Wetlands News Monitor September - October 2015

TRENDING TOPICS IN THIS ISSUE:

1. Reports on Wetland Birds

2. News on Marine Ecosystem

3. Information on Turtle and Tortoises

4. Reports on Dolphins

5. News Brief on Climate Change

6. Measures against Lake Encroachers

7. Recreation Activities

8. News on Wetland Pollution

9. General Reports on Wetland

News brief on Wetland Birds, Turtle and Tortoises, Dolphins, Climate Change, Lake encroachers, Recreation Activities, Wetland Pollution

WNM Compiled by: Dr. B. Hemambika, Ms. A. Julffia Begam and Dr. Goldin Quadros ENVIS Centre, Sálim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History, Anaikatty P.O., Coimbatore – 641108,

Reports on Wetland Birds

Hunting of wetland birds including migratory species is rampant in many parts of the State. Hunting, killing or collecting wildlife are typically punishable. Kovalam Creek, near , and Lake on East Coast Road and Old Mahabalipuram Road that attract a variety of local migratory birds have been poaching grounds. Poaching is no longer a clandestine activity that takes place in forests; it is rampant in the city and on the outskirts. Egrets, ibises, herons, storks, plovers, stilts and sandpipers are often the targets. Poachers of these birds do not carry any weapon. All they have is a net, a dead bird as bait, gunny bag and a motorcycle. Migratory birds are stuffed away in the hundreds in gunny bags to little-known eateries that serve a silent clientele. Most of these incidents go unreported; a few are, like a recent case in which Kancheepuram foresters arrested five people who were trapping plovers in Buckingham Canal near Navalur. The case also demolished the old theory that narikurava gypsies were the sole villains. Those arrested recently were residents of Karappakkam village on Old Mahabalipuram Road. Foresters reported that these poachers are specialized in trapping birds. There are others, including narikuravas, who hunt black-naped hares and monitor lizards in other parts of the state. Naturalists say the poaching shows demand for illegal bird meat has been on the rise. While narikuravas are hunter gatherers by tradition and others too are poaching birds is a matter of concern.

Nalsarovar low level water draws birds in Ahmedabad. Inadequate rains may have brought bad news to farmers, but for the bird lovers it is good news. The low water level in Nalsarovar Lake, the only Ramsar site in the state, has started attracting the birds. The forest officials expect the arrival of migratory birds from mid October. The water level in the lake was about four feet which was conducive for the migratory birds. The catchment area of the lake in Surnedranagar district has only received 413 mm against the annual rainfall of 556 mm. Similarly, Sanand Taluka in Ahmedabad has received 550 mm against the average rainfall of 759 mm. Another reason for the low water level in the lake was that the water released from Narmada canal in Viramgam canal had been completely utilized by the farmers and no excess water was flowing in the lake. Deputy conservator of forest, Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary, RG Prajapati stated that the water level in the lake is just four feet which is 1.5 feet less than the level which is usually noticed in September. The water level further recedes and brings in salinity. The

WNM Compiled by: Dr. B. Hemambika, Ms. A. Julffia Begam and Dr. Goldin Quadros ENVIS Centre, Sálim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History, Anaikatty P.O., Coimbatore – 641108, India

more salinity in water draws more birds. At least three to four species including cranes have started arriving. The lake was expected to have more birds in the last week of October.

The bird species that have arrived in Nalsarovar include cranes, garganey, coots and Indian skimmer. Skimmers in Nalsarovar have come after a long time. A senior official who was earlier associated with the lake management reported that for the past three to four years, it was noticed that the water level even in November-December was over five feet which was not conducive for the birds. As a result, the birds used to fly to the nearby village ponds. The high water level in the lake was only because the farmers during the monsoon did not take the Narmada water from the Viramgam canal and the canal water used to overflow into the lake. He said that for the past four years, the migratory birds arrived only in December end or the first week of January. However, this year the birds settle in Nalsarovar as soon as they arrive in the state.

As a part of wildlife week celebrations Ambazari bird race was jointly organized by the forest department and Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS). Assistant director of BNHS Sanjay Karkare informed that seven teams with 25 members fanned out around Ambazari Lake to record the bird species. The race was flagged off by additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (PCCF) for CAMPA SH Patil. Chief conservator of forest TSK Reddy was also present. More than 60 bird species including, Indian nightjar, paradise flycatcher, leaf-bird, state bird green pigeon, oriental honey buzzard were sighted by the watchers during the five-hour long.

Rare Oriental Darter bird spotted by Thane environmentalist at Bhandup pumping station has swept a wave of relief over environmentalists in and around the city. As the number of Oriental Darters or snakebirds, a near-threatened species of migratory birds, has been declining over the years because of the increasing pollution levels, this sighting comes as a ray of hope for the eco-system here say green activists. Kishor Dudhe, a research analyst at the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) reported that the Oriental Darter bird species are water birds distributed along the coastal wetlands. They thrive in clean and unpolluted water where there is plenty of fish, as they are a majorly fish eating species. He added that over the years, the high level of pollution in water bodies has made the visibility under water low as well as affected the quantity of fish, thus affecting the birds that feed on them. That is why the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has put the Oriental Darter species in the near threatened

WNM Compiled by: Dr. B. Hemambika, Ms. A. Julffia Begam and Dr. Goldin Quadros ENVIS Centre, Sálim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History, Anaikatty P.O., Coimbatore – 641108, India

category. This rare bird was spotted by Avinash Bhagat, a member of Thane based Paryavaran Dakshata Manch who recently co-authored a book on the birds of Thane creek, along with a group of 35 students of Thane's Lokpuram School during a nature trail at Bhandup pumping.

Rare Oriental Darter bird spotted at Thane Source: The Times of India Dt.: October 14, 2015

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has added seven species of birds found in India to the red list of threatened birds. Globally 70 birds have moved to the danger zone. In India, the number of threatened species of birds has gone up from 173 to 180. Steppe eagle, a raptor from grasslands and a regular winter visitor to India, has been reclassified from 'least concerned' to 'endangered.' One species - European roller - has been taken off the red list. Birds are considered one of the important indicators of the state of the environment. As per the level of threat, species move up the line of categories from 'least concerned', 'near threatened', 'vulnerable', 'endangered', 'critically endangered' and 'extinct in wild'. Among the seven species added to the list this year, five have moved up from 'least concerned' to 'near threatened'. These include northern lapwing, a grassland bird, and four wetland birds-red knot, curlew sandpiper, Eurasian oystercatcher and bar-tailed godwit. Turns here two other wetland birds-horned grebe and common pochard have been upgraded from 'least concerned to vulnerable.'

