ISSN: 0972-3153 ENVIS Newsletter on wetland ecosystems and inland wetlands Sarovar Saurabh Vol.10(1), 2014 n a h t a n a y d i a V

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e r u t c i p Sálim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History (SACON) Anaikatti P.O. Coimbatore 641108. TamilNadu ENVIS Newsletter on wetland ecosystems and inland wetlands Sarovar Saurabh Vol.10(1), 2014 ISSN: 0972-3153

Editor in Chief Dr. P.A. Azeez Director- SACON & ENVIS Head Contents

ENVIS and Editorial Team 1. Protection of Tanks and Eviction Dr. Goldin Quadros - ENVIS Co-ordinator of Encroachment Act, 2007 pg. 1-5. Dr. B. Hemambika Ms. A. Julffia Begam 2. Lake Festivals - Action towards Conservation? Mr. R. Srinivasan pg. 6-8.

Layout & Design 3. Lesser Known Wetlands from South Arcot Dr. Goldin Quadros & Ms. A. Julffia Begam District. pg. 9.

Published by 4. News Article pg. 10. Environmental Information System (ENVIS) Sálim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History Views expressed in the articles of this newsletter (SACON), Annaikatti P.O. Coimbatore 641108. are of the authors only. Tamil Nadu, .

Sponsored by Ministry of Environment and Forests Government of India, New Delhi.

Instructions to Contributors From the Editors desk......

We welcome original research and popular India being biogeographically diverse country is rich in articles, reviews, reports, research highlights, notes, news, every aspects of diversity be it cultural or biological. The country has a rich heritage that changes every latitudinal degree; these changes snippets, etc., related to the thematic area of the ENVIS however do not vary much when it comes to the utilization of its centre for publication in ‘Sarovar Saurabh the ENVIS natural resources, wetlands are no exception to this operation. Newsletter on Wetland ecosystems and inland wetlands’. Hence it is increasingly becoming important to promote and The articles and other information should be inculcate values of sustainable use and conservation among all. neatly typed in double space not exceeding five pages. The This newsletter we have information on the wetlands from figures/graphs/ drawings should be of good quality and across the country, all echoing an almost similar call to protect, clarity. Photographs should be of minimum 300 dpi restore and conserve the resource that only provides to mankind. The resolution. References should be limited and cited in the knowledge shared by the authors is to ensure that the masses and the text by name and year. Council of Science editors style classes take action in their capacities towards achieving some may be referred to for listing references at the end. Email your articles in MS word 2003 or sustainable conservation. 2 0 0 7 f o r m a t t o s a c o n - e n v @ n i c . i n o r We look forward to your feedbacks and assistance in [email protected] taking this Newsletter forward to promote the significance of the Or send the articles in hard and soft copy by post to importance of wetlands for all as is the Ramsar message. Please do The ENVIS Co-ordinator, correspond with us and share your information on the wetlands. We ENVIS Centre, request you to contribute your articles and partner in disseminating Sálim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History information. (SACON), Annaikatti P.O. Coimbatore 641108. Tamil Nadu, India. P.A. Azeez.

Printed at: Udhayam Achagam, Coimbatore - 641002. Ph: 0422 - 2541551 Tamil Nadu Protection of Tanks and Eviction of Encroachment Act, 2007 ACT No. 8 OF 2007

And Tamil Nadu Protection of Tanks and Eviction of Encroachment Rules, 2007.

The following Act of the Legislative Assembly received the assent of the Governor on the 22nd May 2007 and is hereby published for general information

ACT No. 8 OF 2007

An Act to provide measures for checking the encroachment, eviction of encroachment in tanks which are under the control and management of Public Works Department, protection of such tanks and for matters incidental thereto.

Be it enacted by the Legislative Assembly of the State of Tamil Nadu in the Fifty-eighth Year of the Republic of India as follows _

1. (1) This Act may be called the Tamil Nadu Protection of Tanks and Eviction of Short title, extent Encroachment Act, 2007. and comencement (2) It extends to the whole of the State of Tamil Nadu. (3) It shall come into force on such date as the Government may, by notification, appoint.

