lake) Bird Sanctuary Mehsana: AHMEDABAD N2322E07237 Thorala Dam Jetpur NA Thoriali (Thoriani, Limdi Bhogavo) Dam Sayla N2202E07140 Thuvani Reservoir NA N2215E07315 Tikar Village Pond Surendranagar: Muli N2245E07140 Timbi Tank Vadodara N2224E07235 Topansar Tank KACHCHH: Madvi N2250E06925 Traj Village Pond Kheda: TRAJ N2240E07238 Traj Village-Sala Pond Kheda N2240E07238 Tranja Kheda: Limbasi N2240E07239 Tukda-Gosa Porbandar N2140E06940 Tundel Kheda: NADIAD N2240E07249 Tundi Wetland Surendranagar: Patdi N2242E07144 Tuva Panchmahal: Godhra N2306E07401 Uben Dam (Sukhpur) Bhesan NA Ukai Dam Surat N2101E07251 Umergaon Creek NA N2010E07240 Unchadi Pond Bhavnagar: Taluja NA Vada (VAD) TANK Panchmahal: Godhara N2303E07405 Vadadala Vadodara: ARODA N2215E07315 Vadadhra Surendranagar N2245E07140 Vadala Porbander N2245E07245 Vadali Tank Vadodara N2357E07302 Vadhwana Reservoir Vadodara N2211E07329 Vadsar Tank Gandhinagar N2205E07235 Vadtal Anand N2235E07251 Vagharia Dam Saurastra NA Vaghasi NA N2235E07305 Vaghol Hariji NA Vaidi Dam Modasa N2334E07335 Vala Khavaj Jheel Kachchh: Bhuj N2310E06945 Vanaj Dam, Vijaynagar Himmatnagar N2359E07316 Vangela Dahod: Piplod N2257E07355 Vansar, Near Shiv Temple Kheda N2244E07243 Varadhari Panchmahal: Lunawada N2309E07408 Varasada Pond Ananad N2205E07235 Vasad (Mahi) Anand N2215E07315 Vasai Tanks Ahmedabad N2205E07235 Vasna Barrage & Surkhej Bridge Ahmedabad N2300E07240 Vastrapur Tank NA N2205E07235 Vastuna Village Pond Anand: Tarapur N2234E07255 Vatrak Reservoir Modara N2322E07328 Vav Godhara N2310E07009 Velala - Khambhalia NA N2245E07140 Venu Ii Upleta N2154E07015 Veri Dam (Talab) Rajkot: Gondal N2200E07048 Victor (-Bherai) Salt Pans & Coastal Area Mahuva N2143E07210 Victor Pond & Sakriya Hanuman Pond - Bherai Amreli: Rajula N2106E07937 Vijay Sagar Kutch: Mandvi N2302E06929 Vilasar (Village Mithrgodha) NA N2205E07235 Vinjole Panchmahal: Godhra N2306E07400 Viramgam Ponds Ahmedabad dist N2308E07204 Virani(Y)A Gadhada: Lunawada N2305E07402 Viroja Tarapur N2233E07236 Visavada Creek/Reservoir Porbandar N2140E06940 Vithatapur Village Tank Surendranagar N2322E07203 Vitthalgadh Bhavnagar NA Vrajmi/Dadhichi Sarovar Maliya (Halina) NA Wadadla NA N2215E07315 Wadavia Village Pond NA N2040E07105 Wadhwan Bhogavo-1(Nakad Dam) Sayla NA Wadhwan Bhoghavo-Ii NA N2242E07132 Wadwana Reservoir Vadodara: DABHOI N2144E07135 Waghroli Kheda As in the report Wanakbori Dam Balasinor NA Wataman Village Tank Ahmedabad (Dholka) N2231E07225 Yukma Village Tank Kutch: Bhuj N2335E07000 Zanzaria-Fulsaria Stream Bhavnagar: Adhevada N2136E07303 Zavar Khadi Porbandar N2140E06940 Zazam Dam Banaskantha: Suigam N2345E07115 Note: “NA” means information currently unavailable, but can be easily determined through BHUVAN(ISRO) and using other internet resources
ANNEXURE II
Checklist of Wetland Plants (Hydrophytes & Macro-algae) in Gujarat