Bombay Natural History Society director Deepak Apte reported that the list of threatened species keeps on increasing with every assessment. This shows that conservation of species is not adequate. Some of the neglected habitats should be designated as protected areas or

WNM Compiled by: Dr. B. Hemambika, Ms. A. Julffia Begam and Dr. Goldin Quadros ENVIS Centre, Sálim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History, Anaikatty P.O., Coimbatore – 641108, India

ecologically sensitive sites. Ornithologists say habitat loss pose the main threat to birds. Grasslands, wetlands and forests are getting destroyed at an alarming rate. Red knot, usually found in coastal areas, mudflats and sandy beaches, is facing threats due to destruction of coastal ecosystems, land reclamation, pollution and over-exploitation of its main prey shellfish, besides poaching.

Great knot is threatened by degradation and loss of wetland habitat. Another wetland bird - curlew sandpiper - is under threat due to marshland alteration by commercial salt work, diminishing rainfall and hunting, particularly along the south-east coast of India near Point Calimere. Apart from the loss of grassland habitat, use of veterinary diclofenac has been found to affect steppe eagle which scavenges on animal carcasses. Worldwide, 40 more bird species have been included in the red list. These include many wading shore birds, six of 11 vulture species in Africa, and species like Atlantic puffin, European turtle-dove and helmeted hornbill. On a positive note, 23 species have been re-classified to lower threat categories.

Source:

 http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/flora-fauna/Migratory-birds-sitting-ducks- for-poachers/articleshow/48979901.cms  http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/flora-fauna/Nalsarovar-low-level-water- draws-birds-in-Ahmedabad/articleshow/49092039.cms  http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/flora-fauna/60-bird-species-sighted- during-Ambazari-bird-race/articleshow/49220555.cms  http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/flora-fauna/Rare-Oriental-Darter-bird- spotten-by-Thane-environmentalist/articleshow/49355518.cms  http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/flora-fauna/7-more-bird-species-of-India- fly-into-red-list/articleshow/49603338.cms

News on Marine Ecosystem

The National Centre for Seaweed Herbarium at Marine Algal Research Station (MARS) has earned the distinction of becoming an internationally acclaimed centre with about 5,000 specimens of more than 280 seaweed species. Vaibhav A. Mantri, Senior Scientist and Scientist

WNM Compiled by: Dr. B. Hemambika, Ms. A. Julffia Begam and Dr. Goldin Quadros ENVIS Centre, Sálim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History, Anaikatty P.O., Coimbatore – 641108, India

in charge, MARS reported that this is the only internationally recognized centre having a diverse collection of seaweeds from across the country, predominantly from and Gujarat, and designated as a reference repository at the national level. It has the largest collection of marine algae in the country, including species found in the islands of Gulf of Kutch, Gulf of Mannar and Andaman and Nicobar archipelago. The main objective of the facility was to provide an authentic identification service to students, researchers and industries. He stated that adding the herbarium was also being used to continue the taxonomic studies of Indian marine algal flora which was part of the mandate of this institute. Each herbarium specimen has been given accession numbers and the research station plans to barcode all specimens for accessioning and makes them available through computer database software for wider dissemination of information. Scientists K. Easwaran and Subir K. Mandal, who have been updating the collection, reported that the collection of the specimens began in the 1960s and the research station has come a long way in building the herbarium.

Half of the world's marine population (49%) has disappeared between 1970 and 2012. This is seen by experts as a plunge to the "brink of collapse" caused by over-fishing and other threats. Latest findings on the state of the world's oceans has revealed that fish stocks are under considerable pressure, with 29% classified as overfished and a further 61% as fully exploited. Global population sizes of the Scombridae family of food fish that includes tunas, mackerels and bonitos have fallen by 74%. Declining stocks of blue fin and yellow fin have pushed them to the brink of extinction. Almost 75% of the world's coral reefs are threatened with their cover having decreased by more than 50% in the last 30 years. With over 25% of all marine species living in coral reefs and about 850 million people directly benefiting from them economically, the loss of these reefs would be catastrophic. At current projected levels of ocean warming and acidification, there is mounting concern that reefs could be lost from most areas by 2050. The world's mangroves too are in serious peril. There has been a 20% loss in mangrove cover between 1980 and 2005 equal to as much as 3.6 million hectares. The rate of loss is 3-5 times greater than average global forest loss. Global catches of sharks have increased by 300%. This means that 25% of shark, rays and skates are now threatened with local extinction. WWF's `Living Blue Planet' report says while over-exploitation is identified as the major threat to ocean biodiversity, climate change is causing the ocean to change more rapidly than at any other point in millions of years. Rising temperatures and increasing acidity levels caused by carbon dioxide

WNM Compiled by: Dr. B. Hemambika, Ms. A. Julffia Begam and Dr. Goldin Quadros ENVIS Centre, Sálim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History, Anaikatty P.O., Coimbatore – 641108, India

are further weakening a system that is already degraded through overfishing, habitat degradation and pollution. Louise Heaps from WWFUK reported that “by over-exploiting fisheries, degrading coastal habitats and not addressing global warming, we are sowing the seeds of ecological and economic catastrophe”. Marco Lambertini, director general of WWF International stated that mismanagement was pushing the ocean to the brink of collapse.

A treasure trove of corals has been found mid-sea off the Konkan coast by the scientists of the National Institute of Oceanography. The coral site is located in Arabian Sea, some 100- 110km off the coastal districts of Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg of Maharashtra. The place is known as Angria Bank, named after famous Maratha Admiral Kanhoji Anger, who is known to have fought a battle there. The expedition was initiated to study the biodiversity of the area by the forest department of Maharashtra. Funded by the United Nations Development Fund (UNDP), it was executed by the scientists of NIO in Goa at a cost of Rs 1.5 crore. Baban Ingole, chief scientist of Biological Oceanography department of NIO reported that for years there was inkling that there could corals there. It was only after a project was commissioned by the Maharashtra government that the team went under the sea to explore the place. On undertaking an expedition, they found 800sqkm an island submerged under the sea, some 100 miles off Vijaydurg fort in Ratnagiri district in Maharashtra. Of this, only the tip of the island is visible during the low tide. It was the first expedition where NIO's (RV) Sindhu Sadhna was used. During the expedition they found some 200 species of flora and fauna. There are 54 species of corals and four of them are soft corals on Angria Bank with different type of fish.