2. In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires, - (a) 'ayacut area' means area irrigated under any irrigation system within its Definitions commandability; (b) 'field channel' means a channel existing or to be constructed to receive and distribute water for irrigation; (c) 'field drainage' means a water course which discharges waste or surplus water from the land; (d) 'foreshore area' means the land above full tank level and upstream of the tank bund; (e) 'full tank level' means the level of water in the tank when the water is stored up to the crest of the surplus weir; (f) 'Government' means the State Government; (g) 'land' includes benefits to arise out of land and things attached to the earth or permanently fastened to anything attached to the earth; (h) 'prescribed' means prescribed by rules; (i) 'supply channel' means a channel, which receives water from a water source and supply to the lower down tank; (j) 'surplus course' means a channel which conveys the surplus spilling from the tank to the next tank downstream or river nearby; (k) 'surplus weir' means a device to lead away the surplus water not required to be stored in the tank safely to the river lower down or tank; (l) 'tank' means a storage structure built in for harnessing water for use and includes supply channel and its cross masonries, tank sluice, surplus weir, surplus course and its cross masonries; field channel and its cross masonries besides the drains and tank poramboke lands which are under the control and management of Public Works Department; (m) 'tank bund' means a small fixed earth dam; (n) 'tank sluice' means a vent way provided for the purpose of supplying water from the tank;

SACON ENVIS Newsletter - Sarovar Saurabh 1 Vol.10(1), 2014. ISSN: 0972-3153 (o) 'water spread area' means an area covered by water spread at full tank level.

Power to direct 3. The Government may direct that a survey be made, with reference to the records available survey of tanks with the Revenue Department, of tanks in every district for the purpose of determining their limits in respect of area and that proper charts and registers be prepared setting forth the channel and all boundaries and marks and all other matters necessary for the purpose of identifying such limits.

Appointment of 4. (1) The Government or any other officer authorized by it may, by order, appoint any officer survey officers not below the rank of Taluk Surveyor as Survey Officer for surveying the tanks within such local limits as may be specified in such order. (2) The Survey Officer shall carry out the survey of tanks in such manner as they be prescribed. (3) The Survey Officer shall be assisted by such officers of the Public Works Department having control over such tanks.

Power to enter 5. The Survey Officer and officers assisting the Survey Officer shall have power to enter upon upon any land and to do all acts necessary for the survey of tanks.

Report of Survey 6. (1) The Survey Officer shall after the completion of the survey of tanks, prepare a chart and a officers register pointing out the boundaries of the tanks and such other information's necessary for the purpose of identifying the limits of tank. (2) The chart and the register prepared under sub-section (1) shall be handed over to an Officer of the Public Works Department, having control over such tanks, as may be specified by the Government. (3) The officer referred to in sub-section (2), shall within one month from the date of handing over of the charge and register, publish a notice in such manner as may be prescribed pointing out the boundaries of the tank.

Eviction of 7. (1) If the officer specified in sub-section (2) of Section 6 is of opinion that any person has encroachment encroached upon any land within the boundaries of the tank and that the encroacher should be evicted, the officer shall issue a notice in the manner as may be prescribed, calling upon the person concerned to remove the encroachment before a date specified in the notice. (2) Where, within the period specified in the notice under sub-section (1), the encroacher has not removed the encroachment and has not vacated the land within the boundaries of the tank, the officer referred to in sub-section (2) of section 6 shall remove the encroachment and take possession of the land within the boundaries of the tank encroached upon, by taking such police assistance as may be necessary. Any police officer whose help is required for this purpose shall render necessary help to that officer. (3) Any crop or other product raised on the land within the boundaries of the tank shall be liable to forfeiture and any building or other construction erected or anything deposited thereon shall also, if not removed by the encroacher after a notice under sub-section (1), be liable to forfeiture.

Offences and 8. Whoever, Penalties (a) Enters the land in the water spread and foreshore areas of the tank without any lawful authority, 2 SACON ENVIS Newsletter - Sarovar Saurabh Vol.10(1), 2014. ISSN: 0972-3153 (b) practices crop cultivation without any lawful authority, (c) raises plantation crops without any lawful authority, (d) damages the tank bund, tank sluices, surplus weirs and other built in structures, (e) obstructs the officers in carrying out their work under this Act, (f) interferes with the flow in the supply channels feeding the tanks and encroachers upon adjoining canal poramboke lands, (g) interferes with the flow in the field channels taking off from tank sluices to feed the ayacut area, (h) damages distribution and control structures located in the field channels, (i) damages and obstructs the flows in the field drainage systems, (j) lifts water from the tank through mechanical and electrical devices for cultivation, without lawful authority, shall on conviction, be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three months or with fine of rupees five thousand or with both.

