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Environment & Ecology 31 (3) : 1320—1325, July—September 2013 Website: environmentandecology.com ISSN 0970-0420

Status of (Ramsar Site) in Tripura, India

Debtanu Barman*, Sagar C. Mandal, Pampa Bhattacharjee, Siddhartha Pratim Datta

Received 4 April 2013; Accepted 24 April 2013; Published online 30 April 2013

Abstract Rudrasagar Lake is a lowland deep and their role that their sustainable utilization can play in extensive lake/ in the northeast hills. achieving social and economical goals. Rudrasagar Lake is declared as National Lake No. 13 and also it is declared as an International Lake num- Keywords Rudrasagar Lake, Tripura, Ecology, bered 1572 as a Ramsar site. The lake holds 240 ha; Water quality, Fisheries. situated between latitude 23°29´ N and longitude 90° 01´ E, with water depth varies from 2 to 9 m. This lake has the perennial connection with one of the major Introduction rivers (Gomati) of the state facilitating the natural breeding ground of the valuable indigenous endemic Tripura is one of the North-Eastern states of India fishes. However, the lake at present is under threat situated between latitude 22°56´ to 24°32´ N and from a variety of human induced changes to their longitude 90°12´ to 90°21´ E. The drainage system hydrology. To minimize threats and restore are Khowai, Dhalai, Manu, Jari and Longai rivers in degraded by past human activity or to enhance the North, Gomati and Howrah rivers in the East, the biodiversity, an inventory study was carried out by tidal rivers of Fenny and Muhuri in the South-East, the authors in the Rudrasagar Lake at six different mixing the Bay of Bengal through Bangladesh. The sampling sites to understand the hydro-biological Gomati is the largest flowing river from eastern to parameters, natural productivity, fish species diver- western direction. Now, many societies are learning sity. New and innovative approaches to the manage- the cost of taking wetlands for granted. Settlements ment of and their basins are urgently needed to that have encroached on floodplains have bearing ensure that this precious freshwater ecosystem con- the brunt of floods, stroms. Many communities are tinue to deliver their services. Thus, it is the high time now restoring wetlands as a simple way of cleaning to understand the value of wetland ecosystem and effluents. Some communities are utilizing wetlands as source of fish and other foods. Moreover, wetlands are required for ground water recharge and discharge, flood control, storm protection, sediment and nutri- ent retention, fisheries support and many more utili- zations.

D. Barman*, S. C. Mandal, Pampa Bhattacharjee, Present status of Rudrasagar lake S. P. Datta College of Fisheries, Central Agricultural University (I), Lembucherra, Tripura (W) 799210, India Rudrasagar Lake is abundant in commercially impor- e-mail: [email protected] tant freshwater fishes like Botia spp, Notopterus *Correspondence chitala, Mystus spp., Ompok pabda, Labeo bata 1321