The peculiarity of Angria Bank corals is that it is in the middle of the sea. Unlike other corals which are either coastal in nature like the Gulf of Mannar or the Andaman and Nicobar corals which are island corals, the Angria Bank is in the middle of the sea. It must have been an island some 10,000 years ago, which is now submerged under water. So, while the area around Angria Bank has a depth of 1000 meters, Angria Bank's tip is just 24 feet deep. Ingole stated that since it was a hill or a small mountain it was an ideal place for the corals to grow with abundant sunlight and the elevation. He added that since it is away from the coast, it also saves the corals from pollution emanating from the coast. The NIO scientists now plan to embark upon another expedition.

WNM Compiled by: Dr. B. Hemambika, Ms. A. Julffia Begam and Dr. Goldin Quadros ENVIS Centre, Sálim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History, Anaikatty P.O., Coimbatore – 641108, India

Coral site found in Arabian Sea off Konkan coast Source: The Times of India Dt.: October 3, 2015

Coral reefs are suffering a severe underwater heat wave this year for the third time on record, including a mysterious warm patch in the Pacific known as "The Blob". The bout of record high temperatures in parts of the oceans, stoked by climate change, is expected to kill more than 12,000 sq kms (4,600 sq miles) of reefs, or about five percent of the global total. The experts, including the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), said similar alerts about damage to reefs had been issued only in 2010 and 1998, both extremely warm years. Corals, tiny creatures which build stony skeletons, eject the colourful algae they live with when under stress that bleaches the reefs. Some corals can bounce back when temperatures fall but many die from long-lasting whitening. Corals are nurseries for many species of fish and provide livelihoods for millions of people. Eakin stated that it is not well understood how much of 'The Blob' is related to climate change. It's still a bit of a mystery. All three global alerts - in 1998, 2010 and 2015 - have coincided with El Nino events, which warm the eastern tropical Pacific and can disrupt weather worldwide, compounding the impact of climate change. The University of Queensland and Reef Check were also involved in the surveys. Eakin said countries could help by reducing stresses on reefs such as over-fishing and pollution. Nearly 200 governments will meet in Paris from November 30 to December 11 to address the wider problem of climate change.

Lathering up with sunscreen may prevent sunburn and protect against cancer, but it is also killing coral reefs around the world, scientists have found. A team of international scientists, which includes University of Central Florida professor John Fauth, found that oxybenzone, a common UV-filtering compound, is in high concentrations in the waters around the more popular

WNM Compiled by: Dr. B. Hemambika, Ms. A. Julffia Begam and Dr. Goldin Quadros ENVIS Centre, Sálim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History, Anaikatty P.O., Coimbatore – 641108, India

coral reefs in Hawaii, and the Caribbean. The chemical not only kills the coral, it causes DNA damage in adults and deforms the DNA in coral in the larval stage, making it unlikely they can develop properly. The highest concentrations of oxybenzone were found in reefs most popular with tourists.

Executive director and researcher Craig Downs of the non-profit scientific organization Haereticus Environmental Laboratory in Virginia led the team. The scientists collected samples from reefs in Hawaii, the US Virgin Islands and Eilat, Israel diving into the water themselves. They wore no personal hygiene products during the dives. Downs stated that the use of oxybenzone-containing products needs to be seriously deliberated in islands and areas where coral reef conservation is a critical issue. We have lost at least 80 per cent of the coral reefs in the Caribbean. Any small effort to reduce oxybenzone pollution could mean that a coral reef survives a long, hot summer, or that a degraded area recovers. He added that everyone wants to build coral nurseries for reef restoration, but this will achieve little if the factors that originally killed off the reef remain or intensify in the environment.

In laboratory experiments, the team exposed coral larvae and cells of adult corals to increasing concentrations of oxybenzone. The research team discovered that oxybenzone deforms coral larvae by trapping them in their own skeleton, making then unable to float with currents and disperse. Oxybenzone also caused coral bleaching, which is a prime cause of coral mortality worldwide. Corals bleach when they lose or expel the algae that normally live inside them, thus losing a valuable source of nutrition. In addition, coral larvae exposed to increasing oxybenzone concentrations suffered more DNA damage. Cells from seven species of corals were killed by oxybenzone at concentrations similar to those detected in ocean water samples. Three of the species that the researchers tested are currently listed as threatened under the US Endangered Species Act. The team concluded that Oxybenzone poses a hazard to coral reef conservation, and threatens the resiliency of coral reefs to climate change. The study is published in the journal Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology.

Source:

 http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/a-reference-repository-for- marine-algae/article7624234.ece

WNM Compiled by: Dr. B. Hemambika, Ms. A. Julffia Begam and Dr. Goldin Quadros ENVIS Centre, Sálim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History, Anaikatty P.O., Coimbatore – 641108, India

 http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/flora-fauna/Marine-life-dipped-by-50-in- 40-yrs/articleshow/48998168.cms  http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/flora-fauna/Coral-site-found-in-Arabian- Sea-off-Konkan-coast/articleshow/49210390.cms  http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/global-warming/Ocean-heat-wave- harming-worlds-coral-reefs-this-year-Experts/articleshow/49281379.cms  http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/global-warming/Sunscreen-killing-coral- reefs-worldwide/articleshow/49480214.cms

Information on Turtle and Tortoises

World's oldest fossil sea turtle was discovered. Edwin Cadena from Senckenberg Research Institute in Frankfurt, Germany reported that a fossil sea turtle from Colombia that is at least 120 million years old is the world's oldest. The almost completely preserved skeleton from the Cretaceous period, with a length of nearly two metres, shows all of the characteristic traits of modern marine turtles.

A fossil sea turtle from Colombia Source: The Times of India Dt.: September 8, 2015

The fossilized remains of the ancient reptiles were discovered in Colombia in 2007. Cadena and his colleague examined the almost complete skeleton, four additional skulls and two partially preserved shells, and they placed the fossils in the turtle group Chelonioidea, based on

WNM Compiled by: Dr. B. Hemambika, Ms. A. Julffia Begam and Dr. Goldin Quadros ENVIS Centre, Sálim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History, Anaikatty P.O., Coimbatore – 641108, India

various morphological characteristics. Turtles in this group dwell in tropical and subtropical oceans, among their representatives are the modern Hawksbill Turtle and the Green Sea Turtle of turtle soup fame. The findings were detailed in the journal PaleoBios.

