Wetlands News Monitor March - April 2018

TRENDING TOPICS IN THIS ISSUE:

1. Information on Sundarbans

2. News on Wetland Birds

3. Report on Status of Wetlands

4. Report on Wetland Protection

5. Wetland Pollution

6. General Wetland News

News brief on Sundarban, Wetland Birds, Wetland status and protection.

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

Information on Sundarbans

The Sundarban Reserve Forest, spread of 4,260 sq. km. with over 2,000 sq. km. of mangrove forests and creeks, is likely to be declared a Ramsar Site. The West Bengal government gave its approval to the State Forest Department to apply for recognition under the Ramsar Convention during April 2018. Ravi Kanta Sinha, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, West Bengal reported that the approval was given by the government and with all the necessary documents the application will be sent to the Ramsar Convention Secretariat through the Government of India. The Indian Sundarbans, with 2,114 sq. km. of mangrove forests, comprise almost 43% of the mangrove cover in the country according to a 2017 Forest Survey of India report. Other than the forests, it is home to about 100 Royal Bengal tigers. The creeks and river systems of the Sundarbans are also part of the reserve forest and once conferred a Ramsar site status, it will be the largest protected wetland in the country.

Sundarbans was identified as UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 for its exclusive biodiversity. International recognition aside, the Ramsar tag will help promote the Sundarbans as an eco-tourism hotspot, it will also ensure better conservation as any threat to the ecosystem or change in character will mean de-recognition and an international embarrassment. Apart from being the world's largest tiger habitat, the mangrove forest in the Sundarbans is remarkable for the protection it provides to nearly 4.5 million people on the Indian side and another 3.5 million on the Bangladesh portion from tidal surge generated by cyclonic depression in the Bay of Bengal. About one-third of the total area is used as protected area for the conservation of biological diversity. In addition, the abundant fish and biomass resources such as timber, fuelwood, pulpwood, leaves, shells, crabs, honey and fish are harvested by local communities. The Sundarbans is also a major pathway for nutrient recycling and pollution abatement. The biodiversity of the Sundarbans is also diverse. The delta has the distinction of encompassing the world's largest mangrove forest belt with 84 identified flora species, of which 34 are true mangroves.

There are currently 26 sites in India recognised as Ramsar wetland sites of international importance, including the East Kolkata Wetlands also in West Bengal. Experts have been raising questions about increased encroachment at the East Kolkata Wetlands where the spread over

125-square-km (12,500 hectare) the wetland area of the water bodies have been decreasing over the past three decades. In 1986, the percentage of water bodies was 30.6% which dropped to 26.3% and in 2011 further dropped to 24.7%.

Environmental activist Subhas Datta stated that the Sundarbans is already a World Heritage Site, and another feather in its cap as a Ramsar site will not help in its conservation, even as the recognition has not helped the East Kolkata Wetlands. He added that the requirement is the implementation of existing laws and regulations by the tribunals where he have submitted more than 500 photos citing environmental degradation of the Sundarbans before the National Green Tribunal. Other than threats such as climate change, sea level rise, widespread construction and clearing of mangrove forests for fisheries is posing a danger to the Sundarbans. Ms. Dey said another threat is the 1,320-megawatt coal-based thermal power plant at Rampal, just a few kilometres north of the reserve forest in Bangladesh. She added that the Sundarbans is a contiguous ecosystem spread across India and Bangladesh and any adverse move will affect the entire ecosystem and the issue was raised at the IUCN [International Union for Conservation of Nature] meeting of 2017.

Fishermen get down to work at Satyanarayanpur village in the Sundarbans. The wetland faces a threat from climate change and rise in sea level.

Source: The Hindu Dt.: 22 April 2018

State's chief forest officer Ravikant Sinha said that it‟s a great honor to get included in the Ramsar Site. Sundarbans is not just about the Royal Bengal Tigers. It has got a wide diversity of flora, fauna, biosphere reserve, coastal reserve and huge area of wetlands. He added that they are trying to protect and conserve this unique biodiversity for years and going to submit a report of almost 300 pages on Sundarban Wetlands and once after getting NOD from Ramsar, this wetland will be conserved by getting assistance from experts.