Fig. 1. Partial view of the Rudrasagar Lake, Tripura, India. and freshwater scampi with annual production of 26 of wetlands of International Importance in Ramsar tons and an ideal habitat for IUCN red listed three- site (5). The lake falls in the West Tripura district and striped roof turtle Kachuga dhongka. This lake not at a distance of about 53 km from , the state only important for many endemic fish species but also capital of Tripura. Hydro-morphologically, the lake is a potential natural habitat for many important bird a natural sedimentation reservoir, which receives flow species and attracts a large number of waterfowl in from three perennial streams namely, Oacherra, winter (1). The endangered Baer’s Pochard and Near- Durlavnarayacherra and Kemtalicherra. In 1951, the Threatened Ferruginous Duck are found in this lake Govt of Tripura rehabilitated 600 fishermen refugees (2). Due to high rainfall and downstream topography, from East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) in 15 villages the wetland is regularly flooded with 4-5 times every surrounding the lake forming Rudrasagar Udbastu year. The aquatic weeds are composed of some rare Fisherman Samabaya Samity Limited Presently, in marginal, floating, emergent and submerged weeds in the society’s record, the water spread area of the lake the lake. The owner of lands are State Government, is 147.62 ha, agricultural land 593.06 ha and home- with perennial water areas leased out to the subsis- stead land, road and tanks comprise 97.89 ha (6). tent fishermen’s cooperative and surrounding sea- sonal water bodies are cultivated for paddy. How- Morphometry of Rudrasagar Lake ever, the main threats are increasing silt loads due to deforestation, expansion of agricultural lands, inten- Rudrasagar is an oval-shaped lake with maximum water sive farming and land conversion for population spread area of about 8.16 km2 during monsoon and pressure (3). reduces to 1.0 km2 during dry season. The depth ranges from 1.5 to 2.5 m during dry season and 7.5 to Report of the International Wetland 8.0 m during highest monsoon season. The small un- dulating hillocks locally known as tilla lands com- The floodplain wetland within Gomati river basin prise about 60% of the catchments area. This area is which periodically gets inundated leading to the de- one of the highest population densities of more than velopment of fisheries and agriculture. Rudrasagar 650 per km2 as compared to the average of 304 of the inland wetland has always been the tourist attrac- state. This was due to rapid increase in population in tion (Fig. 1). Considering its ecological and socio- this area due to high influx of refugee people from economic importance in the state, it was designated East Pakistan in the early 1950’s. The soil in lake area as Ramsar site (4). It has been also included in the list is silt-clay-loam to clay-loam. The lake water is fresh 1322 with insignificant pollution with a depth varies from 2 Primary Productivity was recorded as 46.88 mg C / to 9 m. The downstream area of the lake is 750 ha with m3 per h. temperature variation from 5°C to 37 °C. The lake also serves as significant source of ground water recharge Juck fishing for the surrounding villages. Juck fishing is a special technique used by the fisher- Physico-chemical characteristics men in Rudrasagar Lake to catch fish. In this type of of the soil and water fishing, 12 to 25 m2 area is surrounded by bamboo and its branches in the water body to make either The lake is of perennial type and fed with mainly ag- circular or square shape and inside that circle of dif- ricultural runoff. About 20% of the lake is covered ferent aquatic weeds were put mainly Eichhornia, with macrophyte. The detailed Water and Soil qual- which become very suitable places for fishes, which ity parameters of Rudrasagar Lake are analyzed by provides shelter as well as provides food for the APHA standard methods mentioned in Table 1 (7). fishes (Fig. 4). During harvesting whole juck was encircled by net and normally it takes 2 to 3 days to Fisheries and fish yield harvest the fish. The most commonly catch in the juck are common carp and rohu, which is a common Out of 62 fish species reported in Tripura state, 17 practice in the lake mainly in winter seasons. fish species were reported during a survey of 8 wet- lands in Tripura (8) and wetlands in Tripura (8) and Major fishing seasons, 53 species were reported (9) during JICA project gear and craft used from this lake. The lake has the connection with Gomati River of the state during the whole years and Fishing operation is done throughout the year in the facilitating the natural breeding ground for the major- lake. But favurite season for fishing fish is February ity of the indigenous fish species of the state. Some to May and during that time fishing is completely of the important fin fishes available in the Rudrasagar banned and declared as closed season. Another har- lake are Catla catla, Labeo rohita, Cirrhinus mrigala, vesting season followed by the fishermen around the Mystus aor, Ompok pabda, Notopterus chitala, lake is from June to October. Harvesting is mainly Amblypharyngodon mola, Mastacembalus armatus, done when market demand is more. There are many Nandus nandus, Puntius ticto, P. conchonius, indigenous fishing gears, being used by local fisher- Channa marulius, C. punctatus, Anabus testudineus, men are drag nets of different shapes and sizes, cash Clarias batrachus, Heteropneustes fossilis, Ailia net, push net, lift net, drag nets and different traps colia, Lepidocephalus guntia, Nemachiious botia, (Fig. 2). Besides these, some local gears are also used Macrognathus puncalus, Colisa fasciata, Badis by fishermen like chapila jal, thalajal, phelunjal, anta, badis, Tetradon cutcutia (Fig. 2), Brchydanio rerio, chaiee. Among gears dingi, khusi, saranga are mainly Xenoetodon cancila, Rita rita, Wallago attu includ- used in the lake. ing freshwater turtle and tortoise. Important crusta- ceans of the lake are Macrobrachium rosenbergii Causes for reduced fish production and Macrobrachium rude. The lake is an ideal habi- in Rudrasagar Lake tat for some unique species of fish like Amblypharyngodon mola, Esomus danricus, Succession Chanda spp., Ompok spp., Notopterus spp., Cirrhinus spp., Labeo spp., Mastacembelus spp., The lake itself is in the process of autogenic succes- Macrognathus spp., Gudusia spp. sion which is a natural process of development. Vari- Fish production from Rudrasagar Lake decreased ous plant communities bring a change in the environ- in recent years drastically. A detailed Statement of ment and produce habitat conditions less suitable for fish production of the lake in mentioned in Table 2 their own survival but more suitable for other spe- Gross Primary Productivity 93.75 mg C/m3/h and Net cies. The first flowering plants encourage detritus 1323

