Meridian Vol. 8 (2). 1-7. June 2019 ISSN: 2278-750x

Assessment of Impact of Flood/Landslide on Riparian Vegetation in Pambayar, Periyar, Chalakudiyar And Bharathapuzha

Dr. Sabu T1, Dr. Sunil C N2, Dr. Jomy Augustine3, Dr. Amitha Bachan K.H4, Dr.Maya C Naryar5 and Dr. Joby Paul6

1Program Director (NREM), Centre for Environment and Development, Thiruvananthapuram 2Prof. & Head, Dept. of Botany (Rtd.), SNM College, Malliankara, Paravur 3Prof. & Head, Research & Postgraduate Dept. of Botany, St. Thomas College Pala 4Asst. Professor, MES Asmabi College, Kodungallur 5Asst. Professor, St. Thomas College, Thrissur 6Asst. Professor, Govt. Victoria College, Palakkad

Abstract have shown that the riparian regions of the Kerala experienced many small and major rivers in Kerala are one of the areas large flood and landslide events. From which are highly affected by the flood and 15th to 18th August 2018 the worst flood landslide. The high intensity flow of water event ever since 1924 was occurred. This through the rivers along with river bank study was to understand the impact on slumping and continuous water inundation Riparian vegetation in the Pamba, Periyar, caused major changes to the riparian flora. Chalakkudi and Bharathapuzha rivers. A In many places the entire vegetation is lost rapid assessment method was used. This either due to bank slumping or due to paper provides the executive summary of inundation. Considering the importance of ten detailed research report supported by the area there is a need to conduct a detailed Kerala State Biodiversity Board. analysis on the impact of current rain Introduction ravage on the riparian flora of the rivers The changing climatic dynamics which has affected most severely and areas and peculiar physiographic condition where we have some background data on amplifying with the climate change the riparian vegetation is attempted here as impacts, especially the extreme weather experimental cases for a critical conditions predicted by various studies assessment. The present study was a part of make the State of Kerala as one of the most the detailed scientific analysis of the impact vulnerable States in India with respect to of flood on biodiversity, initiated by Kerala the natural disasters. Flooding and State Biodiversity Board (KSBB) to landslide/landslips are the two most severe formulate recommendations for restoration natural disasters we are expecting in the and follow up activities. The study was near future. During the months from June to undertaken by Centre for Environment and August 2018, Kerala experienced many Development (CED, 2019) small and large flood and landslide events. From 15th to 18th August 2018 the worst Materials and Methods flood event ever since 1924 was occurred. Study Area When we consider the ecological impact of The study covered 128 Km stretch the flood, the preliminary observations of Pampayar, 208 Km of Periyar, 82 km of

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Meridian Vol. 8 (2). 1-7. June 2019 ISSN: 2278-750x

Chalakudiyar and 136 km of the three major the riparian areas and the prioritised areas tributaries of Bharathapuzha on both banks for intervention. and prepared the riparian area land use map, physical impact maps and prioritised area Major Findings maps in GIS platform. It has also Mapping of Riparian Land Use and enumerated the riparian flora, identified the Enumeration of Flora species with conservation importance,  The major vegetation types on the analysed the impact of flood/landslide on banks are mixed tree crops, natural riparian ecosystem and species, identified vegetation, barren land, species useful for river bank afforestation rubber/tea/coffee/oil palm plantations, programs and suggested integrated Teak plantation by forest department, management plan for river rejuvenation. vegetable cultivation and paddy Approach and Methods cultivation. In order to assess the previous Enumeration of Floristic Biodiversity condition of the study area and local  The study enlisted a total number knowledge on the utilization of the flora, of1243 species of flowering plants the study followed a participatory approach belonging to 150 families from the by involving BMCs representatives and riparian areas four rivers under study. local people. The highest number of species is The study made use of the service of recorded from Periyar (799) followed the scientist who has explored the riparian by Pampa (549), Chalakudy (470) and areas of the rivers for its riparian floristic 3 tributaries of Bharathappuzha diversity and its ecological significance in together have 421 species. Majority of recent years for conducting the impact the species are herbs (47%), followed assessment of the area using the previous by trees (25%), shrubs (15%) and the data. The major studies/reports referred climbers (13%). for identification and comparison of the  The plant other than the cultivated floristic components and other details of the species which area having high rivers under study include: Amitha (2010), conservation importance are identified CED (2010), Joby (2012), Sunil et. al based on the parameters like IUCN (unpublished), Jomy et. al (unpublished) threatened status (Critically Maya et. al (unpublished). Endangered, Endangered and The major activities involved in the Vulnerable categories are taken), study are: i) Preparation of base maps field Endemism (Endemic various regions study ii) Key Experts Consultation of India viz. Peninsular India, Western Workshops, iii) Literature Survey and Ghats, Southern Western Ghats, Kerala preparation of an appraisal of the study etc.), Medicinal use of plants in various area, iv) Intensive field surveys along the systems of medicine, other uses like river banks by research fellows and utility for local livelihood, capacity investigators v) Analysis of collected data protect river banks etc. and vi) Preparation of GIS maps of the  Out of 1243 species 545 species are riparian landuse before flood/landslide, classified as having high conservation physical impacts of the flood/landslide on value based on IUCN threatened status,

