BHOJ WETLAND PROIECT - World LakesBhoj Wetland 2. Aquaculture : If properly utilized urban water bodies can be effectively utilized for fish production. Unfortunately the planners

DRAFT: Not for Citation or Distribution Bhoj Wetland

Experience and Lessons Learned Brief for 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

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Bhoj Wetland

Dr. M.S. Kodarkar Head, Indian Association of Aquatic Biologists

Hyderabad, India

1. INTRODUCTION :

South Asia, home to over one fifth of the world’s population is facing water crisis. This region is in the grip of flood and draught cycles and there is a need to have a long term strategy for management of its water resources. Big and small water bodies in the form of lakes and reservoirs dot landscape of south Asia. These ecosystems impound precious freshwater and make up the most easily accessible source for many human uses. Historically, major cities in this region flourished in geographical regions with assured water supply that sustained civilization for centauries. Unfortunately, last half of 19" Centaury is witness to large scale degradation of environment in general and water resources in particular, due to a number of anthropogenic factors like un-precedented population growth and consequent urbanization, industrialization and chemical intensive agriculture (Kodarkar, 1995). The first victims of this degradative process were the lakes and reservoirs in the vicinity of urban areas that underwent large scale pollution due to sewage and/or industrial effluents and toxic chemicals. In most of the cases nutrient enrichment led to eutrophication (Edmondson, 1991) with a number of negative manifestations like :

1. Permanent algal blooms and poor water quality 2. Wild growth of macrophytes like water hyacinth and loss of biodiversity 3. Breeding of vectors like mosquitoes and snails and impacts on public health 4. Foul smell due to gases like hydrogen Sulphide (H2S), Ammonia (NH3) etc. 5. Fish/Bird kills and 6. Ground water pollution

Further, there was drastic alteration in morphometry and water holding capacity of lakes and reservoirs due to dumping of garbage, solid waste and silt. The process is further aggravated by encroachments and unauthorized construction activities in the catchment and on the lake bed. When compared with rural, the impact of degradation is more severe in urban areas due to high population density.

Due to ecological, economical and recreational potential of lakes, there is an urgent need of their protection, rehabilitation and conservation as precious natural resource. By suitable remedial measures a lake can bestow a number of benefits like :

1. Charging of groundwater table : Water bodies by acting as percolation source

recharge the groundwater table. In India in the last two decades there is constant fall of water table in urban areas due to poor recharge on account of wanton destruction of surface water resources. Depletion of water table may even endanger the food security due to loss of agricultural production for want of adequate groundwater for irrigation.

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2. Aquaculture : If properly utilized urban water bodies can be effectively utilized for fish production. Unfortunately the planners give very low priority to this aspect and many water bodies are rendered useless due to heavy pollution from domestic sewage and consequent eutrophication. Apart from supplying food, aquaculture can be an effective measure for reducing nutrient load on a water body.

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3. Flood regulation, moderation and control : Almost all cities in the country

experience flooding even after moderate rains. This is happening mainly due to inadequate drainage facilitties in haphazardly developing urban zones and destruction of water bodies. The latter use to act like buffers moderating the impact of flooding.

4. Conditioning of the climate : Urban areas are developing into concrete jungles with

very less greenery leading to hotter climate. A water body acts as an effective climate conditioner and maintains temperature at lower levels in the surrounding areas.

5. Sustenance of colloidal water for vegetation : Greenery depends on colloidal water

in the soil which is replenished by surface water resources.

6. Sustenance of biodiversity : It is universally accepted fact that survival of man is dependent on survival of plant and animal species which form mosaic of biodiversity. Areas like estuaries and wetlands are hotspots of productivity and flora-fauna interaction. Thus water bodies in general play an important role in sustenance of biodiversity.

7. Recreational sites : Lakes and reservoirs can be protected as aqua-parks and

recreational centers generating jobs and services.

8. The sediment of most of the lakes is rich in organic matter and can be effectively used as manure for kitchen gardens and parks.

9. The livelihood of lake dependent communities like washer men and small dairy

farmers belonging to weaker sections of the society depends on healthy lakes. These communities are one of the key stake holders of these resources.

10. Community asset with cultural and educational value:

To achieve this, there is a need of a clear cut lake protection strategy as an integral component of national water policy.

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Fig. 1. Upper Lake and Lower Lake (Bhoj Wetlands), Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India. 1 2

3 4 5 6 7

Fig. 1. Bhoj wetlands, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India

Table 1. Profile of the lakes (physical). Item UPPER LAKE LOWERLAKE Constructed in 11th Century A.D. Late 17th Century Type of dam Earthen Earthen Latitude 23012'- 23o16'N 23 o 14'- 23 o 16'N Longitude 77 o l 8' - 77 o 23' E 77 o 24'- 77 o 25'E Catchment area (Sq.lcm.) 361 9.6 Submergence area at FTL (Sq.km.)