Fig. 2. Innovative fishing by bamboo traps in the outlet of the lake to catch fish. Fig. 3. Endangered species of the lake, Tetradon cutcutia, an ornamental fish. Fig. 4. Juck fishing (fish aggregating device) in the lake during winter season. and sediment to build up and in the shallower areas gal biomass is a threat to the aquatic biodiversity of the emergent species take root to trap even sedi- this lake (11) ments and give way to terrestrial plants. Thus, wet- land is transformed to a dry land ecosystem by natu- Participation of local communities ral development. The most challenges that are facing by the lake are the population growth, unscientific The Ramsar convention provides an opportunity for development and economic growth (10). Eutrophica- promotion of wetland development through devel- tion & Uncontrolled growth of Water hyacinth opment assistance programmes. Need to highlight the (Eichhornia) along with the growth of excessive al- approaches to wetland management to yield eco- 1324

Table 1. Soil and water quality parameters of Rudrasagar Table 2. Fish production of Rudrasagar Lake (2006— Lake. 2011).

Water sample Range Fish production Parameters Minimum Maximum Sl. No. Financial Year (tons)

Temperature (0C) 32.0 34.2 1. 2006-07 30.275 Water depth (m) 1.25 2.00 2. 2007-08 48.919 pH 6.24 6.94 3. 2008-09 30.366 Dissolved oxygen 4. 2009-10 28.593 (mg/l) 5.20 7.10 5. 2010-11 29.847 Conductivity (µ S/cm) 100.8 117.2 Total hardness (mg/l) 124.4 151.2 Total alkalinity (mg/l) 104.4 123.2 are used for fishery purpose, partly silted land used Dissolve organic for seasonal paddy cultivation with uncertain fate due matter (mg/l) 5.40 6.40 to flood. The surrounding plain areas are used for PO -P (mg/l) 0.024 0.042 4 paddy cultivation, whereas, the uplands in catchment NO2-N (mg/l) 0.063 0.085 NO -N (mg/l) 0.084 0.116 area are used for horticulture and agro-forestry and 3 habitation purposes. NH4-N (mg/l) 0.428 0.675 Phytoplanktons (nos./l) 248 382 Zooplanktons Factors affecting ecological (nos./l) 38 60 characters, land use and Soil Sample development projects pH 6.38 6.62 Continuous siltation in the lake is causing loss of Organic carbon (%) 2.42 2.64 Available phosphorous water area every year, increased use for human habi- (mg/100 g) 3.54 3.88 tation, intensified deforestation, increased agricul- Available nitrogen tural use of land has caused higher rate of siltation. (mg/100 g) 8.46 9.26 Suggestions for future development nomic and social benefits are: Present fish produc- tion of the lake may be improved by arranging appro- Conservation measures taken: This is an unprotected priate project for maintaining permanent water area. area and nature is playing its own role for changes. No forestry is available in the lake area. So, forestry In surrounding area, plains and uplands, the Depart- in the upper catchment areas may be improved by ment of Agriculture, Soil Conservation and Horti- afforestation project. There is one heritage building culture are working for scientific cultivation, soil sta- of earlier kings of Tripura naming Nirmahal (Fig. 1) bilization. Department of Forests is working with which needs to be renovated to upgrade the esthetic projects on afforestation of the catchment areas. beauty of the palace and thereby attract more tour- ists from all over the country and also from abroad. Conservation measures proposed: Scientific re- The land ownership of the lake is owned by the Gov- search facilities are not well organized for the lake. ernment of Tripura state. The permanent water area Tripura University and College of Fisheries, Tripura has been leased to Rudrasagar Udbastu Fishermen is working with some research project & thesis work Samabaya Samity Ltd for enjoying their fishing right. is being carried out by the students on this lake re- But the surrounding areas are privately owned, which lated issues. causes disputes and hampered in developmental fish- ing activities, which needs immediate attention. Current recreation and tourism: This Lake has been used extensively for recreation and tourism. Current land use pattern Every year the “Nirmahal” festival is celebrated with participation from various states of India. Local The areas which retain water throughout the years people organize swimming competition, boat race, etc. 1325