Source:

 http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/ramsar-tag-likely-for- Sundarbans/article23633024.ece  https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/how-ramsar-tag-will-help-promote- Sundarbans-as-an-eco-tourism-hotspot/articleshow/63829095.cms

News on Wetland Birds

There has been a sudden increase in the numbers of flamingos seen in the Uran wetlands at Panje, Navi Mumbai during first week of March 2018. The residents of Panje coastal village of Uran taluka said that as many as 800 to 900 flamingos have been seen there during low tide, much to the delight of bird watchers. They collectively feed on micro-organisms found along the coast when the water recedes back during low tide. Recently, the Bombay Natural History Society had submitted its report on birds survey with regards to the upcoming Navi Mumbai Airport and noted that the surrounding wetlands in Navi Mumbai must be preserved and safeguarded so that migratory birds like flamingos do not enter the airport zone and cause the risk of „bird hits‟ when the flights take off or land.

Albania has one of the most important wetlands in the Adriatic basin which is important for migratory wildlife and is a breeding area for the pelican. However, like other spots in Europe, the picturesque lagoon has suffered extensive damage at the hands of man and the Dalmatian pelican came close to deserting it. Now a return in force of the bird, whose wingspan reaches up to three metres (10 feet), is down to a proactive policy by Albanian authorities, often criticised for being passive on environmental issues. Since 1980s, Europe's bird population has declined by

several tens of millions, according to ornithologists. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has included the Dalmatian pelican (Pelecanus crispus) on its red list as it believes that 80 percent of its breeding sites in Europe have disappeared. Adrian Koci, Head, Divjaka-Karavasta National Park reported that at the Divjaka Lagoon, the pelicans had almost completely abandoned their nests, although previously “the Divjaka-Karavasta National Park was considered its kingdom”. Koci added that there need to be channels created between the lagoon and the sea “which has not been done for 20 years, to allow the circulation of fresh water and oxygen and the entry of fish”, the basis of the pelicans' diet.

He suggested that night time fishermen, who are depleting the fish stock with their nets and electric lamps, should also be tracked down and banned. He estimated that nearly half of the 200 species of birds inhabiting the lagoon could be affected. A park employee, Mr. Dorian Nasi stated that the park's birds now include notably 1,500 to 1,600 greater flamingos.

Source: The Hindu Dt.: 17 April 2018

Source:

 https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/navi-mumbai/bird-watchers-report-sudden- increase-in-number-of-flamingos-visiting-uran-wetlands/articleshow/63176975.cms  http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-in-school/its-migration-time-for- pelicans/article23565894.ece

Report on Status of Wetlands

Panchanadikulam wetland of Tamil Nadu measuring 8,097 hectares and the un-surveyed salt swamp measuring 15.12 hectares located between Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary and Muthupet mangroves is to be within the umbrella of the Ramsar Convention, 1971. Presently, Point Calimere Wildlife and Birds Sanctuary is the only water body in Tamil Nadu which is covered by the Ramsar Convention (the convention on wetlands, is an inter-governmental treaty that provides the framework for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources).

In view of a Supreme Court order, the Madras high court initiated suo motu proceedings and directed the central and state governments to file reports in connection with evolving a scheme to identify and conserve wetlands across the state. When the plea came up for hearing, Tamil Nadu government submitted that they have set up a state wetland authority under the chairmanship of the chief secretary, to aid and advice as well as to formulate policies for the protection and preservation of wetlands in the state.

The government said that the process of preparation of the brief document is long drawn, as it involves collection and collation of data on a wide range of parameters of the identified wetlands. The state has also formed a Conservation Authority of Pallikaranai Marshland Complex in the city of Chennai. This apart, in Point Calimere Wildlife and Birds Sanctuary, step have been taken to improve the habitats of water birds, raising of mangrove plantations, digging creeks, desilting animal water holes, formation of bunds at a cost of Rs. 85.46 lakh. Similarly, steps were taken to improve board walk, construct watch towers, physical barrier to prevent cattle entry, and boundary demarcation using non-corrosive pillars. The state also submitted para-monitoring personnel that have also been deployed, besides conducting field research of vegetation.

Recording the submission, the bench posted the plea to 2nd July 2018 for submission of further status report as to the action taken in respect of other water bodies and in particular the Panchanadikulam wetland, which is proposed to be brought under the umbrella of the Ramsar Convention.

Source:

 https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/tn-to-bring-panchanadikulam-wet-land- under-ramsar-convention/articleshow/63587521.cms

Report on Wetland Protection

1. Tezpur Wetlands, Assam

Tezpur is a historic town in northern Assam's Sonitpur district. It is situated on the bank of river Brahmaputra. It is known as the cleanest city of the state for its greenery. The Sonitpur district administration took a major step to protect the biodiversity and ecology of Tezpur by ordering a ban on illegal constructions in the historic town to the north of the state. Penal provisions under the Disaster Management Act 2005 have also been imposed in case of violations of the order to ban illegal constructions.

