High Altitude Wetlands in Arunachal Pradesh: a Review on Its Importance and Way Forward for Conservation and Management

Journal of Critical Reviews

ISSN- 2394-5125 Vol 7, Issue 3, 2020

Review Article HIGH ALTITUDE WETLANDS IN ARUNACHAL PRADESH: A REVIEW ON ITS IMPORTANCE AND WAY FORWARD FOR CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT

Bishmita Medhi1 ,Sailajananda Saikia2

1Assistant Professor, Dept of Geography, Tihu College, Nalbari, Assam 2Dept Of Geography, Rajiv Gandhi University, Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh

Received: 23.11.2019 Revised: 09.12.2019 Accepted: 30.01.2020

Abstract Arunachal Pradesh (26° 40’- 29°27’N,91° 35’-97°24E), the land of the dawn-lit mountains is a region to the easternmost part of India. One of the most important biomes that this region has is the wetlands which if blessed with a healthy aquatic plants and animals. In a general term wetlands are water bodies which are inundated by large water body either permanently or seasonally. Arunachal Pradesh ranks second and has 2653 identified high altitude wetlands, after Jammu and Kashmir in number. Of all the wetlands, 1672 wetlands have more than 2.25 hectare of land areas according to National Wetland Inventory and Assessment, 2011. Wetlands are blessed with a sufficient area for flourishing high altitude with a splendid biodiversity of this part of region. In terms of ecological perspective these wetlands are very important and also from religious point of view. Many of the tribal communities residing here consider the wetland and lakes as sacred sites and are being used for different rituals. On the basis of altitude the wetlands of Arunachal Pradesh can be divided into High Altitude Wetlands and Low Altitude wetlands. In the recent times due to a high pressure for grazing grounds, exploitation of pristine forest resources, a high unregulated dumping of waste, soil and water pollution, different unauthorised construction for different developmental activities and settlement are some of the major threats being observed in the High Altitude Wetlands. An attempt will be made to identify high altitude lakes and wetlands in the state and its importance on the eastern Himalayan region. Moreover, special attention will be focused on conservation and management of high altitude wetlands from Govt side and NGOs.

Keywords: High Altitude Wetlands (HAWs); Eastern Himalaya; Management; policies and conservation

INTRODUCTION: which depends on water balance, topography, and subsurface In general High Altitude Wetlands (HAWs) is a term which is conditions (Carvalho et al., 2007). generally used to describe “ An areas of swamp, marsh, meadow, fen, peat-land or water bodies located at an altitude In the high altitudinal regions lakes play a very critical role higher than 3000m above mean sea level (amsl), whether from different perspective apart from their ecological natural or artificial, permanent or temporary, with water that significance, biodiversity, habitat for different form of wildlife is static or flowing, fresh, brackish or saline”. In terms of and socio-economic aspects. In different high altitudinal Himalayan region the HAWs is an important category of regions of India, high altitude lakes are the only breeding natural wetlands which are located at higher elevated region. grounds for different migratory bird species. And from socio- As per the Space Applications Centre, ISRO has monitored and cultural aspect, people living in this region are primarily mapped 4699 HAWs with an area of 126125 ha which extends dependent on these lakes for their day to day livelihood. from Northern Himalaya to North Eastern Himalaya, which are Moreover, these wetland and lakes are good areas for grazing situated in five Himalayan States viz. Jammu and Kashmir in their livestock as most tribes living in these regions are the extreme North followed by Himachal Pradesh, nomads and live with their cattle. One of the most important Uttarakhand, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh in the eastern occupation and economic activity of local nomadic corner. communities is livestock rearing which account for about 80 percent. According to Article-1 of the Convention on wetlands The Arunachal Pradesh the eastern most state of India is of international importance especially as waterfowl Habitat placed between 26°28' and 29°30' N latitudes and 91°30' and (1971), “Wetlands are areas of marsh, fen, peat land or water, 97°30' E longitudes. In terms of geographical area also the whether natural or artificial, permanent or temporary, with state is largest among the NE states of India with 83,743 sq water that is static or flowing, fresh, brackish or salt, including km. The state is surrounded by China in the north and areas of marine water the depth of which at low tide doesn’t northeast (1080 Km) separated by McMohan line, in the west exceed 6-metres”. Wetlands are often described as “kidneys of by Bhutan 9160 Km), in the east by Myanmar (440 Km), and the landscape” (Mitsch & Gosselink 1986). The high altitude Assam and Nagaland in the south. In 1972 it was renamed as lakes and wetland is characterised by a different climate Arunachal Pradesh was renamed in the year 1972 from NEFA conditions and a sever seasonal and diurnal frost and earlier by the British administration. permafrost layer. Another aspect of these high altitude lakes and wetlands is generally formed by precipitation, snow-melt, Wetlands is considered as one of the most productive natural which is different from the lower altitudes lakes which receive environments in biosphere, which is very important as it holds water from local rains, through streams and runoff. a very high diversity in terms of fauna and flora, while at the same time a massive source of natural storage area for fresh Classification of High Altitude wetlands: water. Wetlands are ecosystems located in areas constantly or In terms of India, the high altitude wetland and lakes can be temporarily flooded and are usually characterized by the classified in three broad regions. The first region Northern presence of hydromorphic soils, resulting in a peculiar Himalayan region which is confined to Ladhak and Zanskar physicochemical environment, morphologically and region in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. The lakes in this physiologically adapted to the hydroperiod of the system, region have water with alkaline character (pH 7.4-9.6), the

