WETLANDS of UTTARAKHAND a Documentation This Report Is a Collaborative Effort of

Home , Asan Barrage, Bhimgoda Barrage, Chakrata, Dakpathar Barrage, Deoria Tal, Dodital

WORKING TOGETHER TO CONSERVE WETLANDS

WETLANDS OF UTTARAKHAND A Documentation This report is a collaborative effort of –

WWF-India Uttarakhand Forest Department Mr. Pushpinder Singh Jamwal Mr. D.V.S. Khati, IFS Mr. Prashant Tariyal Dr. Jatinder Kaur Consultant Ms. Yamini Panchaksharam Mr. Emmanuel Theophilus Dr. Harish Kumar Mr. Pankaj Chandan

IGCMC team (GIS) Dr. G. Areendran Mr. Krishna Raj

Citation: Wetlands of Uttarakhand (2012), Report jointly published by the Uttarakhand Forest Department and WWF India

Edited by: Dr. Nima Manjrekar and Ragini Letitia Singh Designed by: Ragini Letitia Singh

Front Cover Photo: Gugui-Kanasar © Emmanuel Theophilus WETLANDS OF UTTARAKHAND A Documentation CONTENTS PREFACE 6 FOREWORD 7 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 8 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 10 CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION 11 CHAPTER 2: WETLAND SITES ABOVE 18 2,500M ASL CHAPTER 3: WETLAND SITES BELOW 2,500M ASL 71

CHAPTER 4: SUMMARY & ANALYSIS 137 CHAPTER 5: DISCUSSION & CONCLUSION 168 GLOSSARY 170 REFERENCES 171 ANNEXURES 173

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 5 PREFACE

Wetlands of Uttarakhand presents the results of a rapid survey and assessment of 116 wetlands in Uttarakhand within an altitude range of 300m to over 5,000m above sea level (m asl). The report provides the following information regarding wetlands – geographical location, area covered, altitude, site description, ﬂ oral and faunal diversity, land tenure, ecosystem services, land use and threats.

The district-wise distribution of wetlands has been depicted through a series of maps. Further, a total of 42 wetlands have been prioritised for conservation on the basis of a set of parameters.

This report can aid the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India; the Uttarakhand Forest Department and other associated government departments and agencies in setting goals and designing initiatives aimed at the conservation of wetlands in Uttarakhand.

Ruinsara Tal with the magniﬁ cent Himalayan peak called Bandar Pooch in the far distance © AISHWARYA MAHESHWARI © AISHWARYA

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 6 FOREWORD

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 7 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

We would like to convey our sincere gratitude to several organisations and individuals for supporting this project. Without them, this report could not have been completed.

The project was funded by the Uttarakhand Forest Department and we would like to express our profound respect, gratitude and thanks to Dr. R.B.S. Rawat IFS, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Uttarakhand Forest Department; Dr. S.K. Chandola IFS, Former Chief Wildlife Warden and Mr. S.S. Sharma IFS, Chief Wildlife Warden.

We thank Mr. D.V.S. Khati IFS, Chief Conservator of Forests, Garhwal, the nodal ofﬁ cer for providing the opportunity to work on the wetland project, as well as, for timely help and support given to our team to conduct the survey in Uttarakhand.

Offi cials of the Forest Department: Our heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the following staff members:

Dehradun District: Dr. Dheeraj Pandey IFS, Divisional Forest Offi cer, Chakrata division; Mr. Ram Singh Mehta, Ranger and Mr. Lal, Ranger, River range for providing assistance during our fi eld visit. We are also grateful to Mr. Arvind Tripathi (Assistant Engineer), Jal Vidut Nigam (Rishikesh) for the discussion on conservation of wetlands. Nainital District: Mr. Kapil Joshi IFS, Conservator, South Kumaon Circle, Nainital and Mr. Biju Lal IFS, Divisional Forest Offi cer, Nainital for their support and relevant information during the wetland inventory. Haridwar District: Late Mr. Gopal Singh Rana IFS, Divisional Forest Offi cer, Haridwar; Mr. Yashpal Singh, Ranger, Chidiyapur; Mr. Maan Singh, Ranger, Laksar; and Mr. Santosh Singh Negi, Deputy Ranger. From the Jhilmil Jheel conservation reserve, we thank Mr. Gopal Singh Negi, Forester; Mr. Ram Tej Tiwari, Forest Guard; and Mr. Dhuman Ali, Watcher, for providing detailed information on different wetlands and for arranging transportation during our fi eld visit. Udham Singh Nagar: Mr. Bal Kishan Pandey, Ranger; Mr. Kailash Chandra Gunwant, Forester; and Mr. Manohar Singh Phartiyal, Forest Guard from the Sharda range; and Mr. Mahesh Singh Adhikari, for their support in the procurement of secondary data. Pauri: Mr. M.B. Singh, Divisional Forest Offi cer, Pauri; Mr. Narendra Singh, Divisional Forest Offi cer, Lansdowne; and Mr. Vijay Rawat, Ranger, Paithani for providing us a complete set of secondary data. Almora: Mr. Rahul IFS, Divisional Forest Offi cer, Almora; Mr. Kher Singh Parihar, Mr. Pankaj Sharma and Mr. Kaushal Singh Hatwal, Forest Guard, Almora. Champawat: Mr. S.P. Singh, Divisional Forest Offi cer, Champawat; Mr. Bhupender Singh Mehra, Ranger, Boom range; and Mr. Girsh Chand Gutalia, Forester, Boom range for their kind support. Bageshwar: Mr. R.C. Sharma, Divisional Forest Offi cer, Bageshwar; Mr. Ram Singh Bisht, Ranger, Bageshwar; and Mr. Kailash Chand, Forest Guard, Gwaldham. Uttarkashi: Mr. I.P. Singh, Divisional Forest Offi cer, Uttarkashi Forest Division. Rudraprayag: Mr. A.K. Gupta, Divisional Forest Offi cer, Rudraprayag Forest Division for his support during the fi eld visit. Corbett Tiger Reserve: Mr. R.K. Mishra IFS, Director, Corbett Tiger Reserve, Ramnagar and Mr. C.K. Kavidayal, Deputy Director, Corbett Tiger Reserve, Ramnagar.

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 8 Rajaji National Park: Mr. S.S. Rasaily IFS, Former Director, Rajaji National Park, Dehradun.

Thanks are also due to Mr. Manohar Maher, who was present on every ﬁ eld foray with us, and assisted in logistics, as well as, data collection, and our local route-guides Mr. Surendar Singh from Lewari, Mr. Tikam Singh from Osla, and Mr. Sadan from Nepal, who helped us carry our often staggering loads on extended trips, ﬁ nd interesting routes to less-known lakes, and over high passes and often precipitous terrain. Mr. Zanskar T. Singh conducted a close scan of GoogleEarth images for the high nival areas, and unearthed and listed unheard-of and unmapped glacial and proglacial lakes. He was also a member of the survey team for the highest lakes visited, and his energy in ‘unearthing’ unmapped lakes deserves special mention.

Thanks are also due to Dr. G.S. Rawat of Wildlife Institute of India (WII), and to Mr. Manoj Chandran IFS (Deputy Conservator of Forests, Pithoragarh Forest Division), for their help and guidance in the classiﬁ cation system used to categorise the kinds of landscapes and vegetation-types in which most of the wetlands of Uttarakhand are to be found.

We thank Dr. V.B. Mathur, Dean, WII, Dehradun for providing us Biogeographic classiﬁ cation maps for the study. We are grateful to the team at the Indira Gandhi Conservation Monitoring Centre (IGCMC) at WWF-India for the wetland maps created by them for the study. We particularly thank Dr. G. Areendran, Director, IGCMC and Mr. Krishna Raj, Senior Programme Coordinator, IGCMC for their support, suggestions and patience when the maps were edited several times.

A special note of thanks to Dr. Brij Gopal for his key suggestions in the preparation of the zone of inﬂ uence maps of selected wetlands.

We thank Dr. K.D. Kandpal and all the staff members of WWF Kaladhungi ofﬁ ce for their help and guidance during the wetland survey in Terai.

Our heartfelt thanks to Mr. B.C. Choudhury, Scientist-G and Head, Endangered Species Management, WII; Dr. Dhananjai Mohan, Scientist-F, WII, and Mr. Manoj Chandran for peer reviewing the document and providing their valuable suggestions. We also thank Mr. B.C. Choudhury for providing key inputs during the inception workshop of this study; and Dr. B.S. Adhikari, Scientist-D, WII and Khimanand Balodi (post-graduate student at Doon University) for reviewing the ﬂ ora-related information in this report.

Last but not the least, we would like to gratefully acknowledge the keen interest, encouragement and active support of Ms. Archana Chatterjee, Mr. Kiran Rajashekariah and Ms. Priya Tripathi of the Regional Programme for Himalayan High Altitude Wetlands Conservation, WWF-India, support staff at the WWF-Uttarakhand ofﬁ ce, and ﬁ nally Dr. Sejal Worah, Programme Director and Mr. Ravi Singh, SG & CEO of WWF- India for their persistent and unstinting support to this effort.

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 9 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The National Wetlands Conservation Programme of India has been supporting wetlands conservation all over India since 1987. Under the programme, 115 wetland sites have been identiﬁ ed for conservation and management. Further, under the Ramsar Convention 26 wetlands from India have been included in the list of Wetlands of International Importance. Wetlands located in the State of Uttarakhand are yet to be included in this list.

A rapid assessment of wetlands in Uttarakhand was conducted in order to gather baseline data on their status. During the study period, a total of 116 wetlands were covered within an altitude range of 300m to over 5,000m asl. The district-wise distribution of wetlands has been depicted in a series of maps. The report provides the following information regarding wetlands –

Geographical location, area covered, altitude, site description, ﬂ oral and faunal diversity, land tenure, ecosystem services, wetland use (direct and indirect), threats and the zone of inﬂ uence (in case of a few wetlands).

Wetlands above 2,500m asl - Bara-Dhara Sem, Basuki Tal, Bharadhsar, Devtal, Dodital, Kana Tal, Kanasar, Kedar Tal, Khera Tal (West), Kush Kalyan Kund, Maldaru Tal, Manera Tal, Miali Tal, Nandi Kund, Parvati Kund, Rwesara Tal (Runisara), Satopanth Tal, Thamri Tal and Vasundhara Tal.

Wetlands below 2,500m asl - Tehri Dam, Nanak Sagar, Tumaria, Bagul Dam, Bour Dam, Dhora Dam, Haripura Dam, Sharda Barrage, Jhilmil Jheel, Asan Barrage, Virbhadra Barrage, Dakpathar, Banbasa Barrage, Tadag Tal, Nainital, Bhim Tal, Naukuchia Tal, Sat Tal, Kosi Barrage, Khurpatal, Asan near Kunja Village, Garud Tal and Shymla Tal.

Since this was a rapid survey of the wetlands of Uttarakhand, it is to be seen as a ﬁ rst step, an initial inventory only. In order to understand biological and physical parameters in different geographical settings, we would need to acquire some data on a range of ‘reference’ wetland sites, ranging from those least altered by human use, to graded levels of alteration by human use. We also urgently need to build baseline data on habitat structure, trophic status, hydrology (ﬂ ows and water retention times), as well as, chemical, biotic and physical parameters of selected wetland sites in this region.

This report can aid the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Uttarakhand Forest Department and other associated government departments and agencies in setting goals and designing initiatives aimed at the conservation of wetlands in Uttarakhand.

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 10 Chapter 1: INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND

Wetlands are areas that are transitional between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems where the water table is usually at or near the surface or the land is covered by shallow water. According to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance, wetlands are defi ned as “areas of marsh, fen, peat-land or water, whether natural or artifi cial, permanent or temporary, with water that is static or fl owing, fresh, brackish or salt, including areas of marine water the depth of which at low tide does not exceed six metres.”

Wetlands are increasingly being recognised for their vital role in nature and in natural processes that extend far beyond their geographical locations and boundaries. They are the highest producers of biomass compared to any other ecosystem type worldwide, far outstripping river estuaries, tropical rain forests and even coral reefs (Ricklefs and Miller 2000). It is estimated that wetlands and other forms of deepwaters, cover about 6 per cent of the Earth’s surface (Mitsch and Gosselink, 1993), and provide habitats for as much as 20 per cent of the planet’s various life-forms (Gopal, 1977). Owing to this attribute, wetlands are often referred as “biological supermarkets” (Gawler 2000, Prasad et al., 2002).

The functions performed by wetlands range from initiating primary production, regulating hydrological regimes such as groundwater recharge and ﬂ ood mitigation, initiating plant succession that stabilises shorelines, providing habitats and sustenance to numerous plants and animals, and also helping sustain human habitations. Globally, 1.5-3 billion people depend on wetlands as a source of drinking water, as well as, for food and livelihood security. An immense variety of species of microbes, plants, insects, amphibians, reptiles, birds, ﬁ sh and mammals are part of a wetland ecosystem (Tiner 1984, Salvesen 1990, Mitsch and Gosselink, 1993). They also enhance the aesthetic value of their landscape, and are an integral part of our cultural heritage. In the context of climate change they assume critical importance as carbon sinks.

WHILE WETLANDS AND Wetlands in India are distributed in different geographical regions ranging from the Himalaya to the Deccan plateau. Signiﬁ cant diversity in wetlands is noted due to the DEEPWATERS COVER variability in climatic conditions and topography (MoEF, 2007: 6). ONLY ABOUT 6% OF THE EARTH’S SURFACE, THEY Among all the wetland types, river/stream is the major type, occupying an area of 5.26mha (34.46%). Reservoirs occupy 2.48mha (16.26%), inter-tidal mudﬂ ats 2.41mha PROVIDE HABITATS FOR (15.82%), tanks/ponds 1.31mha area (8.6%) and lakes/ponds occupy 0.71mha (4.78%). AS MUCH AS 20% OF Mangroves, coral reefs and high altitude lakes (>3000m elevation), although contribute THE PLANET’S VARIOUS a very small percentage to the total wetlands, yet are some of the unique wetland types LIFE-FORMS of India (Space Application Centre ISRO, 2011: 7, 8). The wetlands in the Hindu Kush-Himalaya include lakes, marshes, peat lands, wet grasslands, streams, lakes and rivers. They store water, feed groundwater aquifers, trap

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 11 THESE WETLANDS sediments, recycle nutrients and support high biological and cultural diversity. Further, these wetlands are important staging points for migratory birds. They provide many ARE THREATENED important ecological functions and services to sustain livelihoods in the mountains, as BY INCREASING well as, in the more heavily populated, economically and agriculturally valuable areas DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES, downstream. These wetlands are facing the brunt of increasing development activities and negative impacts of tourism, while some are threatened by tremendous grazing NEGATIVE IMPACTS OF pressure and degradation of their catchment areas (Chandan et al., 2008). TOURISM, TREMENDOUS GRAZING PRESSURE AND DEGRADATION OF THEIR Wetlands of Uttarakhand In 2004-2005, the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology (WIHG) and the CATCHMENT AREAS. International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) identiﬁ ed 1,439 glaciers with a total area of 4,060sq km, and 127 glacial lakes in the state of Uttarakhand (Campbell, 2005). It seems likely that only the relatively larger lakes either on or very near glaciers have been inventoried, because the high glaciers are actually dotted by myriad small supra-glacial lakes almost impractical to count, some of them rather ephemeral because of constant glacial movement. It may be noted that Uttarakhand, because of its geological and climate history, has relatively steep-sided © RAGINI LETITIA SINGH © RAGINI

Uttarakhand has relatively steep-sided and narrow valleys, which are not conducive to the formation of very large lacustrine environments

and narrow valleys, which are not conducive to the formation of very large lacustrine environments (compared to say Kashmir and Ladakh). The study also found that some lakes of mappable size identiﬁ ed in ablation valleys or push moraines in an earlier study in 2001 had disappeared in the later study, conveying a rapidly changing situation.

A recent study by the Space Application Centre (2010), has categorised the wetlands of Uttarakhand according to area estimation using GIS databases and has found that a total area of 1,039sq km is covered by wetlands in the state. Structural components of wetlands considered by the project include wetland boundary, water spread, aquatic vegetation and qualitative turbidity of water. Some of these wetlands are an integral component of the river system they feed into.

Government interventions and the way forward In the Indian context, the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF), Government

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 12 of India has accorded wetland conservation high priority. In addition, the National Environment Policy (NEP) 2006 seeks to set up a legally enforceable regulatory mechanism for identiﬁ ed wetlands to prevent their degradation and enhance their conservation and wise use by all stakeholders. The Wetlands Conservation Programme has been supporting conservation activities since 1985 and is currently providing support to 115 wetlands, including Asan and Jhilmil Jheel in Uttarakhand.

In 2006, the MoEF in collaboration with WWF-India organised a workshop where emphasis was laid on the point that High Altitude Wetlands (HAWs) conservation is a major challenge, particularly in the context of the increasing concerns of climate change and human activities.

In 2010, the MoEF, notiﬁ ed the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2010 under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 to provide a much needed legal framework and to set up a national authority for the conservation and management of India’s wetlands.

Under Rule 6 section 2 of these rules, all state governments are required to prepare a ‘brief document’ that identifi es and classifi es wetlands within their respective territories, in accordance with the criteria specifi ed under Rule 3, and submit the same to the wetlands authority. One of the wetland types listed under this rule is the ‘High Altitude Wetlands or Wetland complexes at or above 2,500 metres altitude, that cover an area equal to or greater than 5 hectares’.

1.2 OBJECTIVES

In order to document the wetlands of Uttarakhand, a rapid survey was conducted in all 13 districts of the state. The objectives of this survey were to: • Identify and delineate wetlands of Uttarakhand • Document the size, activities that need to be regulated and threats that need to be addressed in and around the wetland • Prioritise a few wetland sites for which further extensive research can be initiated, and conservation and management plans prepared

1.3 METHODOLOGY

The survey methodology was discussed with experts during a workshop prior to ﬁ eld work. The basic criteria for selection of wetlands for this survey are given below: i. Altitude at which the wetlands are situated ii. Accessibility to the site, time period and resources available for conducting the surveys

A questionnaire was designed in order to collect relevant data (Annexure III). The wetland site description provided in this report is based on primary and secondary sources of information.

Information on wetland extent was obtained from literature, as well as, via Geographic Information System (GIS) tools. The Ramsar classiﬁ cation was used for the description of the wetland type (Annexure I), while information on ﬂ ora and fauna was collected from secondary sources. For example, information on forest type was obtained by

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 13 using the Vegetation Map of the Forest Survey of India (FSI). Further, the forest type classiﬁ cation by Champion and Seth was referred to for identifying the forest cover lying within 1.54km buffer area of the low altitude wetlands. Information on faunal diversity was obtained from the working plans of different forest divisions.

To identify the disturbance and threats to the wetland, local people were interviewed and group discussions were held with the community. Data on socio-economic and cultural values of the wetlands were generated by observing the direct utilisation of wetland resources by the local community (for example, ﬁ shing). Primary data on the beneﬁ ts and future uses of the wetland sites were collected during interaction with the local people.

Field data and secondary information collected during the ﬁ eld work was analysed. In case of ecosystem services/land use/threats-related data, scores were allocated which represented the magnitude of a particular ecosystem service/land use/threat occurring at the wetlands in a district. The scoring technique adopted is as follows:

At least 10 respondents were interviewed at each wetland site. Of these 10 respondents, if only one to three of them conﬁ rmed that a particular ecosystem service/land use/ threat occurred at the wetland, then a score ‘1’ (magnitude = low) was given. Similarly, if four to seven respondents and eight to 10 respondents conﬁ rmed the occurrence of an ecosystem service/land use/threat, then scores ‘2’ (magnitude = medium) and ‘3’ (magnitude = high) were given, respectively. In summary:

No. of respondents confirming occurrence of an Score allocated Magnitude ecosystem service/ land use/ threat at a wetland 1 to 3 1 Low 4 to 7 2 Medium 8 to 10 3 High

Once the scores were allocated, an overall score for each ecosystem service/land use/ threat was arrived at by averaging the scores given for each wetland in a district. For example: District Q Wetland Score (for Threat 'A') X1 Y2 Z2 Avg. score = (1+2+2)/3 = 1.67

These averaged scores were then plotted in order to compare the magnitude of different ecosystem services/land use/threats occurring at different wetlands within each district. The graph plots for these scores have been included in the ‘Summary and Analysis’ chapter of this report (Pg. 137).

Categories and Defi nitions In view of the strategy and time frames for this documentation, where the idea was to collect mostly primary data in a very data defi cient area and to be able to select the most promising candidate sites for further study and conservation efforts, site-specifi c enumeration of fauna and fl ora, measurements of temperature regimes and so on were not undertaken. There is however, some secondary data on the fl oral and faunal attributes of these areas.

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 14 Size class: Regarding the sizes proposed, Small is <100m long, Medium is 100-300m and Large is >300m.

Depth class: Three categories are proposed - Shallow = <3m, Deep = 3 to 10m and Very deep = >10m. While no depth measurements were physically taken during the survey, the water bodies have been listed under the three broad depth classes with some certainty, based on observation of the terrain and origin type, as well as, visible depth, since that is possible in the more oligotrophic lakes.

Trophic level: For this survey, the biological classifi cations originally suggested by Thienemann (1925) were referred to. According to this classifi cation there can be three types of freshwater bodies based on trophic levels - oligotrophic (low in nutrients), mesotrophic (with medium level nutrients), and eutrophic (high levels of nutrients). Though this classifi cation is rather general, and must be combined with other parameters to yield more specifi c thresholds and cut-off levels, it is perhaps the most useful to describe the biological successional stages of a water body, in the context of high altitude Himalayan water bodies which are emerging even today from the frigid state reached during the last glacial period.

Wetland type: Wetland types have been categorised here on the basis of formation. For lacustrine environments of the type found in the high Himalaya, the common ones are those formed by glacial drift, moraine impoundments or sculpting action. Essentially, these include tarns, glacial and proglacial lakes and push moraines, as well as, marshes.

Wherever a lake or a wetland site has had an existing name, either on the maps of the Survey of India (SOI), or given by local and proximate communities, the same has been used. However, many wetland sites and lakes were encountered and sought out that had no names on the SOI maps. Hence, the team conducting this survey has given them names, which are either local names for some prominent feature or are descriptive of the lake in the local language. Please note that ‘Tal’ means lake, ‘Kund’ means pond, and ‘Sem’ means marsh in the languages of Uttarakhand.

Flora and Vegetation type: As mentioned earlier, a systematic species enumeration was beyond the scope of this project, but it is more useful to view and understand each site as per its vegetation type. The usual resort to Champion and Seth’s (C&S) categories will not be desirable in this case since C&S classiﬁ cations do not include herbaceous vegetation of high altitude lakes and stream banks in their classiﬁ cation, and for the major vegetation types above 2,500m asl in Uttarakhand, only three very broad categories will be possible, as follows.

Vegetation Type Corresponding C&S Category Characteristic Species 14/C1: West Himalayan Sub-alpine Rhododendron campanulatum, Sub-alpine Forest Birch/Fir Forest (Betula/Abies) Betula utilis, Lonicera spp., Birch - Rhododendron Scrub Forest Rosa macrophylla Rhododendron anthopogon 15/E1: Dwarf Rhododendron Scrub Cassiope fastigiata, Salix Alpine Scrub 16/E1: Dwarf Juniper Scrub denticulata, Salix lindleyana, Lonicera myrtillus

15/C3: Alpine Pastures (Dry and moist Danthonia cachemyriana, Alpine Pastures types) Potentilla argyrophylla, Kobresia spp., Trachydium roylei

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 15 Fauna: The high altitudes of Uttarakhand are habitat to many faunal species, most of which could not be encountered during the surveys. While evidence of the larger forms such as birds and mammals was seen and

Land tenure: Since the time of British colonisation, land in the state was ascribed certain tenures (which prevails almost in toto even today), which prescribe certain levels of protection, and specify allocation of Culicicapa ceylonensis or certain lands to particular types and intensities of use. Grey-headed Canary Forest Land is broadly categorised into Protected Forests Flycatcher (given varying degrees of protection), Reserve Forests (reserved for particular use, ranging from meeting local subsistence needs of fuelwood, fodder, leaf-litter and timber), Protected Areas such as Wildlife Sanctuaries and National Parks, Village Commons such as grazing lands and Van Panchayat Forests. The various tenures are sub-categories under the two broader categories of Forest Land and Revenue Land. It is useful to know who has tenure over a particular wetland site in order to understand its allocation, and to perceive it in the existing legal framework in the context of any proposed conservation measures.

Land use: This heading is used here to enumerate and brieﬂ y describe anthropogenic or human-driven use regimes of the land that the wetland site is located in, be they direct or through domestic animal holdings.

Mapping the Wetlands of Uttarakhand In order to map and delineate the wetlands of Uttarakhand, the following steps were taken:

Step 1: Identifi ed wetlands using Global Positioning System (GPS) data collected during fi eld surveys with reference to Google Earth images Step 2: Converted GPS data to GIS format Step 3: Divided wetlands into two classes based on the altitude ranges (>2,500m – High Altitude Wetlands, <2,500m – Low Altitude Wetlands) Step 4: Delineated wetland boundaries based on the location of the wetland and satellite imagery Step 5: Calculated the wetland area Step 6: Defi ned infl uence area for selected high and low altitude wetlands based on: - The catchment area (in case of HAWs) - Buffer zone of 1km around the low altitude wetlands. In case of dams and barrages, the entire reservoir was considered. Step 7: District-wise wetland maps overlaying forest cover were prepared

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 16 1.4 OVERVIEW OF WETLAND SITES COVERED

A total of 116 wetlands were documented during the survey in order to prepare this report (Fig.1), of which 53 were situated at altitudes above 2,500m asl. Details of these wetlands have been summarised in Chapter 2. Similarly, a total of 63 wetlands (situated below 2,500m asl) were also recorded during the survey, details of which are given in Chapter 3. A TOTAL OF 116 WETLANDS WERE DOCUMENTED DURING THE SURVEY - 53 WETLANDS SITUATED AT ALTITUDES ABOVE 2,500M ASL AND 63 BELOW 2,500M ASL.

Fig.1: Wetlands surveyed in the state of Uttarakhand

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 17 Chapter 2: WETLAND SITES ABOVE 2,500M ASL

A total of 53 wetlands were surveyed at altitudes above 2,500m asl in the following districts – Chamoli (18 sites), Pithoragarh (7 sites), Rudraprayag (5 sites), Tehri Garhwal (6 sites) and Uttarkashi (17 sites). These wetlands located in high terrain were visited in order to gather primary data on precise location, biological conditions and socio-cultural dimensions that were not available in any literature or maps. The location of these sites can be seen on district maps that have been included in Annexure IV. Based on primary (direct and indirect sightings) and secondary sources, following is an overview of the ﬂ ora and fauna encountered at these sites.

FLORA Owing to the high altitude at which the lakes are located, limited vegetation was recorded by the team in their vicinity. Following is a list of the ﬂ oral species noted: Algal spp., forbs, Kobresia sedges, Potentilla spp., Gentiana spp., Geranium wallichianum, Anaphalis spp., Rheum austral, Salix calyculata, Bistorta afﬁ nis, Sedum spp., Cyananthus spp., Stellaria decumbens, Rhodiola spp., Pichrorhiza kurroa, Corydalis meifolia, C. thrysifolia, Ephedra gerardiana, Aconitum hookeri, Pleurospermum condollei, Saussurea spp., Leontopodium spp., Saxifraga spp., Aster spp., Epilobium spp., Anemone spp., Jurinea dolomiaea, Orchis hathajaria, Thamnocalamus spp., Rhododendron campanulatum, Quercus semecarpefolia, Betula utilis and Taxus baccata.

Left: Anemone rivularis also commonly known as the Himalayan Windﬂ ower BOTH PHOTOGRAPHS © AISHWARYA MAHESHWARI © AISHWARYA PHOTOGRAPHS BOTH

Right: Anaphalis spp.

FAUNA Herds of Pseudois nayaur were seen near a few wetland sites, as of course Ochotona roylei and the occasional Vulpes vulpes. Hemitragus jemlahicus were encountered en route to some high lakes, and there were frequent sightings of Moschus moschiferus droppings as well, though none of these were very close to any water body. Scat and pugmarks of Panthera pardus were abundant, while scat of the Uncia uncia less so. Pug marks of the Mustela erminea were rare. The team also encountered spoor and latrines of the Naemorhedus sumatraensis, N. goral and Rusa unicolor. There were repeated reports of the Ursus thibetanus and U. arctos being sighted.

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 18 It must be remembered that the survey work was undertaken mostly in the monsoon, when signs are obliterated sooner. Thus, most of the clear evidence came from either direct sightings or spoor on fresh snow. The other larger animals reported from the area of focus are the Mustela sibirica, Lepus oiostolus, and in the northwestern areas of the state, even the Ovis ammon hodgsoni, Equus kiang and Bos grunniens (Rawat, 2005). © AISHWARYA MAHESHWARI © AISHWARYA

Pseudois nayaur also known as the Himalayan blue sheep or bharal

BIRDS The team was often in the habitat of the Tetraogallus himalayanus, Lerwa lerwa, and a little further down, Lophophorus impejanus, en route to and at various tarns. Their droppings, diggings, shed plumage, and conversations were quite abundant. While wetlands are commonly associated with an abundance of bird life, and often prioritised for conservation because of their criticality to breeding and migrating bird populations, the team would like to report that the sightings of birds close to all the wetlands it visited, was very meagre. The Motacilla spp. were ubiquitous, even skittering on ice frozen on the surface of certain high lakes, and on rare occasions, Cinclus spp. were sighted. Breeding Upupa epops and Anthus spp. were not uncommon, while other birds reported from the area include Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax, P. graculus, Columba leuconota, Cettia major, Phylloscopus griseolus and the Prunella rubeculoides.

The only ‘water-bird’ that the team encountered in the entire survey exercise was a lone duck, a sighting too far and too ﬂ eeting to identify. It was perhaps a drop-out from a migratory covey that had descended exhausted to Basuki Tal (pg. 45). The high altitude lakes in this part of the Himalaya are perhaps too recent a discovery, and therefore, still with very low trophic levels, not inviting enough for much bird life.

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 19 CHAMOLI DISTRICT

BEDNI KUND

WETLAND TYPE: Tarn ALTITUDE: 3,556 m asl SIZE CLASS: © EMMANUEL THEOPHILUS Small SUB-WATERSHED BASIN: Nandakini DEPTH CLASS: Shallow TROPHIC LEVEL: Mesoeutrophic VEGETATION TYPE: Moist alpine LOCATION: 30°12’19.04”N, 79°42’05.08”E

DESCRIPTION Bedni Kund is a small alpine tarn set in an alpine meadow and lies in a Reserve Forest area. This tarn is set in the famous Bedni bugyal (alpine meadow) and is the site of the ﬁ rst stage for the famous Nanda Devi Raj Jat yatra. Every 12 years, thousands of devotees converge here, for the ﬁ rst night of their march along with their idol of Nanda Devi, after which they proceed to Roop Kund and on to Hum Kund.

KEY ISSUES A large number of buffaloes and scrub cattle, as well as, sheep and goats are grazed here during the monsoon. Yar-tsa-gombu (Cordyceps sinensis) collection is a recent and growing phenomenon here.

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 20 ROOP KUND

WETLAND TYPE: Tarn ALTITUDE: 4,763 m asl SIZE CLASS: © EMMANUEL THEOPHILUS Small SUB-WATERSHED BASIN: Nandakini DEPTH CLASS: Deep TROPHIC LEVEL: Oligotrophic VEGETATION TYPE: Moist alpine LOCATION: 30°15’44.28”N, 79043’52.97”E

DESCRIPTION Roop Kund is a very small tarn situated in a small steep-sided corrie, high on a steep rock slope and lies in a Reserve Forest area. It has little or no vegetation, and as the photograph shows, it was half frozen early in the month of August. It is the famous lake of skeletons. There is a small shrine here and evidence of religious rites being performed here since ages can be found. Recent research by Dr. William Sax of Heidelberg University and his team from Hyderabad and Oxford, have dated these bones and have discovered that they belonged to a large group of people (300-700 strong) that perished near the lake, perhaps in a blizzard about 1,200 years ago. This seems to have occurred well before the ‘Little Ice-Age’ a few hundred years ago, which also caused substantial glacial advances in this part of the Himalaya.