Sonitpur district magistrate Manoj Kumar Deka in an order passed said the natural beauty of the historic Tezpur town has been decreasing due to rapid damage of the natural beauty of the area by illegal construction work in some low-lying areas and wetlands of the town. The district administration is very concerned with the matter and has imposed a ban on such illegal construction to protect the ancient natural glory of the town. The order stated that no person shall carry out any construction work on the wetlands and other low lying areas in Tezpur town without prior permission from the concerned authorities. All such construction work that may cause damage to the natural beauty, biodiversity and ecology have been barred under section 26 (2), 30 (2) and 34 of Disaster Management Act 2005 with immediate effect and it will be continued until further order.

The order also stated that the authorities who are empowered to issue permission for construction work in areas under the jurisdiction of the Tezpur Municipal Board and the Tezpur Town Development Authority have also been cautioned to stop issuing such permissions with immediate effect. The order also said violation of this order shall be dealt with under sections 51 to 58 of the Disaster Management Act 2005. However, Tezpur is gradually witnessing

waterlogging problems due to the severe damage that has been done to natural water bodies by illegal constructions. Natural wetlands situated at some areas like Mission Chariali, Ketekibari, Murhateteli, Kacharigaon, Hatipilkhana and SC Road have been reportedly occupied illegally. These areas, which were once the lifeline of the historic town, are now occupied by residential buildings, business establishments and medical nursing homes. The district administration has taken up some eviction drives on such illegal occupations from time to time but the damage to biodiversity and ecology is more harmful than ever.

Source:

 https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/guwahati/ban-on-illegal-construction-work-on- tezpur-wetlands/articleshow/63328905.cms

2. Mangroves and wetlands at Palm Beach road at Navi Mumbai

Mangroves and wetlands at Palm Beach road at Navi Mumbai were affected by dumping lot of earth and debris. A PIL has been filed by the activist Sunil Agarwal for dumping the waste in the wetland. Activist Sunil Agarwal whose PIL came before the high court was clubbed with an earlier petition of Navi Mumbai Environment Preservation Society (NMEPS) said that the state forest department officials and those of Cidco were present for the joint inspection of the affected mangroves and wetlands at Palm Beach road on 28th March 2018. The forest department officials and Cidco carried out a joint inspection of the wetlands along Palm Beach road as per the direction of the Bombay high court. Petitioners fighting for safeguarding these eco-sensitive areas were also part of the inspection team. Petitioners demanded to protect and preserve the water body should, so that such illegal activities are fully plugged. The formal report of the joint inspection will be submitted before the high court division bench of Justice A S Oka and Justice R I Chagla who will next hear the matter on 6th April 2018.

Source:

 https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/navi-mumbai/its-official-now-debris-dumping- killing-wetlands/articleshow/63550048.cms

Wetland Pollution

Valankulam Lake is one of the lakes in Coimbatore that is situated between Trichy road and Sungam bypass road connecting with Ukkadam. A railway track connecting Coimbatore Junction and Podanur passes over the lake. Various birds including little grebes and purple moorhen can be seen in this lake. The dumping of debris continues on the link road connecting Tiruchi Road and Sungam bypass, encroaching portions of the Valankulam despite the issue came to the knowledge of authorities. It looks like more areas are levelled on the road using debris dumped along the side of the road. At some places, the tank levelled by the miscreants is now wide enough to park lorries and other heavy vehicles on the roadside.

Sanjay Prasad, chief coordinator of Environmentalist Foundation of India reported that the corporation recently removed debris from the place after the issue was taken to its attention. However, dumping continued a few days later. R. Manikandan of Kovai Kulangal Paathukaapu Amaipu said that authorities should set an example by identifying the offenders and imposing fine on them so that the practice can be controlled. He added that though action against the offenders can be taken by authorities namely the Corporation, PWD and the police, there has been lethargic approach. Apart from dumping of construction debris, the tank is also facing threats in the form of littering plastic and other non-biodegradable waste into the water posing risk for various living organisms.

Mr. Prasad reported that a coffin dumped in the lake during a cleaning drive conducted recently. Some of the people from the locality told that coffin was dumped from an ambulance and liquor bottles were also thrown into the water. Mr. Manikandan said that sewage from Coimbatore Medical College Hospital is also released into the tank without treating it.

Corporation Commissioner K. Vijayakarthikeyan reported that the civic body is working on a long-term solution to control the menace which will be addressed once the processing plant for construction and demolition waste comes up at Ukkadam. He added that tenders have been floated for the development activities at Valankulam and Periyakulam under Smart City Project. The places reclaimed by dumping and levelling along the side of Valankulam road had turned to a parking lot for some of the private ambulance operators in the city. Those living in the locality

alleged that private ambulance operators are facilitating the dumping of debris at night as they are able to create parking space by levelling them.