The Srikurmam temple in Srikakulam, which is the only temple in south India dedicated to the Kurmam (tortoise) avatar of Lord Vishnu, may have created a record of sorts with the captive breeding of 55 star tortoise hatchlings in 2014, but this year the number of hatchlings has come down to 24 due to a number of environmental and man-made factors, including mass mortality of hatchlings due to infections and poor maintenance. The temple is said to be the only conservation centre of the protected species of star tortoises. These herbivores are found in the nearby foothills and fields of Srikakulam and are offered by devotees to the temple. Situated at a distance of about 130 km from Visakhapatnam in Gara mandal of Srikakulam is the ancient Srikurmam temple. This all-stone structure has 108 eksila (single-stone) pillars. The deity of kurmam is made of black stone but looks yellow as it's coated with sandalwood paste. The temple shelters 255 of these protected tortoises. However, the tortoises don't look clean and healthy. In the temple premises is an enclosure where the star tortoises, both the adult and young ones as well as the hatchlings are kept. Devotees feed them gongura leaves as a token of respect for the Kurmam avatar.

The star tortoises of Sri Kurmam Temple Source: The Times of India Dt.: September 29, 2015

WNM Compiled by: Dr. B. Hemambika, Ms. A. Julffia Begam and Dr. Goldin Quadros ENVIS Centre, Sálim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History, Anaikatty P.O., Coimbatore – 641108, India

These star tortoises are the responsibility of both the endowments department as well as NGO Green Mercy, which was roped in for conservation of tortoises in 2013. Green Mercy executive director KV Ramana Murthy, who is also the curator of the Star Tortoise Conservation Centre at Srikurmam Temple, pointed out that moved by the pitiable condition of the tortoises, who weren't fed properly and left without an enclosure making them easy prey for poachers and dogs, they had approached the forest department for help and also wrote to the chief wildlife warden a couple of years ago.

The forest department responded and wanted to take care of them or release them into the wild. But meanwhile, some devotees and religious organizations filed a case and kept pressurizing to withdraw the complaint. They also got a stay order from the high court that said the tortoises shouldn't be moved from their temple enclosure. The high court, on the condition that the temple authorities provide a habitat, balanced diet, medical care and proper enclosure for these animals, allowed the temple to keep the tortoises. However, the conservation and maintenance of these endangered species has been fraught with problems. As per an Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the endowments department and NGO Green Mercy, Rs 24,000 is given by the endowments department per month for maintenance, feed and overall care of the 255 tortoises (around Rs 10 per tortoise), which seems quite inadequate.

Source:

 http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/flora-fauna/Worlds-oldest-fossil-sea-turtle- discovered/articleshow/48865847.cms  http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/flora-fauna/All-is-not-well-with-the-star- tortoises-of-Sri-Kurmam-Temple/articleshow/49156287.cms

Reports on Dolphins

India's first dolphin community reserve will come up in Bengal. To protect the endangered Gangetic river dolphins, West Bengal will soon have the country's first community reserve for the mammal. A decision to this effect was taken at a meeting of the State Wildlife Board. Chief Wildlife Warden Azam Zaidi reported that a committee is being formed to examine in what way

WNM Compiled by: Dr. B. Hemambika, Ms. A. Julffia Begam and Dr. Goldin Quadros ENVIS Centre, Sálim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History, Anaikatty P.O., Coimbatore – 641108, India

the community reserve would be set up in the Hooghly River between Malda and Sundarbans. All stakeholders together in this initiative are taken. The stretch of the Ganges River, also known as Hooghly in West Bengal, is roughly 500 km long and it passes through the densely populated Kolkata before merging with the in the Sundarbans. He said the Wildlife Protection Act had provisions to create such community reserve for protection of flora and fauna. Zaidi, also the Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (Wildlife), reported that the stretch of the river is not within a forest or a sanctuary, so it is very important to involve all stakeholders for protecting dolphins and to spread awareness, control noise pollution and have cleaner water for conserving dolphins. Forest department officials said they would also conduct a census to estimate the population of dolphins, India's national aquatic animal. Direct killing, habitat fragmentation due to construction of dams and barrages, indiscriminate fishing and pollution of rivers are some of the major threats affecting the species. The number of dolphin is estimated to be less than 2,000 in the country. Often known as the 'Tiger of the Ganges', the river dolphin is an indicator animal, which has the same position in a river ecosystem as a tiger in a forest.

Environmentalists are doubtful over the findings of recently conducted Ganga Dolphin Census citing increasing pollution load in Ganga. Banaras Hindu University's environmental scientist and Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA) expert member Prof BD Tripathi said that the gangetic dolphin survives in clean water. So it is surprising that their population is increasing in Ganga, which is highly polluted in some stretches. Polluting agents like sewage, toxic matter harm aquatic life. He added that rising level of sewage, industrial effluents and pesticides harm the critically endangered Gangetic dolphins. If the number of Gangetic dolphin is increasing, it means that they have developed resistance to pollutants and it should be studied. Former dean, faculty of agriculture, Prof Janardan Singh said that the rising population and sewer affluent had deteriorated quality of Ganga's water. Expressing pleasure over the rising number of dolphins in Ganga, Prof Singh, who is also associated with UNESCO-oriented project "Man and Biosphere" funded by Union environment ministry to monitor pesticide residues in Ganges water from Allahabad to Varanasi, said that conservation of this animal should be top priority. Census should be conducted twice a year. The input information on Gangetic dolphin is very poor and needs research for better management of dolphins.

WNM Compiled by: Dr. B. Hemambika, Ms. A. Julffia Begam and Dr. Goldin Quadros ENVIS Centre, Sálim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History, Anaikatty P.O., Coimbatore – 641108, India

The Census was conducted under 'My Ganga My Dolphin' project jointly by the Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF) and forest department under the National Mission for Clean Ganga with the help of NGOs between October 5 and 8. The survey had counted 1,263 dolphins in UP against 671 in 2012 Census. The survey had also counted 116 dolphins in a 215-km stretch of the river from Laakshagrih in Allahabad to Kaithi in Varanasi, a confluence of Ganga and Gomti. District forest officer Mulchand reported that the census was conducted in systematic way covering Ganga and its tributaries. The dolphins were sighted mainly in comparatively clean water. Maximum number of dolphins was seen in Kaithi area. Rajesh Kumar Srivastava of NGO Vikas Avum Shikshan Samiti said that the coverage area of the survey this year was larger than the 2012 survey.