Sr. No. Scientific Name Type of plant ACANTHACEAE 1 Andrographis paniculata Nees E 2 Hygrophila auriculata (Schum.) Heine E ALISMATACEAE 3 Limnophyton obtusifolium (L) Miquel E AMARANTHACEAE 4 Alternanthera sessilis (L) R. Br. E 5 Alternanthera paronychoides St. Hil E ASCLEPIADACEAE 6 Oxystelma secamone (L.) Karst. E ASTERACEAE 7 Blumea eriantha DC. E 8 Blumea mollis Merr. E 9 Blumea sp. E 10 Caesilia axillaries Roxb. E 11 Grangea maderaspatana (L.) Poir E AZOLLACEAE 12 Azolla pinnata R. Br. F CERATOPHYLLACEAE 13 Ceratophyllum demersum Linn. S CHOLOROPHYCEAE 14 Chara asp. Alga(macro) 15 Nitella sp. Alga(macro) CONVOLVULACEAE 16 Ipomoea aquatica Forsk. F 17 Ipomoea carnea Jacq. E CYPERACEAE 18 Bulbostylis barbata (Rottb) E 19 Cyperus alopecuroides Rottb. E 20 Cyperus difformis L. E 21 Cyperus pygmaneus Rottb. E 22 Eleocharis atropurpurea (Retz.) Kunth E 23 Fimbristylis schoenoides (Retz.) Vahl. E 24 Scirpus articulatus L. E 25 Scirpus lateriflorus Gmel. E 26 Scirpus littoralis Schrad. E 27 Scirpus roylei (Nees) Parker E 28 Scirpus supinus L. E GENTIANACEAE 29 Enicostema hyssopifolium (Willd.) Verdoon E 30 Nymphoides cristatum (Roxb.) O. Ktze. F 31 Nymphoides indicum (L) F HYDROCHARITACEAE 32 Hydrilla verticillata (L.f.) Royle S 33 Nechamandra alternifolia (Roxb.) S 34 Ottelia alismoides (L.) Persoon S 35 Vallisneria spirallis L. S LEMNACEAE 36 Spirodela polyrhiza (L.) Schleid. F 37 Wolffia globosa (L.) Wimm. F LYTHRACEAE 38 Ammannia auriculata Willd E 39 Ammannia baccifera L. E 40 Rotala densiflora Koechne E MARSILEACEAE 41 Marsilea quadrifolia L. F NAJADACEAE 42 Najas graminea Del. S 43 Najas marina Linn. S 44 Najas minor All. S NELUMBONACEAE 45 Nelumbo nucifera Gaertner F NYMPHAEACEAE 46 Nymphaea nouchali Burm. F. F 47 Nymphaea pubescens Willd. F POLYGONACEAE 48 Polygonum glabrum Willd. E PONTEDERIACEAE 49 Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms. F 50 Monochoria vaginalis (Burm. f.) Presl. E POTAMOGETONCEAE 51 Potamogeton crispus L. S 52 Potamogeton nodusus Poir. S 53 Potamogeton pectinatus L. S 54 Potamogeton perfoliatus L. S TRAPACEAE 55 Trapa natans L. F TYPHACEAE 56 Typha angustata Bary & Chamb E Note: This check-list is based on field observations and literature survey
Codes: E: Emergent , F: Floating, S: Submerged
ANNEXURE- III
Checklist of Wetland Birds
No. Common Scientific name Family Status Remark on region-wise Name (with for occurrence during the threat status) Indian present study Subconti
nent from view- point of residenc e/migrati on (with status of occurren cein brackets
1. Little Grebe Tachybaptus Podicipedidae R(vc) Seen in all five regions of ruficollis Gujarat either solitarily or in pairs. Sometimes also in small groups of upto 20-25 birds.
2. Red -necked Podiceps grisegena Podicipedidae V (r) Recorded solitarily in Grebe Saurashtra and South Gujarat. A single bird each at Nyari-I dam, Rajkot, Ghee dam in Jamnagar district and Bardasagar, Porbandar in Saurashtra region. Also at Lakhi dam near Surat, S. Gujarat
3. Great Crested P. cristatus Podicipedidae M (uc) Recorded in Kachchh & Grebe Saurashtra. Kachchh: Rudramata dam, Tappar dam, Chhari Dhandh. Saurashtra: Sihan dam, Khijadiya, Ghee dam, Aji-1, Veri dam, near Bardasager Always in pairs or non- gregariously
4. Black -necked Podiceps nigricolis Podicipedidae M(uc) Recorded in Kachchh and Grebe Saurashtra regions. Kachchh: Bhukhi dam, Chhari Dhandh; Saurashtra: Charkla salts. Seen solitarily or in twos in Kachchh but in Saurashtra-Charakla salts it was seen in hundreds.