Private ambulances are parked on the sides of a link road connecting Tiruchi Road and Sungam- Ukkadam bypass in Coimbatore.

Source: The Hindu Dt.: 13 April 2018

Lakes in Bengaluru cities have many issues dealing with their survival where the nutrient-rich environment by entry of wastewater from sewage enters the water bodies. Nitrates and phosphates are ubiquitous in the urban environment. Once they enter the lakes they cause algal blooms and the growth of macrophytes such as water hyacinths. The idea of floating islands has been tried in the lakes of Indore.

Puttenahalli in South Bengaluru and Jakkur and Rachenahalli in North Bengaluru have used floating wetland islands to treat the nutrient-rich water where there has been a significant reduction in algal blooms in the waters of the lakes. A variety of plants can be used for these floating islands. They all look lovely and green with flowers. They provide a habitat for birds and insects. The long roots below allow for absorption of nutrients from the lake waters. The floating islands can be towed in and harvested regularly to allow for new growth for it is at the growth stage that plants absorb the maximum nutrients. By fringing the lakes with floating islands not only can the lake waters be remedied but also the steep edges can be modified to provide a habitat for many birds and the fishes too love the root zone of these islands. Using bamboo and coir, even the base of the floating islands can be made eco-friendly.

Debris removal from Pallikaranai Marsh aggravates residents during April 2018. The Forest Department which maintained a major portion of the Pallikaranai Marshland had taken up the cleaning work and employed a lot of heavy machinery to remove the vegetation along the Velachery Main Road. The residents of Velachery feared that any deepening of the marshland would lead to the loss of the ecological balance and intrusion of sea water. A senior official of the department allayed the residents‟ fears stating that they were only removing the concrete and other debris dumped in the marshland and not actually desilting it. The official said the debris removed from the marshland was dumped on the perimeter to strengthen the bund. Also, there was a proposal to construct a compound wall along the bunds to prevent any encroachment. While the Forest Department was executing the marshland cleaning, the Water Resources Department (WRD) was involved in providing technical advice on removing the waste.

According to WRD officials, the swamp area acts as natural sponge and contributes towards flood mitigation. During the 2015 floods, the bed level filled with silt had risen by 0.1 m. This had reduced its water intake capacity. Environmental activists noted that it was a serious issue if the core part of the wetland was desilted. V. Srinivasan of Save Pallikaranai Marshland Forum said large-scale excavation of soil from the swamp would disrupt the ecological balance.

Source:

 http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/dumping-of-debris- along-valankulam-continues/article23518868.ece  http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-propertyplus/floating-islands-can- clean-lakes/article23623929.ece  http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/debris-removal-from-pallikaranai- marsh-riles-residents/article23703542.ece  https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/forest-department-to-remove-debris- that-buried-pallikaranai-marshland/articleshow/63649281.cms

General Wetland News

Online campaign for the protection and preservation of wetlands, mangroves, hills in Navi Mumbai, Thane and Mumbai regions have been started by City based activists. Concerned about the steady decline and destruction of natural heritage, such as debris dumping in waterbodies, sand mining, quarrying and earth excavations among others, the Public Relations Council of India (PRCI) and Shri Ekvira Aai Pratishthan (SEAP) has started supporting this cause on the internet as #BoomCityDoomCity, and forward it to the various heads of state and departments.

Nandakumar Pawar, founder director of (SEAP) which is on a crusade to maintain the ecological balance stated that the importance of protecting mangroves cannot be underestimated, yet the authorities are turning a blind eye to the widespread destruction by dumping garbage and debris in the creek. Supporting the #BoomCityDoomCity campaign, Pawar added that they are happy that professional bodies like PRCI and Mumbai Press Club have expressed their concern over the environmental degradation.

PRCI expressed satisfaction that people from across the city and some other parts of the country have been responding to the #BoomCityDoomCity call. The social communication has picked up well with facebook page „Save Nature – Save Cities‟, which has over 4000 likes. About 400 people have already signed the online petition to Governor C Vidyasagar Rao and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Apart from the Prime Minister, PRCI is also tagging prominent personalities like Amitabh Bachchan, the civic and police officials and several media houses to draw their attention to the perils ahead.

Source:

 https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/navi-mumbai/online-campaign-to-protect- wetlands-mangroves-hills-in-mumbai-metropolitan-region/articleshow/63975482.cms