Source:

 http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/flora-fauna/Indias-first-dolphin- community-reserve-to-come-up-in-Bengal/articleshow/49284278.cms  http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/flora-fauna/Dolphins-rise-in-Ganga- surprises-environmentalists/articleshow/49536187.cms

News Brief on Climate Change

Climate change may lead to severe water shortage in Nepal. According to a new study, climate change increase in agricultural land use and population growth may lead to severe water shortage in Nepal in the coming decades. Using a sophisticated modelling tool called the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT), researchers at the Baylor University were able to account for land use, soil types, topography and meteorology to predict future climate change and project snow- melt and stream flow to assess the effects of land use on water availability in Nepal. They found that climatic changes, increase in agricultural land use and population growth in the Himalaya Mountain basins could have negative impacts on water availability, further stressing a region plagued by natural disasters and food insecurity. The findings indicate that the region especially during low flow seasons may be at severe risk for water shortages. This study is very important in a country like Nepal since the research is primarily focused for estimating the effects of potential climate variability and land-use changes on water flow processes of specific Himalaya

WNM Compiled by: Dr. B. Hemambika, Ms. A. Julffia Begam and Dr. Goldin Quadros ENVIS Centre, Sálim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History, Anaikatty P.O., Coimbatore – 641108, India

Mountain systems. The study's lead author Ram P Neupane, a postdoctoral research associate at South Dakota State University reported that the water availability has become problematic due to changing climate and land management practices in this region.

Sara E Alexander, associate professor of anthropology in Baylor's College of Arts & Sciences and director of the Institute of Archaeology stated that the Nepalese population in this region will face many challenges over the coming decades as soil degrades and water resources continue to place enormous strains on food production and intensify recent trends of subsequent malnutrition, particularly in young children. Joseph D White, professor of biology in Baylor's College of Arts & Sciences reported that in mountain regions, continuing climate change exaggerates impacts of temperature and precipitation. This research highlights how geography plays a role in what potential impacts climate change is having on stream flow and erosion in this steep landscape.

Climate alert has been sounded for the swamp Sunderbans tiger. Of the 12 species that the National Geographic has highlighted in its current volume on climate change, the Sunderbans tiger has been listed as one that will struggle. The report states that eventually, they will need scuba gear to live in the mangrove-dominated Sunderbans. A World Wildlife Fund (WWF) led study reports that a predicted 11-inch rise above sea levels from the year 2000 would destroy most tiger habitat in that region. The report referred to an earlier study in the Bangladesh Sunderbans that had predicted that with a 28-cm sea level rise from the year 2000, the remaining tiger habitat in the Bangladesh swamp would decline by 96% and the number of breeding individuals would be reduced to less than 20. Of the 12 species mentioned in the National Geographic report, woodland caribou, Arctic fox, spectacled eider (a northern duck) and Bengal tiger will suffer due to climate-change impacts. However, species such as white-fronted lemur and Merriam's kangaroo rat are likely to withstand the impact of climate change. The study on the Bangladesh Sunderbans had given some ray of hope for the mangroves as a joint block of forest system spread over both India and Bangladesh. The study stated that it may be possible that together the Indian and Bangladesh portions of the Sunderbans could continue to act as a single meta-population, increasing the number of total breeding individuals and extending the viability of the populations beyond the predictions presented here.

WNM Compiled by: Dr. B. Hemambika, Ms. A. Julffia Begam and Dr. Goldin Quadros ENVIS Centre, Sálim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History, Anaikatty P.O., Coimbatore – 641108, India

A Tiger at Sunderbans Source: The Times of India Dt.: October 26, 2015

A recent study by the World Bank and Institute for Environmental Studies and Wetland Management (IESWM) has sounded a climate alert over tiger habitat in the Indian Sunderbans. The study said the rivers on upper Bidya and Raimangal should have been at least 340 and 420- m wide to withstand the impact of sea level rise. As a result, 'these are eroding fast' and threatening the tiger habitat in forests of Jhila, Arbesi and Khatuajhuri. Scientists have also identified 11 islands here that will disappear in the next three decades due to rising sea level. Of these, three islands are Bulchani, Bhangaduani and Dalhousie are tiger habitats. The National Geographic report though has some better news for Bhutan tigers. It states that as forests move upslope, tigers will likely shift with them, heading deep into northern parklands along major river valleys. Sadly, they would displace or prey on already struggling snow leopards.

Source:

 http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/global-warming/Climate-change-may-lead- to-severe-water-shortage-in-Nepal/articleshow/49470437.cms  http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/flora-fauna/Climate-alert-for-swamp- tiger/articleshow/49532070.cms

WNM Compiled by: Dr. B. Hemambika, Ms. A. Julffia Begam and Dr. Goldin Quadros ENVIS Centre, Sálim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History, Anaikatty P.O., Coimbatore – 641108, India

Measures against Lake Encroachers

The directed various departments of the State government to work together to remove encroachments in Pallikarani marshland. The High Court was acting on a petition from 62 residents of Quaid-e-Milleth Nagar, , challenging a Government Order transferring a part of the marshland to the Forest Department which was in their possession for over 30 years. On 12 September 2015, Justice N. Kirubakaran had directed the Forest Department to file a report on the extent of encroachment in the marshland and to produce the Field Measurement sketch (FM) along with the Google map of Pallikarani marsh in the next hearing. When the petition came up for hearing, the Forest Department submitted the Google Map of the marsh, but failed to produce the FM Sketch stating only the Revenue Department had it. Not satisfied with the submission, the judge directed the department concerned to produce the FM sketch and further, all departments concerned should work together to remove the encroachments in the marsh.

Aerial view of garbage dumping yard at Pallikaranai in Source: Dt.: September 26, 2015

The House committee probing lake encroachments has found that nearly 2,600 acres of lake beds have been encroached in and around Bengaluru. Members of the committee headed by Congress legislator K.B. Koliwad reported that besides lake beds encroached by BDA, private parties have encroached on 1781 acres of lake beds in urban and rural parts of Bengaluru. Another 800 acres of lake land encroached upon are part of small tanks and ponds in rural areas. During a hearing, the House committee has sought a survey of all lakes in and around Bengaluru. Now, the survey of all lakes has been completed and mapping also has been done. The survey report will be placed before the committee in its next meeting.