on the auspicious occasion of Vijaya Dashami activities. The traditional practices need to be ad- (Dussera) in the month of September-October every justed of grazing, fishing and wetland agriculture to year. Many people also take part in sport fishing in protect the lake and conservation of the native fish the lake. It is reported that about 50,000 tourists from fauna of Tripura state. Tripura state and other states of India are visiting Rudrasagar every year and the number of tourists References have been rising every year, so it needs to be taken 1. Choudhury AU (2008) Rudrasagar “A Potential IBA care in terms sustainability of this lake. in Tripura in North-East India”. Mistnet 9 : 4—5. 2. Choudhury AU (2010) Recent ornithological records Vegetational succession: Wetlands like Rudrasagar from Tripura, North-Eastern India, with an anno- tated checklist. Indian Birds 6 : 66—74. are under threat from a variety of human induced 3. Deka S (2010) Conservation, restoration and man- changes to their hydrolog. To alleviate these threats agement of Rudrasagar Lake (Tripura), Seminar Proc, and restore wetlands degraded by past human activ- North Eastern Symposium on Science and Techno- ity or to enhance biodiversity, proper understanding logy, ICFAI Publ, pp. 59—66. 4. Smart M, Canters KJ (1991) Ramsar participation of the wetland hydrology and hydrogeology, water and wise use. Landscape and Urban Planning 20 : level management and monitoring of change has be- 269—274. come essential. 5. The List of Wetlands of International Importance (2010) Convention on wetlands (1971) Ramsar, Iran, pp. 19. Conclusion 6. Agenda note on (2007) Ministry of For- est, Fishery Dept., Govt. of Tripura Annual Report To initiate any development activities, proper estima- 2005—2006. tion of the real value of the wetlands need to be 7. APHA (2005) Standard methods for examination of water and wastewater. (Eaton AD, Clesceri LS, Green- worked out. After all the cost benefit analysis, risk berg AE eds) American Public Health Association, assessment and other forms of environment impact American Water Works Association, Water Environ- studies have to be conducted. Many wetland values ment Federation. Washington, DC. do not have quantifiable values such as water purifi- 8. Venkataraman K, Das SR, Khan RA, Alfred JRB (2002) Wetland faunal resources. In: Fauna of Tri- cation and flood control. As these are tend to be ig- pura (Part-I), Vertebrates State Fauna, series 7, pp. nored in economic calculations favouring develop- 321—365. Zoological Survey of India, Kolkata, India. ment which degrades the wetland. Some parts of the 9. Bhattacharjee P (2010) Inventorization of fish diver- wetlands have to be transformed to feed the ever in- sity and status of fish species of four major rivers of Tripura J Interacad 14 : pp. 523—533. creasing population. Keeping this in mine, the 10. Beazley M (1993) Wetlands in danger: A world con- Rudrasagar communities have stared converting the servation atlas (Dugan P ed), Reed international shallow marginal areas into paddy fields. As the ar- Books Limited, UK, pp. 187. eas for fishing get shrunken, the conflict arises be- 11. Deka S (2010) Conservation, restoration and man- agement of Rudrasagar Lake (Tripura), Seminar tween various stakeholders like rice cultivators, fish- Proc, Department of Life Science, Dibrugarh Uni- ermen communities and the state sponsored tourism versity.

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