5. Jouanin’s Petrel Bulweria fallax Procellariidae V(vr) Not recorded during this study. Only past records as inferred from BCSG’s list of birds of Gujarat
6. Wilson’s Oceanites Procellariidae M(vr ) Not recorded during this Storm-Petrel oceanicus study. Only past records as inferred from BCSG’s birdlist of Gujarat
7. Parasitic Jaeger Stercoraraius Stercorariidae V(vr) Not recorded during this parasiticus study. Recoeded in recent past in western boundary of Little Rann (Venasra
8. Great White Pelecanus Pelecanidae RM(c) Seen in Kachchh (e.g., Pelican onocrotalus Chhari, Hamirsar, Devisar, Bhukhi dam, Tappar dam), Saurashtra at several places in Saurashtra (e.g., at Bardasager, Veri, Aji-I, Nyari-1 etc.). Thol and Nal in N. Gujarat, reported to have occurred in Kheda/Anand/Vadodara (but not seen in this survey)
9. Spotted -billed P. philippensis Pelicanidae RM(r) . Not recorded during this Pelican study. Past record of a single bird in Marine National Park & Sanctuary in/just after late ninties, Jamnagar. As per Salim Ali this bird does occur in Gujarat
10. Dalmatian P. crispus Pelecanidae M (uc) Recorded solitarily or non- Pelican (VU) gregariously in North Gujarat (e.g.,Thol). Central Gujarat (e.g.,Vadgam), Saurashtra (e.g., Bardasagar dam, Aji dam etc.), Kachchh(e.g., Hamirsar, Chhari)
11. Masked Booby Sula dactylatra Sulidae V(r) Not recorded during this study. In the past, it is recorded in Kachchh (Pingleshwar) and Saurashtra (Tata salts).
12. Blue -footed Sula nebouxii Sulidae V(r) Not recorded during this Booby study. Only past records as inferred from BCSG’s birdlist for Gujarat
13. Brown Booby Sula leucogaster Sulidae V(r) Not recorded during this study. Only past records as inferred from BCSG’s birdlist for Gujarat.
14. Little Phalacrocorax Phalacrocorac- RM Seen solitarily, non- Cormorant niger idae gregariously and (vc ) gregariously in all the regions of Gujarat in many, many wetlands.
15. Indian P. fuscicollis Phalacrocorac- RM (uc) Seen non- Shag/Indian gregariously/gregariously in Cormorant idae Saurashtra (e.g., at Aji- dams), Central Gujarat(e.g. traj, pariej), North Gujarat (Thol), Kachchh(Chhari)
16. Large /Great P. carbo Phalacrocorac- RM (c) Seen in Central Gujarat Cormorant idae (e.g., Traj-breeding), North Gujarat(e.g., Machhan, Dharoi), Saurashtra (e.g., Aji I, II),
17. Darter/Oriental Anhiga Anhingidae RM (uc) Seen at Sudama talav (near Darter/Snake- melanogaster Saayla, Saurashtra) and Thol bird(NT) near Kadi in Mehsana district). Also at Kamleshwar dam in Gir forest which was visited on personal basis in May 2008. Few individuals (max. 5) were seen at each wetla,
18. Grey Heron Ardea cineria Ardeidae RM(c) Not very common. Seen at some wetlands singly or non-gregariously at some wetlands of Kheda, Anand, Vadodara, Jamnagar, Rajkot, Ahmedabad, Mehsana, Patan, Kachchh-Bhuj, Valsad,
19. Purple Heron A. purpurea Ardeidae RM(uc) Very uncommon compared to other diurnal herons and egrets sighted . Seen at Thol in Mehsana, Naghrama and Bhanderaj in Kheda and Anand respectively, Paalan in Valsad.
20. Pond Heron Ardeola grayii Ardeidae R(c) Seen at large number of wetlands in all the regions. It has adapted to forage by walking on Nelumbo leaves.
21. Chinese Pond Ardeola bacchus Ardeidae V(r ) Not recorded in this study. Heron Only past records as inferred from BCSG’s birdlist of Gujarat
22. Black -crowned Nycticorax Ardeidae R (c ) Not commonly seen during Night Heron nycticorax this study due to its diurnal nature. Saurashtra(e.g., Sudamada talav, Kuchhadi, Khijadiya), North Gujarat (e.g.,Thol, Nal), Central Gujarat (e.g., Traj, Pariej), Kachchh(e.g., Luna),
23. Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis Ardeidae RM(vc) Very common among egrets/ herons. Seen singly or non- gregariously in all regions.
24. Great Egret Casmerodius albus Ardeidae RM(c ) Seen singly, gregariously (e.g. at Chhari, Nal) or non- gregariously in all five regions of Gujarat.
25. Intermediate Mesophoyx Ardeidae RM(c ) Seen singly or non- Egret intermedia gregariously in all five regions.
26. Little Egret Egretta garzetta Ardeidae R(c) Common. Seen singly or non-gregariously in all five regions.
27. Western Reef Egretta gularis Ardeidae RM(uc) Very rarely seen in this Egret study as mainly inland wetlands were covered. Seen at Kaj wetland and at Nalsarovar.
28. Chestnut/ Ixobrychus Ardidae R (uc) Not usually encountered due Cinnamon cinnamomeus to secretiveness. Seen in Bittern wetlands of Kheda district (C.Guj.) on two occasions.