WNM Compiled by: Dr. B. Hemambika, Ms. A. Julffia Begam and Dr. Goldin Quadros ENVIS Centre, Sálim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History, Anaikatty P.O., Coimbatore – 641108, India

Encroached lake-beds at Bengaluru Source: Deccan Chronicle Dt.: October 2, 2015

According to the House committee chairperson, more lake beds are encroached in city areas compared to rural parts of Bengaluru. After the survey of lakes is complete, the committee has decided to suggest to the state government to fix the boundaries for lakes to stop further encroachments. The survey reports say Sarakki, Puttenahalli and Jaraganahalli lakes bed have been encroached by private parties. BDA has encroached on more than 3500 acres of lake beds, allotted over 65,000 sites, in which people have already constructed houses, so these houses cannot be called illegal. The House committee would suggest not to raze residential and commercial complexes constructed on lake beds.

Source:

 http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/remove-encroachments-to- improve-pallikaranai-marshland-hc/article7691587.ece  http://www.deccanchronicle.com/151002/nation-current-affairs/article/2600-acres- bengaluru%E2%80%99s-lake-beds-encroached

Recreation Activities

Coimbatore Corporation has started works to give a facelift to Valankulam. After Ukkadam Big Tank and Perur Tank, the Coimbatore Corporation is shifting its attention to Valankulam, which stretches from Sungam to Ukkadam. Corporation Commissioner K. Vijayakarthikeyan reported

WNM Compiled by: Dr. B. Hemambika, Ms. A. Julffia Begam and Dr. Goldin Quadros ENVIS Centre, Sálim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History, Anaikatty P.O., Coimbatore – 641108, India

that the proposal is to widen the tank bund, strengthen it and make it into a natural walkway, besides developing a cycling track. The bund will be leveled and strengthened using natural Gabion stones and there will not be use of any material that will affect the natural ecosystem. An official involved in execution of the works said that the tank bund is being divided into two stretches. First, the 1.6-km stretch from Tiruchi Road side will be taken up. There will be a walking track and cycling track with lights and benches for the visitors. And, the median will have lawn and ornamental plants. There will be parking space, too. The space, which is available after shifting the slum-dwellers to the Tamil Nadu Slum Clearance Board tenements in Ammankulam, will be used for setting up the facilities. Officials plan to take up the work in the first phase at an estimated outlay of Rs. 5 crore and the remaining 3.5 km stretch around the tank in the subsequent phase. The water spread area will have two moats/islands where trees will be planted to provide a place for the birds to rest and nest. The proposal includes play area for children, meeting space, and an amphitheatre.

The Singanallur Tank that the Coimbatore Corporation rejuvenated recently is yet to get boating facility. The spruced up boat house at the Singanallur Tank is devoid of human activity. It has been so for quite some months now as there is no boating facility. The Coimbatore Corporation had about a year ago spent close to Rs. 50 lakh to refurbish the boat house, develop a garden, remove water hyacinth and introduce boating facility. Of the sum, the Corporation spent close to Rs. 26 lakh only to remove the water weeds. Now, the well-manicured lawn is the only indication of Corporation having spent the money, for the water weeds have started covering the water surface. Sources in the Corporation say that the civic body will resume boating after the water level improves and this will happen around October-November when the North East Monsoon showers increase inflow into the Tank. Even then the Corporation cannot introduce boating, contradicts former East Zone Chairman S.M. Samy. As long as sewage keeps flowing into the water body, the weeds will continue to spread and the Corporation will not be in a position to introduce boating. If the Corporation had spent the money to install a sewage treatment plant, the Singanallur Tank and the residential localities around it would have been a far better locality. Mayor P. Rajkumar stated that after a trial run in March this year, the Corporation has called off the boating facility due to decrease in water level. Since then the civic body has been working on signing a MoU with the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu for water sports and also sending a proposal to set up a sewage treatment plant. The

WNM Compiled by: Dr. B. Hemambika, Ms. A. Julffia Begam and Dr. Goldin Quadros ENVIS Centre, Sálim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History, Anaikatty P.O., Coimbatore – 641108, India

Government's approval is expected anytime soon. Once that arrives, the civic body will focus on having the STP first.

Boating at Singanallur Tank still in troubled waters Source: The Hindu Dt.: September 28, 2015

Source:

 http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/valankulam-tank-bund- beautification-on-the-cards/article7650091.ece  http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/boating-at-singanallur-tank- still-in-troubled-waters/article7696351.ece

News on Wetland Pollution

Metals in Musi River enter vegetables in Hyderabad. Researchers of Environmental Toxicology division of Osmania University, in a recent study, have discovered high levels of heavy metals like cadmium, chromium, nickel, lead, iron, manganese and zinc in spinach, okra, mint, coriander and tomato grown on the outskirts of the city. The contamination was found to be above the Maximum Residue Limits set by the World Health Organization.

WNM Compiled by: Dr. B. Hemambika, Ms. A. Julffia Begam and Dr. Goldin Quadros ENVIS Centre, Sálim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History, Anaikatty P.O., Coimbatore – 641108, India

Musi River water is highly contaminated with industrial effluents Source: The Deccan Chronicle Dt.: September 7, 2015

The main reason behind this is said to be the usage of Musi River water, which is highly contaminated with industrial effluents and municipal sewage, for irrigation. The researchers point out, those toxic heavy metals may cause cardiovascular, kidney, nervous and bone diseases apart from triggering disorders like vomiting, diarrhea, stomachache, kidney problems, anemia, cancer of respiratory tract and ulcers. Heavy metals are non-biodegradable and have high potential to accumulate in various body parts. As per another research titled Extent of heavy metal contamination of leafy vegetables, soil and water from surrounding of Musi river, consumption of food contaminated by heavy metals can seriously deplete some essential nutrients in body, weakening the immune system and retarding intrauterine growth apart from causing impaired psycho-social behavior, malnutrition and upper gastrointestinal cancer. Leafy vegetables like spinach, thotakura and chukkakura were found to have the highest concentration of heavy metals.

People living near Bellandur Lake face health risks. Elangovan Kulandaivelu, head of the Varthur Lake Group and a member of the Bellandur Lake Group reported that not only the health of residents living near these lakes that is being affected, even the lives of motorists are at risk where accidents occur due to the foam filled in the lake.