9. No suit, prosecution or other legal proceedings shall lie against any person for anything which Protection of is in good faith done or intended to be done in pursuance of this Act or a rule or order made action taken in thereunder. good faith

10. If any difficulty arises in giving effect to the provisions of the Act, the Government may by Power to remove order published in the Tamil Nadu Government Gazette, make such provisions, not difficulties inconsistent with the provisions of this Act, as appear to them to be necessary or expedient for removing the difficulties.

Provided that no order shall be made after the expiry of a period of two years from the date of commencement of this Act.

Operation of 11. The provisions of this Act shall be in addition to and not in derogation of any other law for the other laws not time being in force. affected

12. The Government may, in the public interest, alienate any part of the tank poramboke land Alienation of which is under the control of Public Works Department without interfering with storage poramboke capacity and water quality. lands

13.(1) The Government may make rules for carrying out all or any of the purposes of this Act. Power to make (2) (a) All rules made under this Act shall be published in the Tamil Nadu Government Gazette rules and unless they are expressed to come into force on a particular day, shall come into force on the day on which they are so published. (b) All notifications issued under this Act shall be published in the Tamil Nadu Government Gazette and unless they are expressed to come into force on a particular day, shall come into force on the day on which they are so published. (3) Every rule or order made or notification issued under this Act shall as soon as possible, after it is made or issued, be placed on the Table of the Legislative Assembly, and if, before the expiry of the session in which it is so placed or in the next session, the Legislative Assembly makes any modification in any such rule, order or notification or the Legislative Assembly decides that the rule, order or notification should not be made or issued, the rule, order or notification shall thereafter have effect only in such modified form or be of no

SACON ENVIS Newsletter - Sarovar Saurabh 3 Vol.10(1), 2014. ISSN: 0972-3153 effect, as the case may be, so however, that any such modification or annulment shall be without prejudice to the validity of anything previously done under that rule, order or notification.

The Tamil Nadu Protection of Tanks and Eviction of Encroachment Rules, 2007 are extracted hereunder

1. In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (1) of Section 13 of the Tamil Nadu Protection of Tanks and Eviction of Encroachment Act, 2007 (Tamil Nadu Act 8 of Comencement of 2007), the Governor of Tamil Nadu hereby makes the following Rules the Rules 2. These Rules shall come into force with effect on and from the 1st day of October, 2007.

THE RULES

Short title 1. These Rules may be called the Tamil Nadu Protection of Tanks and Eviction of Encroachment Rules, 2007.

Definitions. 2. (1) In these Rules, unless the context otherwise requires, (a) 'Act' means the Tamil Nadu Protection of Tanks and Eviction of Encroachment Act 2007 (Tamil Nadu Act 8 of 2007). (b) 'Chart' means field measurement book sketches covering each of the survey numbers traversed in a tank and map available with the Revenue Department showing the boundaries of a tank clearly marked in distinct colours and includes a separate map showing encroachments, if any; (c) 'form' means form appended to these Rules; (d) 'officer' means the Assistant Engineer or Junior Engineer or Overseer of the Water Resources Organisation of Public Works Department, incharge of the tanks lying in his jurisdiction for the purpose of enforcing the provisions of the Act and the Rules; (e) 'register' means a document containing information regarding the survey number, area encroached, etc. contained in Form I; (f) 'survey officer' means the firka surveyor or town surveyor or any officer not below the rank of the survey officer of the Survey and Land Records Department; (g) tank poramboke' means the land liable to submersion when a tank is full either at full tank level or maximum water level, as the case may be, and includes all the land components form part and parcel of the tank with its appurtenances. (2) The words used but not defined in these Rules shall have the same meaning respectively, assigned to them in the Act.

Survey of Tanks 3. Survey shall be carried out by traversing along the tank and the boundaries be demarcated, based on the original records of the tanks available with the Revenue Department in every taluk and district and simultaneously identifying the areas encroached upon and areas alienated by the Government, in public interest, within the demarcated boundaries, and proper charts and registers be prepared setting forth these details.

Appointment of 4. (1) The Assistant Director of Survey and Land Records Department is authorised to Survey Officer appoint, by order the survey officer, who is not below the rank of taluk surveyor, for surveying the tanks within such local limits as may be specified in such order.

4 SACON ENVIS Newsletter - Sarovar Saurabh Vol.10(1), 2014. ISSN: 0972-3153 (2) The survey officer appointed under sub-rule (1) shall carry out the survey work in the manner provided in Rule 3. (3) The officer of the Public Works Department having control over the tank shall co- ordinate and extend all assistance required by the survey oficer for the conduct of such survey and demarcation of the limits of all the tanks. (4) As and when the boundary lines are demarcated by the survey officer, the officer referred to in sub-rule (3), shall arrange to fix the boundary stones on a permanent basis at desired locations and carry out appropriate measures to maintain the boundary lines without any external interference.