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Meridian Vol. 8 (2). 1-7. June 2019 ISSN: 2278-750x

Endemism, used in various systems of Bharathapuzha under study are medicine, used for local livelihood comparatively the least affected River by activities, habitat of many bank erosion. About 30% of the total animals/fishes and capacity protect distance under study is affected but only river banks. There are 40 threatened 11% are under high erosion category. species as per IUCN Red List Version  Periyar is also in first position in 2019-1, 4 critically endangered (CR), sand/mud deposition on the bans and 13 endangered and 23 vulnerable inside the River. About 34% of the species. 198 species are endemic to total distance is affected at various various regions of India, 11 endemic to scales and 31% is under the high Kerala, 92 to Southern Western Ghats deposition category. In Pampayar 74% (SWG), 55 Western Ghats (WG), 32 of the total distance studied is affected Peninsular India (PI) and the rest 8 and17% is under high deposition species India endemic. 334 plants are category. 11% of the total distance seen as used in various systems of studied in Chalakudiyar is affected and medicine like Ayurveda, Siddha, 16% of the mud/sand deposition is Unani, Homeopathy, Folk, Tibetan, under high category. In the tributaries Sowa Rigpa, Chinese, Modern of Bharathapuzha about 26 % is medicine and Veterinary medicine. 214 affected but only 5% under high species are having local importance deposition category. Major depositions like raw material for local livelihood are in Thootha and Kalppathi activities, plants very much associated tributaries. with the wild animals and fishes for its  Another major impact on the riparian breeding, nesting and also staple food ecosystem due to flood is deposition of and found to be very much useful in non-degradable wastes, mainly plastics checking river bank erosion, stabilizing on the trees and other vegetation banks, and controlling floods etc. causing damage to the species and ecosystem and is found as a major issue Impact on Ecosystem and Species in all Rivers. Physical Impact: The study identified and Species Loss mapped the major physical impact areas The study found that 604 flowering plants of 2018 flood/landslide mainly erosion are affected by flood/landslide in the four and sand/mud deposition. Periyar is the rivers. However, total loss of a species most highly affected by erosion. 15% of from the entire stretch is not found. The the total distance under study is affected only one species which is probably lost is and 63% of the eroded areas are under Lagenandra keralensis Sivad. & Jaleel, high erosion category. This is followed by reported only from its type location at Pampayar where 13% of the total distance Bhoothathankettu is not found there under study is affected and 54% of the because the collection location is now eroded areas are under high erosion almost filled with sand now. About 60% category. In Chalakudyar 87% of the total of the plants f the plants affected are distance studied is affected, only 23% of herbs, followed by shrubs and trees (15%) the eroded areas are under high erosion and climbers (10%). Highest percentage category. The tributaries of of species affected is in Pampa where 51% 3