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high pH values and is rich in phytoplankton In terms Ladakh Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim. Arunachal is ranked second region, some of the important and prominent areas are after Kashmir with 1672 High Altitudinal Wetland covering a confined to Pangong Tso, Tso Morari, Chantau, Noorichan, total area of 11864 hector which accounts for about 7.6 Chushul and Hanlay, on the other hand in Kashmir Valley the percentage of total wetland of the state. Most of the wetlands region are in and around Dal, Anchar, Wular, Haigam, Malgam, are small in size and most of the wetland is below 500 hector. Haukersar and Kranchu lakes. Only three wetlands have an area of 100-500 hectares is being identified. In the state of Sikkim, there are 534 HAWs with an The Second region is the Central Himalayan region confined to area around 3324 ha. Which account for about 44.5% of total the state of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh. The region wetland area of the state. Sikkim is ranked first in terms of does not have a large number of wetlands, only the area number of lakes per 100 km² followed by Arunachal Pradesh. around Nainital, Bhimtal and Naukuchital have a limited None of the HAWs of Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim is wetlands. considered under the Ramsar site. The Third region is that of Eastern Himalayas. The High Altitudinal Wetland in the region is confined to the state of

Table -1: State-wise distribution of high altitude lakes in India Sl. No. State Total

No. Of Lakes Area (ha) 1 Jammu and Kashmir 2104 110131 2 Himachal Pradesh 271 575 3 Uttarakhand 118 231 4 Sikkim 534 3324 5 Arunachal Pradesh 1672 11804 Total 4699 126125

Table-2: State-wise density of high altitude lakes (no of lakes / 100 km²) Sl.No. State Total Geographical Per cent No. of HAL density Geographical area ( above area above Lakes (No. of Area (km²) 3000 m amsl) 3000 m lakes/100 (km²) amsl km²) 1 Jammu and Kashmir 222236 174146 78.4 2104 1 2 Himachal Pradesh 55673 27531 49.4 271 1 3 Uttarakhand 53566 14965 27.9 118 1 4 Sikkim 7096 2783 39.2 534 19 5 Arunachal Pradesh 81424 17630 21.6 1672 9 Total 419995 237055 56.4 4699 2

Table-3: Altitude range-wise distribution of high altitude lakes in India Sl. State Altitudinal range (amsl) Total No. (3000-4000m) (4000-5000m) (>5000m) No. of Area No. of Area No. of Area No. of Area lakes (ha) lakes (ha) lakes (ha) lakes (ha) 1 Jammu and 443 3078 1245 92389 416 14664 2104 110131 Kashmir 2 Himachal Pradesh 20 20 168 424 83 131 271 575 3 Uttarakhand 40 43 68 159 10 29 118 231 4 Sikkim 6 18 323 1231 205 2075 534 3324 5 Arunachal 790 5189 862 6621 20 54 1672 11864 Pradesh Total 1299 8348 2666 100824 734 16953 4699 126125

High Altitude Wetland Areas in Arunachal Pradesh effects of climate change. They are characterized by extreme Arunachal Pradesh is ranked second in India in terms of High cold, dry and alpine climate conditions, particularly due to low Altitude Wetlands (HAWs) after Jammu & Kashmir covering a air temperature and higher ultraviolet radiation. Researchers total area of 11,864 ha, accounting for about 7.6% of total have also predicted hydrological and ecological response of wetland area of the state. Although the size of this HAWs are HAWs to climate change in the Himalayan region. small which are below 10 hectares. The fragile ecosystem and unique climatic conditions of HAWs are more vulnerable to the

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Distribution of high altitude lakes in Arunachal Pradesh with respect to elevation range.