5. (1) The survey officer, after the completion of the survey of tanks shall prepare charts Report of Survey and registers in the manner provided in Rule 3. Officer (2) The charts and registers prepared under sub-rule (1) and duly authorised by the Tahsildar concerned shall be handed over to the officer referred to in sub-rule (3) of Rule 4, having control over such tank. (3) The officer shall, within one month from the date of handing over the chart and register, publish a notice in Form-II together with the map of the tank in the notice boards of the officers of the Village Administrative Officer, Village Panchayat Office and Water Resources Organisation concerned.

6. (1) If any person has encroached upon any land of the tank, the officer referred to in Eviction of sub-rule (3) of Rule 4 shall prepare a notice in Form III and call upon the person Encroachment concerned to remove the encroachment. (2) Not withstanding anything contained in sub-rule (1), such notice shall be served by delivering a copy either to the encroacher or to a member of his family at his usual place of abode, or to his authorised agent, or by affixing a copy thereof in some conspicuous part of his last known residence or in any part of the area encroached upon or in any of the offices of the Village Chavadi, Village Panchayat, District Collector, Revenue Divisional Officer, Tahsildar, Village Administrative Officer, Panchayat Unions and in the Section, Sub-Division and Divisions concerned of the Water Resources Organisation of the Public Works Department as the officer deems fit and proper. (3) If the encroacher has not removed the encroachment within the period specified in the notice referred to in sub-rule (1), the officer shall inform the area Station House Officer of Police Department, in writing to provide adequate Police personnel, as may be necessary and shall remove the encroachment or obstructions or any building or any crop or any product raised on the land or anything deposited and forfeit them and take possession of the land as specified in sub-sections (2) and (3) of Section 7 of the Act. (4) The officer shall also impose the cost of eviction against such person, by preferring a complaint against such person with the competent Judicial Magistrate for recovery.

7. (1) If any person indulges in any of the activities prohibited in Section 8 of the Act, t h e Offences and officer shall on suo motu, prefer a complaint in writing against such person before a Penalties Metropolitan Magistrate or a Judicial Magistrate of first class, as the case may be, for punishment as specified in Section 8 of the Act and no Court shall take cognizance of any offence punishable under this Act except upon a complaint in writing made by the officer. (2) The officer shall also compound the cost of making good the loss and cost of eviction and impose against such person, simultaneously.

Source: Tamil Nadu State Gazette

SACON ENVIS Newsletter - Sarovar Saurabh 5 Vol.10(1), 2014. ISSN: 0972-3153 LAKE FESTIVALS - ACTION TOWARDS CONSERVATION? Vaishali Somani1 and Goldin Quadros2 1- Zoology Department, Maharshi Dayanand College, Mumbai, Maharashtra 2- Wetland Ecology Division & ENVIS Center, SACON, Anaikatti Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu.

Wetland ecosystems offer cultural services by providing recreational opportunities and inspiration for art and music (Millenium Ecosystem Assessment, 2005). Celebrated with the backdrop of serene blue waters, such festivals are highly appreciated by art and music lovers. These celebrations attract high number of visitors and can be thoughtfully planned to spread awareness about wetlands, their significance and need for conservation. This article is an attempt to document a few examples of Lake Festivals celebrated in India during the recent times.

Mumbai, the state capital of Maharashtra, is known to have about 69 fresh water ponds as per the WWF India report of 200). Among them the spring fed Banganga pond is one of the ancient ponds in Mumbai (18°56' 48.78” N, 72° 47' 36.93” E) situated at about 14 mt. elevation on the Malabar Hills. This pond has archeological significance lies adjacent to the Walkeshwar Temple that was constructed between 9th to the 13th century by the rulers of the Silhara dynasty. This ancient tank also constructed by the Silhara rulers was originally built for providing drinking water. The temple and the tank was later destroyed by the Portuguese, however it was renovated in 1715. Over the years various settlers constructed temples of various deities around the tank.

The Banganga pond/tank is declared as Grade I heritage structure by the Indian Heritage Society due to its national and historic importance. Locals consider it as sacred tank and several Banganga Tank religious rituals are performed on its banks throughout the year. It is also a place of interest, for national as well as international tourists.