Meridian Vol. 8 (2). 1-7. June 2019 ISSN: 2278-750x

of the total species affected. This is of the 22 medium risk category (B) followed by Periyar (44%), Chalakudy species, 13 out of the 14 low risk (42%) and tributaries of Bharathapuzha category (C) species and another 13 out (40%). of the 26 insignificant category (D)  Most of the species damage is occurred species identified from all over Kerala. due to bank erosion and deposition.  The tributaries of Bharathapuzha is Plants belongs to 189 species growing having the highest distribution of close to the bank uprooted and washed invasive species (37) followed by out because large trees uprooted in Periyar (34), Pampayar (29) and landslide in the up streams collided Chalakudiyar (25) species. with them. It is found that 114 out of  It is also noticed during the study that the 545 species identified as having all these invasive species are spreading high conservation value were affected. to more areas mostly in the newly 11 out of the 40 IUCN red listed deposited areas and this require special species were affected in one or other attention in the future action plan for Rivers. This includes 2 critically conservation of riparian biodiversity. endangered species, 4 endangered and  Managing invasive species in the 5 vulnerable species. 47 out of the 197 landscapes remains a challenge world endemic species, 70 out of the 334 over. But this is needed to prevent the medicinal plant species and 42 out of further spread of the species to other the 214 other locally important species areas. There are four major control were also affected in one or other measures generally accepted for Rivers. controlling invasive species are i) Spread of Invasive species mechanical removal, ii) eradication of  One of major impact of the August weeds using chemical, iii) biological 2018 flood/landslide in Kerala to the control and iv) cultural techniques. riparian ecosystem/vegetation is the Expertise is needed to identify spread of invasive plants listed by a resources and the threats to them, and study published by Kerala State the ability to prioritize by threat, by Biodiversity Board (Sankaran et. al, geographic site or resource being 2013). threatened, and by individual plants.  Initially there was a positive sign of Identification of Potential species for washing out many such species from River Bank afforestation the banks but in a later stage it is found  The study has developed criteria for that all these plants are growing identification of species potential for profusely in many other areas, future River bank afforestation especially in the mud/sand deposited programs based on IUCN Red Listed areas. Species (Critically Endangered,  The present study has identified 48 out Endangered and Vulnerable), Endemic of the 82 invasive species of Kerala Plants (4 categories), Medicinal value from the riparian areas of the four of species, Other local Importance of Rivers. This includes 13 out of the 20 the species and plants mostly growing high risk category (A) species, 14 out naturally near the River side. 288

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Meridian Vol. 8 (2). 1-7. June 2019 ISSN: 2278-750x

species are identified for future river well as the riparian zone. Based on the bank afforestation programs. This scientific concept that the rivers are far include 169 trees, 43 shrubs, 54 herbs more than the waters within their banks that and 22 climbers under 4 prioritised act as a holistic system wherein any change classes (14 species in the very high at any part of the basin has repercussions in importance, 69 high, 158 medium and other parts of the basin and wellness of the another 47 low importance category) system, the study suggested a detailed framework for a management action plan Prioritization of areas for intervention for the reviving the Rivers of Kerala.  The study has prioritized and mapped Integrated Scientific Approach the river banks of the four rivers under Normally, the river management study for intervention by local activities in Kerala is being undertaken bodies/BMCs at various stages. mainly by various departments such as  Out of the 1108 Km stretch of the four Irrigation, Agriculture, Kerala Water rivers explored during the study, a total Authority, Kerala State Electricity Board distance of 134 Km (12%) is identified etc., because of the focus of development in as very high priority which needs these sectors. The activities were heavily intervention in the first stage, 429 Km dominated by civil construction. Although (39%) is identified as high priority for generally effective in meeting the second stage of intervention, 358 Km objectives, this single-discipline approach (32%) is identified as medium for long ignored other ecological values of rivers. term intervention and 187 Km (17%) Thus, there is a need for creating an is identified as in low priority areas autonomous body coordinating all activities which need not much intervention related to river management. The use of other than regular monitoring. science in many plans is found to be  It is found that 51 km of the very high inadequate. As a result, there is reliance on priority areas are in Periyar followed community preferences without adequate by Pampa (35 km), tributaries of assessment of their scientific or economic Bharathappuzha (28 km) and realism. A shift in management practice is Chalakudy (20 km). In occurring all over now. This requires Bharathappuzha very high priority detailed investigation based on local areas are manily in Thootha tributary condition rather than importation and followed by Kalpathi (5.3%) and no misapplication of river rehabilitation such areas identified in Gayathri techniques and processes from abroad. A tributary. shift in community and manager attitude towards river management and the process The Way Forward of implementation in the community is also The study found that the growing needed. population and resultant anthropogenic Based on the above criteria, the interventions in the name of developmental study has suggested a detailed framework activities along with climate change and for developing of a management action plan extreme events has made many changes in for the reviving the Rivers of Kerala to be the land use and land cover of catchment as initiated and implemented by the local bodies by strengthening the BMCs with