KEY ISSUES Roop Kund is presently the second stage of the Raj Jat yatra, and hence, thousands of pilgrims visit this lake. It is also a well known destination for trekkers, and Yar-tsa- gombu collectors pass this area en route to the next valley, over the Jiura Galli Pass.

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 21 HUM KUND

WETLAND TYPE: Proglacial ALTITUDE: 5,617 m asl SIZE CLASS: © EMMANUEL THEOPHILUS Small SUB-WATERSHED BASIN: Nandakini DEPTH CLASS: Shallow TROPHIC LEVEL: Oligotrophic VEGETATION TYPE: Moist alpine LOCATION: 30°19’53.51”N, 79°44’37.39”E

DESCRIPTION Hum Kund is a beautiful, small, proglacial lake set in a push-moraine setting near the western shoulder of the spectacular Trishul mountain. The lake is situated in a Reserve Forest area. There is a small shrine at the head of the lake, and since there is no grazing of domestic livestock here (being too high), healthy alpine vegetation can be found. This lake is the third stage of the Raj Jat yatra, before the pilgrims descend to Suttol village. This lake is a well known, though less frequented (because of difﬁ culty) trekkers’ destination.

KEY ISSUES Religious rites are performed at the small shrine and this is also the site of some Yar- tsa-gombu collection.

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 22 BHEKKAL TAL

WETLAND TYPE: Tarn ALTITUDE: 3,053 m asl SIZE CLASS: © EMMANUEL THEOPHILUS Medium SUB-WATERSHED BASIN: Pindar DEPTH CLASS: Deep TROPHIC LEVEL: Eutrophic VEGETATION TYPE: Moist sub-alpine LOCATION: 30°08’33.32”N, 79°34’48.86”E

DESCRIPTION Bhekkal Tal is set in the midst of a thick sub-alpine forest dominated by Quercus semecarpefolia which is part of a Reserve Forest area. In terms of fi sh fauna, a population of carps has been reported from the lake (introduced by the fi sheries department) and are known to be fi shed regularly.

This is also the site where many arrow-heads are to be found embedded in trees, and are fabled to have rained down here along with bolts of lightning; perhaps relics of an ancient armed confrontation.

KEY ISSUES This entire area is used very extensively during the monsoon to graze buffaloes, and the effects of persistent and intense grazing by this very large ungulate has very visible impacts on the vegetation here. A very large number of sheep and goats also pass by here en route to the adjoining alpine meadows adding to the intensity of grazing. Perhaps because of the wallowing by buffaloes, this lake is clearly very eutrophic.

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 23 BRAHMA TAL

WETLAND TYPE: Tarn ALTITUDE: 3,235 m asl SIZE CLASS: © EMMANUEL THEOPHILUS Small SUB-WATERSHED BASIN: Nandakini DEPTH CLASS: Deep TROPHIC LEVEL: Eutrophic VEGETATION TYPE: Moist alpine LOCATION: 30°10’34.68”N, 79°35’21.98”E

DESCRIPTION Brahma Tal is a small, partially deep tarn set in an alpine meadow, with very patchy sub-alpine vegetation. It is situated in a Reserve Forest area. There are a few extinct or dry lake beds nearby that have been through successional stages and have become meadows, and this lake is intermediate in this progression. There is a small shrine here dedicated to Lord Brahma where religious rites are performed.

KEY ISSUES Along with the religious rites performed at Brahma Tal, this area also holds many buffalo camps during the monsoon, while grazing of sheep and goats is quite intense too. Some Yar-tsa-gombu collection is also reported from these alpine meadows in spring, just after the snow-melt.

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 24 HEMKUND SAHIB

WETLAND TYPE: Tarn

ALTITUDE: © GOPIKA BAKSHI 4,204 m asl SIZE CLASS: Medium SUB-WATERSHED BASIN: Bhiundar gadh- Alaknanda DEPTH CLASS: Medium TROPHIC LEVEL: Oligotrophic VEGETATION TYPE: Moist alpine LOCATION: 30°41’56.363’’N, 79°36’56.195’’E

DESCRIPTION Hem Kund Sahib is a medium-sized tarn that has a famous and heavily frequented Sikh gurudwara. Despite the large number of pilgrims that take a holy dip, it remains oligotrophic because of strict rules for maintaining its cleanliness. However, the sides of the tarn have been cemented to accommodate the heavy pilgrim trafﬁ c, and while this would hamper shore interactions to some extent, it also prevents muddying the lake during the monsoon because of heavy foot-fall. Flora included Potentilla spp., Gentiana spp., Geranium wallichianum, Anaphalis and Rheum austral.

KEY ISSUES The number of Sikh pilgrims visiting Hemkund Sahib can be in thousands during some months. However, since the gurudwara does not accommodate any pilgrims overnight, they must descend to a place called Gangharia, which takes the brunt of their impact. There are tea and snack shops en route, but they are downstream of the lake.

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 25 BARA-DHARA SEM COMPLEX

WETLAND TYPE: Marsh meadow ALTITUDE: 4,032 m asl SIZE CLASS: © EMMANUEL THEOPHILUS Large SUB-WATERSHED BASIN: Alaknanda DEPTH CLASS: Very shallow TROPHIC LEVEL: Meso-oligotrophic VEGETATION TYPE: Moist alpine LOCATION: 30°45’37.223’’N, 79°23’51.864’’E

DESCRIPTION Bara-Dhara Sem Complex is a three-level marsh-meadow, situated on three cascading terraces formed between the lateral moraine on the true right of the Upper Alaknanda. It is situated in a Reserve Forest area. The name ‘Bara-Dhara Sem’ was given by the team of researchers, kept after the 12 waterfalls that create this marsh-meadow complex. The three terraces combined would yield an area of around ﬁ ve hectares.

KEY ISSUES The land use of this marsh is fairly heavy, since the more elevated parts are used as camping grounds by shepherds, during the monsoon, and also by pilgrims and tourists visiting Satopanth Tal and the Swargarohini Glacier. Litter accumulation by tourists is not severe, but grazing seems to be quite intense.

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 26 SATOPANTH TAL

WETLAND TYPE: Proglacial ALTITUDE: 4,359 m asl SIZE CLASS: © EMMANUEL THEOPHILUS Medium SUB-WATERSHED BASIN: Alaknanda DEPTH CLASS: Medium TROPHIC LEVEL: Oligotrophic VEGETATION TYPE: Moist alpine LOCATION: 30°44’41.963’’N, 79°21’27.9’’E

DESCRIPTION Satopanth Tal is a proglacial push-moraine lake formed at the intersection of the moraines of a tributary glacier meeting the Satopanth Glacier at right angles. It is situated in a Reserve Forest area. It is medium-sized and seems to have dramatically lost depth quite recently. Such radical changes in glacial and proglacial lakes are common due to shifting substrate because of the movement of the glaciers. The water was found to be unusually warm (at 18°C) for any lake at this altitude.

KEY ISSUES The meadows and seasonal vegetation around the lake are grazed by sheep and goats during summer, belonging to shepherds who have grazing rights on this land. There is also a fairly large pilgrim and tourist trafﬁ c, since this is close to Badrinath, and relatively easily accessible. There are a few temporary rock shelters occupied on a relay basis by visiting sadhus.

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 27 TARA TAL COMPLEX

TARA TAL - I & II TARA TAL - III WETLAND TYPE: Tarns © EMMANUEL THEOPHILUS SIZE CLASS: Small SUB-WATERSHED BASIN: Saraswati-Alaknanda DEPTH CLASS: Shallow TROPHIC LEVEL: Tara Tal 1 & 2 Oligotrophic VEGETATION TYPE: Dry alpine LOCATION AND ALTITUDE:

TARA TAL - I © EMMANUEL THEOPHILUS 31°00’54.76”N, 79°21’44.387’’E 5,407 m asl TARA TAL - II 31°0’54.864’’N, 79°21’57.492’’E 5,410 m asl TARA TAL - III 31°1’18.948’’N, 79°15’40.32’’E 5,473 m asl Tara Tal 3

The Tara Glacier Complex DESCRIPTION comprises three unnamed Located in the dry cold desert reaches of the Mana Valley (within the area covered by the Mana Van Panchayat), the three paternoster lakes of the Tara Tal Complex overfl ow to tarns in the Mana Valley. combine their fl ow with the ice-melt of the Tara Glacier, before they join the Saraswati. They fi gure on the SOI Even combined together, they do not cover fi ve hectares, but nevertheless, are a valuable 1:25,000 scale maps, but addition to this study for two reasons: 1) They are largely unknown, and can be found only on the SOI 1:25,000 toposheets, and 2) They are entirely pristine, not being visited have not been named so by either shepherds or tourists. They are very high lakes, bearing almost no vegetation far. They are paternoster on their banks, and are covered in snow and ice for at least nine months of the year. lakes, and were named Even though this entire area falls within the Mana Van Panchayat, the people of Mana are not permitted to graze their animals here, and must seek Inner Line Permits before Tara Tal I, II and III by the being allowed anywhere near this area. Most people in Mana village do not even know team of researchers. of the existence of these lakes in the Tara Glacier Complex.

KEY ISSUES None known.

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 28 DEVTAL COMPLEX © EMMANUEL THEOPHILUS

The Devtal Complex is one of the most spectacular wetlands complexes in Uttarakhand. It comprises a series of medium and large paternoster proglacial lakes that have only very recently been deglaciated. Pictured above, is a view from about 5,800m asl, facing northeast and looking down on the water divide between India and Tibet. The opaque blue lake adjoining the glacier is in Tibet, and drains into the northern water divide. The inky blue lake to the southwest of it is within the Indian territory, named ‘Shyahi Kund’ by the researchers, after its colour and description by the people of Mana village. This ﬂ ows due south into another opaque blue lake, which was christened ‘Doodh Tal’ by the team, and further down into Devtal, both pictured below, looking due south. © EMMANUEL THEOPHILUS

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 29 SHYAHI KUND

WETLAND TYPE: Proglacial ALTITUDE: 5,532 m asl SIZE CLASS: © EMMANUEL THEOPHILUS Medium SUB-WATERSHED BASIN: Saraswati DEPTH CLASS: Deep TROPHIC LEVEL: Oligotrophic VEGETATION TYPE: Dry alpine LOCATION: 31°3’32.688’’E, 79°24’36.504’’E

DESCRIPTION Shyahi Kund is an unusual, inky blue lake, hence its name given by the team. There was a small covey of Anser waterfowl, too distant for proper identiﬁ cation, which ﬂ ew between Devtal and Shyahi Kund, and on the team’s approach, towards the north into Tibet. There is absolutely no vegetation on the recently exposed moraine. The only people who pass anywhere close to this are the Indian Army and ITBP patrols, and the only signs of disturbance to the pristine nature of the lake are the empty juice tetra- packs left behind by the personnel on patrol. It is under the Mana Van Panchayat and falls within a Restricted Area.

KEY ISSUES None known.

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 30 DOODH TAL

WETLAND TYPE: Proglacial ALTITUDE: 5,484 m asl SIZE CLASS: © EMMANUEL THEOPHILUS Small SUB-WATERSHED BASIN: Saraswati-Alaknanda DEPTH CLASS: Shallow TROPHIC LEVEL: Oligotrophic VEGETATION TYPE: Dry alpine LOCATION: 31°3’17.71”N, 79°24’26.39”E

DESCRIPTION Doodh Tal is intermediate in the paternoster, between Shyahi Kund and Devtal. Since it had no name, the team christened it ‘Doodh Tal’ after its turbid, milky colour. There is no vegetation on its banks or on the moraine nearby. It is under the Mana Van Panchayat and access to this area is restricted.

KEY ISSUES None since there is no grazing and no tourists to be encountered here.

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 31 DEVTAL

WETLAND TYPE: Proglacial ALTITUDE: 5,455 m asl SIZE CLASS: © EMMANUEL THEOPHILUS Medium SUB-WATERSHED BASIN: Saraswati DEPTH CLASS: Shallow TROPHIC LEVEL: Oligotrophic VEGETATION TYPE: Dry alpine LOCATION: 31°2’43.764’’ N, 79°23’53.124’’ E

DESCRIPTION Devtal is a medium-sized lake that has very visibly shrunk in size from before. The dry lake bed on the northern shore is clear evidence of this. It lies within the area covered by the Mana Van Panchayat. This used to be the last camping ground for traders crossing over into Tibet pre-1962. One can see only small signs of vegetation here.

The name Devtal means the ‘Lake of the gods’. This lake also falls within the Restricted Area, so the people of Mana do not have access to this area without special permission. It is a holy lake that is sought after by pilgrims, but access to the pilgrims and general tourists is severely restricted.

KEY ISSUES There are road-building operations in process near Devtal by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), as is the case along all border passes in Uttarakhand. This road will be the highest mountain road in the country, having pipped Khardung La in Ladakh for ﬁ rst place. There will surely be ecological consequences once motor vehicles start plying this road regularly.

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 32 RAATPATHAR TAL

WETLAND TYPE: Tarn ALTITUDE: 5,641 m asl SIZE CLASS: © EMMANUEL THEOPHILUS Small SUB-WATERSHED BASIN: Saraswati DEPTH CLASS: Deep TROPHIC LEVEL: Oligotrophic VEGETATION TYPE: Dry alpine LOCATION: 31°3’30.312’’N, 79°23’45.456’’E

DESCRIPTION This is a small, deep tarn that is unusual for its sudden plunge in depth. It lies at the base of a prominent peak near Mana Pass (within the area covered by the Mana Van Panchayat), with dark black rock exposed on its southern face that sweeps down to the lake. The rock is easily powdered, and some of this washes into the lake as run-off, and can be seen coating the rocks in the shallow parts. The lake was unnamed, and located via GoogleEarth. It has been named by the team after the dark rock that colours it. There is no vegetation on its banks because of the very high altitude and its location in the cold desert realm.

KEY ISSUES None. As with the other lakes in the complex, access to this area is restricted, so there is no grazing or tourists to be encountered here.

NOTE About 100m south of Devtal is another small narrow lake by the name of ‘Rakastal’ (Lake of the Demons). Together, all these lakes in the complex (Shyahi Kund, Doodh Kund, Raatpathar Tal, Devtal and Rakastal) would encompass an area close to 5 hectares.

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 33 VASUDHARA TAL COMPLEX

WETLAND TYPE: Glacial ALTITUDE: 4,691 m asl SIZE CLASS: © EMMANUEL THEOPHILUS Large SUB-WATERSHED BASIN: Raikana-Dhauli Ganga DEPTH CLASS: Deep TROPHIC LEVEL: Oligotrophic VEGETATION TYPE: Dry alpine LOCATION: 30°53’56.363’’N, 79°45’23.724’’

DESCRIPTION Vasundhara Tal is a large glacial lake that is partly supra-glacial and partly pro-glacial. It is perhaps the largest glacial lake in Uttarakhand. It lies in Civil and Soyam Land (a category of forest area). It is also considered as a Protected Forest as per some interpretations of C&S land in Uttarakhand. The ICIMOD study published in 2005 concluded that there were no lakes in Uttarakhand that had the potential for a Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF). However, the researchers of this report are of the opinion that this lake has the potential of a hazardous GLOF. This opinion is not based on any measurements, but on the instability of the shores of this lake, the reports of radical changes in the recent past (for example, the glacial outﬂ ow changing course from the true left to the true right bank), and the swirling currents in the lake, unlike any observed by the team in the Himalaya, anywhere. There was hardly any vegetation on the moraine. This is being called a complex because of the numerous smaller lakes that dot the glacier.

KEY ISSUES Shepherds come to the lower reaches of the glacial moraine, but otherwise, the only visitors are mountaineering expeditions to Kamet. These are often large expeditions which leave behind a lot of garbage on the supra-moraine.

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 34 GYALDHUNG TAL

WETLAND TYPE: Glacial ALTITUDE: 4,914 m asl SIZE CLASS: © EMMANUEL THEOPHILUS Medium SUB-WATERSHED BASIN: Dhauli Ganga DEPTH CLASS: Medium TROPHIC LEVEL: Oligotrophic VEGETATION TYPE: Dry alpine LOCATION: 30°54’27.07”N, 79°49’38.099’’E

DESCRIPTION Gyaldhung Tal is a medium-sized supra-glacial lake situated at the base of the Gyaldhung Glacier ice-fall. It lies in Civil and Soyam Land (a category of forest area), and also considered as a Protected Forest as per some interpretations of C&S land in Uttarakhand. The supra-moraine has no vegetation on it.

KEY ISSUES None known. The lower sections of the moraine are visited by graziers with their ﬂ ocks of sheep and goats.

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 35 NANDI KUND

WETLAND TYPE: Tarn ALTITUDE: 4,369 m asl SIZE CLASS: © EMMANUEL THEOPHILUS Large SUB-WATERSHED BASIN: Madhmaheshwar gadh DEPTH CLASS: Deep TROPHIC LEVEL: Oligotrophic VEGETATION TYPE: Moist alpine LOCATION: 30°36’19.439’’N, 79°19’23.412’’E

DESCRIPTION Nandi Kund is a spectacular tarn, with equally spectacular approaches from both the Madhmaheshwar side, as well as, the Urgam valley. It is a revered lake, also said to be one of the abodes of the Goddess Nanda Devi. It lies in the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary and groups of pilgrims, especially from villages in the Urgam valley, come here every year to offer prayers to Nanda Devi. The vegetation is typical of moist-alpine environments at this altitude.

There is a temple on the west bank of the lake to the Goddess Nanda Devi where many swords and machetes are placed. They are said to belong to the Pandavas, who left them there en route to heaven. This is a common religious myth in many temples where arms are found.

KEY ISSUES The area is frequented by many shepherds with their large herds, and hence, there is intensive grazing.

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 36 PITHORAGARH DISTRICT

CHIPLA OR KEDAR KUND

WETLAND TYPE: Tarn ALTITUDE: 4,290 m asl SIZE CLASS: © EMMANUEL THEOPHILUS Small SUB-WATERSHED BASIN: Gori DEPTH CLASS: Shallow TROPHIC LEVEL: Oligotrophic VEGETATION TYPE: Moist alpine LOCATION: 29°57’33.59”N, 80°25’39.94“E

DESCRIPTION Chipla or Kedar Kund is a small tarn in a corrie or cirque where there are signs of some glacial remnants still visible more on its foot-side, where water ﬂ ows out. However, there is sufﬁ cient soil on its banks which supports moist alpine vegetation. It is situated in a Reserve Forest area. These meadows are riddled with brooks and streams, and would by themselves qualify to be called wetlands. This is a holy site, revered by groups of villages on both the Gori and the Darma river watersheds.

KEY ISSUES Religious and funeral rites are performed here, and offerings made to Kedar. The banks are littered with razor blades, incense boxes and hair shaved from heads as offering. Bathing in its cold waters (even with soap) is considered sacred. People also leave behind personal items of their dear departed, ranging from clothing to spectacles to even false teeth. Currency coins, and small bits of gold and silver are also offered here, which shepherds are known to pick up ‘on behalf of the gods’. Grazing of sheep and goats here is fairly intensive, since above this the pastures tend to be poisonous with the predominance of aconites. More recently, this holy site is said to have been over-run and tarnished by Yar-tsa-gombu collectors (who defecate in close proximity to the tarn).

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 37 KAKRAULI OR ASURA KUND

WETLAND TYPE: Tarn ALTITUDE: 4,323 m asl SIZE CLASS: © EMMANUEL THEOPHILUS Small SUB-WATERSHED BASIN: Gori DEPTH CLASS: Deep TROPHIC LEVEL: Oligotrophic VEGETATION TYPE: Moist alpine LOCATION: 29°57’38.99”N, 80°25’08.47”E

DESCRIPTION Kakrauli or Asura Kund is a small tarn situated in a Reserve Forest area. It is medium deep because it is sculpted between large boulders that resisted being pushed away by glacial action. Its waters are very clear. Perhaps because of its somewhat enclosed nature, and the mist and clouds that almost always brood there, it is named the lake of the ‘asura’ or ‘demons’. It is also reported to ‘magically’ have two colours of water, split down the middle. Interestingly, the researchers saw that half the lake was shallow, with light coloured granite and glacial schist (visible in the left bottom corner of the photograph), while the other half had dark waters of a deep oligotrophic nature.

KEY ISSUES This site is very close to the previous site, Kedar Kund, and apart from religious associations, it is used by graziers and Yar-tsa-gombu collectors in much the same manner and intensity. Being associated with demons, there are no religious rites performed here, and consequently there is no litter of ceremonial cast-offs.

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 38 PATAUTI KUND

WETLAND TYPE: Tarn ALTITUDE: 4,236 m asl SIZE CLASS: © EMMANUEL THEOPHILUS Small SUB-WATERSHED BASIN: Gori DEPTH CLASS: Shallow TROPHIC LEVEL: Oligotrophic VEGETATION TYPE: Moist alpine LOCATION: 29°58’04.58”N, 80°25’01.60”E

DESCRIPTION Patauti Kund is a small tarn right below the Najuri ridge, looking northeast and is situated in a Reserve Forest area. It is profusely and classically surrounded by glacial till. There is not much grass or vegetation in close proximity of the tarn.

KEY ISSUES There are alpine slopes and meadows in the surrounding cirque, where sheep and goats are grazed during the monsoon. This site is also inhabited for two months by Yar-tsa- gombu collectors, being on a sunny slope and therefore, holding snow for less time in spring, and also having large boulders, providing bivouac shelters to the collectors.

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 39 GAURI KUND

WETLAND TYPE: Proglacial ALTITUDE: 4,611 m asl SIZE CLASS: © EMMANUEL THEOPHILUS Small SUB-WATERSHED BASIN: Kuti Yangti DEPTH CLASS: Shallow TROPHIC LEVEL: Oligotrophic VEGETATION TYPE: Dry alpine LOCATION: 30°20’13.128’’N, 80°38’35.664’’E

DESCRIPTION Gauri Kund is a small, sparsely vegetated proglacial lake at the base of the spectacular Adi Kailash mountain (the setting is not clearly visible in the photo because of the clouds). It lies within the area covered by the Kuti Van Panchayat. There is also a small shrine, where the occasional pilgrim offers prayers to Adi Kailash.

KEY ISSUES Shepherds visit the lower slopes and those leading up to Sinla with their herds.

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 40 PARVATI KUND

WETLAND TYPE: Tarn ALTITUDE: 4,507 m asl SIZE CLASS: © EMMANUEL THEOPHILUS Large SUB-WATERSHED BASIN: Kuti Yangti DEPTH CLASS: Shallow TROPHIC LEVEL: Oligotrophic VEGETATION TYPE: Dry alpine LOCATION: 30°21’11.628’’N, 80°39’23.22’’E

DESCRIPTION Parvati Kund is a holy site lying within the area covered by the Kuti Van Panchayat. The site consists of a cobble-path around the lake (to facilitate parikrama), cement structures (for snan by pilgrims) and metal railings to manage jostling crowds (ironically, this site never sees such volumes of pilgrims). The structures are stranded way above the water level and are not usable.

KEY ISSUES Being a holy site, this lake is visited by scores of pilgrims every year, who visit Adi Kailash, often as a surrogate, being unable to visit Mount Kailash in Tibet. This is an extremely overgrazed site, and at the time of the team’s visit in late October, there were hardly any distinguishable vegetation, other than some sedges on the banks of the lake. Puja saamagri and discarded garments were found littered at various places along the lake.

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 41 HARDEOL KUND

WETLAND TYPE: Tarn ALTITUDE: 4,359 m asl SIZE CLASS: © EMMANUEL THEOPHILUS Large SUB-WATERSHED BASIN: Gori DEPTH CLASS: Deep TROPHIC LEVEL: Oligotrophic VEGETATION TYPE: Moist alpine LOCATION: 30°12’41.22”N, 80°07’57.36”E

DESCRIPTION Situated within the area covered by the Sai Van Panchayat, Hardeol Kund is one of the most beautiful and pristine tarns in Uttarakhand. While it is a holy site, very few people ever reach here because the way is cliffy and hazardous. Only the local villagers visit the place to offer prayers to the deity, Hardeol.

KEY ISSUES None. Hardeol Kund has an approach too dangerous even for shepherds to take their sheep there for grazing. Since it is well above the tree line, its pristine nature is safeguarded by its difﬁ cult access.

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 42 THAMRI TAL

WETLAND TYPE: Tarn ALTITUDE: 2,776 m asl SIZE CLASS: © EMMANUEL THEOPHILUS Small SUB-WATERSHED BASIN: Gori DEPTH CLASS: Shallow TROPHIC LEVEL: Hyper-eutrophic VEGETATION TYPE: Cold temperate LOCATION: 30°02’14.21”N, 80°14’40.52”E

DESCRIPTION Situated in the cold-temperate zone, the area surrounding this pond is characterised by oak-rhododendron forests, with a rich presence of old yew trees as well. The pond lies within the area covered by the Harkot Van Panchayat. Since this lake is also considered sacred, it is the site for annual rituals conducted by nearby villages. It has also been developed by the forest department as an ecotourism destination.

KEY ISSUES The forests in the vicinity of Thamri Tal are used extensively for grazing buffaloes during the monsoon, and sheep and goats during spring and winter transhumance. Commercial extraction of ﬂ oral species is also known. Buffalo wallowing seems to have led to very high eutrophic levels, leading to the drying up of the pond dramatically over the past 20 years.

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 43 RUDRAPRAYAG DISTRICT

CHORABARI TAL

WETLAND TYPE: Proglacial ALTITUDE: 3,850 m asl SIZE CLASS: © EMMANUEL THEOPHILUS Medium SUB-WATERSHED BASIN: Mandakini DEPTH CLASS: Deep TROPHIC LEVEL: Meso-eutrophic VEGETATION TYPE: Moist alpine LOCATION: 30°44’48.23”N, 79°03’41.90”E

DESCRIPTION Chorabari Tal is a proglacial lake that is located within the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary. It lies just a couple of kilometres above the Kedarnath shrine, in the push-moraine of the Chorabari Glacier. In its shallow parts, it holds some submerged aquatic vegetation. The Wadia Institute for Himalayan Geology has a newly established research station here, where they monitor glacial retreat, ﬂ ow regimes and weather parameters.

KEY ISSUES This is a tourist and pilgrim site and the possibility of unchecked tourism practises inducing pressure on the lake and its surrounding area needs to be considered.

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 44 BASUKI TAL

WETLAND TYPE: Tarn ALTITUDE: 4,231 m asl SIZE CLASS: © EMMANUEL THEOPHILUS Medium SUB-WATERSHED BASIN: Basuki Ganga DEPTH CLASS: Deep TROPHIC LEVEL: Oligotrophic VEGETATION TYPE: Moist alpine LOCATION: 30°43’30.18”N, 79°02’01.72”E

DESCRIPTION Basuki Tal is a beautiful, medium-sized tarn located in the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary and the only one where the survey team sighted a solitary water-bird (pg.19). Basuki Tal is the source of the river Basuki Ganga. It has been preferred to replace the pahari version of ‘v’ with ‘b’, in order to distinguish it from another very small and sometimes seasonal pond on the Gangotri Glacier called Vasuki Tal.

KEY ISSUES Evidence of shepherds’ camping grounds show the area to be grazed by sheep and goats. There was also evidence of trekker camps.

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 45 PAIYA KUND

WETLAND TYPE: Tarn ALTITUDE: 4,910 m asl SIZE CLASS: © EMMANUEL THEOPHILUS Small SUB-WATERSHED BASIN: Basuki Ganga DEPTH CLASS: Shallow TROPHIC LEVEL: Oligotrophic VEGETATION TYPE: Moist alpine / Nival LOCATION: 30°44’19.28”N, 78°59’57.70”E

DESCRIPTION Paiya Kund is a small tarn located within the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary. It was entirely frozen at the time of the survey team’s visit in October. It is en route to the Miali Pass when approached from Kedarnath.

KEY ISSUES None known.

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 46 MIALI TAL

WETLAND TYPE: Tarn ALTITUDE: 4,771 m asl SIZE CLASS: © EMMANUEL THEOPHILUS Medium SUB-WATERSHED BASIN: Bhilangana DEPTH CLASS: Very deep TROPHIC LEVEL: Mesotrophic VEGETATION TYPE: Moist alpine / Nival LOCATION: 30°44’30.12”N, 78°59’09.20”E

DESCRIPTION Miali Tal is situated within the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary and was one of the most interesting lakes that the team visited in the entire inventory process. Since it was not to be found on any map or related literature, the team christened it Miali Tal, after the Miali Pass which is the most known landmark, and because it is a local name with local associations. It was particularly interesting for two reasons. First, in no other lake in the Himalaya had the team seen, or even heard of huge, building-sized ice-bergs ﬂ oating inside. The island-looking features in the photograph are the ice-bergs referred to, and probably come from a very recently extinct glacier. But if that were so, the second aspect is even more surprising. This lake, unlike any other at its altitude, does not seem very oligotrophic. Its water, even as it ﬂ ows out from under the snow and ice covering the lake, seemed rather turbid. Moreover, on the rocks was found algal growth of the extent one would only expect well below 3,000m asl.

KEY ISSUES None known.

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 47 MASURI TAL

WETLAND TYPE: Tarn ALTITUDE: 4,735 m asl SIZE CLASS: © EMMANUEL THEOPHILUS Small SUB-WATERSHED BASIN: Bhilangana DEPTH CLASS: Shallow TROPHIC LEVEL: Oligotrophic VEGETATION TYPE: Moist alpine LOCATION: 30°44’51.22”N, 78°58’50.77”E

DESCRIPTION Masuri Tal is a small lake lying within the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary and has been included in this study because it is marked on certain maps, and is the camping stage for crossing over the Miali Pass from Khatling Glacier to the Kedarnath Valley. It is a typical tarn that was mostly frozen over at the time of the team’s visit.

KEY ISSUES None known.

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 48 TEHRI GARHWAL DISTRICT

KUSH KALYAN KUND

WETLAND TYPE: Tarn ALTITUDE: 3,100 m asl SIZE CLASS: © EMMANUEL THEOPHILUS Medium SUB-WATERSHED BASIN: Bal Ganga DEPTH CLASS: Deep TROPHIC LEVEL: Eutrophic VEGETATION TYPE: Moist alpine LOCATION: 30°42’36.72”N, 78°40’32.52”E

DESCRIPTION Kush Kalyan Kund is a small tarn situated at the base of the Kush Kalyan plateau, which is really a broad sloping alpine meadow. It is located within a Reserve Forest area.

KEY ISSUES The area is very heavily grazed by buffaloes, sheep and goats, and the alpine meadows can clearly be said to have degraded. There is no regeneration of new or young growth in the sub-alpine oak forests here. The lake is eutrophic, and maybe more so because of the wallowing of buffaloes here during the monsoon.

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 49 LINGAM TAL

WETLAND TYPE: Tarn ALTITUDE: 4,321 m asl SIZE CLASS: © EMMANUEL THEOPHILUS Small SUB-WATERSHED BASIN: Bal Ganga DEPTH CLASS: Shallow TROPHIC LEVEL: Mesotrophic VEGETATION TYPE: Moist alpine LOCATION: 30°43’35.44”N, 78°47’51.72”E

DESCRIPTION Lingam Tal is a very shallow tarn located within the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary. The surface of the tarn was frozen in early September when the team visited the site. It has a small island in it, with a rock protrusion, which does not even remotely look phallic, but nevertheless has lent the name, Lingam Tal.

KEY ISSUES This is the upper limit for grazing sheep and goats in the area. There was light snow cover on the ground in September, so the intensity and effects of grazing were not clearly visible. This place is visited occasionally by trekkers en route to Shastru Tal, and on their way down to the Khatling Glacier Valley or even up again to the Kedarnath Valley.