29. Yellow Bittern Ixobrychus sinensis Ardidae RM(uc) Not seen during this study. Included in BCSG’s birdlist for Gujarat as resident- breeding bird.
30. Black Bittern Dupetor flavicollis Ardidae RM(uc) Not seen during this study. Included in BCSG’s birdlist for Gujarat as resident- breeding bird.
31. Bittern/Great Botaurus stellris Ardidae M(r) Not seen during this study. Bittern Included in BCSG’s birdlist for Gujarat as resident- breeding bird.
32. Woolly -necked Ciconia episcopus Ciconiidae R(uc) Recorded singly or in pairs Stork not so commonly in North Gujarat (e.g., Vasai), Central Gujarat (e.g. near Pariej, Maachhan), S.Guj.(e.g. Paalan), Saurashtra(e.g. Madhuvanti), Kachchh (Chhari)
33. White Stork Ciconia ciconia Ciconiidae M(uc) Seen in Kachchh (e.g., Chhari) and North Gujarat (Nalsarovar-A’bad district)
34. Painted Mycteria Ciconiidae R(c) Seen in all regions of Stork(NT) leucocephala Gujarat solitarily or non- gregariously or gregariously.
35. Asian Openbill- Anastomus oscitans Ciconiidae R(c) Seen in all regions of Guj. Stork usually solitarily, in pairs or non-gregariously.
36. Black -necked Ephippiorhynchus Ciconiidae R(uc) Seen in Kachchh(e.g., Stork asiaticus Chhari) and Saurashtra(Khijadiya)
37. Lesser Leptoptilos Ciconiidae RM(r) Vagrant for Gujarat. Not Adjutant-Stork javanicus seen during this study. Regular record of a single juvenile bird at Paalan wetland (Valsad dist.) in late 2000s (after 2007 to 2009)
38. Black -headed Threskiornis Threskiornithidae R(c) Seen in all five regions non- Ibis melanocephalus gregariously/gregariously
39. Black Ibis Pseudibis papillosa Threskiornithidae R(c) Seen in all five regions solitarily, in pairs or flocks upto around two dozen birds
40. Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus Threskiornithidae RM(c) Large flocks in Central Gujarat (especially in Kheda/Anand districts). Also recorded in
41. Eurasian Platalea leucorodia Threskiornithidae RM(c) Seen gregariously in Spoonbill wetlands of all five regions
42. Greater Phoenicopterus Phoenicopteridae RM(uc) Seen in four regions during Flamingo ruber the study, i.e., Kachchh (Chhari, Hamirsar, Devisar), Saurashtra (e.g., Amipur, Bardasagar, Nyari 2, Aji 2, Khijadiya, Kaj etc), C. Gujarat (e.g., near Pariej), N. Gujarat (e.g., Nal, Thol, Santlpur etc).
43. Lesser Phoenicopterus Phoenicopteridae RM(uc) Seen in three regions during Flamingo minor the study, i.e. Kachchh (e.g., Chhari, Nanda) C. Gujarat (e.g., Vadgam), N. Gujarat (e.g., Nal).
44. Greater White- Anser Albifrons Anatidae M(vr) Vagrant for Guj. Likely fronted Goose sighting during this study. Past record exists as inferred from its includion in BCSG’s birdlist for Gujarat
45. Eastern Greylag Anser anser Anatidae M(c) Migratory goose that was Goose rubrirostris recorded in N.Gujarat (many hundreds seen at Thol), C. Gujarat (few hundreds at Pariej and few at Wadhvana) and Saurashtra (few at Bajana and Bhaskarpura wetlands). Also at Vadgam(C Guj.)
46. Bar -headed A. indicus Anatidae RM(uc) Uncommon migratory goose Goose for the state. During this survey, seen gregariously in N.Gujarat (e.g., Dantiwada dam, Thol), Saurashtra (e.g.,Nayka dam). Dantiwada seems to be the best site due to hundreds of them.
47. Snow Goose Anser caerulescens Anatidae V(vr) Not seen during this study. Past record exists as inferred from its inclusion in BCSG’s birdlist for Gujarat due to a sighting in Rajkot district in 1990s
48. Lesser Dendrocygna Anatidae R(c) Seen in all five regions of Whistling-Duck javanica Gujarat during the study. Mainly seen non- gregariously.
49. Large Whistling Dendrocygna Anatidae RM (vr) Not seen during this study. Duck bicolor Past record exists as inferred from its inclusion in BCSG’s birdlist for Gujarat
50. Ruddy Tadorna ferruginea Anatidae RM(r Seen in all five regions of Shelduck Gujarat during the study. Maximum population of around 400 birds at Vasai wetland in A’bad district. Almost equal population reported at Kaj wetland in Junagadh district in March 2008.Thol supported around 200 birds in December 2007.