On the banks of Banganga tank the Indian Heritage Society, Mumbai along with the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) annually organises the musical festival called the Banganga Festival. The ambience and the natural surrounding offer an excellent opportunity for music maestros and enthusiast alike. The festival is celebrated since 1992 aims at promoting the heritage site through a musical tribute and intends to increase awareness, conserve the pond and its environs.

The festival is very popular and attracts a large number of tourists as it serves the dual purpose of visiting a heritage site as well as enjoying performances of renowned artists. However, the platform is hardly used to state importance of conservation of such ancient water bodies. The conservation procedure for Banganga pond is always a matter of discussion due to lack of experience in heritage architecture and the financial loss due to use of non suitable material for beautification.

Pulicat lake – Spread over Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, this is one of the largest brackish water lakes in India and second largest brackish Banganga Festival water lagoon in Asia measuring 720sq.km. It is situated between 13.33° to 13.66° N and 80.23° to 80.25°E and is fed by three rivers, Arani, Kalangi and Swarnamukhi. The rivers bring fresh water flow and tidal waters coming from Bay of Bengal are separated from the lake due to island of Shriharikota. The lake attracts more than thirty five thousand migratory birds every season. Identified as a Important Bird Area (IBA), the Andhra Pradesh portion of the lake was declared as a bird sanctuary during October 1976 while the Tamil Nadu portion was declared as sanctuary in September 1980. This lagoon was a catalyst for creation of Madras () due to its flourishing maritime trade of textile, gold and precious stones. The layers of history are clearly visible on its built heritage which spans more than thousand years. The importance of this lake has been realised by individuals from both the states and has festivals observed in both regions to promote conservation.

In Andhra Pradesh, the Flamingo festival is an annual event since the year 2000. The name of festival itself highlights the objective of conservation of the diversity of migratory birds including flamingoes, and pelicans visiting this wetland. District administration of Nellore (Andhra Pradesh) with support of forest and tourism department organise this 6 SACON ENVIS Newsletter - Sarovar Saurabh Vol.10(1), 2014. ISSN: 0972-3153 Pulicat Lake and Festival

festival to promote conservation of Pulicat lake and its surroundings. The organizers of the festival make special arrangements for visitors that include foreign tourist to observe the migratory birds of Pulicat. The festival also takes the opportunity to exhibit local culture and traditions. Along with the Tourism department, Animal Husbandry and Agriculture departments also exhibit their activities near the festival venue at Sullurpeta. Local NGOs and local educational institutes have important contribution in the organization of this event. Locals, mainly the fisherfolk families promote and participate in the festival in large numbers.

From 2007, AARDE Foundation, an NGO from Chennai Tamil Nadu is actively involved in promotion and conservation of cultural heritage of Pulicat. It organises the event called “Pulicat Day” in partnership with Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India. The celebrations include attractive events like the Catamaram Race, cycling ride from Chennai to Pulicat, Ladies Kollam and Children Drawing competitions, and Kattai-kuthu in the evening. Although this festival has more emphasis on culture it does have some events like bird watching and discourses on the importance of the lagoon.

Sanvedana trust an NGO based in Kalyan, Thane District closer to Mumbai has been successfully propagating the message of lake conservation by celebrating the Kala Talao Festival on banks of ancient Shenala Lake. The lake is popularly known as the Kala talao as the historic black mosque or the Kali Masjid is located on its bank. The lake with its retaining masonary walls and the approaches is said to have been built by Yusuf Adil Shah of Bijapur during 1508 AD. The mosque built using black rocks also Kala Talao known as Jama Masjiid was built in 1643 AD during the Mughal era. The Kala Talao festival organized annually in Kalyan since 2010 emphasizes on the importance of the lake and its environment. The activities usually begin on a spiritual note with people of all caste and cultures worshiping the water followed by competitions and cultural events. The festival apart from the prominent personalities has a major participation from students and the women from different sectors of the society.

The year 2014 has already witnessed two new lake festivals in the two lake cities in India viz. the Upvan festival in Maharashtra and the Jheel Mahatosav in Madhya Pradesh.

Upvan Festival organized during January 2014, around the Upvan lake, Thane in the outskirts of Mumbai in Maharashtra. Thane, well known place from Shilahar Dynasty, is also called as Lake City. It is dotted with more than thirty five fresh water bodies. Upvan Lake (19°13'21''N 72°57'22''E) is located at foothills of Yeoor range is part of Sanjay Gandhi National Park. The lake extends over an area of about 6 hectares. It was built as a small dam to fulfill the needs of drinking water of the town during British days (Gazeteer of Thane District, 2000). It is a quiet, beautiful place and was having large rocky area near it until year 1999. Then the surrounding area changed at a rapid pace with a large

SACON ENVIS Newsletter - Sarovar Saurabh 7 Vol.10(1), 2014. ISSN: 0972-3153 number of high rise residential complexes coming up near the lake. In fact, Upvan Lake the lake offering unpolluted environment and beautiful scenery attracted more buyers in this area. Increase in the human pressure gradually lead to polluting the lake. Cleaning and beautification program was undertaken for this lake by Thane Municipal Corporation in 2002.