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 50 SHASTRU TAL

WETLAND TYPE: Tarn ALTITUDE: 4,605 m asl SIZE CLASS: © EMMANUEL THEOPHILUS Medium SUB-WATERSHED BASIN: Bal Ganga DEPTH CLASS: Very deep TROPHIC LEVEL: Oligotrophic VEGETATION TYPE: Moist alpine LOCATION: 30°43’37.78”N, 78°48’31.03”E

DESCRIPTION Situated in the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, Shastry Tal is a well known, though seldom visited lake. It is quite large and spectacular and typical of a high oligotrophic lake. In September, it was beginning to freeze over, as visible in the photograph.

KEY ISSUES None known.

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 51 DODHI TAL

WETLAND TYPE: Paternoster tarn ALTITUDE: 4,583 m asl SIZE CLASS: © EMMANUEL THEOPHILUS Medium SUB-WATERSHED BASIN: Bhilangana DEPTH CLASS: Deep TROPHIC LEVEL: Oligotrophic VEGETATION TYPE: Moist alpine LOCATION: 30°43’13.12”N, 78°48’47.38”E

DESCRIPTION This is a series of three paternoster lakes in a spectacular setting within the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary.The highest and largest of these lakes is also called Dodhi Tal.

KEY ISSUES None known.

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 52 PARI OR MAATI TAL

WETLAND TYPE: Tarn ALTITUDE: 4,409 m asl SIZE CLASS: © EMMANUEL THEOPHILUS Small SUB-WATERSHED BASIN: Bal Ganga DEPTH CLASS: Shallow TROPHIC LEVEL: Oligotrophic VEGETATION TYPE: Moist alpine LOCATION: 30°43’57.40”N, 78°47’56.62”E

DESCRIPTION Pari or Maati Tal is a small and shallow lake lying within the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary. Its unusual organic name ‘Maati’ means ‘earth’ in Hindi. A Russian hermit (Hindu baba) has made himself a temporary shelter under a boulder overhang, and has been seasonally resident here for the past couple of years. He was the only human the team saw for days, and vice-versa, and they were able to get the names of the various lakes in this group from him.

KEY ISSUES None known.

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 53 LAMB TAL

WETLAND TYPE: Tarn ALTITUDE: 4,317 m asl SIZE CLASS: © EMMANUEL THEOPHILUS Small SUB-WATERSHED BASIN: Bal Ganga DEPTH CLASS: Shallow TROPHIC LEVEL: Oligotrophic VEGETATION TYPE: Moist alpine LOCATION: 30°43’28.92”N, 78°46’04.04”E

DESCRIPTION Lamb Tal is a small but long water body situated in an alpine meadow within the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary. The name ‘lamb’ probably comes from ‘long’ in Hindi that describes its shape. The water is mostly accumulated from snow melt, and is therefore rather shallow.

KEY ISSUES The area is grazed by sheep and goats during the monsoon.

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 54 UTTARKASHI DISTRICT

BHARADHSAR

WETLAND TYPE: Tarn ALTITUDE: 4,270 m asl SIZE CLASS: © EMMANUEL THEOPHILUS Medium SUB-WATERSHED BASIN: Supin gadh DEPTH CLASS: Very deep TROPHIC LEVEL: Oligotrophic VEGETATION TYPE: Moist alpine LOCATION: 31°13’56.03”N, 78°12’35.06”E

DESCRIPTION Situated in the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary, Bharadhsar is an attractive, high and very deep tarn. It is bounded on one side by a rock cliff. There is a small shrine here where religious rites are performed by a few villagers who live much lower in the watershed. This lake has been largely unknown to the outside world, and only one set of trekkers seems to have been here before the team itself.

KEY ISSUES A fairly large number of sheep and goats are grazed in the vicinity of Bharadhsar.

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 55 KANASAR

WETLAND TYPE: Tarn ALTITUDE: 4,400 m asl SIZE CLASS: © EMMANUEL THEOPHILUS Large SUB-WATERSHED BASIN: Supin gadh DEPTH CLASS: Very deep TROPHIC LEVEL: Oligotrophic VEGETATION TYPE: Moist alpine LOCATION: 31°15’53.03”N, 78°15’08.28”E

DESCRIPTION Situated in the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary, Kanasar is one of the most spectacular and large high altitude lakes in Uttarakhand. It is a classic tarn, that is also very deep at its head-end, hence the various hues of blue in its oligotrophic waters. Kanasar has also been ‘discovered’ recently, even though a few shepherds have been visiting this lake and its meadows for some time now. It is likely to become a much frequented tourist route in the future.

KEY ISSUES Sheep and goats have been grazed to a moderate extent so far.

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 56 GUGUI-KANASAR

WETLAND TYPE: Tarn ALTITUDE: 4,307 m asl SIZE CLASS: © EMMANUEL THEOPHILUS Small SUB-WATERSHED BASIN: Supin gadh DEPTH CLASS: Very shallow TROPHIC LEVEL: Mesoeutrophic VEGETATION TYPE: Moist alpine LOCATION: 31°12’35.24”N, 79°17’51.40”E

DESCRIPTION Gugui-Kanasar is a very small and shallow lake situated in the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary that ﬁ nds mention because of religious associations with a few villages downstream. Very few people, other than shepherds of one village, visit this place, and it took some searching across a wider landscape to ﬁ nd.

KEY ISSUES Used by shepherds for grazing their sheep and goats.

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 57 SARU TAL

WETLAND TYPE: Tarn ALTITUDE: 4,139 m asl SIZE CLASS: © EMMANUEL THEOPHILUS Small SUB-WATERSHED BASIN: Yamuna DEPTH CLASS: Shallow TROPHIC LEVEL: Oligotrophic VEGETATION TYPE: Moist alpine LOCATION: 31°0’32.94”N, 78°19’02.39”E

DESCRIPTION Saru Tal is a rather small tarn located in the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary, which has been included because of its religious signiﬁ cance. It is part of a group of unconnected small tarns in the area. All these tarns are located in fairly lush alpine meadows, which were rich in mushrooms during the time of the team’s visit.

A hermit by the name of Mahesh Giri has been residing here seasonally for the past few years, and has built a small shrine, which is visited by a few villagers. The hermit subsists on, among other things, the mushrooms that grow here for part of the year.

KEY ISSUES The area surrounding Saru Tal is intensively grazed by sheep and goats.

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 58 BAKRE TAL

WETLAND TYPE: Tarn ALTITUDE: 4,183 m asl SIZE CLASS: © EMMANUEL THEOPHILUS © EMMANUEL THEOPHILUS Small SUB-WATERSHED BASIN: Yamuna DEPTH CLASS: Shallow TROPHIC LEVEL: Oligotrophic VEGETATION TYPE: Moist alpine LOCATION: 31°00’04.97”N, 78°18’56.92”E

DESCRIPTION Bakre Tal is a small tarn situated in the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary. It has a lot of glacial till surrounding it.

KEY ISSUES The alpine meadows surrounding the lake and beyond are used by shepherds for grazing their sheep and goats.

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 59 KANA TAL

WETLAND TYPE: Tarn ALTITUDE: 4,308 m asl SIZE CLASS: © EMMANUEL THEOPHILUS Small SUB-WATERSHED BASIN: Rwesara gadh DEPTH CLASS: Shallow TROPHIC LEVEL: Oligotrophic VEGETATION TYPE: Moist alpine LOCATION: 31°00’30.64”N, 78°19’43.61”E

DESCRIPTION Kana Tal is a small glacial tarn situated in the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary. It is surrounded by glacial till, but also holds alpine vegetation, such as grasses and sedges because of the interspersed patches of soil between the rock debris.

KEY ISSUES The area is used by shepherds for grazing sheep and goats.

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 60 MANERA TAL

WETLAND TYPE: Tarn ALTITUDE: 4,136 m asl SIZE CLASS: © EMMANUEL THEOPHILUS Small SUB-WATERSHED BASIN: Rwesara gadh DEPTH CLASS: Shallow TROPHIC LEVEL: Oligotrophic VEGETATION TYPE: Moist alpine LOCATION: 31°00’58.72”N, 78°20’51.14”E

DESCRIPTION Situated in the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary, Manera Tal is a very shallow tarn in a picturesque setting.

KEY ISSUES The area is used intensively for grazing sheep and goats.

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 61 MALDARU TAL

WETLAND TYPE: Tarn ALTITUDE: 4,380 m asl SIZE CLASS: © EMMANUEL THEOPHILUS Medium SUB-WATERSHED BASIN: Rwesara gadh/Supin DEPTH CLASS: Very deep TROPHIC LEVEL: Oligotrophic VEGETATION TYPE: Moist alpine LOCATION: 31°04’49.33”N, 78°22’50.92”E

DESCRIPTION Situated in the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary, Maldaru Tal is a spectacular, large tarn in a high setting. It has substantial glacial mass still receding from it. Supra-moraine and large boulders formed from glacial till make a very impressive setting. Very few trekkers visit this site, perhaps because of its strenuous approach.

KEY ISSUES The lower slopes are used by shepherds for pasturing their stock. It is also the site for religious ceremonies by villages near Osla.

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 62 RWESARA OR RUINSARA TAL

WETLAND TYPE: Proglacial ALTITUDE: 3,604 m asl SIZE CLASS: © EMMANUEL THEOPHILUS Small SUB-WATERSHED BASIN: Rwesara gadh/Supin DEPTH CLASS: Shallow TROPHIC LEVEL: Eutrophic VEGETATION TYPE: Moist alpine LOCATION: 31°04’52.72”N, 78°27’25.92”E

DESCRIPTION Situated in the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary, Rwesara Tal is a rather small, proglacial and eutrophic lake abutted by a large old lateral moraine. Due to its altitude and the time it would have had to allow vegetational succession after glacial retreat.

KEY ISSUES This is a very popular area, frequented by trekkers and mountain climbers. While it is a trekking destination in itself, it is also en route to a few interesting and high passes into neighbouring valleys. Sheep and goats graze here in large numbers as well.

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 63 BALI KUND

WETLAND TYPE: Tarn ALTITUDE: 4,774 m asl SIZE CLASS: © EMMANUEL THEOPHILUS Small SUB-WATERSHED BASIN: Yamuna DEPTH CLASS: Shallow TROPHIC LEVEL: Oligotrophic VEGETATION TYPE: Moist alpine LOCATION: 31°01’12.00”N, 78°26’32.03”E

DESCRIPTION Situated in the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary, Bali Kund is a small tarn that is important from a trekker’s point of view. It is encountered soon after crossing the Bali Pass from Rwesara. The pass is tricky at the best of times, and the team happened to cross it during a blizzard. It is very easy to cross the wrong saddle and ﬁ nd oneself looking down an impassable void. If one crosses the right saddle (which is characteristically counter- intuitive), one will come across this tarn on the way down, after the airy traverse below the ridge. This wetland cannot be found on any map at present, and surprisingly, not even in route descriptions for the pass. Hence, it has been newly named by the team, after the pass that needs to be crossed to reach it.

KEY ISSUES It is too high and precipitous even for goats. But it could be a possible camping spot for trekkers approaching from the Yamnotri slopes.

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 64 SAPTRISHI KUND I & II

WETLAND TYPE: Tarn SIZE CLASS: Small SUB-WATERSHED BASIN: © EMMANUEL THEOPHILUS Yamuna DEPTH CLASS: Shallow TROPHIC LEVEL: Oligotrophic VEGETATION TYPE: Moist alpine LOCATION AND ALTITUDE: SAPTRISHI KUND - I 31°00’44.60”N, 78°29’06.18”E 4,712 m asl SAPTRISHI KUND - II 31°00’42.12”N, 78°29’10.60”E 4,697 m asl

DESCRIPTION Situated in the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary, these tarns are partially the head waters of the Yamuna, ﬂ owing past Yamnotri. The team approached the lakes during snowfall that lasted for several days together, during the catastrophic monsoon of late August and September in the year, and therefore saw them under heavy snow conditions.

KEY ISSUES This areas is visited by trekkers and pilgrims and so the possibility of unchecked tourism practises inducing pressure on these tarns needs to be considered.

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 65 DODITAL

WETLAND TYPE: Tarn ALTITUDE: 3,077 m asl CHANDAN © PANKAJ SIZE CLASS: Medium SUB-WATERSHED BASIN: Asi Ganga DEPTH CLASS: Deep TROPHIC LEVEL: Eutrophic VEGETATION TYPE: Moist alpine LOCATION: 30°53’51.32”N, 78°31’34.18”E

DESCRIPTION Dodital is a very well known and frequented lake lying within a Reserve Forest area. It is set amidst a thick cold-temperate to sub-alpine forest dominated by Quercus semecarpefolia oaks. Alarm calls of the sambar deer can be heard through the night. In terms of ﬁ sh fauna, there is a population of brown trout in the lake, which were originally introduced by the forest department during the British Rule. Since the Asi Ganga originates partly from this lake, the trout now exist in all habitable stretches of this river and its tributaries, competing with and replacing indigenous ﬁ sh populations.

KEY ISSUES There is an excessive trekker and tourist pressure here because of its proximity to Uttarkashi and its easy and short approach. The industrial house of Tata sends waves of its employees here throughout the season, in addition to a very large number of trekkers seeking an easy trek. There are numerous shops here to cater to the snacking needs of tourists, leading to plastic litter scattered about.

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 66 KHERA TAL, WEST

WETLAND TYPE: Proglacial ALTITUDE: 3,450 m asl SIZE CLASS: © EMMANUEL THEOPHILUS Medium SUB-WATERSHED BASIN: Din gadh DEPTH CLASS: Deep TROPHIC LEVEL: Eutrophic VEGETATION TYPE: Moist sub-alpine LOCATION: 30°51’17.17”N, 78°44’43.58”E

DESCRIPTION Situated within a Reserve Forest area, Khera Tal (West) is an old proglacial and highly eutrophic lake set at the bottom of a very long alpine slope, which clearly contributes heavily to the lake’s nutrient levels. The wallowing buffaloes which are pastured here for ﬁ ve months or so, by transhumant Gujjar tribes also contribute to this.

KEY ISSUES It is used by a large number of Gujjar families to pasture very large herds of buffalo all through summer and the monsoon. Sheep and goats are also grazed here, but more extensively in the alpine meadows. Camps of the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering (NIM) are located not far from this lake.

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 67 KHERA TAL, EAST

WETLAND TYPE: Proglacial ALTITUDE: 3,442 m asl SIZE CLASS: © EMMANUEL THEOPHILUS Small SUB-WATERSHED BASIN: Din gadh DEPTH CLASS: Deep TROPHIC LEVEL: Eutrophic VEGETATION TYPE: Moist sub-alpine LOCATION: 30°51’16.24”N, 78°44’46.82”E

DESCRIPTION Situated within a Reserve Forest area, Khera Tal (East) is a very interesting lake, on the east of the old moraine that is clearly in the midst of the lake-bog-meadow succession. The waters are dark and eutrophic, and there is a shelf of vegetation that extends over the deep waters. The glacier research station of Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology has done some very interesting studies on paleo-botany by taking pond-bed core samples from this lake and dating and analysing it for tree pollen deposits.

The Gujjars’ buffaloes do not approach this lake because they either get mired in the bog (all legs push through the vegetative shelf over the deep water), or are unable to get out. Even sambar deer are known to get trapped in this manner and die.

KEY ISSUES Sheep are grazed in the meadows in the vicinity of this lake.

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 68 SAT TAL (GARHWAL)

WETLAND TYPE: Tarn ALTITUDE: 3,018 m asl SIZE CLASS: © EMMANUEL THEOPHILUS Small SUB-WATERSHED BASIN: Bhagirathi DEPTH CLASS: Shallow TROPHIC LEVEL: Eutrophic VEGETATION TYPE: Dry sub-alpine LOCATION: 31°01’35.29”N, 78°46’13.55”E

DESCRIPTION Situated within a Reserve Forest area, Sat Tal (Garhwal) is one of fi ve paternoster lakes whose overfl ow cascades down into the others lower down. Only fi ve such lakes are known, one of which is just a marsh today. The other two are mythical. Only the highest of these lakes is found above 3,000m asl, the rest just below. All of them are clearly very eutrophic, with dense algal growth, as well as, submerged vegetation.

KEY ISSUES Some cattle are grazed here seasonally, and the water is used to irrigate ﬁ elds and orchards in the village lower down.

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 69 KEDAR TAL

WETLAND TYPE: Proglacial ALTITUDE: 4,723 m asl SIZE CLASS: © EMMANUEL THEOPHILUS Medium SUB-WATERSHED BASIN: Kedar Ganga DEPTH CLASS: Deep TROPHIC LEVEL: Oligotrophic VEGETATION TYPE: Dry alpine LOCATION: 30°54’52.24”N, 78°57’25.81”E

DESCRIPTION Another lake that would qualify amongst the most spectacular in Uttarakhand is Kedar Tal. Situated within the Gangotri National Park, Kedar Tal is a proglacial lake, formed between moraine protrusions alongside an existing glacier, at the base of the stunning peaks of Brighupanth and Thaley Sagar.

KEY ISSUES A fairly large number of trekkers and mountain climbers visit this site, and many expeditions set up base-camp right on the banks of this lake. Garbage accumulation and open defecation by these large expeditions is clearly a problem. There are also large herds of bharal that have lost their fear of humans (the area being protected) and approach camps looking to be fed with salt.

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 70 Chapter 3: WETLAND SITES BELOW 2,500M ASL

A total of 63 wetlands were surveyed at altitudes below 2,500m asl in the following districts – Almora (3 sites), Bageshwar (1 site), Chamoli (1 site), Champawat (3 sites), Dehradun (6 sites), Haridwar (3 sites), Nainital (15 sites), Pauri Garhwal (21 sites), Rudraprayag (1 site), Tehri (2 sites), Udham Singh Nagar (6 sites) and Uttarkashi (1 site). Detailed site description for all the wetlands surveyed is provided in the following section. The location of these sites can be seen on district maps that have been included in Annexure IV. Based on primary (direct and indirect sightings) and secondary sources, following is an overview of the ﬂ ora and fauna encountered at these sites.

FLORA Abies pindrow (CT), Acacia catechu (T&ST), Acer caesium (CT &SA), A. acuminatum (CT &SA), Aegle marmelos (T&ST), Aesculus indica (CT), Aesculus spp. (CT), Agrostis alba, Ageratina adenophora, Adhatoda vasica (T), Adina cordifolia (T&ST), Albizzia procera(T), Alnus nepalensis (WT), Anaphalis spp., Amaranthus spinosus (T &ST), Aconitum spp. (A), Aechmanthera tomentosa (T), Anogeissus latifolia (T&ST), Agrimonia pilosa (WT & CT), Ardisia solanacea (T), Artemisia vulgaris (T& ST), Arundinella intricata, Arundinaria falcata (WT&CT), Bauhinia vahlii (T&ST), Berberis asiatica (ST & WT), B. lyceum (WT), B. aristata (SA), Benthamidia capitata (WT), Butea monosperma (T), Bombax ceiba (T&ST), Boswellia serrata (T), Bridelia retusa (T), Buchanania lanzan (T), Blumea membranacea (T), Boerhavia diffusa (T), Betula alnoides (WT), Bambusa arundinacea (T), Campanula spp.(CT), Cassia ﬁ stula (T&ST), Clematis Montana (WT&CT), C. connata, Clerodendrum viscosum (T), Cupressus torulosa (CT), Cedrus deodara (CT), Corylus jacquemontii (WT&CT), Crataegus crenulata (WT), Carpinus viminea (WT & CT), Coriaria nepalensis (WT&CT), Cordia dichotoma (T), Chrysopogon fulvus, Colebrookia oppositifolia (T&ST), Castanopsis tribuloides (ST), Celtis australis (T&ST), Corylus colurna, Cornus macrophylla (CT), Calamus tenuis, Dalbergia sissoo (T&ST), Daphne cannabina, D. papyracea (WT&CT), Desmodium tiliaefolium, D. parvifolium, Diospyros tomentosa (T), Dendrocalamus strictus (T&ST), Eupatorium adenophorum (T, ST, WT), Eulalia mollis, Euphorbia prolifera, E. hirta, Englehardtia colbrookeana, Emblica ofﬁ cinalis (T, ST), Erigeron multicaulis, Erythrina suberosa (ST, WT), Elephantopus scaber, Exacum sp., Elaeagnus latifolia (WT), Euonymus pendulus (WT), E. lacerus, Ficus racemosa (T, ST), F. palmate (T, ST), F. nemoralis (ST, WT), F. roxburghii (ST, WT), Flemingia fruticulosa (T, ST), Flacourtia indica, Fraxinus micrantha (WT), Gallium spp., Grewia asiatica, Geranium wallichianum (CT, SA), Glycosmis pentaphylla (T), Garuga pinnata, Helicteris isora, Heteropogon contortus (T to WT), Holarrhena antidysenterica (T), Hymenodictyon excelsum (T), Hedera helix (T, ST), H. nepalensis (ST, WT), Habenaria spp. (WT, CT, CT, SA)., Holoptelea integrifolia (T, St), Indigofera dosua, I. heterantha (WT), I. gerardiana, I. pulchella (CT, SA), Inula cappa (T, ST), Ilex dipyrena (CT, SA), Imperata cylindrica (T), Ixeris polycephala, Impatiens spp. (ST to A), Juglans regia (ST, WT), Kydia calycina (T), Kirganelia reticulata, Launaea procumbens, Leucas cephalotes (T, ST), Lannea coromandelica, Leptodermis

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 71 lanceolata (WT, SA), Litsea umbrosa (WT, CT), Lagerstroemia parviﬂ ora (T), Linum usitatissimum (T), Lonicera angustifolia, L. quinquelocularis (WT), Lyonia ovalifolia (ST, WT), Lilium spp., Lindera pulcherrima (WT, CT), Litsea glutinosa (T), Mallotus philippensis (T, ST), Myrica Esculenta (ST, WT), Moghania fruticulosa, Murraya koenigii (T, ST), Myrsine africana (T, ST), Machilus odoratissima (ST, WT), Madhuca indica (T), Meliosma pungens, Millettia auriculata (T), Mitragyna parviﬂ ora (T), © RAGINI LETITIA SINGH © RAGINI

Rosa moschata also known as Musk Rose

Malvastrum coromandelianum (T, ST), Nyctanthes arbor-tristis (T), Ougeinia oojeinensis (T, ST), Oxalis corniculata (ST to SA), Olea glandulifera (ST), Oplismenus burmanii (ST-WT), Perilla frutescens (ST, WT), Physalis minima, Pogostemon plectranthoides (T, ST), Pongamia pinnata (T, ST), Picea smithiana (CT), Pulicaria spp., Pouzolzia hirta (WT, CT), Plectranthus strictus (WT), Pteridium aquilinum, Pinus roxburghii (ST, WT), P. wallichiana (CT, SA), Populus ciliate (WT, CT), Pyrus pashia (T, ST, CT), Pyrus lanata (CT), Paeonia emodi (WT, CT), Quercus leucotricophora (WT), Q. glauca (ST, WT), Q. semecarpifolia (SA), Q. dilatata, Q. fl oribunda (WT, CT), Rubus ellipticus, R. bifl orus, (T, ST), R. niveus (WT, CT, SA), Rhododendron arboreum (WT to SA), Rosa moschata (T, ST), R. macrophylla (SA), Boenninghausenia albifl ora, Reinwardtia indica (T, ST), Rhus semialata, Rungia pectinata (T), Rhamnus purpurea, Skimmia laureola (SA), Sida rhombifolia (T, ST), Solanum torvum, Sonchus oleraceus, Symplocos crataegoides, Stereospermum chelonoides (T), Sarcococca saligna (CT, SA), Syzygium cumini (T, ST), Semecarpus anacardium (T), Swertia spp. (WT, to A), Salix babylonica (WT, CT), Salvia glutinosa (WT), Sapium insigne (T, ST), Smilax parvifolia (T, ST), Schleichera oleosa (T), , Shorea robusta (T, ST), Staphylea emodi, Spiraea spp. (WT to SA), Symplocos ramosissima (WT, CT), Themeda anathera (T, ST), Toona ciliata (T, ST), Trewia nudifl ora (T), Tectona grandis (T), Trigonella hermosa (H), Terminalia bellirica (T, ST), T. Tomentosa (T, ST), Thysanolaena maxima (T,ST), Taxus baccata, (SA) Ulmus wallichiana (WT), Verbascum chinense, Vitis semicordata, V. himalayana (WT, CT), Vicia tetrasperma (T, ST), Viburnum foetens (WT, CT), V. coriaceum, V. cotinifolium (WT, CT), Woodfordia fruticosa (T, ST), Xanthium strumarium (ST), Zanthoxylum armatum (ST, WT), Zizyphus jujuba(T), Z. xylopyra (T), Z. mauritiana (T) and Z. nummularia (T) and Zeuxine strateumatica (T).

Key T=Tropical region, ST=Sub-tropical region, WT=Warm temperate, CT=Cool temperate, SA=Sub-alpine and A= Alpine region

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 72 FAUNA Aonyx cinerea concolor, Axis axis, Axis porcinus, Barbus tor putitora, Boselaphus tragocamelus, Canis aureus, Capricornis thar, Crocodylus palustris, Elephas maximus, Felis bengalensis, F. chaus afﬁ nis, F. viverina, Gloydius himalayanus, Hyaena hyaena, Hystrix indica, Lepus nigricollis, Lutra lutra, Lutrogale perspicillata, Macaca mulatta, Manis crassicaudata. Melursus ursinus, Muntiacus muntjak, Nemorhaedus goral, Paguma larvata grayi, Panthera pardus, P. tigris, Pteropus giganteus, Ptyas mucosus, Python molurus, Rucervus duvauceli, Rusa unicolor, Semnopithecus entellus, Sus scrofa, Ursus thibetanus, Viverricula indica, Vulpes bengalensis, V. vulpes. © RAGINI LETITIA SINGH © RAGINI

Axis axis commonly known as Chital deer

BIRDS Anas acuta, Anastomus oscitans, Ardeola grayii, Aythya ferina, A. fuligula, Bubulcus ibis, Egretta garzetta, Fulica atra, Gallinula chloropus, Gallus sonneratii, Himantopus himantopus, Lophophorus impejanus, Melanoperdix niger, Mycteria leucocephala, Netta ruﬁ na, Passer domesticus, Phalacrocorax niger, P. carbo, Tachybaptus ruﬁ collis, Tadorna ferruginea. Ten to 12 pairs of migratory birds such as the Ciconia nigra have been visiting Tadag Tal for the past few years (Documented by Uttarakhand Forest Department, Almora Division, Working Plan, 2001-2011). © RAGINI LETITIA SINGH © RAGINI

Tadorna ferruginea also known as Ruddy Shelduck or Brahminy Duck

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 73 ALMORA DISTRICT

BHALU DAM

WETLAND TYPE: Man-made (6) - Water storage areas: reservoirs/barrages/dams/ impoundments (generally © PRASHANT TARIYAL over 8ha) ALTITUDE: 1,821m asl AREA: 1.13ha LOCATION: 29o37’14.90”N, 79o28’42.00”E

DESCRIPTION Bhalu Dam is situated deep inside a Reserve Forest area dominated by oak and pine vegetation. The major forest types surrounding the area are Upper or Himalayan Chir pine forest (9/C1b), Banj oak forest (12/C1a) and Moist deodar forest (12/C1c). The maximum temperature recorded in the area is 25oC and the minimum is -2oC. The average annual precipitation in the area is about 1,000mm (Islam and Rahmani, 2004). The dam is the major source of water for drinking and irrigation for the surrounding area such as Chaubatiya (Working plan of Almora division, 2001-2011). Other than this, it supports the ecosystem of the area, helps in the stabilisation of nutrients in the soil, functions as a ﬂ ood control mechanism and helps in groundwater recharge.

In terms of settlements, Deholi lies outside the 1 kilometre buffer zone around the lake. The wetland is under the ownership of the Military Engineering Services (MES) but the management plan is prepared by the Forest Department (Ranikhet range, Jakh dev block, Jakh dev compartment no. 17 and 18) of the Almora division.

Permission from the MES or forest department is necessary for visiting the dam. Fishing, hunting, swimming and mining are prohibited in the whole area while activities like boating and angling are restricted.

KEY ISSUES The major threats to Bhalu Dam are posed by the accumulation of forest litter and siltation caused due to rain runoff. A combination of these is affecting the capacity of the dam.

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 74 RANI JHEEL

WETLAND TYPE: Man-made (2) - Ponds; includes farm ponds, stock ponds, small tanks (generally below 8ha) © PRASHANT TARIYAL ALTITUDE: 1,786m asl AREA: 0.4ha LOCATION: 29o38’25.50”N 79o25’39.00”E

DESCRIPTION Rani Jheel is situated on the outskirts of Ranikhet city and has been constructed for tourists by the Cantt Board of Ranikhet. The sources of water for this lake are seasonal rainfall or water delivered through tankers by the Cantt Board. The depth of the lake is around 5 metres and there is vegetation along the banks. The forest types in the surrounding area of Rani Jheel are Upper or Himalayan chir pine forest (9/C1b) and Ban oak forest (12/C1a). The maximum temperature recorded is 25oC and the minimum -2oC. The average annual precipitation in the area is about 1,000mm. From the socio- economic point of view, this wetland does not meet the requirements of the people like drinking water, irrigation, fuelwood and fodder collection. The lake has recreation value and makes a minor contribution towards nutrient retention, ﬂ ood control and groundwater recharge in the area.

In terms of settlements, Lalkurti (Kumpur), Ranikhet and Dayalikhet lie outside the 1 kilometre buffer area. Boating is permitted for a few months during summer (May- July) in order to generate revenue from tourism. Other activities like ﬁ shing, angling and hunting are banned in the area. A boundary wall has been constructed in order to check soil erosion.

KEY ISSUES The major threats to the wetland are eutrophication, invasive species (Eupatorium spp.), excessive runoff leading to an increase in sediment load in the lake and solid waste accumulation (including polybags and garbage generated by tourists and the general public).

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 75 TADAG TAL

WETLAND TYPE: Natural (O) - Permanent freshwater lakes (over 8ha); includes large oxbow lakes © PRASHANT TARIYAL ALTITUDE: 1,209m asl AREA: 50.49ha LOCATION: 29o52’48.30”N, 79o26’0.20”E

DESCRIPTION Tadag Tal is situated in a valley and receives water from a freshwater stream. A minimum depth of 10m has been recorded in the lake; however the depth fl uctuates according to the season. Two forest types are present around the wetland - Northern dry mixed deciduous forest (5B/C2) and Upper or Himalayan chir pine forest (9/C1b). The maximum temperature recorded in the area is 31oC and the minimum is 3.82oC. The average annual precipitation in the area is about 1,000mm. The major use of the wetland is for agricultural purposes. Crops are cultivated when the lake bed is partially dry. Outdoor recreation and livestock grazing occurs in the wetland and surrounding areas. It is also a source of water for domestic use and irrigation of agricultural fi elds. It also contributes towards nutrient retention, serves as a fl ood control mechanism and helps in groundwater recharge.

In terms of settlements, Naugaon Baidiya, Dhanan, Golkhal, Nyauni, Sodiyapani and Ringoniya lie outside the 1 kilometre buffer area round the lake. The wetland is managed by the surrounding villages and the Uttarakhand Forest Department (Dwarhat range, compartment: Shukha tal-1, Shukha tal-2, Kotla-1 and Kotla-2). For the conservation of the lake, the local van panchayat and forest department have banned ﬁ shing, hunting, swimming and mining in the whole area, while other activities like angling are restricted.

KEY ISSUES The main threat to Tadag Tal is siltation, which occurs due to the heavy rain runoff, as well as, due to silt deposition by a natural stream which is the major source of water. Other major threats are agriculture expansion, development activities, encroachment, habitat loss and occurrence of invasive species in the area. Fuelwood and fodder collection is also a problem reported in this area.

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 76 BAGESHWAR DISTRICT

SARLA TAL

WETLAND TYPE: Man-made (2) - Ponds; includes farm ponds, stock ponds, small tanks (generally below 8ha) © PRASHANT TARIYAL ALTITUDE: 1,688m asl AREA: 0.39ha LOCATION: 29o 50’37.30”N, 79o 36’28.50”E

DESCRIPTION Sarla tal is situated on a hill slope inside the forest. The main sources of water for the wetland are small streams and rainwater. The depth of the wetland increases or decreases according to season, but the minimum depth recorded is 2 metres. There is vegetation growth along the banks of the lake, and the forest types in the surrounding area include Upper or Himalayan chir pine forest (9/C1b) and Ban oak forest (12/C1a). The maximum temperature recorded in the area is 28oC and the minimum is 4oC. The average annual precipitation in the area is about 1,611mm. The wetland is a source of water for wildlife, it helps in nutrient retention and groundwater recharge, serves as a ﬂ ood control mechanism and has aesthetic value. The wetland has considerable potential for outdoor recreation and tourism.