51. Common T. tadorna Anatidae M(r) Seen in only in Saurashtra Shelduck (e.g., Bajana wetland)
52. Marbled Teal Marmaronetta Anatidae M(vr) Vagrant for Gujarat. One angustirostris specimen recently recorded at Baradasagar dam
53. Northern Pintail A. acuta Anatidae M(c) Highest population (around 2000 birds) at Bardasagar (Porbandar district). Present at large numbers of wetlands in all the regions (except Mandvi- Surat and further south up to Valsad)
54. Common Teal A. crecca Anatidae M(vc) Common at many wetlands in all the regions (i.e., North/central/south Gujarat, Kachchh and Saurashtra). Occurs in hundreds and in thousands. Very large numbers (i.e., over thousand) at Thol, Nal, Bhimdad (Bhavnagar dist.), Panoli (Bharuch dist.), Machchhan Naal
55. Baikal Teal Anas formosa Aedidae M(vr) Vagrant for Guj. Not seen during this study. Past record exists as inferred from its inclusion in BCSG’s birdlist for Gujarat
56. Spot -billed Anas oecilorhyncha Anatidae RM(c) Seen in all five regions of Duck Gujarat during the study. Largest congregation (n = 40 birds) was seen at Veri talaav near Gondal (Rajkot dist. ). Also good congregation at Aji dam.
57. Mallard Anas platyfhynchos Anatidae M(r) Rare. Was seen at Thol in N. Gujarat and Veri in Saurashtra
58. Gadwall A. strepera Anatidae M(c) Seen in all the regions. Commoner than shovelers and pintails in Ankleshwar dist. and further south (S.Gujarat)
59. Falcated Duck A. falcata Anatidae M(vr) Vagrant for Guj. Not seen during this study. Past record exists as inferred from its inclusion in BCSG’s birdlist for Gujarat
60. Eurasian A. Penelope Anatidae M Seen in all five regions. A Wigeon relatively uncommon species among dabbling ducks. Recorded in hundreds at Machhan nala (Dahod dist.), Lakhi (Mandvi-Surat dist.) and Panoli, Bharuch dist.)
61. Garganey A. querquedula Anatidae M(c) Less common as compared to Common Teal. Flocks are seen more at the time of late winter. Seen almost all the regions except south Gujarat.
62. Northern A. clypeata Anatidae M(c) Seen in all regions. Very Shoveler large congregations at Nanda bet (Kachchh) and Veri dam (Saurashtra)
63. Red -crested Rhodonessa rufina Anatidae M(uc) Seen only in South Gujarat Pochard at Karjan dam,
64. Common Aythya ferina Anatidae M(c) The most abundant diving Pochard duck that was recorded in almost all regions.
65. Tufted Pochard Aythya fuligula Anatidae M(c) Less common as compared to Common Pochard. Found most numerous at Vasai irrigation reservoir in Ahmedabad district where Common Pochards were absent.
66. White - Aythya Anatidae M(vr) Vagrant for Guj. Not seen eyed/Ferrugeniu nyroca during this study. Past sPochard record exists as inferred from its inclusion in BCSG’s birdlist for Gujarat
67. Cotton Pygmy- Nettapus Anatidae R(c) Good numbers at vegetation Goose coromandelianus choked wetlands like Bhanderaj, Naghrama, Sayyat, Wadhvana-Kookar in Central Gujarat and Paalan in South Gujarat. Occurs in pairs or in small parties of 5-6 birds. Less common in North Gujarat.
68. Comb Sarkidiornis Anatidae R Congregation of over 350 Duck/Nukta melanotos birds were seen at Nadan pond (Mehsana dist.), Thol (Mehsana dist), and near Heranj lake (Kheda). Also occurs in small numbers at Veri (Rajkot), Amipur and Bardasagar (Porbandar), several wetlands of Kheda/Anand/ Vadodara/. Habitat suitable even in South Gujarat, Kachchh and Patan and Sabarkantha districts in N. Gujarat.
69. Brahminy Kite Haliaster indus Acciptridae R(uc) Very rare during the surveys. Seen near Kaj wetlamd (Junagadh) and at Khijadia in Saurashtra.