The Upvan Art festival organized by Upvan Art Foundation with Thane Municipal Corporation and MTDC received an exceptional response with participation and attendance by lakhs of visitors. The festival advertised “Lake City – now Art City” had performances by musicians and artists of national and international fame, the festival provided unique experience for local residents and art lovers. Being the first of its kind in the city, the response was huge as the beautiful walkways around the lake were used for Upvan Festival about 600 stalls that displayed art works, books, food and property developers who had supported the event. The organizers mentioned that the entire surplus funds generated from the festival will be used for promotion of art and culture. The message with respect to conservation of lakes could have been easily promoted, however no efforts were planned to this effect.

The state government of Madhya Pradesh organized the Jheel Mahatosav (Lake Festival) in Bhopal also known as the City of Lakes having about 18 fresh water bodies. The festival was held along the only Ramsar Site from Madhya Pradesh i.e. The Bhoj Wetlands during February, 2014. The Bhoj Bhoj Wetland Wetland is a set of two lakes i.e. Upper and Lower lakes, the twin lakes have a total water spread area of 32.29 sq. km and catchment area of 370.6 sq. km and both lakes support a rich and diverse range of flora and fauna. The Upper Lake is an elongated water body, constructed by Raja Bhoj in the 11th century whereas Lower Lake was constructed by Nawab Chhote Khan in 1794 A.D.

The festival organized by State Government, focused on sensitization and awareness about lakes and their conservation. The events included water sports like International Canoeing competition, photography, poetry and cultural programs. Tribal dances were performed by troops from various states across the country. There has also been a fair share of opposition by environmental groups to the amusement activities. The organizers have also put in efforts to disseminate message of conservation and facilitated the International Conference on lakes and wetlands as well as a three days Training Course on Lake Conservation during the festival. The programs included short films, group discussions for conservation and ecology of lakes.

Ramsar Mission states conservation and the wise use of wetlands through local and national actions and international cooperation, as a contribution towards achieving sustainable development throughout the world. With a very large number of prominent wetlands across our country, can such lake festivals be used in a sustainable manner to give opportunity to local artist, local economy and conservation and awareness programs for maintaining these water bodies? It is good that the lake sides can offer excellent sites for art and cultural events with backdrop of green cover and blue waters. The festivals also should offer activities to sensitize the visitors about conservation of wetlands and a certain part of fund coming through such festivals can be efficiently used for conservation activities. The success of such lake festivals will prove to be essential if they translate into the conservation of the water bodies than only being used as mere props for the events.

References Gazeteer of Thane District, 2000 Govt. of India Press. Millennium Ecosystem Assessment, 2005.ECOSYSTEMS AND HUMAN WELL-BEING: WETLANDS AND WATER Synthesis. World Resources Institute, Washington, DC. WWF India Report, 2009. Draft report on the study of Lakes on Mumbai. WWF- India, Maharashtra State Office. Website references www. aarde. in www. activemessage. weebly. com http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Jheel-Mahotsav/ http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/flamingo-festival 8 SACON ENVIS Newsletter - Sarovar Saurabh Vol.10(1), 2014. ISSN: 0972-3153 LESSER-KNOWN WETLANDS FROM SOUTH ARCOT DISTRICT Vaithianathan Kannan PG Research Department of Zoology & Wildlife Biology. AVC College (Autonomous) Mannampandal 609305 Mayiladuthurai, Tamil Nadu