In terms of settlements, Mahunpur, Nuwa Got and Chorkhet lie in the vicinity of this wetland. It is managed by the Uttarakhand Forest Department. Conservation measures such as planting trees in order to reduce landslides, construction of a boundary wall and cleaning of forest litter and silt on time have been undertaken. Activities like ﬁ shing, angling, mining and cutting trees are prohibited in this area.

KEY ISSUES The main threat to Sarla Tal is siltation, which occurs due to the heavy rain runoff and due to silt deposition by a natural stream which is the major source of water. Other threats are the occurrence of invasive species like Eupatorium, as well as, fuelwood and fodder collection from the area.

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 77 CHAMOLI DISTRICT

GWALDHAM TAL

WETLAND TYPE: Man-made (6) - Water storage areas: reservoirs/barrages/dams/ impoundments (generally © PRASHANT TARIYAL over 8ha) ALTITUDE: 1,890m asl AREA: 0.27ha LOCATION: 30o 00’13.80”N, 79o 33’56.10”E

DESCRIPTION Gwaldham Tal is situated on the outskirts of Gwaldam city. It is rain-fed and therefore, its depth ﬂ uctuates according to the season. There is vegetation growth along the banks of the lake, and some species are partly submerged when the water level in the lake rises. The forest types in the surrounding area of the lake include Upper or Himalayan chir pine forest (9/C1b), Ban oak forest (12/C1a) and Moist-temperate deciduous forest (12/C1e). The maximum temperature recorded in the area is 28oC and the minimum is 4oC. The average annual precipitation in the area is about 1,611mm (Ministry of Water Resources). This wetland is an important recreational and tourist spot. It also contributes towards nutrient retention, serves as a ﬂ ood control mechanism, helps in groundwater recharge and is a source of water for the wildlife inhabiting the area. Human settlements and agricultural farms were noted in the surrounding catchment area of the wetland.

The wetland is managed by the Uttarakhand Forest Department. Activities like ﬁ shing, angling, mining and cutting trees are prohibited in this area.

KEY ISSUES The main threats to the water body are development activities, rain runoff that adds to sediment load in the lake, tree litter and pollution caused by the local people and tourists. Other threats include the occurrence of invasive species in the area.

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 78 CHAMPAWAT DISTRICT

SHYMLA TAL

WETLAND TYPE: (Tp) - Permanent freshwater marshes/pools; ponds (below 8ha), marshes and swamps on inorganic soils; with emergent © PRASHANT TARIYAL vegetation water-logged for most of the growing season. ALTITUDE: 1,316m asl AREA: 3.34ha LOCATION: 29o 09’34.80”N, 80o 07’23.10”E

DESCRIPTION Shymla Tal is a rain-fed wetland and is located on the way from Tanakpur to Champawat. The forest types that can be seen around the lake are Lower or Siwalik chir pine forest (9/C1a), Upper or Himalayan chir pine forest (9/C1b) and Ban oak forest (12/C1a). There is vegetation along the banks while submerged and emergent plants are also present in the lake (CGWB Uttarakhand Region, 2009). During the year, the temperature varies from 1oC to 35oC. The average annual precipitation in the area is about 1,085.62 mm. The catchment area of the lake includes forest land, agricultural ﬁ elds and human settlements. The wetland is a recreational spot, it contributes towards nutrient retention and helps in groundwater recharge. The surrounding forest area provides habitat and water for wildlife.

In terms of settlements, Kanda, Shiala, Jalkunia and Jusiara lie in the vicinity of the wetland. One part of the wetland is managed by Kanda Van Panchayat and the other part by Syala Van Panchayat. The van panchayats and the forest department help maintain the forest area near the wetland.The Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam (KMVN) has set up its infrastructure on private land near the lake and has been permitted to operate boats in the lake for tourists. However, KMVN has no rights over the lake. Activities like hunting, mining and shooting of wildlife are strictly prohibited.

KEY ISSUES The major threats to the lake are from the expansion of agricultural ﬁ elds (which would involve reclamation of wetland area), developmental activities, eutrophication and pollution. Further, the spread of invasive species, runoff during rainfall that adds to the sediment load in the lake, and fuelwood and fodder collection pose threats to the wetland in the long run.

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 79 SHARDA BARRAGE

WETLAND TYPE: Man-made (6) - Water storage areas: reservoirs/ barrages/dams/ impoundments (generally © PRASHANT TARIYAL over 8ha) ALTITUDE: 275m asl AREA: 184ha LOCATION: 29o 03’25.60”N, 80o 07’04.10”E

DESCRIPTION Sharda Barrage is located on the river Sharda, which forms the international border between Nepal and India. It is situated in the eastern part of Udham Singh Nagar district and is about 2 kilometres from Tanakpur. This barrage supports a large number of waterfowl and is surrounded by forests of the forest types, West Gangetic moist mixed deciduous forest (3C/C3a) and Khair-sissu forest (5/1S2). The area receives an average annual rainfall of about 1,122mm, concentrated in July and August. The maximum temperature recorded is 42°C, and the minimum is 1°C. This is a multipurpose dam and the water stored is used for irrigation, domestic purposes and power generation. Further, the area has considerable potential for recreation and tourism.

In terms of settlements, Bagdora, Manihar, Giyanpur, Mahunpur and Nuwa Got lie in the vicinity of the barrage. The area surrounding the barrage is under the jurisdiction of the Uttarakhand Forest Department, but the reservoir comes under the Uttarakhand and U.P. Jal Vidyut Nigam. In this barrage, ﬁ shing, swimming, boating and other practises like angling and dumping waste are strictly banned. Other than this, cleaning of silt from the barrage is also done to increase the life of the dam.

KEY ISSUES The main threat to the reservoir is agricultural expansion in the surrounding areas, developmental activities, construction near the barrage and spread of invasive species such as Lantana camara and Parthenium spp. This dam is situated on the international boundary of two countries (India and Nepal) and so the degree of poaching and illegal trade is high in this area.

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 80 BANBASA BARRAGE

WETLAND TYPE: Man-made (6) - Water storage areas: reservoirs/ barrages/dams/ impoundments (generally © PRASHANT TARIYAL over 8ha) ALTITUDE: 226m asl AREA: 66ha LOCATION: 28o 59’47.40”N, 80o 06’20.70”E

DESCRIPTION Banbasa Barrage is situated on the river Sharda, 12km downstream from the Sharda Barrage. It is a standby reservoir that is fed by the discharge channel of Sharda Barrage. The two forest types present around the barrage are West Gangetic moist mixed deciduous forest (3C/C3a), Khair-sissu forest (5/1S2). The area receives an average annual rainfall of about 1,122mm, concentrated in July and August. The maximum temperature recorded is 42°C, and the minimum is 1°C. Water stored in the dam is used for drinking and irrigation. The wetland is used for outdoor recreation, livestock grazing, and the surrounding areas consist of agricultural land and human settlement, In addition, it also provides habitat to waterfowl and other wild animals.

In terms of settlements, Bahbesq, Chandni and Bajanpur lie in the vicinity of the barrage. The reservoir area is under the jurisdiction of the Uttarakhand and U.P. Jal Vidyut Nigam, while the surrounding area of the barrage is managed by the Uttarakhand Forest Department and part of it is private land. Activities like boating, ﬁ shing, angling and waste dumping are not allowed in the barrage area.

KEY ISSUES Major threats to the reservoir are siltation, agricultural expansion in surrounding areas and developmental activities. The wetland is situated on the international border, so poaching and illegal animal trade is fairly common in this area.

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 81 DEHRADUN DISTRICT

ASAN BARRAGE

WETLAND TYPE: Man-made (6) - Water storage areas; reservoirs/ barrages /dams/

impoundments (generally LETITIA SINGH © RAGINI over 8ha) ALTITUDE: 396m asl AREA: 108.75ha LOCATION: 30o 25’57.00”N, 77o40’12.00”E

DESCRIPTION Asan Barrage is a permanent freshwater wetland situated at the confl uence of the Eastern Yamuna Canal and the Asan River in the Doon valley. The surrounding area of the barrage is a blend of pasture, shrub and forest land. The forest types include Moist Siwalik sal forest (3C/C2a), West Gangetic moist mixed deciduous forest (3C/C3a) and Dry Siwalik sal forest (5B/C1a). The study area has humid sub-tropical climate and experiences an average annual precipitation of about 1,817mm. The maximum temperature rises to over 42oC while the minimum recorded in Dehradun is 1.1oC. Initially, the barrage was constructed for power generation. However, as sediments from the Yamuna and Asan were deposited, it was converted into a wetland and now supports numerous aquatic species and migratory birds. It serves as a fl ood control mechanism, and supplies water for irrigation and domestic use. The rich biodiversity and aesthetic value of the wetland makes it a sought after tourist destination. It was declared an Important Bird Area (IBA) in 2002 and a Conservation Reserve in 2005 by the Government of Uttarakhand. It is one of India’s fi rst conservation reserves and has been proposed for Ramsar designation.

In terms of settlements, Aduwala, Kunia, Kunja, Matak Majri and Dhalipur lie in the vicinity of the barrage. Asan Barrage is under the control of the Uttarakhand Irrigation Department, while the surrounding area is managed by the Uttarakhand Forest Department. The rest of the land is community-owned. Activities like hunting, mining, swimming, ﬁ shing and boating (during the breeding season of birds) are prohibited here.

KEY ISSUES Asan wetland is one of the best managed wetlands in Uttarakhand. However, siltation is a major threat. The growing incidences of weeds and invasive species such as Lantana camara, Parthenium spp. and Eupatorium adenophorum are changing the vegetation structure of the area. Illegal collection of biomass from the Rampur Mandi forest area leads to the destruction of migratory bird habitat. Unsustainable tourism is also a threat.

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 82 ASAN (NEAR KUNJA VILLAGE)

WETLAND TYPE: Man-made (2) - Ponds; includes farm ponds, stock ponds, small tanks (generally below 8ha)

ALTITUDE: © PUSHPINDER SINGH JAMWAL 396m asl AREA: 5ha LOCATION: 30o 25’56.00”N, 77o 39’58.00”E

DESCRIPTION This man-made permanent freshwater wetland is situated near Asan Barrage (28km southwest of Dehradun) and supports large numbers of aquatic organisms and migratory birds. The main source of water for this wetland is the Asan Barrage. The surrounding area of Asan wetland is a blend of pasture, shrubs and forests. The forest type surrounding the wetland includes Moist Siwalik sal forest (3C/C2a), West Gangetic moist mixed deciduous forest (3C/C3a) and Dry Siwalik sal forest (5B/C1a). The study area has humid sub-tropical climate and experiences heavy rainfall. The average annual precipitation in the area is about 1,817mm. The maximum temperature rises to over 42oC while the lowest minimum temperature recorded in Dehradun during winter is 1.1oC. The wetland water is used for irrigating agricultural ﬁ elds. Further, it helps conserve several waterfowl species, making it a major tourist destination. The whole area has been declared as a Conservation Reserve under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 by the Government of Uttarakhand through its Notiﬁ cation on August 5, 2005. It has also been declared as an Important Bird Area (IBA).

In terms of settlements, Matak Majri, Dhalipur, Aduwala, Kunia and Kunja lie in the vicinity of the wetland. The site is managed by the Uttarakhand Forest Department, while the rest of the land is community-owned.

KEY ISSUES The spread of weeds and invasive species such as Lantana camara, Parthenium spp. and Eupatorium adenophorum are changing the nature of vegetation in the surrounding area. Illegal collection of biomass in the form of wood and unsustainable tourism practises are also threats to the wetland.

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 83 ASAN (NEAR GMVN)

WETLAND TYPE: Man-made (2) - Ponds; includes farm ponds, stock ponds, small tanks (generally below 8ha)

ALTITUDE: © PUSHPINDER SINGH JAMWAL 396m asl AREA: 5ha LOCATION: 30o 26’23.20”N, 77o 39’58.00”E

DESCRIPTION The wetland is situated near Asan Barrage in Dehradun. It is a man-made permanent freshwater wetland and supports large numbers of aquatic organisms and migratory birds. The main source of water for the wetland is the Asan Barrage. The forest types surrounding the wetland include Moist Siwalik sal forest (3C/C2a), West Gangetic moist mixed deciduous forest (3C/C3a) and Dry Siwalik sal forest (5B/C1a). The study area has humid sub-tropical climate and experiences heavy rainfall. The average annual precipitation in the area is about 1,817mm. The maximum temperature rises to over 42oC while the lowest minimum temperature recorded in Dehradun during winter is 1.1oC. The wetland helps in checking fl oods and is a source of irrigation water for agricultural fi elds. Further, the wetland is a Conservation Reserve Area. It provides an ideal habitat for several fl oral and faunal species, thereby conserving nature as well as making it a popular tourist destination.

In terms of settlements, Kunja, Matak Majri, Dhalipur Aduwala and Kunia lie in the vicinity of the wetland. The site is managed by the Uttarakhand Forest Department.

KEY ISSUES Spread of weeds and invasive species such as Lantana camara, Parthenium spp. and Eupatorium adenophorum are changing the vegetation pattern of the surrounding area.

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 84 NAKURONDA SWAMP

WETLAND TYPE: (M) - Permanent rivers/ streams/creeks; includes waterfalls ALTITUDE: 512m asl © PUSHPINDER SINGH JAMWAL AREA: 0.29ha LOCATION: 30o 14’10.00”N, 78o 08’05.00”E

DESCRIPTION Nakuronda Swamp is a marshy area near Lachhiwala, a famous picnic spot. It is located in a Reserve Forest area at a distance of 3 kilometres from Doiwala and 22km from Dehradun. This swamp is a vital component of the landscape and provides habitat for a wide variety of ﬂ ora and fauna. The forest types surrounding the wetland include Moist Siwalik sal forest (3C/C2a), West Gangetic moist mixed deciduous forest (3C/C3a), Dry Siwalik sal forest (5B/C1a) and Khair-sissu forest (5/1S2). An average annual rainfall of about 1,817mm has been recorded in July and August. The maximum temperature is 42°C while the minimum temperature recorded is 1°C. This wetland is a source of water for irrigation and domestic use. Further, activities such as ﬁ shing, harvesting of shrubs that are used as fodder, grazing of domestic livestock and outdoor recreation are undertaken in and around the Nakrunda Swamp. This wetland is an important wildlife habitat and sightseeing location of Dehradun and draws in a large number of tourists.

In terms of settlements, Nakraunda Lower and Balawala lie in the vicinity of the wetland. Nakrunda swamp is managed by the Uttarakhand Forest department, while the surrounding land is community-owned.

KEY ISSUES The surrounding area is heavily overgrazed by domestic livestock and the vegetation harvested by locals is used as fodder and fuel. Illegal shooting and trapping of animals occurs at the wetland.

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 85 DAKPATHAR BARRAGE

WETLAND TYPE: Man-made (6) - Water storage areas: reservoirs/barrages/dams/ impoundments (generally over 8ha) © PUSHPINDER SINGH JAMWAL ALTITUDE: 480m asl AREA: 70ha LOCATION: 30o 30’04.10”N, 77o 47’49.00”E

DESCRIPTION Dakpathar Barrage is situated on the Dehradun-Chakrata road, 45km from Dehradun and about 3 kilometres from Vikasnagar. This permanent freshwater wetland is formed downstream of the confl uence of the river Tons and Yamuna. The barrage is gradually silting up because the Tons and Yamuna carry a huge sedimentary load. The water level in the wetland fl uctuates considerably with local rainfall; when the level is low, it provides good habitat for waterfowl. The barrage is surrounded by dense forest, as well as, a few areas of non-forested land. The forest types surrounding the wetland include Moist Siwalik sal forest (3C/C2a), West Gangetic moist mixed deciduous forest (3C/ C3a), Dry Siwalik sal forest (5B/C1a) and Northern dry mixed deciduous forest (5B/ C2). The average annual precipitation in the area is about 1,817mm. The maximum temperature rises to over 42oC while the lowest minimum temperature recorded in Dehradun during winter is 1.1oC. The water stored in the barrage is used to generate hydroelectricity, as well as, to irrigate agricultural fi elds and for domestic purposes. Further, the huge reservoir serves as a fl ood control mechanism. The aesthetic value of the wetland, along with the congregation of migratory waterfowl have made it a sought after tourist destination in Uttarakhand.

In terms of settlements, Jiwangarh Grant, Dakpathar and Ambari lie in the vicinity of the wetland. Dakpathar Barrage is under the control of the Uttarakhand Irrigation Department, while the rest of land is community-owned. Activities like mining, hunting, ﬁ shing, swimming, boating and other water sports are prohibited at Dakpathar Barrage.

KEY ISSUES Siltation in the barrage is one of major threats to the wetland. Illegal collection of biomass and unsustainable tourism practises of the rising tourist population also put pressure on the wetland.

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 86 VIRBHADRA BARRAGE

WETLAND TYPE: Man-made (6) - Water storage areas: reservoirs/barrages/dams/ impoundments (generally over 8ha) ALTITUDE: © PUSHPINDER SINGH JAMWAL 340m asl AREA: 72.66ha LOCATION: 30o 04’34.60”N, 78o 17’14.40”E

DESCRIPTION Virbhadra Barrage is a man-made wetland in Rishikesh. Lying in the vicinity of the famous Rajaji National Park, it is surrounded by Moist Siwalik sal forest (3C/C2a), West Gangetic moist mixed deciduous forest (3C/C3a) and Dry deciduous scrub (5/DS1). The maximum and minimum temperatures recorded during summer are 40°C and 24°C, respectively while the temperature ranges between 22°C and 3°C in winters. The area receives rainfall during the southwest monsoon between June and September, with an average rainfall of 2,100mm being recorded. The dam supplies water for industrial, irrigation and domestic use. Virbhadra Barrage supports a large number of migratory waterfowl and is visited by many local tourists every year.

In terms of settlements, Virbhadra, Bapugram, Ramnagar and Chimney lie in the vicinity of the wetland. The barrage is under the control of the Uttarakhand Irrigation Department. Activities like ﬁ shing, angling and deforestation are banned in the area. Other than this, collection of fuelwood and fodder is also not permitted in the whole area.

KEY ISSUES The wetland is polluted by the discharge of sewage and efﬂ uents from human settlements nearby.

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 87 HARIDWAR DISTRICT

JHILMIL JHEEL

WETLAND TYPE: (O) - Permanent freshwater lakes (over © VINOD VERMA 8ha); includes large oxbow lakes ALTITUDE: 240m asl AREA: 148ha LOCATION: 29o 47’49.00”N, 78o 13’17.50”E

DESCRIPTION Jhilmil Jheel is situated between the Haridwar–Najibabad Highway with the natural course of the Ganga to the south of it. It is surrounded by the Reserve Forest of the Chidiyapur Range. Forest types noted here are Dry plains sal forest (5B/C1b) and Northern dry mixed deciduous forest (5B/C2) (Management Plan-Jhilmil Jheel, 2007). The temperature begins to rise in March (29.1°C) and reaches its maximum in May (39.2°C). A drop in temperature is noted from mid-June once the monsoon commences. Between November and February the temperature recorded is around 6 - 10°C. The average annual rainfall in the region is 1,174.3mm, of which 84 per cent is received during the monsoon. The wetland is a source of water for wildlife, helps in nutrient retention and ground water recharge, serves as a ﬂ ood control mechanism and helps stabilise the micro-climate of the area. Jhilmil Jheel has been declared as a Swamp Deer Conservation Reserve, and a management plan has been prepared for the conservation of the area (Sinha et al., 2007). It is the only place in Uttarakhand where the Rucervus duvaucelii is found in large numbers. Owing to its natural beauty, the area has considerable tourism potential.

In terms of settlements, Naurangabad, Dudhia Diyalwala and Rasiya Barh lie in the vicinity of the wetland. It is managed by the Uttarakhand Forest Department (Chidiyapur Range/compartment numbers namely, Nalowala 3, 4, 5, 6, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, Amsot 1a, 1b, Ganga 1a and 1b) and Gram Sabha of Tantwala village. Activities like cutting of trees, poaching and mining are prohibited in this area. Grazing and collection of fodder and fuelwood is also restricted.

KEY ISSUES None known.

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 88 BAANGANGA WETLAND

WETLAND TYPE: (O) - Permanent freshwater lakes (over

8ha); includes large © PRASHANT TARIYAL oxbow lakes ALTITUDE: 222m asl AREA: 90ha LOCATION: 29o 38’15.90”N, 78o 02’24.60”E

DESCRIPTION Baanganga wetland has many islands, varying in shape and size. Many of them remain underwater during the rainy season. Temperature begins to rise in March (29.1oC) and reaches its maximum in May (39.2oC). With the commencement of the monsoon season by mid-June, the temperature begins to fall. During winter (November to February), it ranges between 10oC and 6oC. The average annual rainfall in the region is 1,174.3mm, of which 84 per cent is received during monsoon season and only 16 per cent occurs during the non-monsoon period. The catchment area of the wetland mainly consists of forest and agricultural land. The islands in this wetland provide a good habitat for various plant taxa, birds (resident, as well as, migratory) and animals, mainly the critically endangered Rucervus duvaucelii and Axis porcinus.The wetland harbours a small population of Crocodylus palustris. Although widely distributed in many parts of India, this species’ distribution in Uttarakhand is restricted only to the Corbett Tiger Reserve and the Baanganga wetland. Owing to its fl oral and faunal diversity, the wetland has been declared as a Protected Area and has high potential for research and tourism. The benefi ts accrued by people residing in the vicinity of the wetland include the provision of drinking water, irrigation, avenues for recreation, fl oodwater storage, groundwater recharge and nutrient retention.

In terms of settlements, Himmatpur Bela, Idrishpur, Badshahpur, Kalsiya Khurd, Gidhawali Khurd, Kalsiya Kalan and Gidhawali Kalan lie in the vicinity of the wetland. The site is managed by the Gram Sabha of nearby villages and the Uttarakhand Forest Department (Laksar range, Block-Khanpur, Compartment-Igrishpur, Sherpur, Bela, Jogwal). Hunting and cutting of trees have been banned in the area.

KEY ISSUES The main threats to this conservation reserve are agricultural expansion, development activities, eutrophication, habitat loss and overgrazing (Wildlife Institute of India, 2007). Other issues include spread of invasive species, encroachment and poaching by villagers.

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 89 BHIMGODA BARRAGE

WETLAND TYPE: Man-made (6) - Water storage areas: reservoirs/barrages/dams/ impoundments (generally over 8ha) ALTITUDE: © PUSHPINDER SINGH JAMWAL 249m asl AREA: 106ha LOCATION: 29o 57’24.10”N, 78o 11’00.07”E

DESCRIPTION Bhimgoda Barrage is situated on the river Ganga, in the vicinity of the famous Rajaji National Park in Haridwar. The maximum and minimum temperatures recorded during summer are 40°C and 24°C, respectively while the temperature ranges between 22°C and 3°C in winter. The area receives an average rainfall of 2,100mm during the southwest monsoon between June and September. Owing to water level ﬂ uctuations in this man-made wetland, swampy islands become distinct and play host to thousands of migratory birds and a variety of marsh loving water birds. As a result this site is visited by a large number of local tourists every year. The dam supplies water for industrial, irrigation and domestic purposes in Uttarakhand and many parts of Uttar Pradesh (U.P.). The principal activities that take place here are ﬁ shing by the locals and grazing by domestic livestock.

In case of settlements, Chilla colony, Raiwala, Jagjitpura, Jwalapur, Hiranwala, Shantikunj, Khadkhadi, Bhutadwala, Haripurkala lie in the vicinity of the wetland. The barrage is under the control of the Uttarakhand Irrigation Department. Activities like ﬁ shing, angling, cutting of trees and collection of fuelwood and fodder have been banned in the area.

KEY ISSUES The wetland is polluted due to discharge of sewage and efﬂ uents from human settlements in the vicinity.

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 90 NAINITAL DISTRICT

BHIM TAL

WETLAND TYPE: (O) - Permanent freshwater lakes (over 8ha); includes large oxbow lakes ALTITUDE: © PUSHPINDER SINGH JAMWAL 1,275m asl AREA: 45.61ha LOCATION: 29o 20’34.70”N, 79o 33’45.70”E

DESCRIPTION Bhim Tal is a rain-fed, permanent freshwater lake with a small island in the centre. The lake is situated at a distance of about 22km from Nainital Lake. The catchment area of Bhim Tal consists of forest cover which includes the following forest types: Upper or Himalayan chir pine forest (9/C1b) and Ban oak forest (12/C1a). The maximum temperature recorded here ranges from 42ºC to 46ºC, while the minimum temperature range is between1°C and 9°C. The annual rainfall in the district varies from 1,200 to 2,647mm, with an average of 1,246mm. The wetland provides water for irrigation and domestic use and it serves as a ﬂ ood control mechanism. The surrounding areas are used for livestock grazing, fuelwood collection, recreation and agriculture. The township, with a sparse population, is considered to be a potential tourist spot.

In terms of settlements, Kalsiya, Kalan, Gidhawali, Kalan, Deholi, Tirchhakhet, Dungsil, Randegaon and Bhimtal lie in the vicinity of the wetland. The lake is under the control of the Uttarakhand Irrigation Department, while the surrounding area is under the Uttarakhand Forest Department. Besides this, a few areas are under the control of the local communities. A Lake Development Authority (LDA) has been formed which looks after the maintenance of the lake. Activities like hunting and mining are strictly banned in the area.

KEY ISSUES Unsustainable tourism, ﬁ rewood collection and overgrazing in the surrounding area are major threats to the wetland.

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 91 KHURPA TAL

WETLAND TYPE: Tp - Permanent freshwater marshes/pools; ponds (below 8ha), marshes and swamps on inorganic soils; with emergent vegetation water-

logged for at least most of the © PUSHPINDER SINGH JAMWAL growing season. ALTITUDE: 1,530m asl AREA: 5.17ha LOCATION: 29o 22’24.50”N, 79o 25’43.90”E

DESCRIPTION Khurpa Tal is a hoop-shaped water body located in Nihal Valley, about 12km southwest of Nainital. It is a rain-fed, permanent freshwater lake and an important birdwatching site, with no inlet or outlet. On the northwest side of the lake, farming is practised, while the remaining sides of the lake are surrounded by forested hills. The forest type in the surrounding area is Upper or Himalayan chir pine forest (9/C1b). The average temperature of Khurpatal in summer is 32oC while in winter it is 10oC. The area receives an average rainfall of 2,400mm. The wetland is used for recreational activities such as birdwatching, fuelwood collection and is a source of water for the local community.

In terms of settlements, Jagara, Dharmiyakhet and Khurpatal lie in the vicinity of the wetland. The wetland is managed by the Uttarakhand Forest Department (Reserved Forest), while the surrounding area is privately-owned land.

KEY ISSUES Activities like cutting of trees and hunting are not permitted in this area. No ﬁ shing is ofﬁ cially permitted here.

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 92 SAT TAL

WETLAND TYPE: (O) - Permanent freshwater lakes (over 8ha); includes large oxbow lakes ALTITUDE: © PUSHPINDER SINGH JAMWAL 1,265m asl AREA: 20.2ha LOCATION: 29o 20’56.50”N, 79o 31’48.30”E

DESCRIPTION At a distance of 21km from Nainital, Sat Tal is one of the seven main freshwater lakes situated in the Lower Himalayan Range. There is no defi ned source of water for the wetland. It is surrounded by dense oak forest on three sides and agricultural fi elds on the fourth side. The forest types noted are Upper or Himalayan chir pine forest (9/ C1b) and Ban oak forest (12/C1a). The maximum temperature recorded here ranges from 42ºC to 46ºC while the minimum temperature range is between 1°C and 9°C. The annual rainfall in the district varies from 1,200 to 2,647mm, with an average of 1,246mm. The wetland is the main source of water for irrigating agricultural fi elds and for domestic purposes for a small human population around the lake. In terms of recreation, Sat Tal is a paradise for anglers and swimmers. Scientifi c research is also conducted here. Further, the catchment area is also used for livestock grazing.

The lake is managed by the Uttarakhand Forest Department. Cutting of trees is banned in this area.

KEY ISSUES Unsustainable tourism, boating and ﬁ rewood collection are some of the major threats to the wetland.

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 93 GARUD TAL

WETLAND TYPE: Tp - Permanent freshwater marshes/pools; ponds (below 8ha), marshes and swamps on inorganic soils; with emergent vegetation water-

logged for at least most of the © PUSHPINDER SINGH JAMWAL growing season. ALTITUDE: 1,330m asl AREA: 4.3ha LOCATION: 29° 21’24.30”N, 79° 31’47.80”E

DESCRIPTION Garud Tal is an undisturbed lake situated at a distance of 23km from Nainital. Rainwater is a major source of water for the lake. It has very dense forest in its surrounding area and the forest type noted here are Upper or Himalayan chir pine forest (9/C1b) and Ban oak forest (12/C1a). A maximum temperature range of 42ºC to 46ºC and a minimum temperature range of 1°C to 9°C have been recorded. The annual rainfall in the district varies from 1,200 to 2,647mm, with an average of 1,246mm. The lake supports a small ﬁ shery while its catchment supports a large number of wild animals. Further, the surrounding area is an important grazing place for domestic livestock and is also used for recreational activities.

The lake is under the control of the Uttarakhand Irrigation Department, while the surrounding area is managed by the forest department. Further, a few areas are under the local community.

KEY ISSUES Illegal biomass collection and grazing by domestic livestock in the forest are the major threats. Invasive ﬂ oral species like Lantana and Eupatorium are also a cause for concern.

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 94 NAUKUCHIA TAL

WETLAND TYPE: (O) - Permanent freshwater lakes (over 8ha); includes large oxbow lakes

ALTITUDE: © PUSHPINDER SINGH JAMWAL 1,320m asl AREA: 29.93ha LOCATION: 29o 19’00.50”N, 79o 34’60.00”E

DESCRIPTION Naukuchia Tal is a crystal clear freshwater lake and is situated at a distance of 25km from Sat Tal. It has been named Naukuchia because of its nine corners. It receives water from springs and streams draining the hilly catchment. The wetland is covered with dense forest on one side and the forest types noted here are Upper or Himalayan chir pine forest (9/C1b) and Ban oak forest (12/C1a). A maximum temperature range of 42ºC to 46ºC and a minimum temperature range of 1°C to 9°C have been recorded. The annual rainfall in the district varies from 1,200 to 2,647mm, with an average of 1,246mm. Owing to the rich habitat provided by the lake for ﬁ sh, a well developed ﬁ shery exists here. The land area surrounding the lake is used for agriculture and minor forest produce collection. Naukuchia Tal has long been famous as one of the most beautiful lakes in Nainital, and is hence, a very valuable tourist destination.

In terms of settlements, Gade, Baloniya, Kharki, Chanoti and Galdani lie in the vicinity of the wetland. The lake is under the control of the Uttarakhand Irrigation Department, while a small area is under the local community.

KEY ISSUES Tourists and their unsustainable practises pose the biggest threat to the wetland. The population in the surrounding area is also increasing, exerting more pressure on the lake. Other than this, agriculture expansion, boating and invasive species are also issues.

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 95 NAINITAL

WETLAND TYPE: (O) - Permanent freshwater lakes (over 8ha); includes large oxbow lakes ALTITUDE: © PUSHPINDER SINGH JAMWAL 1,919m asl AREA: 48.76ha LOCATION: 29o 22’49.00”N, 79o 27’47.00”E

DESCRIPTION Nainital is a natural freshwater body situated in the centre of Nainital Township. It is tectonic in origin and its major source of water is rainfall. The wetland is covered by forest on two sides and the forest types noted here are Upper or Himalayan chir pine forest (9/C1b), Himalayan subtropical scrub (9/C1/DS1) and Ban oak forest (12/ C1a). A maximum temperature range of 42°C to 46°C and a minimum temperature range of 1°C to 9°C have been recorded. The annual rainfall in the district varies from 1,200 to 2,647mm, with an average of 1,246mm. Nainital is one of the most important tourist sites in Uttarakhand. The presence of the Naina Devi temple gives it religious signiﬁ cance as well.