WNM Compiled by: Dr. B. Hemambika, Ms. A. Julffia Begam and Dr. Goldin Quadros ENVIS Centre, Sálim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History, Anaikatty P.O., Coimbatore – 641108, India

Bellandur lake - Foam is back to haunt residents Source: Deccan Chronicle Dt.: September 10, 2015

Sewage in Ooty Lake raises a stink. The new boat house at the Ooty Lake was forced to close as there was foul smell from sewage that was illegally discharged into the lake. Regional Manager of Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation (TTDC), G. Sankar stated that it is the first time in many years the boat closed down due to water pollution. The new boat house is located close to the outlet of the lake where the sewage water stagnated. However, old boat house functioned as usual. Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) has collected samples from the lake for testing. Meanwhile, on a direction from the District Collector of The Nilgiris P. Shankar, a team from the TTDC, TNPCB, Water Resource Department of the Public Works Department, Tamil Nadu Water and Drainage Board, Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation (Tangedco) and the Udhagamandalam Municipality conducted a joint inspection. They visited the lake, hotels, commercial establishments and other suspected buildings which could have discharged sewage into the lake. While there was no official statement on the guilty, there was a hint that a hotel on the Ooty North Lake Road could have discharged sewage into the lake.

WNM Compiled by: Dr. B. Hemambika, Ms. A. Julffia Begam and Dr. Goldin Quadros ENVIS Centre, Sálim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History, Anaikatty P.O., Coimbatore – 641108, India

The new boat house at the Ooty Lake which was closed for tourists Source: The Hindu Dt.: September 10, 2015

It is learnt that the team will submit a report on their findings to the Collector, to initiate further course of action. The pollution of Ooty Lake is already an issue of concern and this incident has magnified it. Udhagamandalam Municipality is cleaning water hyacinth from the other end of the lake and if sewage is discharged into the lake, the hyacinth will just grow back and take over the entire lake thereby affecting boating activities.

Pollution level is high in temple tanks in Kanyakumari. Tanks are integral part of temples and devotees believe a dip in the holy water bodies will absolve them of their sins. Urbanization, poor maintenance, blocked inlets and outlets and lull in paddy cultivation have rendered these tanks highly polluted and unfit for human use. A study on pollution levels in major temple tanks in Kanyakumari district has concluded that most of the physio-chemical parameters crossed the maximum permissible limits prescribed by the WHO. Maria Pushpam in her doctoral thesis submitted to Centre for Marine Science and Technology of the Manonmaniam Sundaranar University Rajakkamangalam in Kanyakumari district states that the total alkalinity, electrical conductivity, chloride, total dissolved solids, calcium and magnesium have higher values and make the ponds very harmful for human beings. In fact, many tanks, particularly the tank in Parakkai, have underground pipes bringing water from faraway places with openings at various places to clean the blockages. These pipes are beyond repair and no one can locate the openings. Construction of sewage systems in panchayats and discharge of untreated sewage into water bodies meant for irrigation also severely polluted temple tanks as they are interlinked.

WNM Compiled by: Dr. B. Hemambika, Ms. A. Julffia Begam and Dr. Goldin Quadros ENVIS Centre, Sálim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History, Anaikatty P.O., Coimbatore – 641108, India

The recent spate of moderate to heavy rains in the city of Hyderabad may have boosted the groundwater levels by at least half a metre, but a new report reveals that the water thus recharged is highly contaminated with fluorides, nitrates and large quantities of iron. A report on the state's groundwater profile by the Central Groundwater Board (CGWB) declared that harmful chemicals are present in the water beyond the permissible limits. Dr. Shakeel Ahmed, chief scientist, National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI) confirmed that the report mentions that there is a rise in the nitrate levels in the water and the basic source of nitrates in water sources is from sewerage, which seeps from improperly built septic tanks. He added that in an urban agglomeration like Hyderabad, most households have septic tanks, where the sewerage is collected. But in many cases, it was noticed that the tanks are not built properly. The contractors play it cheap and construct flimsy tanks, which aids in the leakage of sewerage into the aquifers. He advised that the people of the city must have septic tanks made out of concrete, whose base is no lesser than four inches thick so as to prevent harmful chemicals from leaking into aquifers. Medical experts reports that there are myriad harmful effects caused by nitrates in water.

Groundwater turning toxic with sewage Source: The Times of India Dt.: September 19, 2015

The symptoms include shortness of breath, and prolonged exposure may even be fatal. However, short term exposure to drinking water with nitrate levels above the prescribed standard is a potential health hazard primarily for infants. Meanwhile, the ground water directorate said that with the recent rains, the groundwater level has risen from 9.89 metres to 9.77

WNM Compiled by: Dr. B. Hemambika, Ms. A. Julffia Begam and Dr. Goldin Quadros ENVIS Centre, Sálim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History, Anaikatty P.O., Coimbatore – 641108, India

metres. Locals of Matoda village panchayat, Ahmadabad blame pharma company toxic discharge for dead fish. Dead fish floating in Matoda village panchayat lake triggered panic among locals. The panchayat had awarded the lake on contract for fish farming activity. In an application of complaint submitted with Changodar police station of Ahmedabad district, Kanu Chunara, the fish farm contractor has alleged that toxic discharge from Intas Pharma Pvt Ltd located at Matoda village has resulted in the death of fish. The complainant had hired the lake for 1.5 lakh fish seeds for pisciculture, which involves raising fish commercially in tanks or enclosures. However, it was alleged that toxic waste spilling into the pond from the manhole of the pharma company led to the death of fish. When contacted, an official of Intas Pharmaceuticals Ltd maintained that there was no discharge from the plant, which follows stringent compliance norms. The company's plant spokesperson said that the Matoda plant supplies product to regulated markets like US and it is approved by US Food and Drug Administration. USFDA approval is accorded after rigorous process including compliance to environment norms. Police officials said to the locals of Matoda village that they have informed Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB) officials and also taken samples from the pond and sent them for forensic examination. GPCB team visited the company's manufacturing facility at Matoda and collected samples of untreated and treated water. The samples have been sent to the board's laboratory in Gandhinagar. GPCB officials claimed that special HPLC tests would be conducted to determine the organic contents in the water samples collected. If the tests are positive, then the waste belongs to the pharma company. Even GPCB officials made it clear that the company's plant is a zero discharge plant. Yet, GPCB officer inspected the plant as a complaint was made and collected the samples. Samples from the lake were also collected.

Sewage and industrial waste flow freely into drinking water source. Chettinaickanepatti rural tank, the only drinking water source of Chettinayakkanpatti village, is highly polluted owing to indiscriminate discharge of industrial waste and sewage water into it. Spread over 15 acres, the tank has also been supplying water to irrigate 200 acres, recharging many open wells and bore wells and feeding sizable cattle population. Resident of the village complaints that the effects of water pollution are devastating not only on the people, but also on animals, fish and birds.