Water is the integral part of life and one of the most important natural resources. Wetland destruction and degradation are reducing the diversity of wetlands, resulting in the decrease in population of many bird species. Increasing use of wetlands for various purposes is altering the characteristics and dynamics of entire wetland ecosystem. Threats include over-exploitation of wetland resources, drainage and siltation of wetlands and intensive prawn cultivation. Wetlands are also polluted by sewage, industrial effluents, agricultural fertilizers and pesticides. South Arcot was the southern portion of the Mughal province (Subah) of Arcot. After Mughals lost control of southern India, Arcot came under the control of a local Nawab in the 18th century. South Arcot (13,510 km2) was a district in the of British India, which formerly comprised of , Villupuram and Tiruvannamalai districts. In 1993, South Arcot district was split into two districts namely Cuddalore (3,678 km²) and Villupuram district, Historical evidences from Madras district gazetteers published in 1962 reveals that the name 'Arcot' is derived from Tamil 'Aaru kadu' i.e. six forests which was said to be the abode of six rishis. In Puraanas, this district is described as part of 'Rama Khetra'. Some of the important wetlands from South Arcot district include , and Wellington Reservoir. These wetlands are a distinctive feature of South Arcot providing important feeding and nesting areas for a wide range of waterbirds. They also act as major staging and wintering grounds for waterfowl breeding in central and northern Asia. Around these wetlands agricultural practices intensified and encroachments increased. Pesticide use has increased including organochlorines DDT and other chemical fertilizers which are particularly poisonous to birds.

Veeranam Lake is situated in , about 25 km west of town. It is one of the biggest and oldest lakes in Tamil Nadu. The Chola King Paranthaga constructed this lake in 9th century AD. The book Ponniyen Selvan authored by Kalki in 1950 gives information on this lake, stating that it was constructed over 1,000 years ago by Prince Rajathiyar, son of Paranthaga Cholan. The lake was originally called Veeranarayanan Lake. The lake is about 16 km long and 8 km broad with water spread of about 15 km2. Veeranam Lake is an important area for migrant and resident birds. Important species found here are the Spot-billed Pelican Pelecanus philippesnis, Darter Anhinga melanogaster, Painted Stork Mycteria leucocephala, Oriental White Ibis Threskiornis melanocephala and large numbers of Open-billed Stork Anastomus oscitans.

The Perumal Eri is located in Iyandur village about 15 km from Kullanchavadi town in Cuddalore district. The length of the lake is about 20 km and 4 km width. The Perumal Eri has connection with the Veeranam which dates back from 1903. During the olden days the kings used this route to wage war against their enemies. During one such event the king sighted a Brahminy Kite and kept the name 'Perumal Eri' considering the bird as a good omen. It receives water from the Wallaja dam, Sathapadi channel and mines water through Karuvati channel near Kothavacheri and flows from south to north. Perumal eri has a catchments area of 100 km2. This reservoir supports 2630 ha of agricultural field for irrigation. The dominant avifauna of this site comprises of Spot-billed Duck Anas poecilorhyncha, Common Teal Anas crecea, Gargeny Anas querquedula, Northern Pintail Anas acuta, Northern Shoveller Anas clypeata, Common Kingfisher Alcedo atthis, White-throated Kingfisher Halcyon smyrnesnsis, Lesser Pied Kingfisher Ceryle rudis, Green-Bee-eater Meros orinetalis, Blue-tailed Bee Eater Merops philippinus, White-breasted Water-hen Amaurornis phoenicurus, Purple Swamphen Porphyrio porphyrio, Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus, Common Coot Fulica atra, Pintail Snipe Gallinago stemura, Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago, Common Redshank Tringa totanus, Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis, Common Green Shank Tringa nebularia, Pheasant-Tailed Jacana Hydrophasianus chirurgus, Bronze-winged Jacana Meropidius indicus, Veeranam Lake and Tern species also sighted in this lake.

Wellington Reservoir: The 650 ha Wellington Reservoir is located in Keelacheruvai village, Perumal Eri about 3.2 km from Tittagudy town in Cuddalore district. The Reservoir was originally called Yemaneri. It receives water mainly from the Vellar River, which originates in Salem district and flows from west to east. The reservoir also receives water from Tholudur regulator through a supply channel, and drainage from catchment area of 129 km2. This reservoir supports 10,000 ha of agricultural fields for irrigation. The length of the bund is about 4 km. The maximum depth of the lake is about 9m. About 70 species of birds can be seen of which, the threatened waterbirds such as Spot-billed Pelican Pelecanus philippensis, Darter Anhinga melanogaster, Painted Stork Mycteria leucocephala, Oriental White Ibis Threskiornis melanocephala and duck species such as Northern Pintail Anas acuta, Northern Shoveller Anas clypeata, Red-crested Pochard Rhodonessa rufina and Lesser Whistling Duck Dendrocygna javanica also occurs in good numbers sometimes the Anatidae population in this reservoir exceeds more than 20,000 birds. Wellington Reservoir