In terms of settlements, Nainital and Ranchi lie in the vicinity of the wetland. The lake is under the control of the Uttarakhand Irrigation Department, while the surrounding area is managed by the forest department. Further, a small area is under the local community. A Lake Development Authority has been formed which looks after the maintenance of the lake. Hunting and mining are prohibited in the wetland area, and ﬁ shing is ofﬁ cially not permitted in the wetland.

KEY ISSUES Pollution, developmental activities, unsustainable tourism, eutrophication, boating, sedimentation, rain runoff, habitat loss and invasive species are threats to the wetland.

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 96 BHARAT TAL

WETLAND TYPE: Tp - Permanent freshwater marshes/pools; ponds (below 8ha), marshes and swamps on inorganic soils; with emergent vegetation water-logged for at least most of the growing © PUSHPINDER SINGH JAMWAL season. ALTITUDE: 1,230m asl AREA: 1.68ha LOCATION: 29o 21’08.90”N, 79o 31’24.60”E

DESCRIPTION Bharat Tal is a freshwater lake in the Lower Himalayan Range and is located at a distance of 23km from Nainital. It is situated deep inside the forest and receives water from Sat Tal. The forest types noted here are Upper or Himalayan chir pine forest (9/C1b) and Ban oak forest (12/C1a). A maximum temperature range of 42ºC to 46ºC and a minimum temperature range of 1°C to 9°C have been recorded. The annual rainfall in the district varies from 1,200 to 2,647mm, with an average of 1,246mm. The wetland is very rich in biodiversity and is a site of religious signiﬁ cance. The surrounding area of the wetland is used for grazing livestock, as well as, for tourism and recreational activities.

The wetland is managed by the Uttarakhand Forest Department. Activities like hunting, mining, boating and swimming are prohibited in the wetland area. However, ﬁ shing is ofﬁ cially permitted here.

KEY ISSUES Unsustainable collection of minor forest produce and overgrazing are some of the threats to the wetland.

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 97 SARIYA TAL

WETLAND TYPE: (2) - Ponds; includes farm ponds, stock ponds, small tanks; (below 8ha). ALTITUDE: 1,730m asl © PUSHPINDER SINGH JAMWAL AREA: 0.65ha LOCATION: 29° 22’46.70”N, 79° 25’50.80”E

DESCRIPTION This is a clear freshwater pond, the source of which is a natural stream. This wetland is surrounded by small hills. The forest types noted in the surrounding area of the lake is Upper or Himalayan chir pine forest (9/C1b) and Ban oak forest (12/C1a). A maximum temperature range of 42°C to 46°C and a minimum temperature range of 1°C to 9°C have been recorded. The annual rainfall in the district varies from 1,200 to 2,647mm, with an average of 1,246mm. The wetland area is used for tourism and recreational activities. The surrounding catchment area has been developed into the Himalayan Botanic Gardens, one of the main objectives of which is to prevent siltation of the lake. Several check dams have been constructed in the catchment.

In terms of settlements, Chorkheti lies in the vicinity of the wetland. The pond area is under the control of the Uttarakhand Irrigation Department, while the surrounding area is under the forest department.

KEY ISSUES None known.

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 98 HANUMAN TAL

WETLAND TYPE: Tp - Permanent freshwater marshes/pools; ponds (below 8ha), marshes and swamps on inorganic soils; with emergent vegetation water- logged for at least most of the © PUSHPINDER SINGH JAMWAL growing season. ALTITUDE: 1,230m asl AREA: 0.9ha LOCATION: 29o 21’09.00”N, 79o 31’40.00”E

DESCRIPTION This lake is situated deep inside the forest in between Sat Tal and Bharat Tal. The lake is rain-fed and also receives water from Sat Tal. This wetland has dense forest cover and the forest types noted here include Upper or Himalayan chir pine forest (9/C1b) and Ban oak forest (12/C1a). A maximum temperature range of 42°C to 46°C and a minimum temperature range of 1°C to 9°C have been recorded. The annual rainfall varies from 1,200 to 2,647mm, with an average of 1,246mm. The wetland is a source of drinking water for several faunal species, besides being of religious value. Also, the wetland and its surrounding area are used for recreational activities.

Hanuman Tal is managed by the Uttarakhand Forest Department. Activities such as hunting and mining have been banned in the wetland area.

KEY ISSUES The spread of invasive species is one of the chief threats to the wetland.

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 99 KAMAL TAL

WETLAND TYPE: (2) - Ponds; includes farm ponds, stock ponds, small tanks (below 8ha). ALTITUDE: 1,220m asl © PUSHPINDER SINGH JAMWAL AREA: 0.1ha LOCATION: 29o 19’34.10”N, 79o 34’54.80”E

DESCRIPTION Kamal Tal is a brackish water pond and receives water from Naukuchia Tal. The forest types noted around the pond include Upper or Himalayan chir pine forest (9/C1b) and Ban oak forest (12/C1a). A maximum temperature range of 42°C to 46°C and a minimum temperature range of 1°C to 9°C have been recorded. The annual rainfall in the district varies from 1,200 to 2,647mm, with an average of 1,246mm. The wetland is used for commercial production of lotus besides being a well known picnic spot.

In terms of settlements, Sloti, Sakhola, Bigroli and Bilaspur lie in the vicinity of the wetland. The lake is maintained by the Uttarakhand Irrigation Department.

KEY ISSUES None known.

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 100 NAL DAMAYANTI TAL

WETLAND TYPE: (2) - Ponds; includes farm ponds, stock ponds, small tanks (below 8ha). ALTITUDE: 1,260m asl © PUSHPINDER SINGH JAMWAL AREA: 0.22ha LOCATION: 29o 21’46.00”N, 79o 32’02.00”E

DESCRIPTION Nal Damayanti Tal is a very small wetland which, over the years, has transformed into a small pond. There is no defi ned source of water for this wetland. The forest types noted around the pond include Upper or Himalayan chir pine forest (9/C1b) and Ban oak forest (12/C1a). A maximum temperature range of 42°C to 46°C and a minimum temperature range of 1°C to 9°C have been recorded. The annual rainfall in the district varies from 1,200 to 2,647mm, with an average of 1,246mm. This community-owned wetland provides water for drinking and irrigation of fi elds. The surrounding area is used for agriculture, cattle grazing and recreational activities. The tal has been named after the legendary King Nal and Queen Damayanti whose palace stood where the lake is today. It also has religious signifi cance.

KEY ISSUES There is hardly any threat to the wetland since the local people have taken steps to conserve it owing to its religious signiﬁ cance.

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 101 SHUKHA TAL

WETLAND TYPE: Tp - Permanent freshwater marshes/pools; ponds (below 8ha), marshes and swamps on inorganic soils; with emergent vegetation water-

logged for at least most of the © PUSHPINDER SINGH JAMWAL growing season. ALTITUDE: 1,730m asl AREA: 0.8ha LOCATION: 29° 23’32.60”N, 79° 26’36.20”E

DESCRIPTION Shukha Tal is a rain-fed lakethat is situated 5 kilometres from Nainital Lake. The condition of Shukha Tal is not good because of local encroachment, pollution and construction. The forest types noted in the surrounding area of the lake include Upper or Himalayan chir pine forest (9/C1b) and Himalayan subtropical scrub (9/C1/DS1). A maximum temperature range of 42°C to 46°C and a minimum temperature range of 1°C to 9°C have been recorded. The annual rainfall in the district varies from 1,200 to 2,647mm, with an average 1,246mm. This wetland serves as a ﬂ ood control mechanism. Activities such as livestock grazing and agriculture are undertaken in the surrounding areas. It is also a recreational site.

In terms of settlements, Ayarpatha and Tanaki lie in the vicinity of the wetland. Shukha Tal is managed by the Uttarakhand Forest Department.

KEY ISSUES The major threats to the area are developmental activities in the vicinity (construction of houses and hotels), pollution, encroachment, eutrophication and sedimentation caused by runoff (during rainfall). The lake is also used as a dumping site. Other threats which also affect the lakes are grazing pressure, spread of invasive species and habitat loss.

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 102 KATHGODAM BARRAGE

WETLAND TYPE: (2) - Ponds; includes farm ponds, stock ponds, small tanks (below 8ha). ALTITUDE: 519m asl © PUSHPINDER SINGH JAMWAL AREA: 1.36ha LOCATION: 29o 16’16.00”N, 79o 32’50.00”E

DESCRIPTION Kathgodam Barrage is situated at the foothills of Nainital. It is on the river Gaula which is also its main source of water. The area around the barrage includes forest cover on one side and human settlement on the other side. The forest types noted in this area include Moist Siwalik sal forest (3C/C2a), West Gangetic moist mixed deciduous forest (3C/C3a), Khair-sissu forest (5/1S2), Upper or Himalayan chir pine forest (9/C1b) and Ban oak forest (12/C1a). A maximum temperature range of 42°C to 46°C and a minimum temperature range of 1°C to 9°C have been recorded. The annual rainfall in the district varies from 1,200 to 2,647mm, with an average of 1,246mm. The wetland provides habitat for wildlife and is a source of water for domestic purposes. The area surrounding the wetland is used for agriculture, cattle grazing and recreational activities. Further, the wetland helps in nutrient retention, groundwater recharge and serves as a ﬂ ood control mechanism.

In terms of settlements, Bhagulikhal, Byura, Damuwandhunga, Korta, Kathgodam and Kalsa lie in the vicinity of the wetland. The barrage is under the control of the Jal Vidyut Nigam, while the surrounding area is under the Uttarakhand Forest Department. In the reservoir area, activities like ﬁ shing, angling, hunting and collection of fuelwood and fodder are strictly prohibited.

KEY ISSUES The major threats to Kathgodam Barrage are siltation, developmental activities and pollution. Others include habitat loss, spread of invasive species and cutting of trees.

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 103 KOSI BARRAGE

WETLAND TYPE: (2) - Ponds; includes farm ponds, stock ponds, small tanks (below 8ha). ALTITUDE: 350m asl © PUSHPINDER SINGH JAMWAL AREA: 5.59ha LOCATION: 29o 23’57.00”N, 79o 08’03.80”E

DESCRIPTION Kosi Barrage is situated at a distance of 2 kilometres from Ramnagar. The forest types noted in this area include Khair-sissu forest (5/1S2), Moist Siwalik sal forest (3C/C2a) and West Gangetic moist mixed deciduous forest (3C/C3a). A maximum temperature range of 42ºC to 46ºC and a minimum temperature range of 1°C to 9°C have been recorded. The annual rainfall in the district varies from 1,200 to 2,647mm, with an average of 1,246mm. The wetland provides habitat for wildlife and is a source of water for domestic purposes. The area surrounding the wetland is used for agriculture, cattle grazing and recreational activities. Further, the wetland helps in nutrient retention, groundwater recharge and serves as a ﬂ ood control mechanism.

In terms of settlements, Puchhri, Shankarpur Khazanchi, Shankarpur, Shankarpur Pul, Siphon, Shivlalpur Pande, Ramnagar, Khatari and Amdanda lie in the vicinity of the wetland. The barrage is under the control of the Jal Vidut Nigam, while the surrounding area is under the Uttarakhand Forest Department. In the reservoir area, activities like ﬁ shing, angling, hunting and collection of fuelwood and fodder are strictly prohibited.

KEY ISSUES The major threats to Kosi Barrage are siltation, developmental activities, pollution, habitat loss, spread of invasive species and cutting of trees.

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 104 PAURI GARHWAL DISTRICT

TARA KUND

WETLAND TYPE: Tp - Permanent freshwater marshes/pools; ponds (below 8ha), marshes and swamps on inorganic soils; with © PRASHANT TARIYAL emergent vegetation water- logged for at least most of the growing season. ALTITUDE: 2,415m asl AREA: 0.52ha LOCATION: 30o 08’28.70”N, 79o 02’04.80”E

DESCRIPTION Tara Kund is a rain-fed wetland, located 15km from Paithani. The forest types seen around the lake are Ban oak forest (12/C1a), Moru oak forest (12/C1b), Western mixed coniferous forest (spruce, blue pine, silver fi r) (12/C1d), and West Himalayan upper oak /fi r forest (12/C2b). It is the only lake situated in Pauri district. The maximum temperature recorded here is 25oC and the minimum is 1.3oC. The average annual precipitation in the area is about 1,400mm. The wetland provides suitable habitat and water for wildlife, helps in the stabilisation of nutrients, serves as a fl ood control mechanism and aids in groundwater recharge. The area has considerable potential for recreation and tourism. It also has religious signifi cance.

In terms of settlements, Gandauni, Ladauri and Tarakund lie in the vicinity of the wetland. Tara Kund comes under the jurisdiction of the Uttarakhand Forest Department (Piathani range, Block- Dudha toil, compartment- 24) and the van panchayat. Proper maintenance of the lake and its surrounding area is being undertaken.

KEY ISSUES Current threats to the wetland are sediment load due to rain runoff, overgrazing and development activities. However, the kund is relatively less threatened since it is situated high up on a hill.

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 105 RUDRAPRAYAG DISTRICT

DEORIA TAL

WETLAND TYPE: Tp - Permanent freshwater marshes/pools; ponds (below 8ha), marshes and swamps on inorganic soils; with emergent vegetation water-

logged for at least most of the © PUSHPINDER SINGH JAMWAL growing season. ALTITUDE: 2,350m asl AREA: 2.63ha LOCATION: 30° 31’18.00”N, 79° 07’34.00”E

DESCRIPTION Deoria Tal is a permanent freshwater lake located about 3 kilometres uphill from the villages of Mastura and Sari, on the Ukhimath-Chopta road. The lake has a maximum depth of 20m and has no outlet. It is rain-fed with dense, lush green surroundings and snow covered mountains. The forest types surrounding the wetland include Upper or Himalayan chir pine forest (9/C1b), Ban oak forest (12/C1a), Moru oak forest (12/C1b) and Moist temperate deciduous forest (12/C2c). The mean value of air temperature at Deoria Tal ﬂ uctuates between 7.7 and 26.9oC. The overall average rainfall in the district is 1,485mm. Deoroa Tal is a recreation cum tourist site. Scientiﬁ c research is also undertaken here. Local people use the surrounding land for grazing cattle and the vegetation harvested by them serves as fodder and fuel. Religious fairs are organised by the local community during the festival of Janmasthami every year.

In terms of settlements, Dilmi and Sari lie in the vicinity of the wetland which is managed by the Uttarakhand Forest Department.

KEY ISSUES Overgrazing by domestic livestock and unsustainable tourism are prime threats to this freshwater lake.

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 106 TEHRI GARHWAL DISTRICT

TEHRI DAM

WETLAND TYPE: Man-made (6) - Water storage areas: reservoirs/ barrages/dams/ impoundments (generally over 8ha) ALTITUDE: © PUSHPINDER SINGH JAMWAL 750m asl AREA: 4,200ha LOCATION: 30o 22’58.00”N, 78o 28’32.00”E

DESCRIPTION Tehri dam is a large multipurpose dam located near the confl uence of the rivers Bhagirathi and Bhilangana, 10km away from New Tehri. Measuring 260m in height, it is the fi fth highest dam in the world. The surrounding area of the dam is very rich in biodiversity. Forest types observed in the surrounding areas are Upper or Himalayan chir pine forest (9/C1b) and Ban oak forest (12/C1a). The climate of the study area is tropical monsoonal and comprises three distinct seasons. The atmospheric temperature fl uctuates between a minimum of 5°C in December and January and a maximum of 37°C in June (during the study period). The maximum rainfall (about 230mm) occurrs in July, whereas the humidity ranges from 47 per cent (May) to 92 per cent (January). The water stored in the dam reservoir is used for multiple purposes like irrigation, fi sheries, power generation and drinking water supply. Further, the dam is visited by a large number of domestic tourists every year. It is one of the world’s largest and most controversial hydroelectric projects under construction since 1978. This dam submerged Tehri town and 40 villages, and partially submerged 72 villages. Within six months of construction of the dam, the homes and lands of around 100,000 people were submerged.

In terms of settlements, Malnau, Asena, Langu, Bhatusain and Duni lie in the vicinity of the dam. Tehri Dam is managed by the Tehri Hydro Development Corporation (THDC), a joint venture of the Government of India and the state governments of U.P. and Uttarakhand. Activities like mining, hunting, ﬁ shing, swimming, boating and other water sports are prohibited at the dam.

KEY ISSUES The surrounding area of the dam is overgrazed by domestic livestock and vegetation is harvested for use as fodder and fuel. Unsustainable tourism also causes considerable disturbance in the area.

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 107 KOTESHWAR DAM

WETLAND TYPE: (2) - Ponds; includes farm ponds, stock ponds, small tanks (below 8ha). ALTITUDE: 556m asl © PUSHPINDER SINGH JAMWAL AREA: 2.65ha LOCATION: 30o 15’46.00”N, 78o 29’37.00”E

DESCRIPTION Koteshwar Dam has been constructed on the river Bhagirathi and is located 22km downstream of the Tehri Dam. The dam is approximately 135km from Dehradun and 105km from Rishikesh. Forest types noted in the surrounding areas are Moist Siwalik sal forest (3C/C2a), West Gangetic moist mixed deciduous forest (3C/C3a), Khair-sissu forest (5/1S2), Upper or Himalayan chir pine forest (9/C1b) and Ban oak forest (12/ C1a). An average annual rainfall of about 774mm is concentrated in July and August. The maximum temperature recorded is 45°C while the minimum temperature is 2°C. This is a multipurpose dam used to store water for irrigation, power generation, drinking and ﬁ sheries.

In terms of settlements, Sauntialgaon and Pendars lie in the vicinity. Koteshwar Dam and its reservoir area are managed by the Tehri Hydro Development Corporation (THDC), a joint venture of the Government of India and the state governments of U.P. and Uttarakhand. Activities like mining, hunting, ﬁ shing, swimming, boating and other water sports are prohibited at the dam.

KEY ISSUES Hunting of wildlife by villagers in the area surrounding the dam is a cause for concern.

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 108 UDHAM SINGH NAGAR DISTRICT

TUMARIA DAM

WETLAND TYPE: Man-made (6) - Water storage areas: reservoirs/ barrages/dams/ impoundments (generally over 8ha) ALTITUDE: © PUSHPINDER SINGH JAMWAL 219m asl AREA: 1,440ha LOCATION: 29o 18’24.00”N, 78o 55’46.00”E

DESCRIPTION Constructed in 1961, Tumaria Dam is a large freshwater reservoir, situated 15km from Kashipur. The sources of water for this dam are the rivers Tumaria and Dhela, and rainfall. Forest types noted here are West Gangetic moist mixed deciduous forest (3C/ C3a) and Dry Siwalik sal forest (5B/C1a). An average annual rainfall of about 1,154mm, concentrated in July and August, has been recorded. The maximum temperature is 42°C, while the minimum is 1°C. This wetland is a source of water for irrigation and domestic use. Principal activities around the dam are commercial ﬁ shing, grazing by domestic livestock, cutting of shrubs for fodder and outdoor recreation. The wetland provides habitat for over 47 species of water birds. A total of 3,027 birds were counted during the survey conducted by the team. This is against 2,974 birds of 63 species counted during the Asian Waterfowl Count (AWC) of 1994. The dam is visited by a large number of local tourists every year.

In terms of settlements, Majra, Kaliawala, Durgapur, Kalianpur, Tanda Prabhapur, Kilawali, Jagdishwala, Amka Barhaiyanwala, Bhogpur (Jaspur), Malpuri, Maldhan Colony No. 1, Nizamgarh, Manorathpur, Ratangarh, Patrampur, Fazalpur, Manorathpur, Bali Patti, Bhura and Tirath Chauki lie in the vicinity of the dam. Tumaria Dam is owned by the Government of Uttarakhand and maintained by the irrigation department.

KEY ISSUES The surrounding area of the site is heavily overgrazed by domestic livestock while collection of fuel and fodder also takes place. Illegal shooting and trapping of wild fauna occurs near the wetland. Visitors from urban areas cause considerable disturbance, particularly during weekends. The increasing use of ﬁ shing boats at the dam can be a big cause of disturbance to the birds.

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 109 BOUR DAM

WETLAND TYPE: Man-made (6) - Water storage areas: reservoirs/ barrages/dams/ impoundments (generally over 8ha) © PUSHPINDER SINGH JAMWAL ALTITUDE: 230m asl AREA: 1,110ha LOCATION: 29°07’53.00”N 79°15’35.00”E

DESCRIPTION Bour Dam is a permanent freshwater storage reservoir that was constructed in 1967. This earthen dam receives water from the rivers Bour and Kakrala. It is situated at the distance of 45km from Nainital. The periphery is dominated by agricultural activities, while the catchment is dominated by forests of two types - Moist terai sal forest (3C/ C2c) and Dry Siwalik sal forest (5B/C1a). An average annual rainfall of about 1,250mm, concentrated in July and August, has been recorded. The maximum temperature recorded is 42°C, and the minimum is 1°C. The main purpose of the dam is to provide water for irrigation and domestic use to Uttarakhand and U.P. It is also a site for commercial ﬁ shing and outdoor recreation. The catchment area of Bour Dam consists of human settlements, forest, agricultural and pasture land.

In terms of settlements, Palkachaur, Sedliganj, Rajpur Roshanpur, Balrawazir, Lalapuri, Dopuliya Beriyadaulat, Beriya Daulat, Kalyanpur, Dalpura, Totawali Beriya, Bara Bhoj, Katila Bhoj, Mauli and Mahola lie in the vicinity. Bour Dam is owned by the Government of Uttarakhand and is maintained by the irrigation department.

KEY ISSUES Large numbers of waterfowl are trapped here for local consumption. This may have a detrimental effect on the waterfowl population.

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 110 HARIPURA DAM

WETLAND TYPE: Man-made (6) - Water storage areas: reservoirs/ barrages/dams/ impoundments (generally over 8ha) ALTITUDE: © PUSHPINDER SINGH JAMWAL 239 m asl AREA: 331 ha LOCATION: 29o 07’09.00”N, 79o 19’10.00”E

DESCRIPTION Haripura Dam is a famous freshwater storage reservoir that was constructed in 1978. It is situated at a distance of 33km from Rudrapur. The dam is fed by the rivers Bhakra and Khazia and measures up to 15m in height. The catchment area is surrounded by forests of two principal types - Moist terai sal forest (3C/C2c) and Dry Siwalik sal forest (5B/C1a). The area receives an average annual rainfall of about 1,250mm, concentrated in July and August. The maximum temperature recorded is 42°C, and the minimum is 1°C. Haripura Dam supplies water for irrigation and domestic use. The dam reservoir also supports a ﬁ shery. The periphery of the dam is dominated by agricultural activities, besides grazing and collection of biomass. It is an important recreational place and every year, an annual boating competition is organised. Further, the dam provides habitat for a large number of migratory birds. The team noted a waterbird population of about 14,205 birds belonging to 36 species.

In terms of settlements, Gurunanakpur, Adarshnagar, Mahabirnagar, Lalpuri, Chaniangaon, Bikrampur, Fatehnagar Santoshnagar, Ramchandpur, Dalipnagar, Bharatpur, Saipata Farm, Masewala, Gausadan Kapa Krapali, Totewala and Baur Reservoir colony lie in the vicinity of the dam. Haripura Dam is owned by the Government of Uttarakhand and maintained by the irrigation department.

KEY ISSUES Several villages are situated around the dam. Grazing by domestic livestock and collection of fi rewood are signifi cant problems. Accidental forest fi res are a frequent disturbance during the dry season. Large numbers of waterfowl are trapped for local consumption, which may have an adverse effect on their population.

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 111 NANAK SAGAR

WETLAND TYPE: Man-made (6) - Water storage areas: reservoirs/ barrages/dams/ impoundments (generally over 8ha) © PUSHPINDER SINGH JAMWAL ALTITUDE: 153m asl AREA: 2,258ha LOCATION: 28o 56’22.00”N, 79o 50’01.00”E

DESCRIPTION Nanak Sagar is a man-made permanent freshwater reservoir situated 56km from the city of Rudrapur. It was created by damming a stream called Deoha. The catchment area has two types of forest - Moist terai sal forest (3C/C2c) and Dry Siwalik sal forest (5B/C1a). An average annual rainfall of about 1,122mm, concentrated in July and August, has been recorded. The maximum temperature recorded is 42°C and the minimum, 1°C. The dam supplies water for irrigation and domestic use to Uttarakhand and many parts of U.P. besides being used for commercial ﬁ shing, grazing and other outdoor recreation activities. The surrounding area of the wetland is dominated by agricultural activities. Named after a historical Sikh shrine in a town called Nanak Mata, it is an important religious destination, as well as, a picnic spot. Many rituals are performed in the lake by the Sikh community. The wetland is also known for its abundant biodiversity. It supports a good number of water birds totalling about 22,107 from over 48 species.

In terms of settlements, Nabinagar, Bindhula, Amkhera, Dinnagar, Sundarpur, Khamaria, Deorhi, Ashok Farm, Balkhera, Bargad, Dhusri, Gurunanak farm, Barkhera (Partappur), Itava, Jarasu Partappur, Khamaria, Dhusri, Rama Farm (Partappur), Berighat, Pipalia Pastaur, Muhammadganj, Rama Farm (Partappur), Sunkhara, Nanaksagar Colony, Khempur, Purangarh (Naugaja), Jogither, Kalianpur, Sidda (Nawada), Sara, Pachphera, Tapera, Saria, Milak Maﬁ , Garhi Patti, Nanak Matta, Milak Nazir, Shamsham Begam, Pholaiya, Sunkhari Kalan, Bhikampur, Ratanpur, Kishanpur, Bhora Bhuria, Kuakhera, Bisauta, Barkidana, Devipura, Gidhaur, Chetukhal and Ainchta lie in the vicinity of the wetland. The land occupied by the reservoir is owned by the Government of Uttarakhand, while the surrounding areas are privately owned. However, water management is overseen by the Government of U.P. and is under the control of its irrigation department.

KEY ISSUES Siltation, grazing by domestic livestock and collection of ﬁ rewood are signiﬁ cant problems. Moreover, large numbers of waterfowl are trapped for local consumption. Solid waste generated during the tourist season needs to be managed effectively.

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 112 DHORA DAM

WETLAND TYPE: Man-made (6) - Water storage areas: reservoirs/ barrages/dams/ impoundments (generally over 8ha) © PUSHPINDER SINGH JAMWAL ALTITUDE: 164m asl AREA: 667.41ha LOCATION: 28o 56’28.00”N, 79o 34’24.00”E

DESCRIPTION This dam, constructed in 1961, is a permanent freshwater storage reservoir. The water level is subject to appreciable seasonal ﬂ uctuations. During winter, when water level is low, it provides a good habitat for waterfowl. The reservoir is surrounded by agricultural land. The main type of forest around the wetland is West Gangetic moist mixed deciduous forest (3C/C3a). An average annual rainfall of about 1,122mm, concentrated in July and August, has been recorded. The maximum temperature recorded is 42°C and the minimum is 1°C. This dam supplies water to Uttarakhand and many parts of U.P. for industrial, irrigation and domestic purposes. The principal activities are ﬁ shing and grazing by domestic livestock.

In terms of settlements, Gaughat, Katharia, Babbarpur, Raghuwansi Farm, Bhagwanpur, Kolkatta Farm, Dhora Dham, Lachhmipur, Najibabad, Mataji Ka farm, Gangapur, Chamarana, Kotkharra and Shantipur No. 5 lie in the vicinity of the dam. The land occupied by the reservoir is owned by the Government of Uttarakhand, while the surrounding areas are privately owned. However, water management is overseen by the Government of U.P. and is under the control of its irrigation department.

KEY ISSUES Siltation, grazing by domestic livestock and collection of ﬁ rewood are a cause for concern. Killing of migratory birds has also been reported.

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 113 BAGUL DAM

WETLAND TYPE: Man-made (6) - Water storage areas: reservoirs/ barrages/dams/ impoundments (generally over 8ha) © PUSHPINDER SINGH JAMWAL ALTITUDE: 206m asl AREA: 1,283ha LOCATION: 28o 52’55.00”N, 79o 37’50.00”E

DESCRIPTION Bagul Dam is a permanent and important freshwater storage reservoir. The water level ﬂ uctuates with seasons and reaches a maximum during monsoon. During winter, when water level is low, it provides a good habitat for water birds. The reservoir is surrounded by agricultural land. The main type of forest around the wetland is West Gangetic moist mixed deciduous forest (3C/C3a). An average annual rainfall of about 1,122mm, concentrated in July and August, has been recorded. The maximum temperature recorded is 42°C, and the minimum is 1°C. The dam supplies water for industrial, irrigation and domestic uses to Uttarakhand and many parts of U.P. The principal activities are ﬁ shing and grazing by domestic livestock.

In terms of settlements, Ajitpur, Barla, Baheri, Jamunian Farm, Haldua, Bara, Majra Baheri, Sirsa, Bandia Farm, Manjit Farm, Bari Farm, Dalipsingh Farm, Kanwarpur, Sisayya, Makhwara, Firozpur, Biria, Alinagar, Bhatia Farm, Bhitaura, Bangul Dam Colony, Mahendrasingh Farm, Harpalsingh Farm, Pachpera Farm, Shahdara, Basiara, Bhitaura Farm, Semalpura, Imamnagar, Nakha Farm, Lauki Farm, Nigam Farm, Thoka Farm, Gopipura, Bhagwan Farm, Malwal Farm, Ganga Farm, Lauka Farm, Mirpur Farm, Dholawan Farm and Ghera Farm lie in the vicinity of the dam. The land occupied by the reservoir is owned by the Government of Uttarakhand, while the surrounding areas are privately owned. However, water management is overseen by the Government of U.P. and is under the control of its irrigation department.

KEY ISSUES Siltation, grazing by domestic livestock and collection of ﬁ rewood are signiﬁ cant problems.

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 114 UTTARKASHI DISTRICT

NACHIKETA TAL

WETLAND TYPE: Tp - Permanent freshwater marshes/pools; ponds (below 8ha), marshes and swamps on inorganic soils; with emergent vegetation water- logged for at least most of the © PUSHPINDER SINGH JAMWAL growing season. ALTITUDE: 2,390m asl AREA: 0.45ha LOCATION: 30o 38’41.00”N, 78o 28’15.00”E

DESCRIPTION Nachiketa Tal is a rain-fed and snow-fed freshwater lake situated near Chaurangikhal at a distance of 30km on the Uttarkashi-Lambgoan road. This wetland is under the jurisdiction of the Uttarakhand Forest Department. Earlier there existed one large lake which was divided into Kana Tal and Nachiketa Tal due to landslides. Gradually, Kana Tal ceased to exist and was transformed into an open grassland. At present, a small area of Nachiketa Tal in the southwest has been converted into a swamp. The wetland catchment area consists of forest cover of the following types - Upper or Himalayan chir pine forest (9/C1b), Moru oak forest (12/C1b), West Himalayan upper oak /ﬁ r forest (12/C2b), Dry temperate coniferous forest 2b and Dry deodar forest (Cedrus) (13/C2b). The temperature in this area varies from 7.0 to 25.0°C and the relative humidity ranges from 2.0 to 68.0 per cent. The wetland is a tourist cum recreation spot and is also used for scientiﬁ c research. Local communities perform religious rituals near the lake and use the surrounding land for grazing cattle. It is believed that Nachiketa, the devout son of the sage Uddalak, created this lake.

KEY ISSUES The Uttarakhand Forest Department, as a routine, burns dry grass and litter of the adjacent forest between March and April. The resultant ash and debris is washed into the lake with surface runoff during the subsequent rainy season, causing water pollution. Moreover, the waste generated by tourists around the lake is not disposed of correctly leading to accumulation of solid waste in the wetland catchment area.

In addition to the wetlands mentioned above, the team also surveyed wetlands in two key National Parks in Uttarakhand. Details pertaining to these sites are given in the following section.