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Meridian Vol. 8 (2). 1-7. June 2019 ISSN: 2278-750x active participation of KSBB and other  Capacity Building and awareness institutions as mentioned in the framework. creation: Proper awareness The major components of an ecosystem creation and capacity building of based holistic approach for River various stakeholders management suggested are: Role of Local bodies  Watershed Management: The role of Local Government Developing a catchment area Institutions and BMCs in the river treatment plan with high priority to conservation is highlighted as the 73rd and rejuvenation of degraded ponds and 74th amendments to the Indian Constitution, construction of new ponds, envisages local bodies as the third tier of checking drainage obstructions to government along with the Central and ensure Environmental/Ecological State governments and the Kerala has flow in River concentrating on the devolved a large number of development Streams, Drainages, and wetlands in functions to local bodies and has seriously the catchment. attempted to operationalise the  River Water Quality constitutional provisions in letter and spirit. Management: Addressing river Thus planning and implementation of any water pollution issues (Solid and activities for river basin management will Liquid waste disposal, Flow be easy through the local bodies by Modification, Channel strengthening the BMCs with active Reconfiguration, Fish Passage, In- participation of KSBB and other line Stream Species Management, Dam departments and R&D and academic Removal/Retrofit, Floodplain institutions. Reconnection, In-Stream Habitat The BMCs (Local Bodies) has to  Wise use of Resources: play an important role in the river Environmental sustainability of the restoration activities. The experience from entire basin area the flood/landslide and the acute water  Riparian Area Management: scarcity in many parts of State in summer Bank stabilization, Biodiversity months during the past few years have enhancement and proper provided an exceptional opportunity to management of rriparian areas rethink about our approach to the River considering River bank management. The Government is now slumping/erosion, deposition of thinking more holistically about the State’s sand and mud, loss of vegetation, development after flood. The local bodies spread of invasive species etc. in the State are also want to take up the case  Socio-economic Considerations: very seriously and looking for scientific Wise use of wetlands various Local technological support. Economic Development Activities The local bodies, both urban and (Heritage/ Aesthetics/ Recreation/ rural, have to clearly define their roles and Education), Encroachment, Land responsibilities of the elected Acquisition for development representatives and staff to involve in the activities activities. There should be a local level policy to involve the grass route level people to participate in the river 6

Meridian Vol. 8 (2). 1-7. June 2019 ISSN: 2278-750x rejuvenation activities right from the base References data collection. The gramsabhas has to be Amitha Bachan K.H. 2010a. Riparian strengthened through this policy initiative. flora of the Chalakkudy river basin As the rivers are the cultural centres of the and its ecological significance. PhD community, the role of religious leaders Thesis. Calicut University. Kerala. also shall be considered. India. CED, 2019. Assessment of Impact of Acknowledgement flood/landslide on Biodiversity The study was conducted with with special emphasis on - financial support from the Kerala State Riparian vegetation in Pambayar, Biodiversity Board as part of a large project Periyar, Chalakudiyar and undertaken by them on the impact of 2018 Bharathapuzha. Project Report flood and landslide on the biodiversity of submitted to erala State Kerala and is acknowledged here. The Biodiversity Board, Centre for following research fellows were involved in Environment and Development the study for field data collection and GIS Thiruvananthapuram (3 volumes). map preparation: Shaibu Jacob, Vishnu T J CED 2010. Preparation of an Action Plan and Arun C Rajan (Pampayar); Tom for Conservation of Periyar River Mathew and Krishnanand (Periyar - Idukki Basin. Project report submitted to District); Akshath Shenoy and Nitheesh T Environment Management Agency, N (Periyar - Ernakulam District); Pooja Kerala, Centre for Environment and Suresh and Sreehari S Nair (Chalakudiyar); Development, Akhila S and Laiju C K (Bharathapuzha); Thiruvananthapuram. Prasood S and Akhil S. Son (GIS Mapping). Joby P, 2012. Taxonomy distribution and Their contribution for the study is ecology of the riparian flora of acknowledged with deep gratitude. Also Pamba River Kerala. Phd thesis acknowledge gratefully the service from the submitted Mahathma Gandhi Kerala Forest Department for getting University, Kottayam. permission and allowing field staffs to Sankaran, K.V., Suresh, T. A. and. accompany for field studies in forest areas. Sajeev T V, 2013. Handbook on The helps provided by the BMC members Invasive Plants of Kerala. Kerala from various local bodies’ field data State Biodiversity Board, collection is thankfully acknowledged. Thiruvananthapuram.

Received: 2th May 2019 Revised and accepted: 10th June 2019 Published: 30th June 2019

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