70. Greater Spotted Aquila clanga Accipittridae M(uc) Seen in Saurashtra (e.g., at Eagle (VU) Nava talav), Kachchh(e.g., at Rudramata), N. Gujarat(Thol)
71. White -tailed Haliaeetus albicila Accippitridae V(r) Vagrant for Guj. Not seen Sea -Eagle during this study. Past record exists as inferred from its inclusion in BCSG’s birdlist for Gujarat
72. White -bellied Haliaeetus Accipitridae V(r) Vagrant for Guj. Sighting of Sea-Eagle leucogaster high-flying bird over Madhuvanti dam during this study. Past record exists as inferred from its inclusion in BCSG’s birdlist for Gujarat
73. Palla’s Fish- Haliaeetus Accipitridae M(uc) Not sighted in this study. Eagle leucoryphus But seen in the past in Saurashtra (Khijadiya) and N.Gujarat (Nal)
74. Grey -headed Ichthyophaga Accipitridae M(r) Not sighted in this study. Fish-Eagle ichthyaetus But seen in the past in N. Gujarat(e.g., Dantiwada)
75. Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus Accipitridae M(c) Sighted in solitarily or in pairs in all five regions of the state
76. Osprey Pandion haliaetus Accipittridae RM(uc) Seen in Kachchh(e.g., Rudramata dam), N.Gujarat (e.g, Nal), C.Guj (e.g., Vasai) and Saurashtra (e.g., Amipur dam)
77. Common Crane Grus grus Gruidae M(c) Seen gregariously in Kachchh (e.g. at/near Chhari), N. Gujarat (e.g., Nal, Thol) and Saurashtra (e.g., Nyari-2,Kaj wetland etc. )
78. Demoiselle G. virgo Gruidae M(c) Seen gregariously mainly in Crane Saurastra region (maximum in Amipur dam, but also occurred in good numbers in other wetlands of Porbandar, Surendranagar, Jamnagar dist., Rajkot dist). Also recorded in N.Gujarat (Nal)
79. Sarus Crane G. Antigone Gruidae R(c) Seen in pairs or family groups, non-gregariously or gregariously mainly in C. Gujarat (Kheda/Anand distrcts). Also in N. Gujarat (Mehsana/Ahmedabad/Sabar kantha.dists). Seen less in S.Guj.(e.g., Paalan-Khajurdi wetlands of Valsad dist) and Saurashtra (e.g. Rajkot & S’nagar dists.), . Not seen in Kachchh though a pair or two are reported
80. Water Rail Rallus aquaticus Gruide RM(r) Vagrant fro Guj. Not seen during this study. Past record exists as inferred from its inclusion in BCSG’s birdlist for Gujarat
81. Blue -breasted Gallirallus striatus Rallidae R(r) Not seen during this study. Rail Past record exists as inferred from its inclusion in BCSG’s birdlist for Gujarat
82. Ballion’s Crake Porzana pusilla Rallidae RM (r) Not seen during this study. Past record exists as inferred from its inclusion in BCSG’s birdlist for Gujarat
83. Spotted Crake Porzana porzana Rallidae M(r) Not seen during this study. Past record exists as inferred from its inclusion in BCSG’s birdlist for Gujarat
84. Ruddy Crake Porzana fusca Rallidae R(r) Vagrant for Guj. Not seen during this study. Past record exists as inferred from its inclusion in BCSG’s birdlist for Gujarat
85. Brown Crake Amourornis akool Rallidae R(r) Not seen during this study. Past record exists as inferred from its inclusion in BCSG’s birdlist for Gujarat
86. White -breasted Amourornis Rallidae R(c) Occurs in all five regions of Waterhen phoenicurus Gujarat as a breeding bird
87. Water Cock Gallicrex cinerea Rallidae R(uc) Past record exists as inferred from its inclusion in BCSG’s birdlist for Gujarat. Reported occurring near Thol (N.Guj.)during this study. Also reported from Surat (S.Guj.)in the past.
88. Common Gallinula chloropus Rallidae R(c) Occurs in all five regions of Moorhen Gujarat as a breeding bird
89. Purple Porphyrio Rallidae R (c) Occurs in all five regions of Swamphen porphyrio Gujarat as a breeding bird
90. Common Coot Fulica atra Rallidae RM (vc) Occurs in all five regions of Gujarat as a breeding bird
91. Pheasant -tailed Hydrophasianus Jacanidae R(c) Occurs in all five regions of Jacana chirurgus Gujarat as a breeding bird
92. Bronze -winged Metopidius indicus Jacanidae R(c) Seen in C.Gujarat (Vasai, Jacana Wadhvana, Ajwa, Saiyant, Naghrama) and S. Gujarat (Timbi near Rajpipla) during this study. Might be occuring in almost all the regions of Gujarat as a breeding bird.
93. Eurasian Haematopus Haematopodidae M (c) Not seen in this study as it Oystercatcher ostralegus mainly covered inland wetlands only. Recorded in Marine National Park & Sanctuary in the past.
94. White -tailed Vanellus leucurus Charadriidae M(uc) Seen in Saurashtra (e.g., Lapwing Savda/Nava talav and Bhaskarpura), N.Gujarat (e.g., Nal), C.Guj (Wadhvana)
95. Sociable Vanellus gregarius Charadriidae M(r) Vagrant for Gujarat as per Lapwing BCSG’s birdlist. It was reported non-gregariously from Thol, Dasada, Bajana and north of Chhari gregariously (90 birds) near Sanand during the study period. Since last few years it’s not Vagrant but regular winter migrant to Gujarat
96. Northern Vanellus vanellus Charadriidae M Not recorded in this study. Lapwing In the past, it was recorded at Wadhvana wetland (C.Guj., Vadodara dist.)