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 115 WETLANDS OF CORBETT TIGER RESERVE

RAMGANGA BARRAGE

WETLAND TYPE: Man-made (6) - Water storage areas: reservoirs/barrages/dams/ impoundments (generally © PRASHANT TARIYAL over 8ha) ALTITUDE: 358m asl AREA: 5,516ha LOCATION: 29o 31’10.00”N, 78o 45’42.00”E

DESCRIPTION The river Ramganga fl ows through Corbett National Park into the Ramganga water storage reservoir behind the Kalagarh Dam. The construction of this dam resulted in the inundation of the lower riverine forested tracts together with important grasslands, known as ‘chaurs’. This has been partially compensated by an extensive muddy margin around the reservoir which increases in width during the winter months as the water level falls. The river is a fast-fl owing torrent for much of its course through the park, but there are numerous backwaters, oxbow creeks and small ponds within the fl ood plain, particularly near Dhikala, the visitor centre in the middle of the park. The area is very attractive to tourists, making Corbett one of the most visited national parks in India. Angling is permitted at certain points along the river. Corbett National Park (52,082ha) was fi rst established in 1936. A Gavialis gangeticus re-introduction programme was conducted here, as a part of which, in January 1987, 27 young gharial were released in the park.

The land tenure is under the Jal Vidyut Nigam and the surrounding area is managed by the Uttarakhand Forest Department (Corbett Tiger Reserve, Kalagarh range). The area is a managed nature reserve and an important tourist centre.

KEY ISSUES The most serious threat to the wetland ecosystem is deforestation in the upper reaches of the river outside the park and the consequent increase in silt load in the river. Tourists cause some disturbance at Dhikala, and there may be a small amount of pollution in the Ramganga.

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 116 MAAL KUND

WETLAND TYPE: Sp - Permanent saline/ brackish/alkaline

marshes/pools. © PRASHANT TARIYAL ALTITUDE: 269m asl AREA: 0.62ha LOCATION: 29o 23’13.00”N, 78o 54’56.00”E

DESCRIPTION Maal Kund is situated inside the Corbett National Park and is surrounded by dense forest of the Northern tropical dry deciduous type. A maximum temperature range of 42°C to 46°C and a minimum temperature range of 1°C and 9°C have been recorded here. The annual rainfall in the district varies from 1,200 to 2,647mm, while the average annual rainfall is 1,246mm. It is a rain-fed water body and contains brackish water. This is the main water source for the Jhirna range in the park. Nomads are dependent on the wetland for drinking water. The area is a managed nature reserve and an important tourist centre.

This wetland is under the jurisdiction of the Uttarakhand Forest Department (Corbett National Park, Jhirna Range). In the kund area, activities like ﬁ shing, angling, hunting and poaching are not permitted. Collection of fuelwood and fodder is also restricted in that area.

KEY ISSUES The main threats to the wetland are invasive species such as Lantana camara and Parthenium spp.

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 117 WETLANDS IN RAJAJI NATIONAL PARK

SUSWA 3

WETLAND TYPE: M - Permanent rivers/ streams/creeks; includes waterfalls. ALTITUDE: 364 m asl © PUSHPINDER SINGH JAMWAL AREA: 0.44 ha LOCATION: 30o 03’11.10”N, 78o 12’21.20”E

DESCRIPTION Suswa is a river which ﬂ ows through the Motichur range of Rajaji National Park and is an important source of water for wildlife. The wetland is surrounded by Moist Siwalik sal forest (3C/C2a) and West Gangetic moist mixed deciduous forest (3C/C3a). The maximum temperature ranges from 38°C to 40oC and the minimum temperature ranges between 12°C and 25oC. Annual rainfall ranges from 1,200-1,500mm. This is an important conservation research site, as well as, tourist centre. Attempts are being made to eradicate non-endemic plants.

The wetland lies within the Rajaji National Park and is managed by the Uttarakhand Forest Department.

KEY ISSUES The main threats to this site are invasive species, poaching, grazing and ﬁ rewood collection.

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 118 SUSWA 4A

WETLAND TYPE: M - Permanent rivers/ streams/creeks; includes waterfalls. ALTITUDE: 354m asl © PUSHPINDER SINGH JAMWAL AREA: 0.55ha LOCATION: 30o 02’50.30”N, 78o 12’30.90”E

DESCRIPTION Suswa 4A is a compartment of Rajaji National Park through which the river Suswa ﬂ ows. This is the main source of water in this area, and most of the wildlife in this range directly depends on it. The wetland is surrounded by dense forest and the main forest types include Moist Siwalik sal forest (3C/C2a) and West Gangetic moist mixed deciduous forest (3C/C3a). The maximum temperature ranges from 38°C to 40oC and minimum temperature ranges between 12°C and 25oC. Annual rainfall ranges from 1,200-1,500mm. This is an important conservation research site, as well as, a tourist centre.

The wetland lies within the Rajaji National Park and is managed by the Uttarakhand Forest Department

KEY ISSUES The main threats to this site are invasive species, poaching, grazing and ﬁ rewood collection.

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 119 JOUGI CHAUR

WETLAND TYPE: (2) - Ponds; includes farm ponds, stock ponds, small tanks (below 8ha). ALTITUDE: 302m asl © PUSHPINDER SINGH JAMWAL AREA: 0.02ha LOCATION: 29o 57’35.50”N, 78o 12’45.80”E

DESCRIPTION Jougi Chaur is a small man-made pond in Chilla range in compartment no. 3. It is used to store water during summer, thereby making several wild fauna dependent on it. This wetland is surrounded by forests of the following types - Moist Siwalik sal forest (3C/C2a), West Gangetic moist mixed deciduous forest (3C/C3a), Northern dry mixed deciduous forest (5B/C2), Khair-sissu forest (5/1S2) and Dry deciduous scrub (5/DS1) type of forest. The maximum temperature range is from 38°C to 40oC and minimum temperature ranges between 12°C and 25oC. Annual rainfall ranges from 1,200- 1,500mm. The main uses of this site are nature conservation and water management. Attempts are being made to eradicate non-endemic plants.

The wetland lies within the Rajaji National Park and is managed by the Uttarakhand Forest Department.

KEY ISSUES The main threats to this site are invasive species, poaching, grazing and ﬁ rewood collection.

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 120 GANGA CHAUR

WETLAND TYPE: N - Seasonal/intermittent/ irregular rivers/streams/ creeks. ALTITUDE: 285m asl © PUSHPINDER SINGH JAMWAL AREA: 2.21ha LOCATION: 29o 58’15.30”N, 78o 12’18.10”E

DESCRIPTION Ganga Chaur is a seasonal wetland on the banks of the river Ganga. It is located in Chilla range block Chilla Majhara. The wetland is surrounded by forests and the forest types seen here are Moist Siwalik sal forest (3C/C2a), West Gangetic moist mixed deciduous forest (3C/C3a), Dry Siwalik sal forest (5B/C1a), Khair-sissu forest (5/1S2), and Dry deciduous scrub (5/DS1). This wetland is a nature conservation site, as well as, a tourist destination. The wetland supports a large number of ﬂ oral and faunal species and provides a reliable source of water throughout the year.

The wetland lies within the Rajaji National Park and is managed by the Uttarakhand Forest Department.

KEY ISSUES The main threats to the site are erosion and poaching.

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 121 HAZARA 7

WETLAND TYPE: Ss - Seasonal/intermittent saline/brackish/alkaline marshes/pools. ALTITUDE: 330m asl © PUSHPINDER SINGH JAMWAL AREA: 0.32ha LOCATION: 29o 57’03.70”N, 78o 11’30.50”E

DESCRIPTION Hazara 7 is a rain-fed, seasonal pool located in the Chilla range, compartment no. 7 of Rajaji National Park. It is surrounded by dense forest and the forest types include Moist Siwalik sal forest (3C/C2a), Northern dry mixed deciduous forest (5B/C2) and Khair- sissu forest (5/1S2) type of forest. The temperature begins to rise from March (29.1oC) and reaches its maximum in May (39.2oC). With the commencement of monsoon by mid-June, the temperature begins to fall. During the winter season (November to February), the minimum temperature ﬂ uctuates between 10oC and 6oC. This wetland is a nature conservation site that supports a large number of ﬂ oral and faunal species and provides a reliable source of water throughout the year.

The wetland lies within the Rajaji National Park and is managed by the Uttarakhand Forest Department.

KEY ISSUES The main threat to the wetland is posed by invasive species.

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 122 HAZARA 7(2)

WETLAND TYPE: (2) - Ponds; includes farm ponds, stock ponds, small tanks (below 8ha). ALTITUDE: 320m asl © PUSHPINDER SINGH JAMWAL AREA: 0.02ha LOCATION: 29o 56’49.00s”N, 78o 10’59.49”E

DESCRIPTION Hazara 7(2) is a rain-fed pool situated in the Chilla range, compartment no. 7 of Rajaji National Park. It is surrounded by dense forest of the types - Moist Siwalik sal forest (3C/C2a), Northern dry mixed deciduous forest (5B/C2) and Khair-sissu forest (5/1S2) type of forest. The temperature begins to rise from March (29.1oC) and reaches its maximum in May (39.2oC). With the commencement of the monsoon season by mid- June, the temperature begins to fall. During the winter season (November to February) the temperature ﬂ uctuates between 10oC and 6oC.

This wetland is a nature conservation site that supports a large number of ﬂ oral and faunal species and provides a reliable source of water throughout the year. It lies within the Rajaji National Park and is managed by the Uttarakhand Forest Department.

KEY ISSUES The chief threats to the wetland are invasive species and cutting of trees.

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 123 TUN CHAUR (BENT) JANHAVI

WETLAND TYPE: (2) - Ponds; includes farm ponds, stock ponds, small tanks; (below 8ha). ALTITUDE: 310m asl © PUSHPINDER SINGH JAMWAL AREA: 0.02ha LOCATION: 30° 00’40.00’’N, 78° 14’58.00”E

DESCRIPTION This wetland is situated in the Kauriya block in the Gohri range. The main source of water is rain, and while it covers only a small area, it supports myriad life forms. The catchment of the wetland consists of forest cover and the forest types noted here are Moist Siwalik sal forest (3C/C2a), West Gangetic moist mixed deciduous forest (3C/C3a), Dry Siwalik sal forest (5B/C1a) and Dry deciduous scrub (5/DS1). The temperature begins to rise from March (29.1oC) and reaches its maximum in May (39.2oC). With the commencement of monsoon by mid-June, it begins to fall. During the winter season (November to February) the temperature ﬂ uctuates between 10oC and 6oC. This wetland is a nature conservation site that supports a rich diversity of ﬂ oral and faunal species and provides a reliable source of water throughout the year.

The wetland lies within the Rajaji National Park and is managed by the Uttarakhand Forest Department.

KEY ISSUES The major threats to the wetland are invasive species and cutting of trees.

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 124 GOHRI NORTH BEAT KODIA

WETLAND TYPE: (2) - Ponds; includes farm ponds, stock ponds, small tanks (below 8ha). ALTITUDE: 371m asl © PUSHPINDER SINGH JAMWAL AREA: 0.04ha LOCATION: 30o 01’02.60”N, 78o 16’30.40”E

DESCRIPTION This wetland is situated in the Kauriya block in the Gohri range, the main source of water for which is rainfall. It covers a small area but has a very high impact on wildlife. The wetland is covered by three types of forest, namely Moist Siwalik sal forest (3C/ C2a), West Gangetic moist mixed deciduous forest (3C/C3a), Dry Siwalik sal forest (5B/ C1a) and Dry deciduous scrub (5/DS1). The temperature begins to rise from March (29.1oC) and reaches its maximum in May (39.2oC), with the commencement of the monsoon season by mid-June, the temperature begins to fall. During the winter season in the month of November to February the temperature ranges between 10oC and 6oC. This wetland is a nature conservation site that supports a rich diversity of ﬂ oral and faunal species and provides a reliable source of water throughout the year.

Gohri North Beat Kodia lies within the Rajaji National Park and is managed by the Uttarakhand Forest Department.

KEY ISSUES Major threats to the wetland are invasive species and cutting of trees.

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 125 TUN CHAUR 2 GRASSLAND

WETLAND TYPE: Ss - Seasonal/intermittent saline/brackish/alkaline marshes/pools. ALTITUDE: 310m asl © PUSHPINDER SINGH JAMWAL AREA: 1.51ha LOCATION: 30o 00’41.40”N, 78o 14’48.20”E

DESCRIPTION Tun Chaur 2 Grassland is a small marsh area situated in the Chilla range, compartment no. 1. It is dominated by grass, and the source of water for it is the river Ganga. The forest types that can be noted in the surroundings of the wetland are Moist Siwalik sal forest (3C/C2a), West Gangetic moist mixed deciduous forest (3C/C3a) and Dry deciduous scrub (5/DS1). The temperature begins to rise from March (29.1oC) and reaches its maximum in May (39.2oC). With the commencement of monsoon by mid- June, it begins to fall. During the winter season in the month of November to February the temperature ranges between 10oC and 6oC. This wetland is a nature conservation site that supports a rich diversity of ﬂ oral and faunal species and provides a reliable source of water throughout the year.

The wetland lies within the Rajaji National Park and is managed by the Uttarakhand Forest Department.

KEY ISSUES Invasive species pose a major threat to the wetland.

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 126 TUN CHAUR SOUTH GOHRI BEAT

WETLAND TYPE: Ss - Seasonal/intermittent saline/brackish/alkaline marshes/pools. ALTITUDE: 307m asl © PUSHPINDER SINGH JAMWAL AREA: 0.06ha LOCATION: 30o 00’39.10”N, 78o 14’45.90”E

DESCRIPTION This is a small lake situated in the Chilla range, compartment no. 1, Burwala Block. It is a seasonal wetland and provides water to many wild fauna during summer. This wetland is surrounded by Moist Siwalik sal forest (3C/C2a), West Gangetic moist mixed deciduous forest (3C/C3a) and Dry deciduous scrub (5/DS1). The temperature begins to rise from March (29.1oC) and reaches its maximum in May (39.2oC). With the commencement of the monsoon season by mid-June, it begins to fall. During the winter season in the months of November to February the temperature ranges between 10oC and 6oC. This wetland is a nature conservation site that supports a rich diversity of ﬂ oral and faunal species and provides a reliable source of water throughout the year.

Tun Chaur South Gohri Beat lies within the Rajaji National Park and is managed by the Uttarakhand Forest Department.

KEY ISSUES Invasive species pose a major threat to this site.

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 127 DHOLKHAND 3B

WETLAND TYPE: Ss - Seasonal/intermittent saline/brackish/alkaline marshes/pools. ALTITUDE: 472m asl © PUSHPINDER SINGH JAMWAL AREA: 0.01ha LOCATION: 30o 06’37.00”N, 77o 59’34.00”E

DESCRIPTION Dholkhand 3B is small check dam in the Dholkhand west range, compartment no. 3. Water is stored here during the dry season. The wetland is surrounded by Moist Siwalik sal forest (3C/C2a), Northern dry mixed deciduous forest (5B/C2), Khair-sissu forest (5/1S2), Lower or Siwalik chir pine forest (9/C1a). The maximum temperature recorded in Dehradun district (in which the wetland lies) during this season is 42oC. This is followed by the monsoon (June to September). The district receives an average rainfall of 2,073.3mm, and July and August are the wettest months of the season. The winter season extends from November to February. This wetland is a nature conservation site that supports a rich diversity of ﬂ oral and faunal species and provides a reliable source of water throughout the year.

The check dam lies within the Rajaji National Park and is managed by the Uttarakhand Forest Department.

KEY ISSUES Invasive species pose a major threat to this site.

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 128 GAAJ 3A

WETLAND TYPE: (2) - Ponds; includes farm ponds, stock ponds, small tanks (below 8ha). ALTITUDE: 402m asl © PUSHPINDER SINGH JAMWAL AREA: 0.01ha LOCATION: 30o 08’20.00”N, 77o 57’02.00”E

DESCRIPTION Gaaj 3A is a small pond situated inside the forest in the Chillawali range, block Gaaj, compartment no. 3A. It is surrounded by Moist Siwalik sal forest (3C/C2a), Northern dry mixed deciduous forest (5B/C2) and Khair-sissu forest (5/1S2). The maximum temperature recorded in Dehradun district (in which the wetland lies) during this season is 42oC. This is followed by the monsoon (June to September). The district receives an average rainfall of 2,073.3mm, and July and August are the wettest months of the season. The winter season extends from November to February. This wetland is a nature conservation site, rich in biodiversity and an important source of water.

The pond lies within the Rajaji National Park and is managed by the Uttarakhand Forest Department.

KEY ISSUES Invasive species pose a major threat to this wetland.

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 129 CHILLAWALI 5B

WETLAND TYPE: (2) - Ponds; includes farm ponds, stock ponds, small tanks (below 8ha). ALTITUDE: 429m asl © PUSHPINDER SINGH JAMWAL AREA: 0.2ha LOCATION: 30o 09’57.00”N, 77o 56’17.00”E

DESCRIPTION Chillawali 5B is a small wetland situated in the Chillawali range compartment no. 5b. It is surrounded by forests of the following types - Moist Siwalik sal forest (3C/C2a), Northern dry mixed deciduous forest (5B/C2), Khair-sissu forest (5/1S2) and Lower or Siwalik chir pine forest (9/C1a). The maximum temperature recorded in Dehradun district (in which the wetland lies) during this season is 42oC. This is followed by the monsoon (June to September). The district receives an average rainfall of 2,073.3mm, and July and August are the wettest months of the season. The winter season extends from November to February. This wetland is a nature conservation site rich in biodiversity and is an important source of water.

The wetland lies within the Rajaji National Park and is managed by the Uttarakhand Forest Department.

KEY ISSUES Invasive species pose a major threat to this wetland.

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 130 CHILLAWALI 1B

WETLAND TYPE: (2) - Ponds; includes farm ponds, stock ponds, small tanks (below 8ha). ALTITUDE: 388m asl © PUSHPINDER SINGH JAMWAL AREA: 1.17ha LOCATION: 30o 08’35.00”N, 77o 56’12.00”E

DESCRIPTION Chillawali 1B is a small, man-made pond in the Chillawali range, compartment no.1B. Many animals are dependent on this wetland for water in the summer season. It is surrounded by Moist Siwalik sal forest (3C/C2a) and Khair-sissu forest (5/1S2). The maximum temperature recorded in Dehradun district (in which the wetland lies) during this season is 42oC. This is followed by the monsoon (June to September). The district receives an average rainfall of 2,073.3mm, and July and August are the wettest months of the season. The winter season extends from November to February. This wetland is a nature conservation site rich in biodiversity and is an important source of water.

The pond lies within the Rajaji National Park and is managed by the Uttarakhand Forest Department.

KEY ISSUES Invasive species pose a major threat to this site.

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 131 BANVAHA 4A

WETLAND TYPE: (2) - Ponds; includes farm ponds, stock ponds, small tanks (below 8ha). ALTITUDE: 339m asl © PUSHPINDER SINGH JAMWAL AREA: 0.01ha LOCATION: 30o 05’17.00”N, 78o 08’23.00”E

DESCRIPTION Banvaha 4A is situated in the Kansro range, Banbaha block, compartment no. 4A. The forest types noted in the wetland surroundings include Moist Siwalik sal forest (3C/C2a) and West Gangetic moist mixed deciduous forest (3C/C3a). The maximum temperature recorded in Dehradun district (in which the wetland lies) during this season is 42oC. This is followed by the monsoon (June to September). The district receives an average rainfall of 2,073.3mm, and July and August are the wettest months of the season. The winter season extends from November to February. This wetland is a nature conservation site rich in biodiversity and an important source of water.

The wetland lies within the Rajaji National Park and is managed by the Uttarakhand Forest Department.

KEY ISSUES Invasive species pose a major threat to this site.

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 132 BANVAHA 4A 2

WETLAND TYPE: M - Permanent rivers/ streams/creeks; includes waterfalls. ALTITUDE: 421m asl © PUSHPINDER SINGH JAMWAL AREA: 0.01ha LOCATION: 30o 05’50.00”N, 78o 07’32.00”E

DESCRIPTION Banvaha 4A2 is a small pond in the Kans Rao range in compartment no. 4A. Many wild fauna are dependent on this wetland for water in the summer season. This wetland is surrounded by Moist Siwalik sal forest (3C/C2a) and West Gangetic moist mixed deciduous forest (3C/C3a). The maximum temperature here is recorded to be around 38oC-40oC and minimum temperature around 12-25oC. The annual rainfall ranges from 1,200-1,500mm. This wetland is a nature conservation site rich in biodiversity and an important source of water.

The pond lies within the Rajaji National Park and is managed by the Uttarakhand Forest Department.

KEY ISSUES Invasive species pose a major threat to this site.

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 133 BANVAHA 5A

WETLAND TYPE: (2) - Ponds; includes farm ponds, stock ponds, small tanks (below 8ha). ALTITUDE: 374m asl © PUSHPINDER SINGH JAMWAL AREA: 0.01ha LOCATION: 30o 05’35.00”N, 78o 07’33.00”E

DESCRIPTION Banvaha 5A is situated in the Bahera block of the Kansrao range in the Rajaji National Park. This wetland is a nature conservation site and an important source of drinking water for wild fauna. The wetland is surrounded by Moist Siwalik sal forest (3C/C2a) and West Gangetic moist mixed deciduous forest (3C/C3a). The maximum temperature here is around 38oC-40oC and minimum temperature around 12-25oC. Annual rainfall ranges from 1,200-1,500mm.

The wetland lies within the Rajaji National Park and is managed by the Uttarakhand Forest Department.

KEY ISSUES Invasive species pose a major threat to this site.

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 134 KOELPURA 3

WETLAND TYPE: (2) - Ponds; includes farm ponds, stock ponds, small tanks (below 8ha). ALTITUDE: 390m asl © PUSHPINDER SINGH JAMWAL AREA: 0.01ha LOCATION: 30o 04’31.00”N, 78o 08’10.00”E

DESCRIPTION Koelpura 3 is situated in the Koelpura block, compartment no. 3 of the Kansrao range and is surrounded by Moist Siwalik sal forest (3C/C2a), West Gangetic moist mixed deciduous forest (3C/C3a) and Dry Siwalik sal forest (5B/C1a). The maximum temperature here is around 38oC-40oC and minimum temperature around 12-25oC. Annual rainfall ranges from 1,200-1,500mm. This wetland is a nature conservation site and an important source of drinking water for wild fauna.

The wetland lies within the Rajaji National Park and is managed by the Uttarakhand Forest Department.

KEY ISSUES Invasive species pose a major threat to this site.

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 135 KOELPURA 3(2)

WETLAND TYPE: (2) - Ponds; includes farm ponds, stock ponds, small tanks (below 8ha). ALTITUDE: 388m asl © PUSHPINDER SINGH JAMWAL AREA: 0.01ha LOCATION: 30o 04’04.00”N, 78o 09’32.00”E

DESCRIPTION Koelpura 3(2) is a small, man-made pond situated in the Kansrao range. It is a nature conservation site and provides drinking water to wild fauna during the summer season. The pond is surrounded by Moist Siwalik sal forest (3C/C2a), West Gangetic moist mixed deciduous forest (3C/C3a) and Dry Siwalik sal forest (5B/C1a). The maximum temperature here is around 38oC-40oC and minimum temperature around 12-25oC. Annual rainfall ranges from 1,200-1,500mm.

The wetland lies within the Rajaji National Park and is managed by the Uttarakhand Forest Department.

KEY ISSUES Invasive species pose a major threat to this wetland.

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 136 Chapter 4: SUMMARY & ANALYSIS

Results of a rapid assessment of key factors of wetlands at altitudes below 2,500 m asl

The survey of wetlands at an altitude below 2,500m asl also included a rapid assessment of the following: i. Ecosystem services provided by the wetlands ii. Land use pattern noted in and around the wetlands iii. Threats to the wetlands

Information regarding this was collected from over 600 respondents during the questionnaire survey. These respondents were primarily from the local village communities that are based in the vicinity of the wetlands. In a few cases, ofﬁ cers from the Uttarakhand Forest Department were also interviewed.

The following is a district-wise compilation of results of the rapid assessment. Considering the short span of time during which the information was collected, this assessment only provides a snapshot of the situation, and will need to be validated during future in-depth studies in the region.

1. ALMORA DISTRICT The district has three wetlands lying below 2,500m altitude. Two of them are man- made [Bhalu Dam (1,821m asl) and Rani Jheel (1,786m asl)], while the third is a natural wetland called Tadag Tal (1,209 m asl). The sizes of these wetlands vary greatly - one is below 0.5ha (Rani Jheel), the other is only 1.13ha (Bhalu Dam), while the biggest covers 50.49ha (Tadag Tal).

In terms of the chief ecosystem services, these wetlands help in ﬂ oodwater storage and are rich in biodiversity. They also contribute towards recreation in a small way. All wetlands of Almora district have different land use patterns, but in all the wetlands, a large part is alloted to human settlements and forests. Limited instances of agriculture, tourism and research have been noted. Siltation and developmental activities are serious threats, while others include spread of invasive species, agricultural expansion and pollution.

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 137 Fig. 2: Altitudinal variation in 2,000, the wetlands of Almora 1,800 1,600 1,400 1,200 1,000 800

ude (m) 600 400 Altitu 200 0 Bhalu dam Rani jheel Tadag tal

Wetlands

Fig. 3: Area of the wetlands in Almora 60 50 40 (ha) 30

Area 20 10 0 Bhalu dam Rani jheel Tadag tal Wetlands

Fig. 4: Ecosystem services provided by the wetlands Education of Almora Biodiversity Unspoilt environment Impact on terrestrial ecosystem Fish/wildlife habitat Flood water storage Ecosystem Irrigationg water services ((Direct temservices And Indirect) Fishing (commercial)

Ecosyst Recreation Drinking water supply

0123 Magnitude of Ecosystem services provided by wetlands (1-Low, 2-Medium, 3-High)

Fig. 5: Land use pattern of the wetlands in Almora

Research Tourism Water management Human Habitation Land Use of Forest surrounding area of

Land use Fishing wetlands of Almora Agriculture

0123

Magnitude of different land use options provided by wetlands (1-Low, 2-Medium, 3-High)

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 138 Fig. 6: Threats to the Siltation wetlands of Almora Treecutting Poaching Invasivespecies Boating Overgrazing

Threats Firewoodcollection Majorthreatstothe wetlandsofAlmora Pollution Developmentalactivities Agriculturalexpansion

0123 Magnitudeofdifferentthreatstowetlands (1ͲLow,2ͲMedium,3ͲHigh)

2. BAGESHWAR DISTRICT Bageshwar has only one wetland lying below 2,500m asl called Sarla Tal. It is situated at an altitude of 1,688m asl and covers an area of 0.39ha. This wetland is rich in biodiversity. Low level of tourism activity is noted in the area. The main threat to Sarla Tal is siltation, while others include pollution, poaching and spread of invasive species.

Fig. 7: Ecosystem services provided by the wetlands Education of Bageshwar Biodiversity Unspoiltenvironment Impactonterrestrialecosystem Fish/wildlifehabitat Irrigationwater

services Ecosystem Fishing(commercial) services(Direct andIndirect) Recreation

Ecosystem Drinkingwatersupply

01234 Magnitude ofEcosystemservicesprovidedbywetlands (1ͲLow,2ͲMedium,3ͲHigh)

Fig. 8: Land use pattern of Research the wetlands in Bageshwar Tourism

Watermanagement

HumanHabitation

Forest use LandUseof Fishing surroundingareaof Land wetlandsof Agriculture Bageshwar

01234 Magnitudeofdifferentlanduseoptionsprovidedbywetlands (1ͲLow,2ͲMedium,3ͲHigh)

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 139 Fig. 9: Threats to the wetlands of Bageshwar Siltation Treecutting Poaching Invasivespecies Boating Overgrazing

Threats Major threats to Firewoodcollection thewetlandsof Pollution Bageshwar Developmentalactivities Agriculturalexpansion

0123 Magnitudeofdifferentthreatstowetlands (1ͲLow,2ͲMedium,3ͲHigh)

3. CHAMOLI DISTRICT Chamoli has only one wetland lying below 2,500m asl called Gwaldham Tal. It is situated at an altitude of 1,890m asl and covers an area of 0.27ha. This wetland provides direct and indirect ecosystem services like water for drinking, ground water recharge and ﬂ oodwater storage. Low level of tourism activity is noted in the area. The main threats to Gwaldham Tal are from developmental activities and pollution, while others include siltation and spread of invasive species.

Fig. 10: Ecosystem services provided by the wetlands Education Biodiversity of Chamoli Unspoiltenvironment Impactonterrestrialecosystem Fish/wildlifehabitat Groundwaterrecharge Floodwaterstorage

Irrigationwater Ecosystem Fishing(commercial) services(Direct Recreation andIndirect)

Ecosystem services Drinkingwatersupply

0123 MitdfEtMagnitudeofEcosystemservi cesprovid iddbtldedbywetlands (1ͲLow,2ͲMedium,3ͲHigh)

Fig. 11: Land use pattern of the wetlands in Chamoli Research Tourism

Watermanagement

HumanHabitation LandUseof surrounding Forest

use areaofwetland d Fis hing of Chamoli Lan Agriculture

01234 Magnitudeofdifferentlanduseoptionsprovidedbywetlands (1ͲLow,2ͲMedium,3ͲHigh)

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 140 Fig. 12: Threats to the wetlands of Chamoli Siltation Treecutting Poaching Invasivespecies Boating Major OverGrazing threatsto the Threats Firewoodcollection wetlands of Pollution Chamoli Developmentalactivities Agriculturalexpansion

01234 Magnitudeofdifferentthreatstowetlands (1ͲLow,2ͲMedium,3ͲHigh)

4. CHAMPAWAT DISTRICT A total of three wetlands lie below 2,500 m asl in Champawat, two of which are man-made. These wetlands lie within an altitudinal range of 226-1316 m asl. Sharda Barrage, covering an area of 184ha is the largest, followed by Banbasa Barrage and Shymla Tal.

There are many services provided by these wetlands such as ﬁ shing, water for drinking, irrigation and ﬂ oodwater storage. Agriculture is the main economic activity undertaken in and around the wetlands, while low level of tourism activity is noticed here. Developmental activities, agricultural expansion, siltation and pollution are major threats to wetlands in this district.

Fig. 13: Altitudinal 1400 variation in the wetlands of 1200 Champawat 1000 800 (m) 600 400

Altitude 200 0 ShymlaTal ShardaBarrage BanbasaBarrage Wetlands

Fig. 14: Area of the wetlands 200 in Champawat 150

100 (ha)

Area 50

0 ShymlaTal ShardaBarrage BanbasaBarrage Wetlands

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 141 Fig. 15: Ecosystem Services Education provided by the wetlands Biodiversity of Champawat Unspoiltenvironment Impactonterrestrialecosystem Fish/wildlifehabitat Groundwaterrecharge. Floodwaterstorage Ecosystem Irrigationwater services services (Directand m Fish(hing(commercia l) Indirect) Recreation Drinkingwatersupply Ecosyste 01234 MagnitudeofEcosystemservicesprovidedbywetlands (1ͲLow,2ͲMedium,3ͲHigh)

Fig. 16: Land Use pattern of the wetlands of Champawat Research Tourism

Watermanagement

HumanHabitation LandUseof Forest surrounding use areaof d Fishing wetlandsof Lan Champawat Agriculture

01234 Magnitudeofdifferentlanduseoptionsprovidedbywetlands (1ͲLow,2 ͲMedium,3 ͲHigh)

Fig. 17: Threats to the Siltation wetlands of Champawat Treecutting Poaching Invasivespecies Medicinalplantextraction Boating Overgrazing Majorthreatsto Firewoodcollection thewetlandsof hreats T PlltiPollution Champawa t Developmentalactivities Agriculturalexpansion

0123 Magnitudeofdifferentthreatstowetlands (1ͲLow,2ͲMedium,3ͲHigh)

5. DEHRADUN DISTRICT Most of the wetlands in Dehradun are man-made and have an altitudinal range of 340-512m asl. Of the wetlands surveyed in Dehradun district, Asan Barrage covers the maximum area of about 110ha, while Nakuronda Swamp covers only 0.29ha. These wetlands provide ecosystem services like water for irrigation and domestic (including drinking water) purposes, recreation and rich biodiversity that make these wetlands major tourist destinations in Uttarakhand. Developmental activities, introduction of invasive species, tree cutting and siltation are major threats to these wetlands.