Table -4. Altitude-wise distribution of high altitude lakes in Arunachal Pradesh Sl.No. Category Altitude Numbers of Area (ha) HAWs 1 High Altitude 3000-4000 790 5189 2 Higher Altitude 4000-5000 862 6621 3 Very high Altitude Above 5000 20 54 Total 1672 11864

As per the recorded number of lakes and wetlands are forest and the ecosystem around the HAWs influence and concerned the Lohit district has the highest area with 45719 control the water budget and influence the micro climate to a hector. In case of High Altitude wetlands and lakes ehich could large extent. The HAWs forms a part of valuable gene pool to be confined to Dibang Valley (443), Lohit (204) and Tawang keep intact the ecological balance. In the recent times, (204) districts of the region. Although few high altitude lakes anthropogenic factors are responsible for the loss and are also been also observed in the district of West Kameng, extinction of many species due to loss of habitat. Programmes East Kameng, West Siang Lower Subansiri, Upper Subansiri and strategies should be undertaken to conserve and protect and Upper Siang. Density of small lakes of 2-10 ha is observed the pristine ecosystem, species and gene for the future. A in the eastern most part of Himalaya in the state of Arunachal holistic approach should be made to conserve the biodiversity Pradesh. Arunachal Pradesh ranked second with 1672 high by both in-situ and ex-situ conservation strategies. But the sad altitude lakes occupying 11864 ha. part in this regard is that no concert management plan is undertaken or put in place or approved by the Government. Threat on Wetlands (HAWs): There are numerous threats which needs to be understood The HAWs of Arunachal Pradesh provide numerous forms of before the process of conservation of wetlands are to be goods and services for a sustain livelihoods to different tribal considered. The first and most common threat is by communities in the upstream region and also in the populated reclamation and degradation of wetlands by drainage and regions downstreams. HAWs are also of much importance landfill, pollution, other important cause is by hydrological because it support a very unique and very rich biodiversity in alteration (water withdrawal and changes in inflow and the Eastern Himalayan region. The regions are also known as outflow), and finally by over-exploitation of natural resources carbon ‘sink’ which plays a very critical role in carbon which results in loss of biodiversity. All these factors are sequestration. In addition to this it also support a rich responsible for the disruption in wetland ecosystem. In case of biodiversity of rare medicinal plants, rhododendrons and HAWs the threats are more concerning as these high gymnosperms like Chinese goral (Nemorhaedus griseus), red altitudinal wetlands and lakes are not under direct supervision goral (Naemorhedus baileyi), wild dog (Cuon alpinus), snow and the consequences are not taken care of. In many cases the leopard (Panthera uncia), musk deer (Moschus chrysogaster), identification process itself is very difficult as these HAWs are red panda (Ailurus fulgens), takin (Budorcas taxicolor) and so isolated and are at a very inaccessible location with ragged on. Moreover, these HAWs also have very significance among terrain. the local communities as they are looked from religious aspect and different rituals are carried on in these areas. Conservation & Management In the recent times, the HAWs are being affected by The Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) is sensitive to climate anthropogenic disturbances, degradation, soil erosion, change. According to the Indian Network for Climate Change degradation, habitat fragmentation and desertification which Assessment report, the annual mean surface air temperature is is responsible for the aggravated by climate change impact in projected to increase from 0.9° ± 0.6°C to 2.6° ± 0.7°C in the this region. With the increase of human interference due to 2030s in IHR. The Arunachal Pradesh State Action Plan on increase in grazing areas there is a huge pressure in the Climate Change has projected that maximum temperature will catchment areas. Moreover, overexploitation of forest increase by 2.2°–2.8°C during 2030s compared to the baseline, resource, different development activities, and unregulated i.e. 1961–1990 and towards 2080s the increase is projected to activities like tourism has led to water and soil pollution which be 3.4°–5°C. Minimum temperature is projected to increase by bring a great threats in the HAWs region of Arunachal Pradesh. 1°–2.6°C during 2030s and by 2.8°–5°C during 2080s. Water Another aspect which is responsible for the degradation aspect resource, forest and biodiversity are projected to be adversely is the remoteness, rugged terrain and harsh climate condition impacted by climate change by the 2030s in Arunachal of these HAWs. Therefore, there is a urgent need to have a Pradesh. comprehensive plan and information regarding the status of The conservation of the rich Biodiversity is very essential for this region for the conservation process to begin with. different reasons not only for ecological and environmental The impact of climate change could have a huge impact on the rejuvenation but it are more essential from economic position and biodiversity in this region. Climate change in this development which is more sustainable for our future. The region is also characterized by some extreme events in this