97. Grey -headed Vanellus cinereus Charadriidae M Past record exists as inferred Lapwing from its inclusion in BCSG’s birdlist for Gujarat.
98. Red -wattled Vanellus indicus Charadriidae R Common in all the regions. Lapwing
99. Yellow -wattled Vanellus Charadriidae R Seen near Luni Vav (Rajkot Lapwing malabaricus dist). Suitable habitats exist in many other regions.
100. Grey Plover Pluvialis Charadriidae M Not seen as this is more a squatarola coastal bird. BCSG’s birdlist for Gujarat mentions it.
101. European Pluvialis apricaria Charadriidae V Vagrant for Gujarat. Golden- BCSG’s birdlist for Gujarat Plover/Golden mentions it. Plover
102. Pacific/Eastern Pluvialis fulva Charadriidae M BCSG’s birdlist for Gujarat Golden Plover mentions it.
103. Large Sand Charadrius Charadriidae M BCSG’s birdlist for Gujarat Plover leschenautii mentions it.
104. Common Charadrius Charadriidae M BCSG’s birdlist for Gujarat Ringed Plover hiaticula mentions it.
105. Little Ringed Charadrius Charadriidae M Seen in Kachchh ( near Chhari), N. Gujarat Plover hiaticula (Dantiwada), C. Guj. (Vadgam), Saurashtra (Bhimdad) etc. BCSG’s birdlist for Gujarat mentions it.
106. Kentish Plover Charadrius Charadriidae M Seen in Kachchh (near alexandrinus Chhari), C Guj.(Vadgam), N. Guj.(Nal, Santalpur), Saurshtra (Bhimdad). BCSG’s birdlist for Gujarat mentions it. ,
107. Lesser Sand Charadrius Charadriidae M Saurashtra (Charakla salts, Plover leschenautii Khijadia), Kachchh(Chhari) BCSG’s birdlist for Gujarat mentions it.
108. Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus Scolopacidae M(uc) Seen in C. Guj.(Vadgam). Also occurs in Kachchh and Saurashtra coastal wetlands, but the study did not cover them
109. Eurasian Numenius arquata Scolopacidae M(uc) Large numbers in Gulf of Curlew Khambhat/Vadgam (C.Guj.), few also at Thol (N. Gujarat), Veri (Saurashtra), Chhari (Kachchh)
110. Black -tailed Limosa limosa Scolopacidae M(c) Seen in all regions of Godwit Gujarat. Occur at many shallow wetlands; e.g., Nal, Thol, Bhimdad, Heranj Santalpur, Kaj, Kuchhadi- Jawar, Amipur, Aji etc. . 111. Bar -tailed L. lapponica Scolopacidae M(r) Only one bird at Kaj Godwit (Saurashtra). BCSG’s birdlist for Gujarat mentions this species
112. Dusky/Spotted Tringa erythropus Scolopacidae M(r) Recorded only at Thol Redshank (N.Gujarat) and a pond nearby it.
113. Common T. tetanus Scolopacidae M(c) Recorded in N. Guj. (e.g., Redshank Dantiwada, Thol), C.Guj. (e.g., Pariej), Saurashtra (e.g.,Navatalav),
114. Marsh Tringa stagnatillis Scolopacidae M(c) Seen in Saurashtra (e.g., Sandpiper near Kaj, Nava talav,Kumbharwada), N.Guj. (Thol), Kachchh (Chhari), C. Gujarat (e.g., Pariej), S. Gujarat (Lakhi)
115. Greenshank Tringa nebularia Scolopacidae M(c) Seen in N.Guj. (e.g., Dantiwada, Thol, Nal), Saurashtra region (e.g., near Kaj, Khijadiya, Charkala etc.), C. Guj.(e.g., Pariej, Timbi)
116. Ruff Phylomachus Scolopacidae M(vc) All regions of the state. pugnax Perhaps the highest abundance was at Thol (N Guj.). Santalpur village pond also is a stronghold site of this silent sandpiper where over 1000 individuals. Habitat suitable in many wetlands of all regions.
117. Green T. ochropus Scolopacidae M(c) Saurashtra (Savda/Nava Sandpiper talaav , Bhimdad etc and Nayka dam in S’nagar), N.Guj (Thol, Nal etc.), S. Gujarat (Paalan), Kachchh (Chhari, Devisar etc.) Habitat suitable in many wetlands of all regions.
118. Wood T. glareola Scolopacidae M Seen in Saurashtra Sandpiper (Kumbharwada, Bhimdad, Savda/nava talaav etc,), N. Guj. (Thol, Nal, Gopalnagar ,Santalpur etc) ,. Habitat suitable in many wetlands of all regions.