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 142 Fig. 18: Altitudinal Variation 600 in the wetlands of Dehradun 500 400 300 m) 200 100

Altitude (m 0 Asan left Asan main Asan rightg Dakpatharp Virbhadra Nakuronda barrage barrage swamp

Wetlands

Fig. 19: Area of the wetlands 120 in Dehradun 100 80 60 (ha) 40

Area ( 20 0 Asan left Asan Asan right Dakpathar Virbhadra Nakuronda barrage swamp Wetlands

Fig. 20: Ecosystem Services provided by the wetlands Education of Dehradun Biodiversity Unspoiltenvironment Impactonterrestrialecosystem Fish/wildlifehabitat Floodwaterstorage Ecosystem services(Direct

services Irrigationwater andIndirect) Fishing(commercial) stem y RtiRecreation

Ecos Drinkingwatersupply

0123 MagnitudeofEcosystemservicesprovidedbywetlands (1ͲLow,2 ͲMedium,3 ͲHigh)

Fig. 21: Land Use pattern of the wetlands in Dehradun Research Tourism Water management Human Habitation use Forest Land Use of

Land u surrounding area of Fishing wetlands of Agriculture

0 1 2 3

Magnitude of different land use options provided by wetlands (1-Low, 2-Medium, 3-High)

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 143 Fig. 22: Threats to the Siltation wetlands of Dehradun Treecutting Poaching Invasivespecies Boating

Overgrazing Majorthreatsto eats r Pollution the wetlands of Th Dehradun Developmentalactivities Agriculturalexpansion

0123 Magnitudeofdifferentthreatstowetlands (1ͲL2Low,2ͲMdiMedium,3 ͲHigh)

6. HARIDWAR DISTRICT Of the three wetlands lying below 2,500m asl in Haridwar, Bhimgoda Barrage (249m asl), with an area of 106ha is a man-made wetland, while Jhilmil Jheel Conservation Reserve (240m asl), with an area of 148ha and Baanganga Conservation Reserve (222m asl) spread over 90ha are natural wetlands. These wetlands provide several ecosystem services like provision of water for drinking and irrigation, ﬂ oodwater storage and have a high impact on terrestrial ecosystem and ﬁ sh/wildlife habitat. Further, research and tourism value of the wetlands are high because of the rich biodiversity in and around the wetlands.

Owing to the area covered and services provided, dependency of people on these wetlands is very high. Developmental activities, agricultural expansion and pollution are chief threats to all the three wetlands. Poaching incidents are frequent because of human establishments near the wetlands. Other threats are siltation and overgrazing.

Fig. 23: Altitudinal Variation 255 in the wetlands of Haridwar 250 245 240 235 (m)

230 225 220 215 Altitude 210 205 JhilmilJheel Baangangawetland Bhimgodabarrage

Wetlands

Fig. 24: Area of the wetlands 160 in Haridwar 140 120 100

(ha) 80 60 Area 40 20 0 JhilmilJheel Baangangawetland BhimgodaBarrage

Wetlands

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 144 Fig. 25: Ecosystem Services provided by the wetlands Education of Haridwar Biodiversity Unspoiltenvironment Freshair IilImpactonterrestrialecosystem Fish/wildlifehabitat Ecosystem Floodwaterstorage services services Irrigationwater (Directand em

t Indirect) Fis hing (commerc ia l) Recreation Ecosys Drinkingwatersupply

0123 MagnitudeofEcosystemservicesprovidedbywetlands (1ͲLow,2ͲMedium,3ͲHigh)

Fig. 26: Land Use pattern of the wetlands in Haridwar Research Tourism Water management Human Habitation use Land Use of Forest

Land u surrounding area Fishing of wetlands of Haridwar Agriculture

0123

Magnitude of different land use options provided by wetlands (1-Low, 2-Medium, 3-High)

Fig. 27: Threats to the wetlands of Haridwar Siltation Treecutting Poaching Invasivespecies Boating Overgrazing reats Majorthreats h T Firewoodcollection tothe Pollution wetlandsof Haridwar Developmentalactivities Agriculturalexpansion

0123 Magnitudeofdifferentthreatstowetlands (1ͲLow,2ͲMedium,3ͲHigh)

7. NAINITAL DISTRICT A total of 14 wetlands situated below 2,500m asl were surveyed in Nainital. A majority of the wetlands here are natural and lie in the altitudinal range of 350 -1,919m asl. Nainital Lake covers a maximum area of 47ha, followed by Bhim Tal and Naukuchia Tal.

There are many direct and indirect ecosystem services provided by these wetlands, such as recreation, water for drinking and irrigation, and ﬂ oodwater storage. Agriculture, ﬁ shing and tourism are the main activities undertaken in and around the wetlands. Developmental activities, pollution, invasive species and medicinal plant extraction are the chief threats to wetlands in this district.

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 145 Fig. 28: Altitudinal Variation 2,500 in the wetlands of Nainital 2,000

1,500 (m) 1,000

500 liue( Altitude

Wetlands

Fig. 29: Area of the wetlands 50 in Nainital 45 40 35 30 25

ha) 20 15

Area (h 10 5 0

Wetlands

Fig. 30: Ecosystem Services Education provided by the wetlands Biodiversity of Nainital Unspoiltenvironment Impactonterrestrialecosystem Fish/wildlifehabitat Floodwaterstorage Ecosystem services(Direct Irrigationwater andIndirect) services Fishing(commercial) Recreation Drinkingwatersupply Ecosystem

0123 MagnitudeofEcosystemservicesprovidedbywetlands (1ͲLow,2ͲMedium,3ͲHigh)

Fig. 31: Land Use pattern of the wetlands in Nainital Research Tourism

Water management

Human Habitation

Forest Land Use of Land use surrounding area Fishing of wetlands of NainitalNainita Agriculture

0123

Magnitude of different land use options provided by wetlands (1-Low, 2-Medium, 3-High)

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 146 Fig. 32: Threats to the Siltation wetlands of Nainital Treecutting Poaching Invasivespecies Medicinalplantextraction Boating Overgrazing Majorthreatsto

Threats Firewoodcollection thewetlandsof Nainital Pollution Developmentalactivities Agriculturalexpansion

0123 Magnitudeofdifferentthreatstowetlands (1ͲLow,2ͲMedium,3ͲHigh)

8. PAURI DISTRICT Pauri has only one wetland lying below 2,500m asl called Tara Kund. It is situated at an altitude of 2,415m asl and covers an area of 0.52ha. This wetland provides direct and indirect ecosystem services like water for drinking and irrigation, and ﬂ oodwater storage. Moderate level of tourism activity is noted in the area. The main threats to Tara Kund are siltation, overgrazing and pollution, while others include poaching and spread of invasive species.

Fig. 33: Ecosystem Services Education provided by the wetlands Biodiversity of Pauri Unspoiltenvironment Impactonterrestrialecosystem Fish/wildlifehabitat

es Groundwaterrecharge Ecosystem c Floodwaterstorage services servi Irrigationwater (DirectAnd Fishing(commercial) Indirect) Recreation Drinkingwatersupply Ecosystem 0123 MagnitudeofEcosystemservicesprovidedbywetlands (1ͲLow,2ͲMedium,3ͲHigh)

Fig. 34: Land Use pattern of the wetlands in Pauri Research

Tourism

Watermanagement

HumanHabitation LandUseof Forest use surroundingarea Fishing ofwetlandsof Land Pauri Agriculture

0123

Magnitudeofdifferentlanduseoptionsprovidedbywetlands (1ͲLow,2 ͲMedium,3 ͲHigh)

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 147 Fig. 35: Threats to the Siltation wetlands of Pauri Treecutting Poaching Invasivespecies Boating Overgrazing

Threats Firewoodcollection Majorthreats Pollution tothe wetlandsof Developmentalactivities Pauri Agriculturalexpansion

0123 Magnitudeofdifferentthreatstowetlands (1ͲLow,2ͲMedium,3ͲHigh)

9. RUDRAPRAYAG DISTRICT Below the altitude of 2,500m asl, Rudraprayag has only one wetland called Deoria Tal which covers an area of 2.63ha. This wetland provides both direct and indirect ecosystem services such as recreation, ﬂ oodwater storage and drinking water. The wetland has a high impact on the terrestrial ecosystem.

In terms of land use, the catchment area of the wetland mainly consists of forest land, while some area is covered by human habitation and agricultural ﬁ elds. Tourism and research activities are also undertaken at this wetland. Medicinal plant extraction, overgrazing, poaching and tree cutting are major threats to wetlands in this district.

Fig. 36: Ecosystem Services Education provided by the wetlands Biodiversity of Rudraprayag Unspoilt environment Impact on terrestrial ecosystem Fish/wildlife habitat services Flood water storage Ecosystem services (Direct & Irrigation water Indirect) Fishing (commercial) Ecosyst em Recreation Drinking water supply

0123 Magnitude of Ecosystem services provided by wetlands (1-Low, 2-Medium, 3-High)

Fig. 37: Land Use pattern of the wetlands in Rudraprayag Research Tourism

Water management se Human Habitation Land Use of Land us Forest surrounding area of wetlands of Fishing Rudraprayag Agriculture

0123 Magnitude of different land use options provided by wetlands (1-Low, 2-Medium, 3-High)

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 148 Fig. 38: Threats to the Siltation wetlands of Rudraprayag Treecutting Poaching Invasivespecies Medicinalplantextraction Boating

ats Overgrazing e MjMajor threa ts to Firewoodcollection Thr thewetlandsof Pollution Rudraprayag Developmentalactivities Agriculturalexpansion

0123 Magnitude of different threatsto wetlands (1ͲLow,2ͲMedium,3ͲHigh)

10. TEHRI DISTRICT Both wetlands in the district are man-made with an altitudinal variation of 556- 750m asl. Tehri Dam covers a large area of 4,200ha and is known for hydropower generation. There are many direct and indirect ecosystem services provided by the wetlands, such as water for drinking and irrigation, fi shing and fl oodwater storage. Agriculture, fi shing and tourism are the main economic activities undertaken in and around the wetlands. Developmental activities, agricultural expansion, siltation and invasive species are the major threats to wetlands in this district.

Fig. 39: Altitudinal Variation 800 in the wetlands of Tehri 700 600 500 (m) 400 300

Altitude 200 100 0 TehriDam KoteshwarDam Wetlands

Fig. 40: Area of the wetlands 4500 in Tehri 4000 3500 3000

) 2500 a

(h 2000 1500

Area 1000 500 0 Tehridam Koteshwardam Wetlands

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 149 Fig. 41: Ecosystem Services provided by the wetlands Education Biodiversity of Tehri Unspoiltenvironment Impactonterrestrialecosystem Fish/wildlifehabitat Floodwaterstorage Ecosystem Irrigation water

services services(Direct& Fishing(commercial) Indirect) ystem

s Recreation

Eco Drinkingwatersupply

0123 MagnitudeofEcosystemservicesprovidedbywetlands (1ͲLow,2ͲMedium,3ͲHigg)h)

Fig. 42: Land Use pattern of the wetlands in Tehri Research

Tourism

Water management

Human Habitation Land Use of

Land use Forest surrounding area Fishing of wetlands of Tehri Agriculture

0123 Magnitude of different land use options provided by wetlands (1-Low, 2-Medium, 3-High)

Fig. 43: Threats to the Siltation wetlands of Tehri Treecu tting Poaching Invasivespecies Medicinalplantextraction Boating Overgrazing Majorthreatsto hreats T Firewoodcollection thewetlandsof Pollution Tehri Developmentalactivities Agriculturalexpansion

0123 Magnitudeofdifferentthreatstowetlands (1ͲLow,2ͲMedium,3ͲHih)igh)

11. UDHAM SINGH NAGAR DISTRICT A total of six wetlands lie below 2,500m asl in Udham Singh Nagar, a majority of which are man-made. These wetlands lie within an altitudinal range of 153-239m asl. Nanak Sagar, covering an area of 2,258ha is the largest, followed by Tumaria and Bagul dams.

There are many services provided by these wetlands such as fi shing, water for drinking, irrigation and fl oodwater storage. Agriculture, fi shing and tourism are the main economic activities undertaken in and around the wetlands. Developmental activities, agricultural expansion, siltation, boating and pollution are major threats to wetlands in this district.

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 150 Fig. 44: Altitudinal Variation in the wetlands of Udham 300 Singh Nagar 250 200

150

100 (m) 50

Altitude 0 Tumaria Haripura Bour Nanak Dhora Bagul Dam Dam Dam Sagar Dam Dam

Wetlands

Fig. 45: Area of the wetlands 2500 in Udham Singh Nagar 2000

1500 (ha)

1000

Area 500

0 Tumaria Haripura BourDam Nanak DhoraDam BagulDam Dam Sagar Wetlands

Fig. 46: Ecosystem Services Education provided by the wetlands of Biodiversity Udham Singh Nagar Unspoiltenvironment Impactonterrestrialecosystem Fish/wildlifehabitat Floodwaterstorage Ecosystem Irrigationwater

services services Fishing(commercial) (Directand Indirect) Recreation

Ecosystem Drinkingwatersupply

01234 MagnitudeofEcosystemservicesprovidedbywetlands (1ͲLow,2ͲMedium,3ͲHigh)

Fig. 47: Land Use pattern of the wetlands of Udham Research Singh Nagar Tourism Watermanagement LandUseof HumanHabitation surroundingarea Forest ofwetlandsof use UdhamSingh Fishing Nagar Land Agriculture

01234 Magnitudeofdifferentlanduseoptionsprovidedbywetlands (1ͲLow,2ͲMedium,3ͲHigh)

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 151 Fig. 48: Threats to the Siltation wetlands of Udham Treecutting Singh Nagar Poaching Invasivespecies Medicinalplantextraction Boating Majorthreats tothe Overgrazing wetlandsof Firewoodcollection UdhamSingh Threats Pollution Nagar Developmentalactivities Agriculturalexpansion

01234 Magnitudeofdifferentthreatstowetlands (1ͲLow,2ͲMedium,3ͲHigh)

12. UTTARKASHI DISTRICT Covering an area of 0.45ha and situated at an altitude of 2,390m asl, Nachiketa Tal provides ecosystem services such as ﬂ oodwater storage and recreation. However, the wetland suffers from threats like medicinal plant extraction, poaching and overgrazing.

Fig. 49: Ecosystem Services provided by the wetlands of Education Uttarkashi Biodiversity Unspoiltenvironment Impact on terrestrialecos y stem Fish/wildlifehabitat Ecosystemservices Floodwaterstorage (Directand Irrigationwater Indirect) services m Fishing(commercial) Recreation Ecosyste Drinkingwatersupply

0 1 2 3 MagnitudeofEcosystemservicesprovidedbywetlands (1ͲLow,2ͲMedium,3ͲHigh)

Fig. 50: Land Use pattern of the wetlands in Uttarkashi Research

Tourism

Water management

e Human habitation

Forest Land Use of Land use surrounding area Fishing of wetlands of Uttarkashi AiAgriculture lt

0123 Magnitude of different land use options provided by wetlands (1-Low, 2-Medium, 3-High)

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 152 Fig. 51: Threats to the Siltation wetlands of Uttarkashi Treecutting Poaching Invasivespecies Medicinalplantextraction Boating Overgrazing Majorthreatsto thewetlandsof

Threats Pollution Uttarkashi Developmentalactivities Agriculturalexpansion

0123 Magnitudeofdifferentthreatstowetlands (1ͲLow,2ͲMedium,3ͲHigh)

13. CORBETT TIGER RESERVE The Corbett Tiger Reserve has two wetlands - Ramganga Reservoir (358m asl) which covers an area of 5,516ha and Maal Kund (269m asl), which covers 0.62ha. These wetlands provide ecosystem services like drinking water to the fauna of the reserve, recreation and groundwater recharge. Corbett has been part of Project Tiger since 1974. Numerous studies have been undertaken on wildlife in collaboration with the Zoological Survey of India and other institutes. The major threats to the wetlands here are the spread of invasive species, siltation and pollution.

Fig. 52: Altitudinal Variation 400 in the wetlands of Corbett 350 300 Tiger Reserve

(m) 250 200 150

Altitude 100 50 0 RamgangaBarrage MaalKund Wetlands

Fig. 53: Area of the wetlands in Corbett Tiger Reserve 6000 5000 4000 (ha) 3000

Area 2000 1000 0 Ramganga barrage Maal kund Wetlands

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 153 Fig. 54: Ecosystem Services provided by the wetlands of Education Corbett Tiger Reserve Biodiversity Unspoilt environment

ces Impact on terrestrial ecosystem Ground water recharge Ecosystem Irrigation water services (Direct Recreation And Indirect) Ecosystem servic Drinking water supply

0123 Magnitude of Ecosystem services provided by wetlands (1-Low, 2-Medium, 3-High)

Fig. 55: Land Use pattern of the wetlands in Corbett Research Tiger Reserve Tourism

Human Habitation se Forest Land Use of surrounding area Land us Fishing of wetlands of CTR

Agriculture

0123

Magnitude of different land use options provided by wetlands (1-Low, 2-Medium, 3-High)

Fig. 56: Threats to the Siltation wetlands of Corbett Treecutting Tiger Reserve Poaching Invasivespecies Boating Overgrazing Majorthreatsto

Threats Firewoodcollection thewetlandsof Pollution CTR Developmentalactivities Agriculturalexpansion

0123 Magnitudeofdifferentthreatstowetlands (1ͲLow,2ͲMedium,3ͲHigh)

14. RAJAJI NATIONAL PARK Most of wetlands in Rajaji National Park lie within an altitudinal range of 200-500m asl. As far as area is concerned, Ganga Chaur covers a maximum area of 2.21ha, while the rest are smaller wetlands. Most of these are man-made and are frequented by wild fauna during the dry season. These wetlands provide a number of direct and indirect ecosystem services, like primarily the provision of drinking water to the fauna of the national park. The biggest threat to the park and its wetlands is the spread of invasive species such as Lantana and other weeds. Poaching, tree cutting, and overgrazing are other threats.

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 154 Fig. 57: Altitudinal Variation 500 450 in the wetlands of Rajaji 400 350 300 National Park 250 200 150 100 (m) 50 0 Altitude

Wetlands

Fig. 58: Area of wetlands in 2.5 Rajaji National Park 2 1.5 1

a) 050.5 (h 0 Area

Wetlands

Fig. 59: Ecosystem Services provided by the wetlands of Education Biodiversity Rajaji National Park Unspoiltenvironment Impactonterrestrialecosystem Floodwaterstorage

Irrigationwater Ecosystem

services Fishing(commercial) services(Direct Recreation andIndirect)

ystem Drinking water supply Ecos 0123 MagnitudeofEcosystemservicesprovidedbywetlands (1ͲLow,2ͲMedium,3ͲHigh)

Fig. 60: Land Use pattern of the wetlands in Rajaji Research National Park Tourism

Water managementg e

Human habitation Land Use of Land use surrounding area of Forest wetlands of Rajaji National Park Agriculture

0123

Magnitude of different land use options provided by wetlands (1-Low, 2-Medium, 3-High)

Fig. 61: Threats to the Siltation wetlands of Rajaji OiOvergrazing National Park Treecutting Poaching Invasivespecies Boating Majorthreatsto Threats Pollution thewetlandsof Rajaji National Developmentalactivities PkPark Agriculturalexpansion

0123 Magnitudeofdifferentthreatstowetlands (1ͲLow,2ͲMedium,3ͲHigh)

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 155 Summary of the rapid assessment results

Following are a few tables that summarise the ﬁ ndings of this survey of wetlands situated below 2,500m asl:

Magnitude of ecosystem services being provided by the wetlands surveyed

Ecosystem services being Districts where wetland surveys were conducted S.No. provided by wetlands and their magnitude Al Ba Cha Ch CTR Ddn Hrd Ntal Pr RNP Rd Th USN Uttr 0 to 1 1 Education 1 to 2 2 to 3 0 to 1 2 Biodiversity 1 to 2 2 to 3 0 to 1 3 Unspoilt environment 1 to 2 2 to 3 0 to 1 4 Impact on terrestrial ecosystems 1 to 2 2 to 3 0 to 1 5 Fish/wildlife habitat 1 to 2 2 to 3 0 to 1 6 Floodwater storage 1 to 2 2 to 3 0 to 1 7 Irrigation water 1 to 2 2 to 3 0 to 1 8 Fishing (commercial) 1 to 2 2 to 3 0 to 1 9 Recreation 1 to 2 2 to 3 0 to 1 10 Drinking water supply 1 to 2 2 to 3 0 to 1 11 Groundwater recharge 1 to 2 2 to 3

KEY Al Almora Ntal Nainital Ba Bageshwar Pr Pauri Cha Chamoli RNP Rajaji National Park MAGNITUDE Ch Champawat Rd Rudraprayag 1 Low CTR Corbett Tiger Reserve Th Tehri 2 Medium Ddn Dehradun USN Udham Singh Nagar Hrd Haridwar Uttr Uttarkashi 3 High

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 156 Magnitude of diff erent land use options being provided by the wetlands surveyed

Land use options being Districts where wetland surveys were conducted S.No. provided by wetlands and Al Ba Cha Ch CTR Ddn Hrd Ntal Pr RNP Rd Th USN Uttr their magnitude 0 to 1 1 Research 1 to 2 2 to 3 0 to 1 2 Tourism 1 to 2 2 to 3 0 to 1 3 Water management 1 to 2 2 to 3 0 to 1 4 Human habitation 1 to 2 2 to 3 0 to 1 5 Forest 1 to 2 2 to 3 0 to 1 6 Fishing 1 to 2 2 to 3 0 to 1 7 Agriculture 1 to 2 2 to 3

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 157 Magnitude of diff erent threats to the wetlands surveyed

Threats to wetlands and Districts where wetland surveys were conducted S.No. their magnitude Al Ba Cha Ch CTR Ddn Hrd Ntal Pr RNP Rd Th USN Uttr 0 to 1 1 Siltation 1 to 2 2 to 3 0 to 1 2 Tree cutting 1 to 2 2 to 3 0 to 1 3 Poaching 1 to 2 2 to 3 0 to 1 4 Invasive species 1 to 2 2 to 3 0 to 1 5 Boating 1 to 2 2 to 3 0 to 1 6 Overgrazing 1 to 2 2 to 3 0 to 1 7 Firewood collection 1 to 2 2 to 3 0 to 1 8 Pollution 1 to 2 2 to 3 0 to 1 9 Developmental activities 1 to 2 2 to 3 0 to 1 10 Agricultural expansion 1 to 2 2 to 3 0 to 1 11 Medicinal plant extraction 1 to 2 2 to 3

KEY Al Almora Ntal Nainital Ba Bageshwar Pr Pauri Cha Chamoli RNP Rajaji National Park MAGNITUDE Ch Champawat Rd Rudraprayag 1 Low CTR Corbett Tiger Reserve Th Tehri Ddn Dehradun USN Udham Singh Nagar 2 Medium Hrd Haridwar Uttr Uttarkashi 3 High

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 158 Prioritisation of wetlands

This extensive survey has revealed the challenges that wetlands face in terms of their continued existence and sustainable use, and it is essential that concerted steps are taken for their conservation. For this, we propose a list of 42 wetland sites to be considered for further investigation. These cover a range of altitudes, represent different wetland types and possess varying trophic levels. They are subject to varying anthropogenic pressures and fall within different tenurial and protection categories.

Criteria for prioritisation of wetland sites

Wetlands situated at altitudes above 2,500m asl: Wetlands were selected based on the threats faced by them.

Wetlands situated at altitudes below 2,500m asl: Wetlands were selected based on the area covered, threats faced by them, their designation as IBA sites and inclusion in the Inland Wetland Report (Prasad et al., 2004).

Based on the information collected for wetlands situated at altitudes higher than 2,500m asl, a total of 19 sites were selected as priority wetlands for future research and conservation initiatives.

Similarly, based on the information collected for the low altitude wetlands of Uttarakhand, a total of 23 sites were selected as priority wetlands for future research and conservation initiatives.

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 159 Proposed Priority Wetlands of Uttarakhand (situated above 2,500m asl)

Altitude Area S.No. Wetland Land Tenure Threats (m) (ha) The land-use of this marsh is fairly heavy since the more elevated Bara-Dhara parts are used as camping ground for shepherds during the monsoon, 1 Reserve Forest 4032 Sem and also by pilgrims and tourists visiting Satopanth Tal and the Swargarohini Glacier. Kedarnath Wildlife There is evidence of grazing by sheep and goats through shepherd 2 Basuki Tal 4231 Sanctuary camps. There were also signs of trekker camps. Govind Wildlife 3 Bharadhsar 4270 11.93 A fairly large number of sheep and goats are also grazed here. Sanctuary Shepherds come to the lower reaches of the glacial moraine, but Mana Van otherwise, the only visitors are mountaineering expeditions to Kamet. 4 Dev Tal 5455 4.72 Pachayat These are often large expeditions and leave a lot of garbage unattended on the supra-moraine. The wetland and neighbouring areas (eg. Agora village) are in the 5 Dodital Reserve Forest 3077 2.26 early stages of developing into ecotourism hotspots. So, there is a prospective risk of unplanned and unsustainable tourism. Govind Wildlife 6 Kana Tal 4308 2.43 Area is used by shepherds for grazing. Sanctuary Discovered' recently, even though a few shepherds have been visiting Govind Wildlife 7 Kanasar 4400 20.53 this lake and its meadows for some time now, and it is likely to Sanctuary become a much frequented tourist route in future. Large nuber of trekkers and mountain climbers visit this site, and many expeditions have their base-camp right at the banks of this lake. Gangotri National Expedition garbage, and defecation by large expedition groups is 8 Kedar Tal 4723 8.85 Park clearly a problem. There are also large herds of Bharal that have lost their fear of humans (the area being protected) and approach camps looking to be fed with salt. Khera Tal, Sheep and goats are also grazed, but more extensively in 9 Reserve Forest 3450 0.71 West alpine meadows. Kush Kalyan 10 Reserve Forest 3100 3.45 Heavily grazed by buffaloes, sheep and goats during the monsoon. Kund A few religious ceremonies are conducted by villagers here and the Govind Wildlife lower slopes are used for grazing livestock. Currently they do not pose 11 Maldaru Tal 4380 4.93 Sanctuary a threat, however, if not monitored there is a risk of these land use patterns becoming unsustainable. Govind Wildlife 12 Manera Tal 4136 1.03 Intensively used for grazing sheep and goats Sanctuary No immediate threat noted to the wetland due to its remote location. Kedarnath Wildlife 13 Miali Tal 4771 7.17 The site has been included in the priority list due to its unique glacial Sanctuary features and its ability to harbour algal life at such a high altitude. Kedarnath Wildlife Many shepherds with their large herds use the area which is obviously 14 Nandi Kund 4369 6.9 Sanctuary intensively grazed. Kuti Van Extremely overgrazed site. Also, items used in religious ceremonies 15 Parvati Kund 4507 4.31 Panchayat were noticed. Rwesara Tal Govind Wildlife Trekkers and mountain climbers visit the area. Large number of 16 3604 4.85 (Runisara) Sanctuary sheep and goats use the pastures. The meadows around the wetland are used for grazing livestock. A Satopanth fairly large tourist traffic (including pilgrims) is noticed here. So, 17 Reserve Forest 4359 3.49 Tal unsustainable tourism and grazing practices could pose a threat to this site. Harkot Van Eco tourism destination. Extensive grazng by buffaloes and sheep. 18 Thamri Tal 2776 0.54 Panchayat Annual religious rituals performed at the lake. Shepherds come to the lower reaches of the glacial moraine, but Vasundhara Civil and Soyam otherwise, the only visitors are mountaineering expeditions to Kamet. 19 4691 16.07 Tal Land These are often large expeditions and leave a lot of garbage unattended on the supra-moraine.

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 160 Proposed Priority Wetlands of Uttarakhand (situated below 2,500m asl)

Area Altitude Threats S.No. Wetland District (ha) (m) 123 4 5 67 8 91011 1 Tehri Dam Tehri 4,200 750 ¥¥¥¥¥¥¥ Udham Singh 2 Nanak Sagar 2,258 153 ¥¥ ¥ ¥ ¥¥ Nagar Udham Singh 3 Tumaria Dam 1,440 219 ¥¥¥ ¥¥¥¥¥¥¥ Nagar Udham Singh 4 Bagul Dam 1,283 206 ¥¥¥ ¥¥ ¥ ¥¥ Nagar Udham Singh 5 Bour Dam 1,110 230 ¥¥¥ ¥ ¥¥ ¥ ¥ Nagar Udham Singh 6 Dhora Dam 667.4 164 ¥¥¥ ¥ ¥ ¥¥ Nagar Udham Singh 7 Haripura Dam 331 239 ¥¥ ¥ ¥¥ Nagar Sharda 8 Champawat 184 275 ¥¥ ¥ ¥ Barrage 9 Jhilmil Jheel Haridwar 148 240 ¥¥¥¥¥¥ ¥ ¥ 10 Asan Barrage Dehradun 108.8 396 ¥¥¥¥ Virbhadra 11 Dehradun 72.66 340 ¥¥¥¥ Barrage Dakpathar 12 Dehradun 70 480 ¥¥ ¥ Barrage Banbasa 13 Champawat 66 226 ¥¥ ¥ ¥ ¥¥ Barrage 14 Tadag Tal Almora 50.49 1,209 ¥¥ ¥ ¥ 15 Nainital Nainital 48.76 1,919 ¥¥¥¥¥ 16 Bhim Tal Nainital 45.61 1,275 ¥¥ ¥¥¥ ¥¥¥ 17 Naukuchia Tal Nainital 29.93 1,320 ¥¥¥ ¥ ¥ ¥¥ ¥ 18 Sat Tal Nainital 20.2 1,265 ¥¥ ¥¥¥ ¥¥¥¥ 19 Kosi Barrage Nainital 5.59 350 ¥¥ 20 Khurpa Tal Nainital 5.17 1,530 ¥ Asan near 21 Dehradun 5 396 ¥¥¥ ¥¥ ¥ Kunja Village 22 Garud Tal Nainital 4.3 1,330 ¥¥ 23 Shymla Tal Champawat 3.34 1,316 ¥¥ ¥ ¥ ¥

KEY 1 Agricultural Expansion 7 Tree Cutting 2 Developmental Activities 8 Pollution 3 Firewood Collection 9 Boating 4 Overgrazing 10 Siltation 5 Collection Of Medicinal Plants 11 Poaching 6 Invasive Species

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 161 Zone of inﬂ uence of selected wetlands

Among the wetlands selected as priority sites for conservation, a brief exercise was undertaken to map the zone of infl uence of 14 wetlands (six of which were considered as a wetland complex). The aim of the exercise was to ascertain the land use/ land cover that has an infl uence on the wetlands. Regarding the area around the wetland that was considered as the zone of infl uence: - A buffer area of 1km was selected in case of wetlands lying below 2,500m asl. In case of dams and barrages the entire reservoir was considered. Justifi cation: The selected wetland sites (in this altitude range) cover large area and are situated near human settlements and agricultural fi elds.

- The entire catchment was considered in case of wetlands situated at altitudes above 2,500m asl. Justiﬁ cation: The selected wetland sites (in this altitude range) lie far from most human habitation but are a vital source of water for streams and rivers in the region. Most of these sites occur in biodiversity rich areas and therefore, are key water sources for ﬂ oral and faunal species. Hence, a catchment approach was opted for in this case.

The selection of wetlands was done based on the following points: i) Altitude at which the wetland is situated. ii) Wetland sites notiﬁ ed as Important Bird Areas (IBA)/ potential Ramsar sites/ included in the Inland Wetlands of India – Conservation Atlas (Prasad et al., 2004). iii) Sites where threats such as unsustainable tourism are high or can become severe in the future.