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HIGH ALTITUDE WETLANDS IN ARUNACHAL PRADESH: A REVIEW ON ITS IMPORTANCE AND WAY FORWARD FOR CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT region like extreme cold climate, dry and alpine conditions and under the Ministry of Environment. SWA has its own officials higher intensity of ultraviolet radiation. There is an urgent to carry out activities required at State level and also the State need to have comprehensive scientific information on the government can nominate expert in the specialized subject of changes which are taking place in this HAWs of Arunachal wetland ecology, hydrology and many other aspects to Pradesh as on information is available. An in depth planning and management. information and scientific knowledge is the need of hour SWA has the power to regulate over the wetlands of any area which might help us in understanding this regions better and under a State, it also recommend prohibited activities in and also help us mitigate the impact of climate change and around any wetlands. The SWA is entrusted to different anthropogenic impact in order to have a comprehensive conservation measures and also to undertake activities related strategies to conserve this HAWs. to enhance awareness among the local communities on values and functions of wetlands. The North-Eastern states particularly Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh don’t have any particular scheme for conservation Now with the introduction of SWA, the state has made it and management of HAWs but it is seen that in recent time mandatory in preparing list of all the wetlands within a State some efforts are undertaken by Govt. agencies to bring more to be list and to notify within six months. In addition to this a HAWs under Ramsar Convention. There is an urgent need of comprehensive and up to date digital inventory of all wetlands Ramsar Convention is Arunachal Pradesh. As such initiative needs to be created and need to get update with a time span of and National programme for conservation and management of 10 years. wetlands provides 100% assistance for investigation and survey and conservation and management of wetlands. Way forward Conservation and management of HAWs and lakes in the There is a need for a holistic and a multidisciplinary approach Himalayan region from Kashmir to Arunachal Pradesh pose an based on scientific temper to adopt for conservation and immense challenge not only to India and World as a well. The management of HAWs of Arunachal Pradesh. Academicians problem becomes more important because of Climate change need to intervene for the conservation and management all around the world and its impact can be felt in the high programs, also different specialized research institute, altitude regions of Himalayas. Government departments, and local communities can bring a change in this regard. A comprehensive research on different In the present context there need a collaborative approach to aspects of HAWs like physical, biological and social aspect solve the issues of conservation and management of HAWs. must be taken to create community awareness for a Site specific approach should be undertaken to resolve the sustainable management and conservation. Moreover, problems of HAWs as different regions demand different documentation of traditional ecological knowledge should also conservation and management methods. Moreover, different be understand, so as to bring the local communities close to stakeholders should work in Partnerships spirit. Information nature and fine out ways to solve the problem associated with should be shared as to understand different area specific it. problems and also for speed implementations of task at hand. A regional forum should be organised for transboundary Although there are some new initiatives taken by the cooperation between different governments both intra- Government with regards to HAWs for the Himalayan Region. national and international level. Under the new environment ministry rules, there is a provision to decentralise wetlands management. Which now There is a very high level of resource constrains exist in the gives the states powers to identify and notify wetlands within eastern Himalayan States and Arunachal Pradesh is no a particular region and also given jurisdictions to keep a watch different. In terms of communication also the region is isolated on prohibited activities in the HAWs? In this regard the from the outside world. Keeping in mind different obstacles, Central Government seeks to protect over 2 lakh wetlands people participation in conservation and management is the across the country. In this regard the Centre has come out with most important step one needs to consider. Different activities concert rules in the identification and management of these like publication of rich biodiversity in terms of different ecologically fragile areas which has a very critical role in species should be incorporated from both side, i.e., understanding groundwater recharge, flood control, in government, institutional, NGO and at individual levels. preserving different flora varieties, supporting migratory birds Community level participation which will illustrate the and protecting coastlines. This has led to widens the significant of these HAWs to the culture and spiritual responsibility of the local authority to decide on permitted advancement of different tribes and also for the future activities by inserting the 'wise use' principle. The notification generation. says, "The wetlands shall be conserved and managed in accordance with the principle of 'wise use' as determined by Wetlands, vital parts of the hydrological cycle, are highly the Wetlands Authority." The Centre's role under the Wetlands productive ecosystems which support rich biodiversity and (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017, will be provide a wide range of ecosystem services such as water restricted to monitoring its implementation by states/UTs, storage, water purification, flood mitigation, erosion control, recommending trans-boundary wetlands for notification and aquifer recharge, microclimate regulation, aesthetic reviewing integrated management of selected wetlands under enhancement of landscapes while simultaneously supporting the Ramsar Convention — an international arrangement to many significant recreational, social and cultural activities, preserve identified wetlands. being part of our rich cultural heritage. 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