119. Common Snipe T. hypoleucos Scolopacidae M Seen in Saurashtra (Bhimdad), Kachchh (Devisar, Chhari), N. Guja. (Thol), S.Gujarat (Fadvel). Habitat suitable in many wetlands of all regions.
120. Little Stint Calidris minuta Scolopacidae Seen in all five regions. Good numbers at Bhimdad dam and Brahmni dam (Saurashtra) Habitat suitable in many wetlands of all regions.
121. Temmink’s C. temminckii Scolopacidae M Seen in Saurashtra (e.g., Stint Brahmni dam) and Kachchh(e.g., Bhimsar, Chhari etc.). Habitat suitable in many wetlands of all regions.
122. Curlew Calidris testaceus Scolopacidae M Seen only in Saurashtra Sandpiper (e.g., Sihan dam, Khijadia)
123. Broad -billed Limicola falcinellus Scolopacidae M Seen only in Saurashtra Sandpiper (only one at Khijadia) 124. Black -winged Himantopus Recurvirostridae RM(c) Commonly seen in all Stilt himantopus regions
125. Avocet Recurvirostra Recurvirostridae RM(uc) Seen in N.Guj. (Dantiwada), avocetta Saurashtra (Bajanna, Nayka, Aji II), C.Guj. (near Pariej),
126. Great Stone Esacus Burhanidae R(uc) Seen at Bhadar and Lunivav Plover magnirostris dams (Rajkot dist.), Aji-1 (Rajkot dist.) and Gosa Bara (Porbandar dist.) in Saurashtra
127. Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybrida Laridae RM(c) Not as common as River Tern (Sr. no. 128). Seen more at the wetlands of Saurashtra (e.g., Aji, Sudama, Nayka, Veri). Also at Thol and reported at Nal. However, potential habitats exist in all the regions.
128. River Tern Sterna aurantia Laridae R(c) Commonest tern as per the survey till now. Seen in almost all the regions.
129. Gull -billed Tern Gelochelidon Laridae RM(uc) Very uncommon during the nilotica survey. However, potential habitats exist in all the regions.
130. Caspian Tern Hydropogne caspia Laridae RM(uc) Rare during the survey. Seen only one bird at Aji-1. However, potential habitats exist in all the regions.
131. Little Tern Sterna albifrons R(uc) Rare during the survey. Seen only near Kaj wetland due to proximity of coastal wetland area.
132. Slender -billed Larus genei Laridae RM(uc) Rare during the survey. Seen at Tapi barrage in Surat Gull (South Gujarat). Possibly also at Aji-1 (Saurashtra).
133. Black -headed L. ridibundus Laridae M(c) Uncommon. Seen at Aji-1 in Gull Suarashtra and Tapi barrage in Surat.
134. Brown -headed L. brunnicephalus Laridae RM(c) Uncommon. Seen at Aji-1 in Gull Saurashtra
135. Palla’s Gull L. ichthyaetus Laridae M(r) Only at Bhadar dam, Bajana &Nal
136. Small Blue/ Alcedo atthis Alcedinidae RM(uc) Very uncommon as Common compared to 82 and 86. Seen Kingfisher at Thol, wetlands in Kheda/Anand, and near Madhuwanti dam (Gir). Reported from Nal. Potential habitats exist in all the regions.
137. Pied/ Lesser Ceryle rudis Alcedinidae R(c) Uncommon. Seen at Aji 1, Pied Kingfisher Gir (Hiran river), Daloli and few other wetlands in Kheda/Anand, Thol, Savda/Nava Talav. Nayka dam etc. Potential habitats exist in all the regions.
138. White -throated Halcyon smyrnensis R(c) Commonest. Exists in all the Kingfisher regions.
139. Yellow headed Motacilla citreola Motacilidae M(c) Wadhwana, Thol, wetlands Wagtail of Saurashtra (e.g. Aji)
140. Black -headed M. flava Motacilidae RM(c) Aji-1. Reported from Nal Yellow Wagtail melanogrisea and Thol. Potential habitat exist in all regions.
141. White Wagtail M. alba Motacilidae RM(c) Seen at multiple wetlands (e.g.,Ghee dam) Reported from Nal and Thol. Habitat exists in all the regions
142. White -browed M. maderaspatensis Motacilidae R(uc Seen at Aji-1, II only. Wagtail
143 Grey Wagtail M. cinerea Motacillidae M(c) Karjan dam (Rajpipla). Potential habitat exists in all regions.
Note: This check-list is based on field observations and literature survey
Codes: R= Resident, M= Migratory, RM= Resident-Migratory, vc=Very Common, c= Common, uc= Uncommon, vr=Very Rare, r=Rare