WNM Compiled by: Dr. B. Hemambika, Ms. A. Julffia Begam and Dr. Goldin Quadros ENVIS Centre, Sálim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History, Anaikatty P.O., Coimbatore – 641108, India

The highly polluted Chettinaickanpatti tank near Dindigul Source: The Hindu Dt.: September 28, 2015

Pollution diminishes the aesthetic quality of the tank and contaminated water destroys aquatic life. It also causes health hazards for the people. No one in the village is spared. With inadequate effluent treatment facilities, small and tiny industries around the village conveniently let the industrial effluents and toilet discharge into the tank. Untreated sewage water from R.M. Colony, Vivekanandha Nagar, Chinnayapuram, EB Colony, Arivu Thirukovil area and Rajakkapatti also reaches this tank. The residents have been struggling for more than a decade. The foul smell emanating from the water body is unbearable. Farmers and local people appeal to the authorities to construct a separate channel to carry drainage water from the tank and protect it from being polluted.

Source:

 http://www.deccanchronicle.com/150907/nation-current-affairs/article/metals-musi-river-enter- vegetables-hyderabad  http://www.deccanchronicle.com/150910/nation-current-affairs/article/people-living-near- bellandur-lake-face-health-risks  http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/sewage-in-ooty-lake-raises-a- stink/article7635027.ece  http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/pollution-level-high-in-temple-tanks-in- kanyakumari/article7649817.ece  http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/pollution/Groundwater-turning-toxic-with- sewage/articleshow/49020804.cms

WNM Compiled by: Dr. B. Hemambika, Ms. A. Julffia Begam and Dr. Goldin Quadros ENVIS Centre, Sálim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History, Anaikatty P.O., Coimbatore – 641108, India

 http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/pollution/Locals-blame-pharma-company- toxic-discharge-for-dead-fish/articleshow/49053322.cms  http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/sewage-industrial-waste-flow- freely-into-drinking-water-source/article7697059.ece

General Reports on Wetland

Lake Baikal is the world's oldest and deepest lake, with unique wildlife including a unique variety of freshwater seals and 570 different kinds of plants, according to UNESCO in both in its waters and the surrounding region.

Wildfires threaten Russia's unique Lake Baikal Source: The Times of India Dt.: September 4, 2015

The surrounding area is home to a wide range of forest animals, some of which are endangered.

Wildlife and environment awareness was organized by NGO Desham, the two-day Kolkata International Wildlife and Environment Film Festival across four venues in Kolkata from October 11. About 250 films from 50 countries besides India, filmmakers from Iran, USA, France, Russia, Spain, Germany, UK, Canada, Mexico, etc are participating in the festival. The festival will have five categories such as feature film, short film, animation, documentaries and public service announcements. Festival director Aditya Lal Mukherjee stated that with the festival they are trying to create awareness on issues related to wildlife and environment. Eminent actor and Dadasaheb Phalke awardee Soumitra Chatterjee is leading the festival committee as chairperson while actor and wildlife photographer Sabyasachi Chakraborty is the chairman of selection committee of films. Along with this film fest, they are also organizing a

WNM Compiled by: Dr. B. Hemambika, Ms. A. Julffia Begam and Dr. Goldin Quadros ENVIS Centre, Sálim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History, Anaikatty P.O., Coimbatore – 641108, India

two-day painting session on 'wildlife or creative landscape' accompanied by a photography contest on nature and wildlife.

Australia's Great Barrier Reef is deteriorating due to human activity. Xinhua news agency cited the Queensland government report as “the overall condition of the Great Barrier Reef's inshore marine environment remains poor”. The problem was largely due to run-off from farms. The report assessed the run-off and the condition of the reef between 2009 and 2014, finding that sediment, nutrients and pesticide pollution has decreased, but Queensland was far from meeting its set targets.

Great Barrier Reef's inshore marine environment remains poor Source: The Times of India Dt.: September 21, 2015

Industries trying to reduce run-off will need to improve. For instance, only 14 percent of the sugarcane industry met best practice for nutrient loads. Grain industries exceeded their pesticides target by 90 percent in the Burdekin region. Queensland environment minister Steven Miles, who released the report stated that there was more bad news than good in the report. Most concern during this period was a loss of riparian vegetation, a loss of trees on the riverbanks leading into the reef during the period when the goal was to increase the number of trees.

Chilika Lake, the largest brackish water lagoon of Asia, where alien fish species had arrived in large number following cyclonic storm Phailin, that hit the State’s coast two years ago, are found to have made their way out of the lake system. According to findings of studies assigned by Integrated Coastal Zone Management Project (ICZMP), Odisha, in association with Chilika Development Authority, after Phailin, the fish catch of the lagoon had gone up

WNM Compiled by: Dr. B. Hemambika, Ms. A. Julffia Begam and Dr. Goldin Quadros ENVIS Centre, Sálim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History, Anaikatty P.O., Coimbatore – 641108, India

significantly and a substantial increase was recorded in catch of exotic fish and fresh water species during Phailin. The high concentration of fish species, Oreochromis mossambicus was noticed during this time. Scientists involved in the studies say these indicate that these species must have reached the lagoon in such large quantity by swaying away from other localities.

ICZMP stated that while the Ctenopharyngodon idella may not cause much harm to the lake community, entry of Oreochromis mosambicus and Clarius gariepinus had posed a serious threat. However, fortunately it is now observed that these alien species have gradually disappeared from the system and the natives have again colonised within one year. It said the lake ecosystem appeared to be resilient and showed signs of recovery from the sudden in its system subsequent to cyclone Phailin. The project office ICZMP stated that this has attracted the attention of the scientist and the experts around the globe and many institutions have shown interest to study the amazing ecosystem of Chilika Lake. The CDA in collaboration with National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management (NCSCM), Chennai is now planning to come up with the ecosystem modelling of the lake for better understanding system.

Source:

 http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/developmental-issues/Wildfires-threaten- Russias-unique-Lake-Baikal/articleshow/48798314.cms  http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/developmental-issues/Wildlife- environment-film-fest-to-bring-250-films/articleshow/48938664.cms  http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/flora-fauna/Australias-Great-Barrier-Reef- needs-more-care/articleshow/49041562.cms  http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-otherstates/alien-fish-vanishing-from- chilika-lake/article7771926.ece

WNM Compiled by: Dr. B. Hemambika, Ms. A. Julffia Begam and Dr. Goldin Quadros ENVIS Centre, Sálim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History, Anaikatty P.O., Coimbatore – 641108, India