In case of wetlands situated above 2,500 m asl, the following two sites were selected for the exercise: i) Wetland complex in Govind Wildlife Sanctuary (includes six sites) (Uttarkashi district) ii) Dodital (Uttarkashi district)

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 162 Fig. 62: Map showing the zone of inﬂ uence of the wetland complex in Govind Wildlife Sanctuary

In the wetland complex in Govind Wildlife Sanctuary, a total of six wetlands are included within the catchment - Kanasar, Bharadhsar, Rwesara Tal, Maldaru Tal, Manera Tal and Kana Tal. The catchment features (vegetation and other characteristics) are Sub-alpine grassland, Sub-alpine forest, Closed to open mixed broadleaved and needle-leaved forest, Closed broadleaved deciduous forest, and area under permanent snow and ice.

Fig. 63: Map showing the zone of inﬂ uence of Dodital wetland

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 163 Similarly, in the case of Dodital, the catchment features include Sub-alpine grass, Sub-alpine forest, and snow-covered area.

Coming to the wetlands situated below 2,500 m asl, following are the sites that were selected for the exercise:

i) Asan Barrage (Dehradun district) ii) Baanganga Reservoir (Hardwar district) iii) Bhimgoda Barrage (Hardwar district) iv) Jhilmil Tal (Hardwar district) v) Haripura Dam (Udham Singh Nagar district) vi) Nanak Sagar (Udham Singh Nagar district) vii) Tumaria Dam (Udham Singh Nagar district)

In case of all the seven sites, the land use pattern seen in the proposed zone of inﬂ uence is as follows: Dense forest, Open forest, Scrub forest, River bed/ sand, Agricultural land and Fallow land area.

Fig. 64: Map showing the zone of inﬂ uence of Asan Barrage

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 164 Fig. 65: Map showing the zone of inﬂ uence of Baanganga Reservoir

Fig. 66: Map showing the zone of inﬂ uence of Bhimgoda Barrage

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 165 Fig. 67: Map showing the zone of inﬂ uence of Jhilmil Jheel

Fig. 68: Map showing the zone of inﬂ uence of Haripura Dam

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 166 Fig. 69: Map showing the zone of inﬂ uence of Nanak Sagar

Fig. 70: Map showing the zone of inﬂ uence of Tumaria Dam

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 167 Chapter 5: DISCUSSION & CONCLUSION

The rapid assessment of wetlands in Uttarakhand helped gather baseline data that can be used to describe the present status of these wetlands. During the study period, a total of 116 wetlands were covered in the state, out of which 53 wetlands are situated at altitudes above 2,500m asl, while 63 wetlands lie at altitudes below 2,500m asl.

Concerted steps related to wetland conservation need to be undertaken following this extensive survey of wetlands. In this regard, a total of 42 wetlands have been prioritised for conservation on the basis of set parameters. The wetlands (higher than 2,500m asl) included in the priority list were those that were noted to be threatened by unchecked grazing and tourism. At altitudes below 2,500m asl, the area covered by the wetlands, altitude and threats such as developmental activities, agricultural expansion, grazing pressure, pollution and spread of invasive species were the criteria based on which wetland sites were included in the priority list. The sites prioritised for conservation are as follows:

Wetlands above 2,500m altitude - Bara-Dhara Sem, Basuki Tal, Bharadhsar, Devtal, Dodital, Kana Tal, Kanasar, Kedar Tal, Khera Tal (West), Kush Kalyan Kund, Maldaru Tal, Manera Tal, Miali Tal, Nandi Kund, Parvati Kund, Rwesara Tal (Runisara), Satopanth Tal, Thamri Tal and Vasundhara Tal.

Wetlands below 2,500m altitude - Tehri Dam, Nanak Sagar, Tumaria, Bagul Dam, Bour Dam, Dhora Dam, Haripura Dam, Sharda Barrage, Jhilmil Jheel, Asan Barrage, Virbhadra Barrage, Dakpathar, Banbasa Barrage, Tadag Tal, Nanital, Bhim Tal, Naukuchia Tal, Sat Tal, Kosi Barrage, Khurpatal, Asan near Kunja Village, Garud Tal and Shymla Tal.

Further, in the case of 14 wetlands, the land use/ land cover that can have an infl uence on the wetlands was ascertained. For the sites located at altitudes above 2,500m asl (Govind Wildlife Sanctuary wetland complex and Dodital), snow, grass and forest cover lying within the catchment can infl uence the wetland characteristics. On the other hand, THE SURVEY REVELAED for the sites located at altitudes below 2,500m asl (Asan Barrage, Baanganga Reservoir, THAT ALL WETLANDS Bhimgoda Barrage, Jhilmil Tal, Haripura Dam, Nanak Sagar and Tumaria Dam), the BELOW 2,500M ASL PLAY area of forest, river bed/ sand, agricultural and fallow land lying within a given buffer area can infl uence wetland characteristics. Infl uence of agricultural land appears to be A ROLE IN THE DRINKING predominant in the seven sites considered at this altitude. WATER SUPPLY OF THE AREA. WHILE SOME The survey revealed that the wetlands in all districts of Uttarakhand (selected for the survey at altitudes below 2,500m asl) play a role in the drinking water supply of the area; PROVIDE HABITAT TO they serve as recreational sites owing to their aesthetic value and provide an ideal habitat BIODIVERSITY, OTHERS AID for biodiversity. Wetlands surveyed in all districts, except for Bageshwar district and IN FLOODWATER STORAGE, Corbett Tiger Reserve, aid in fl oodwater storage. Similarly, barring Bageshwar district and Rajaji National Park, wetlands in other districts are a source of water for irrigation. GROUNDWATER RECHARGE Most of the wetlands also serve as environment education sites for academic institutions. OR IRRIGATION. Compared to all districts surveyed, wetlands in Udham Singh Nagar were noted to

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 168 support high level of commercial ﬁ shing. The wetlands surveyed in Champawat, Pauri and Corbett Tiger Reserve also contribute towards groundwater recharge.

Coming to land use patterns, the survey revealed that the area neighbouring the wetlands (at altitudes below 2,500m asl) in all districts include medium to high level of forest cover, human habitation and tourism activities. Agriculture is practised in the catchment area of most of the wetland sites. Research work is undertaken by several academic institutions in most sites except for those in Bageshwar, Champawat and Pauri. As evident from the ecosystem services provided by the wetlands (such as water for drinking and irrigation, and ﬂ oodwater storage), water management is noted in nearly all sites except for those in Corbett Tiger Reserve.

GRAZING, SILTATION AND Low to high level of grazing activity, siltation and occurrence of invasive species threaten all the wetlands surveyed (at altitudes below 2,500m asl). Cutting of trees OCCURRENCE OF INVASIVE in the catchment area of all sites, except for those in Champawat and Corbett Tiger SPECIES THREATEN ALL Reserve, threatens the sustenance of the wetland habitat. Pollution and developmental THE WETLANDS SURVEYED activities also pose a threat to many of the sites. Limited threat to wetlands from agricultural expansion is seen in Almora, Dehradun and Nainital while the magnitude (BELOW 2,500M of threat from this anthropogenic activity is much higher in case of sites located in ASL). OTHER THREATS Champawat, Haridwar, Tehri and Udham Singh Nagar. Moderate to high level of INCLUDE CUTTING OF medicinal plant collection occurs in sites located in Nainital, Rudraprayag, Tehri, Udham Singh Nagar and Uttarkashi. Activities such as ﬁ rewood collection and boating TREES, POLLUTION, pose low to moderate threat to the wetlands. Poaching is a threat to the biodiversity of DEVELOPMENTAL most wetlands except for those in Champawat. ACTIVITIES, AGRICULTURAL Some of the threats to wetlands identiﬁ ed during this survey can be compared EXPANSION AND POACHING to those described in previous studies. According to Sharma and Kumar (1994), OF BIODIVERSITY. deforestation and religious myths endanger the lakes of the Garhwal Himalaya, while the introduction of exotic species threatens the future of native species in the region. In studies conducted by De Voogt et al. (2000) and Kroll (2000), degradation and loss of wetlands are directly linked to drainage for agriculture, industry, urban and tourism development. Also, a study by White (1997) indicates that people have traditionally seen wetlands as wastelands to be reclaimed for agriculture, solid waste disposal and developmental activities. Such a view has led to massive reduction in wetland areas.

Since this was a rapid survey of the wetlands of Uttarakhand, it is to be seen as a ﬁ rst step, an initial inventory only. In order to understand biological and physical parameters in different geographical settings, we would need to acquire the best possible data on a range of ‘reference’ wetland sites, ranging from those least altered by human use, to graded levels of alteration. We also urgently need to build baseline data on habitat structure, trophic status, hydrology (ﬂ ows and water retention times), as well as, chemical, biotic and physical parameters of selected wetland sites in this region.

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 169 GLOSSARY

1. Cirque - A half-open steep-sided hollow at the head of a valley or on a mountainside, formed by glacial erosion.

2. Corrie – Same as cirque

3. Glacial till - Till or glacial till is unsorted glacial sediment. Glacial drift is a general term for the coarsely graded and extremely heterogeneous sediments of glacial origin. Glacial till is that part of glacial drift which was deposited directly by the glacier. Its content may vary from clay to a mixtures of clay, sand, gravel and boulders.

4. Lacustrine - Of, relating to, or associated with lakes

5. Moraine - A mass of rocks and sediment deposited by a glacier, typically as ridges at its edges or extremity.

6. Paternoster lake - One of a series of glacial lakes connected by a single stream or a braided stream system.

7. Proglacial lake - A lake formed either by the damming action of a moraine or ice dam during the retreat of a melting glacier, or by meltwater trapped against an ice sheet due to isostatic depression of the crust around the ice.

8. Push moraine – A moraine that is formed when the terminus advance of a lowland glacier pushes unstratiﬁ ed glacial sediment into a pile or linear ridge in front of it. A push moraine is identiﬁ ed by its ability to push sediment upwards from its original horizontal position.

9. Supra-glacial lake – A water body on the top of a glacier

10. Tarn - A mountain lake or pool, formed in a cirque excavated by a glacier. It is formed when either rain or river water ﬁ lls the cirque.

11. Trophic levels i. Oligotrophic - Freshwater body low in nutrients ii. Mesotrophic – Freshwater body with medium level of nutrients iii. Eutrophic – Freshwater body containing high level of nutrients iv. Meso-eutrophic – Freshwater bodies with nutrient levels that place them between a mesotrophic and eutrophic condition v. Meso-oligotrophic - Freshwater bodies with nutrient levels that place them between a mesotrophic and oligotrophic condition vi. Hyper-eutrophic - very nutrient-rich freshwater bodies characterised by frequent and severe algal blooms and low transparency.

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 170 REFERENCES

Asian Waterfowl Count (AWC) 1994.

Campbell, J.G. 2005. Inventory of Glaciers, Glacial Lakes and the Identiﬁ cation of Potential Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) Affected by Global Warming in the Mountians of India, Pakistan and China/Tibet Autonomous Region. Report of the Asia Paciﬁ c Network for Global Change Research.

CGWB Uttarakhand Region, 2009. Ministry Of Water Resources Central Ground Water Board Uttaranchal (Uttarakhand) Region, 2009.

Chandan, P., Chatterjee, A., Gautam Parikshit. 2008. Management Planning of Himalayan High Altitude wetlands. A case study of Tsomoriri and Tsokar wetlands in Ladakh, India. Sengupta, M and Dalwani (Editors). Proceeding of Taal 2007. The 12th World Lake Conference. 1446-1451 .

Gawler, M. 2000. Strategies for wise use of wetlands: Best practises in participatory management. 1-22 pp. Published by IUCN – The World Conservation Union, Wetlands International and the World Wide Fund for Nature.

Gopal, B. 1977. Wetlands and their management. p. 193 198, in: Bandhu Desh and Chauhan, E. (Eds) Current Trends in Indian Environment. Today & Tomorrow’s Printers & Publishers, New Delhi.

Islam, M.Z. and Rahmani, A.R. 2004. Important Bird Areas in India: Priority sites for conservation. Indian Bird Conservation Network: Bombay Natural Society and Bird Life International (UK). Pp.xviii+1133.

Kroll A. 2000. Water use in Agriculture and Sectoral Policies in the Mediterranean Countries: Italy, Portugal, Spain, Egypt, Israel, Turkey. Technical Report of EU Funded Polagwat Project (Phase II), Institute for Prospective Technological Studies, Seville.

Management Plan-Jhilmil Jheel, 2007. Management Plan of Jhilmil Jheel Conservation Reserve, Haridwar Forest Division, Uttarakhand, for the period of 2008-2009 to 2016-2017.

Mitsch, W.J. and Gosselink, J.G. 1993. Wetlands. Van Nostrand Reinhold, New York. 2nd Edition.

MoEF, 2007. Conservation of Wetlands in India: A Proﬁ le (Approach and Guidelines) by Ministry of Environment & Forests, Government of India.

Prasad, S.N., Ramachandra, T.V., Ahalya, N., Sengupta, T., Alok Kumar, Tiwari, A.K., Vijayan, V.S. and Lalitha Vijayan. 2002. Conservation of wetlands of India – a Review. Tropical Ecology Vol.43(1): 173-186.

Prasad, S.N., Jaggi A.K., Kaushik, P., Vijayan, L., Murlidharan, S. and Vijayan, V.S. 2004. Inland Wetlands of India – Conservation Atlas. Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History, Coimbatore, India.

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 171 Ramsar Convention. 1996. Strategic plan 1997-2002. Ramsar Convention Bureau, Gland, Switzerland.

Rawat, G.S. 2005. Alpine Meadows of Uttaranchal. Bishen Singh Mahendra Pal Singh, Dehradun, India.

Ricklefs, R.E. and Miller, G.L. 2000. Ecology. 4th edition. W.H. Freeman and Company, New York.

Salvesen, D. 1990. Wetlands: mitigating and regulating development impacts. The Urban Land Institute, Washington, DC, USA.

Sharma, R.C. and Kumar, K., 1994. Ecology & conservation of lakes, reservoirs and rivers (Book), Conservation and Management Plan of lakes of Garhwal Himalaya, Chapter-39, pg-562.

Sinha, S.P., Chandola, S., Sinha, B.C. 2007. Sighting of Swamp deer in Uttarakhand. ZOOS print, Volume XII, No.6 (RNI 8:9).

Space Application Centre (ISRO), 2010. National Wetland Atlas - Uttarakhand, SAC/ EPSA/ABHG/NWIA/ATLA/20101, Ahmedabad, India. 130 pp.

Space Application Centre (ISRO), 2011. National Wetland Inventory and Assessment. SAC/ESPA/NWIA/BR/04/2011

Thienemann, A. 1925. Die binnengewasser Nittelewopas Eine limnologische Einfuhrung. Binnengegewasses, 1, 1-225.

Tiner, R.W. 1984. Wetlands of the United States. Current status and recent trends. National Wetlands Inventory, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Washington, DC, USA.

Voogt De. K, Kite, G, Drooger, P and Murray-HR. 2000. Modeling water allocation between a wetland and irrigated agriculture in the Gediz Basin, Turkey. Water Resources Development, 16(4): 639-650.

White, G. 1997. An Ecosystem Approach to Planning in: Conservation Outside Nature Reserves. Hale, P and Lamb, D. (eds.). Centre for Conservation Biology, University of Queensland, Brisbane, 79-83.

Wildlife Institute of India, 2007. An ecological assessment of Baan Ganga wetlands, Uttarakhand. Final Report submitted to Uttarakhand Forest Department. Pp. II + 87.

Working plan of Almora division (2001-2011).

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 172 ANNEXURE - I

RAMSAR CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM FOR WETLAND TYPE

Under the Ramsar Convention, wetland types have been defi ned to provide a very broad framework to aid rapid identifi cation of the main wetland habitats represented at each Ramsar site. Wetland type is identifi ed for each site on the relevant Ramsar Information Sheet.

The codes used to deﬁ ne wetland types for Ramsar sites are based upon the Ramsar Classiﬁ cation System for Wetland Type as approved by Recommendation 4.7 and amended by Resolutions VI.5 and VII.11 of the Conference of the Contracting Parties.

Marine/Coastal Wetlands A — Permanent shallow marine waters; in most cases less than six metres deep at low tide; includes sea bays and straits. B — Marine subtidal aquatic beds; includes kelp beds, sea-grass beds, tropical marine meadows. C — Coral reefs. D — Rocky marine shores; includes rocky offshore islands, sea cliffs. E — Sand, shingle or pebble shores; includes sand bars, spits and sandy islets; includes dune systems and humid dune slacks. F — Estuarine waters; permanent water of estuaries and estuarine systems of deltas. G — Intertidal mud, sand or salt ﬂ ats. H — Intertidal marshes; includes salt marshes, salt meadows, saltings, raised salt marshes; includes tidal brackish and freshwater marshes. I — Intertidal forested wetlands; includes mangrove swamps, nipah swamps and tidal freshwater swamp forests. J — Coastal brackish/saline lagoons; brackish to saline lagoons with at least one relatively narrow connection to the sea. K — Coastal freshwater lagoons; includes freshwater delta lagoons. Zk(a) - Karst and other subterranean hydrological systems, marine/coastal

Inland Wetlands L — Permanent inland deltas. M — Permanent rivers/streams/creeks; includes waterfalls. N — Seasonal/intermittent/irregular rivers/streams/creeks. O — Permanent freshwater lakes (over 8 ha); includes large oxbow lakes. P — Seasonal/intermittent freshwater lakes (over 8 ha); includes ﬂ oodplain lakes. Q — Permanent saline/brackish/alkaline lakes. R — Seasonal/intermittent saline/brackish/alkaline lakes and ﬂ ats. Sp - Permanent saline/brackish/alkaline marshes/pools. Ss - Seasonal/intermittent saline/brackish/alkaline marshes/pools. Tp - Permanent freshwater marshes/pools; ponds (below 8 ha), marshes and swamps on inorganic soils; with emergent vegetation water-logged for at least most of the growing season.

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 173 Ts - Seasonal/intermittent freshwater marshes/pools on inorganic soils; includes sloughs, potholes, seasonally ﬂ ooded meadows, sedge marshes. U — Non-forested peatlands; includes shrub or open bogs, swamps, fens. Va - Alpine wetlands; includes alpine meadows, temporary waters from snowmelt. Vt - Tundra wetlands; includes tundra pools, temporary waters from snowmelt. W — Shrub-dominated wetlands; shrub swamps, shrub-dominated freshwater marshes, shrub carr, alder thicket on inorganic soils. Xf - Freshwater, tree-dominated wetlands; includes freshwater swamp forests, seasonally ﬂ ooded forests, wooded swamps on inorganic soils. Xp - Forested peatlands; peatswamp forests. Y — Freshwater springs; oases. Zg - Geothermal wetlands. Zk(b)- Karst and other subterranean hydrological systems, inland.

Note: “fl oodplain” is a broad term used to refer to one or more wetland types, which may include examples from the R, Ss, Ts, W, Xf, Xp, or other wetland types. Some examples of fl oodplain wetlands are seasonally inundated grassland (including natural wet meadows), shrublands, woodlands and forests. Floodplain wetlands are not listed as a specifi c wetland type herein.

Human-made wetlands 1 — Aquaculture (e.g., fi sh/shrimp) ponds 2 — Ponds; includes farm ponds, stock ponds, small tanks; (generally below 8 ha). 3 — Irrigated land; includes irrigation channels and rice fi elds. 4 — Seasonally fl ooded agricultural land (including intensively managed or grazed wet meadow or pasture). 5 — Salt exploitation sites; salt pans, salines, etc. 6 — Water storage areas; reservoirs/barrages/dams/impoundments (generally over 8 ha). 7 — Excavations; gravel/brick/clay pits; borrow pits, mining pools. 8 — Wastewater treatment areas; sewage farms, settling ponds, oxidation basins, etc. 9 — Canals and drainage channels, ditches. Zk(c) - Karst and other subterranean hydrological systems, human-made

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 174 ANNEXURE - II

WETLANDS OF UTTARAKHAND SITUATED ABOVE 2,500M ASL

Altitude Area S No. Wetland Latitude Longitude (m) (ha) 1 Bakre Tal 31.00138 N 78.31581 E 4183 2 Bali Kund 31.02865 N 78.44223 E 4774 0.112 3 Bara-Dhara Sem 30.76034 N 79.39774 E 4032 4 Basuki Tal 30.72505 N 79.03381 E 4231 5 Bedni Kund 30.20529 N 79.70141 E 3556 0.025 6 Bharadhsar 31.23223 N 78.20974 E 4270 11.93 7 Bhekkal Tal 30.14259 N 79.58024 E 3053 0.57 8 Brahma Tal 30.1763 N 79.58944 E 3235 Chipla Kund or Kedar 9 29.95933 N 80.42776 E 4290 0.62 Kund 10 Chorabari Tal 30.74673 N 79.06164 E 3850 11 Devtal 31.04549 N 79.39809 E 5455 4.72 12 Dodital 30.89759 N 78.52616 E 3077 13 Dodhi Tal 30.72031 N 78.81316 E 4583 14 Doodh Tal 31.05492 N 79.40733 E 5,484 7.22 15 Gauri Kund 30.33698 N 80.64324 E 4611 1.6 16 Gugui-Kanasar 31.20979 N 79.29761 E 4307 17 Gyaldhung Tal 30.90752 N 79. 82725 E 4914 7.9 18 Hardeol Kund 30.21145 N 80.1326 E 4359 11.29 19 Hem Kund Sahib 30.69899 N 79.61561 E 4204 9.87 20 Hum Kund 30.33153 N 79.74372 E 4633 0.36 Kakrauli Kunda or 21 29.96083 N 80.41902 E 4323 0.46 Asura Kund 22 Kana Tal 31.00851 N 78.32878 E 4308 2.43 23 Kanasar 31.26473 N 78.2523 E 4400 20.53 24 Kedar Tal 30.91451 N 78.95717 E 4723 8.85 25 Khera Tal East 30.85451 N 78.74634 E 3442 0.97 26 Khera Tal, West 30.85477 N 78.74544 E 3450 0.71 27 Kush Kalyan Kund 30.7102 N 78.6757 E 3100 3.45 28 Lamb Tal 30.7247 N 78.76779 E 4317 1.1

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 175 29 Lingam Tal 30.72651 N 78.7977 E 4321 4.95 Maati Tal or 30 30.73261 N 78.79906 E 4409 0.41 Pari Tal 31 Maldaru Tal 31.08037 N 78.38081 E 4380 4.93 32 Manera Tal 31.01631 N 78.34754 E 4136 1.03 33 Masuri Tal 30.74756 N 78.98077 E 4735 34 Miali Tal 30.7417 N 78.98589 E 4771 7.17 35 Nandi Kund 30.6054 N 79.32317 E 4369 6.9 36 Paiya Kund 30.73869 N 78.99936 E 4910 37 Parvati Kund 30.35323 N 80.65645 E 4507 4.31 38 Patauti Kund 29.96794 N 80.41711 E 4236 0.82 39 Raatpathar Tal 31.05842 N 79.39596 E 5641 2.76 40 Roop Kund 30.2623 N 79.73138 E 4763 0.26 Rwesara Tal 41 31.08131 N 78.4572 E 3604 4.85 (Runisara) 42 Saptarishi Kund 1 31.01239 N 78.48505 E 4712 43 Saptarishi Kund 2 31.01170 N 78.48628 E 4712 44 Saru Tal 31.00915 N 78.31733 E 4139 45 Sat Tal 31.02647 N 78.77043 E 3081 0.11 46 Satopanth Tal 30.74499 N 79.35775 E 4359 3.49 47 Shastru Tal 30.72716 N 78.80862 E 4605 48 Shyahi Kund 31.05908 N 79.41014 E 5532 3.77 49 Taratal 1 31.01521 N 79.36233 E 5407 0.54 50 Taratal 2 31.01524 N 79.36597 E 5410 0.78 51 Taratal 3 31.02193 N 79.2612 E 5473 52 Thamri Tal 30.03728 N 80.24459 E 2776 0.54 53 Vasudhara Tal 30.89899 N 79.75659 E 4691 16.07

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 176 WETLANDS OF UTTARAKHAND SITUATED BELOW 2,500M ASL

Altitude Area S.No. District Name Latitude Longitude (m) (ha) Bhalu Dam 29.62080 N 79.47833 E 1,821 1.13 1 Almora Rani Jheel 29.64041 N 79.42750 E 1,786 0.4 Tadag Tal 29.88008 N 79.43338 E 1,209 50.49 2 Bageshwar Sarla Tal 29.84369 N 79.60791 E 1,688 0.05 3 Chamoli Gwaldham Tal 30.00383 N 79.56558 E 1890 0.27 Banbasa Barrage 28.99650 N 80.10575 E 226 66 4 Champawat Sharda Barrage 29.05711 N 80.11780 E 275 184 Shymla Tal 29.15966 N 80.12308 E 1316 3.34 Corbett Tiger Maal Kund 29.38694 N 78.91555 E 269 0.62 5 Reserve Ramganga Barrage 29.51944 N 78.76166 E 358 5,516 Asan left 30.43222 N 77.66611 E 358 5 Asan main 30.43250 N 77.67000 E 396 110 Asan right 30.43977 N 77.66611 E 396 3 6 Dehradun Dakpathar 30.50113 N 77.79694 E 480 70 Nakuronda Swamp 30.23611 N 78.13472 E 512 0.29 Virbhadra Barrage 30.07627 N 78.28733 E 340 72.66 Banganga Reservoir 29.63775 N 78.04016 E 222 90 7 Haridwar Bhimgoda Barrage 29.95669 N 78.18335 E 249 106 Jhilmil Jheel 29.79694 N 78.22152 E 240 148 Bharat Tal 29.35247 N 79.52350 E 1,230 1.68 Bhim Tal 29.34297 N 79.56269 E 1,275 45.61 Garud Tal 29.35675 N 79.52994 E 1,330 4.3 Hanuman Tal 29.35250 N 79.52777 E 1230 0.9 Kamal Tal 29.32613 N 79.58188 E 1,220 0.1 Kathgodam Barrage 29.27111 N 79.54722 E 519 1.36 Khurpa Tal 29.37347 N 79.42886 E 1530 5.17 8 Nainital Kosi Barrage 29.39916 N 79.13438 E 350 5.59 Nainital 29.38027 N 79.46305 E 1,919 47 Nal Damayanti Tal 29.36277 N 79.53388 E 1400 0.22 Naukuchia Tal 29.31680 N 79.58333 E 1,220 29.93 Sariya Tal 29.37963 N 79.43077 E 1,730 0.65 Sat Tal 29.34902 N 79.53008 E 1,265 20.2 Shukha Tal 29.39238 N 79.44338 E 1,730 0.8 9 Pauri Tara Kund 30.14130 N 79.03466 E 2415 0.52

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 177 Banvaha 4A 30.08805 N 78.13972 E 339 0.01 Banvaha 4A 2 30.09722 N 78.12555 E 421 0.01 Banvaha 5A 30.09305 N 78.12583 E 374 0.01 Chillawali 1B 30.14305 N 77.93666 E 388 1.17 Chillawali 5B 30.16583 N 77.93805 E 429 0.2 Dholkhand 3B 30.11027 N 77.99277 E 472 0.01 Gaaj 3A 30.13888 N 77.95055 E 402 0.01 Ganga Chaur 29.97091 N 78.20502 E 285 2.21 Gohri North Beat 30.01738 N 78.27511 E 371 0.04 Kodia Rajaji Hazara 7 29.95102 N 78.19180 E 330 0.32 10 National Park Hazara 7(2) 29.94694 N 78.18319 E 320 0.02 Jougi Chaur 29.95986 N 78.21272 E 302 0.02 Koelpura 3 30.07527 N 78.13611 E 390 0.01 Koelpura 3(2) 30.06777 N 78.15888 E 388 0.01 Suswa 3 30.05308 N 78.20588 E 364 0.44 Suswa 4A 30.04730 N 78.20858 E 354 0.55 Tun Chaur (Bent) 30.01111 N 78.24944 E 310 0.02 Janhavi Tun Chaur South 30.01086 N 78.24608 E 307 0.06 Gouri Beat Tun Chaur 2 30.01150 N 78.24672 E 310 1.51 Grassland 11 Rudraprayag Deoria Tal 30.52166 N 79.12611 E 2,250 2.63 Koteshwar Dam 30.26277 N 78.49361 E 556 2.65 12 Tehri Tehri Dam 30.38277 N 78.47555 E 750 4200 Bagul Dam 28.88194 N 79.63055 E 206 1283 Bour Dam 29.13138 N 79.25972 E 230 1110 Udham Singh Dhora Dam 28.94111 N 79.57333 E 164 667.41 13 Nagar Haripura Dam 29.11916 N 79.31944 E 239 331 Nanak Sagar 28.93944 N 79.83361 E 153 2258 Tumaria Dam 29.30666 N 78.92944 E 219 1440 14 Uttarkashi Nachiketa Tal 30.64472 N 78.47083 E 2,390 0.45

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 178 ANNEXURE - III

QUESTIONNAIRE

A. Salient Feature of the Wetland Name: Size: Area: Location:

B. Respondent’s Proﬁ le and Economic Status Name of the Respondent: Age: Gender: M/F:

C. Wetland Parameters for Evaluation

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES (DIRECT AND INDIRECT) PROVIDED BY WETLAND (YES or NO)

HIGH MEDIUM LOW DRINKING WATER SUPPLY RECREATION FISH ( COMMERCIAL) IRRIGATION WATER FLOOD WATER STORAGE FISH/WILDLIFE HABITAT IMPACT ON TERRESTRIAL ECOSYSTEM UNSPOILT ENVIRONMENT BIODIVERSITY EDUCATION

LAND USE OF SURROUNDING AREA OF WETLANDS (YES or NO)

HIGH MEDIUM LOW AGRICULTURE FISHING FOREST HUMAN HABITATION WATER MANAGEMENT TOURISM RESEARCH

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 179 MAJOR THREATS TO THE WETLAND (YES or NO)

HIGH MEDIUM LOW AGRICULTURE EXPANSION DEVELOPMENTAL ACTIVITIES POLLUTION EUTROPHICATION ENCROACHMENT FIREWOOD COLLECTION MAN AND ANIMAL CONFLICT OVER GRAZING BOATING COLLECTION OF MEDICINAL PLANT INVASIVE SPECIES POACHING ILLEGAL TREE CUTTING SILTATION

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 180 ANNEXURE - IV

DISTRICT-WISE DISTRIBUTION OF WETLANDS

ALMORA DISTRICT

Fig. 71: Wetlands surveyed in Almora district

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 181 BAGESHWAR DISTRICT

Fig. 72: Wetlands surveyed in Bageshwar district

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 182 CHAMOLI DISTRICT

Fig. 73: Wetlands surveyed in Chamoli District

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 183 CHAMPAWAT DISTRICT

Fig. 74: Wetlands surveyed in Champawat district

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 184 DEHRADUN DISTRICT

Fig. 75: Wetlands surveyed in Dehradun district

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 185 HARIDWAR DISTRICT

Fig. 76: Wetlands surveyed in Haridwar district

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 186 NAINITAL DISTRICT

Fig. 77: Wetlands surveyed in Nainital district

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 187 PAURI GARHWAL DISTRICT

Fig. 78: Wetlands surveyed in Pauri Garhwal district

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 188 PITHORAGARH DISTRICT

Fig. 79: Wetlands surveyed in Pithoragarh district

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 189 RUDRAPRAYAG DISTRICT

Fig. 80: Wetlands surveyed in Rudraprayag district

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 190 TEHRI GARHWAL DISTRICT

Fig. 81: Wetlands surveyed in Tehri Garhwal district

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 191 UDHAM SINGH NAGAR DISTRICT

Fig. 82: Wetlands surveyed in Udham Singh Nagar district

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 192 UTTARKASHI DISTRICT

Fig. 83: Wetlands surveyed in Uttarkashi district

Wetlands of Uttarakhand 194 ® ELNSO TAAHN:ADcmnain 02www.wwﬁndia.org WETLANDS OF UTTARAKHAND: A Documentation 2012 IND

WWF-India, 172-B, Lodi Estate, New Delhi - 110003, India Tel: +91 11 4351 6202/6294