Many wetlands are on the verge of disappearance particularly smaller ones that adjoin the road sides. While many of the regions natural wetlands have disappeared, new wetlands have been created. These include lake and marshes upstream of dams and barrages on some rivers some which now provide excellent habitat for waterbirds. These wetlands can play an important role in conservation education. Students from schools and colleges can be brought here to generate interest in the conservation of wetlands and bird watching. ***** SACON ENVIS Newsletter - Sarovar Saurabh 9 Vol.10(1), 2014. ISSN: 0972-3153 NEWS ARTICLE World Water Day: UN report predicts grim scenario for India; experts pitch for making water conservation a national obsession Vishwa Mohan,TNN | Mar 22, 2014, Times of India. NEW DELHI: As the world is already staring at impending water crisis due to climate change, population increase and pollution, a UN report has predicted that as many as 3.4 billion people will be living in "water-scarce" countries by 2025. It also pointed out that the situation will be deteriorated further in the next 25 years (by 2050), culminating into instances of human conflicts in many parts of the globe. The report, published on the eve of the World Water Day on Friday, indicated that the Indian sub-continent may face the brunt of the crisis where India would be at the Centre of this conflict due to its unique geographical position in South Asia. Though the report has not specifically mentioned about the possibility of country-wise conflict, it identified river basins in the region which may pit India against Pakistan, China and Bangladesh over the issue of water sharing by 2050. . The report, which factored in scientific data and findings of various research institutions, said that Asia will be the biggest hotspot for bust-ups over water extraction, where water sources straddle national borders. . It said, "Areas of conflict include the Aral Sea and the Ganges-Brahmaputra River, Indus River and Mekong River basins". Obviously, the Ganges-Brahmaputra and Indus River basins are crucial for India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and China (upper Brahmaputra) as far as distribution and sharing of water resources among these countries are concerned . Facts, shared by India's ministry of water resources, have already painted a grim picture for the country which has 18% of the world's population with only 4% of the total usable water resources. Official data show that the annual per capita availability of water has already been decreased in the past 10 years (from 1,816 cubic meter in the year 2001 to 1,545 cubic meter in 2011) . As the country is heading for acute shortage when annual per capital availability of water will further reduce to 1,140 cubic meter by the year 2050, experts on the occasion of the World Water Day on Saturday called for urgent action to deal with it. . Environmentalist, Sunita Narain, said the country has to quickly resort to three-pronged strategy to handle the situation. "Hold water where it falls", she said while emphasizing on rain-water harvesting as the basic and most urgent action. . Enlisting these strategies, Narain, director general of the Delhi-based policy group, Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), said, "We can deal with the situation by water recharging through decentralized manner across the country, handling water pollution through effective measures and making water conservation a national obsession". . Many public and private organizations and research institutions, including the Indian Agriculture Research Institute (IARI) and International Water Management Institute (IWMI), too came out with many suggestions to save India from impending crisis. They pitched for better use of technology in agriculture sector which is the biggest user of water followed by domestic and industrial sector. Institutions also called for several major policy decisions including rational water pricing, reducing water footprints and effective national legal framework for water governance .

Key points which may highlight the water availability position: Global scenario * More than 40% of the world's population will be living in areas of "severe" water stress by 2050 * Pressure on fresh water resources will see human conflict in many parts of the world * Areas of conflict include Ganges-Brahmaputra River, Indus River and Mekong River basins * 768 million people, at present, lack access to a safe and reliable source of water * About 20% of the world's aquifers today are depleted * Agriculture accounts for more than two-thirds of water use India * India has 18% of the world's population; It has 4% of water resources of the world *annual per capita availability of water decreases from 6,042 cubic meter in the year 1947 to 1,545 cubic meter in 2011 * annual per capita availability of water was 1,816 cubic meter in 2001 * annual per capital availability of water will further reduce to 1,340 cubic meter by 2025 and to 1,140 cubic meter by the year 2050 * average annual potential of 'utilizable' quantity of water in the country -- 1,121 Billion Cubic Meter (BCM) (surface water - 690 BCM)(ground water - 431 BCM) * estimated annual requirement of water by the year 2050 - 1,180 BCM (1 cubic meter = 1000 liters) * 90% of waste water discharged in rivers does not meet environmental norms * 65% rainwater runoff goes into the sea, which is a major wastage * agriculture sector is the biggest users of water followed by domestic sector and industrial sector (Source: Reports of India's ministry of water resources, UN, World Bank, UNICEF and CSE)

10 SACON ENVIS Newsletter - Sarovar Saurabh Vol.10(1), 2014. ISSN: 0972-3153