36.54 0.90

Full'Fank Level (MSL) (m) 508.65 499.88 Dead Storage Level (MSL) (m) 503.53 499.88 Storage capacity (million cum.) 117.05 4.3 Maximum depth (m) 11.7 9.4 Source of water Rain water & Sewage Rain water, Seepage from Upper

Lake and Domestic Sewage Main use of water Potable water supply Washing and Boating

Lakes of Bhopal (Fig. 1., Table 1.) : 8 9

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

Bhopal, the historical city and the capital of state of Madhya Pradesh, can be called limnological capital of India as pioneering work in this field was initiated on two lakes dominating the landscape of this urban sprawl. Further, these lakes are perhaps the first ecosystems that were subjected to intensive management and lessons learnt in this field can be applicable in whole South Asian region.

The historic Upper Lake impounded in the 11th century is a classic prototype of urban water body. With well-protected catchment, its water quality was of potable standard up to recent times (Singh. and Anandh, 1996). However, in the last two decades of 20th Centaury as the city grew many sections of the Lake were encircled by habitation. These developments generated the anthropogenic pressures on the Lake thus accelerating the

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process of eutrophication and making the water unfit for human consumption without proper treatment (IS, 1984).

1 2 3 4 5

Table 2. Water quality of lower lake in Bhopal (1991-92).

Parameter Range Temperature CC) 19-30 pH 7.15-9.7 Transparency (cm) 14-98 Conductivity (µS at 250C) 259-374 Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) mg/L 86-169 Hardness (mg/L) 68-154 Chlorides (mg/L) 14.9-88.9 Total phosphorus 0.106-1.02 Total nitrogen (mg/L) 1.08-1.46

6 7 8 9

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27

28

29

30

31

32

33

34

35

The Lower Lake, constructed in the 19th Century is an integral part of upper lake ecosystem and a source of raw water for the urban development and domestic water needs like washing, bathing etc. As in the case of many urban water bodies all over India, the Lower Lake was subjected to all kinds of negative anthropogenic stresses. Further, drastic alteration of its morphometry and degradation of water quality (Table 2) prompted the authorities to initiate the action plan for rehabilitation, protection and conservation of the two lakes. The outcome of this initiative was Bhoj Wetland Project, which is funded by Japan Bank of International Cooperation (PBIC) and is a fine example of Indo-Japanese co-operation in the field of ecology and environment.

3. BHOJ WETLAND PROJECT:

The Lake Conservation and Management Project also known as Bhoj Wetland Project, envisages tackling of various issues associated with conservation and management of the Upper and Lower Lakes of Bhopal, under a multi-pronged strategy. Although these issues are deeply interrelated and inter-linked, for operational and management convenience, they are addressed under different independently executed sub-projects. The proposed action plan is not one time quick solution but should trigger a chain reaction so as to make the management sustainable. The identified 16 sub-projects are as follows :

I . Desilting and Dredging of the Lakes

2. Deepening & Widening of the Spill Channel

3. Restoration of the island

4. Catchment Area Treatment (Artificial wetland)

5. Afforestation, Creation of Buffer Zones

6. Construction of Check dams, Silt traps, Toe walls & Cascading

7. Construction of Garland drains

8. Prevention of Pollution (sewerage schemes)

9. Management of Shoreline and Fringe Areas

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10. Link road from Retghat to Lalghati 1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8 9

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11. Solid Waste Management

12. Prevention of Pollution from Dhobi ghats

13. Monitoring of Water Quality

14. De-weeding

15. Biological Control through Aquaculture

16. Installation of Floating Fountains.

Socioeconomic context:

While the upper lake is the major source of potable water and meets 35% demand of drinking water for city's growing population, lower lake can be mainly a recreational site. Moreover, water of the latter can be effectively utilized for fish production and other non-potable uses by restoring its water quality to grade B.

4. BIOPHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT: A. Upper Lake

From the time water supply scheme for the city was commissioned in the late 19th century up to the mid 20th century, water of upper lake used to be supplied without filtration or any other treatment. However, subsequently the lake underwent gradual environmental degradation including pollution of its water under the anthropogenic impacts. In addition to this, in recent times, natural factors like soil erosion and siltation resulting from changes in the catchment, increase in the population; particularly along the periphery of the lake, cultural siltation on account of immersion of idols and tajias during festivals and inflow of untreated sewage and waste water from surrounding localities have lead to considerable deterioration of Upper lake water quality. Similarly vast area of the earlier water spread has either been replaced by silted land masses or, covered with aquatic weeds. Failure or inadequate monsoon in recent past has further worsened the situation. The seriousness of environmental degradation of upper lake becomes more glaring on the background that for want of any river, in this region, it is the only reliable potable water source for ever growing Bhopal city and conservation and management of upper take assumes added urgency for its sustainable use as the potable water source.

B. Lower Lake:

The quality of water in the Lower Lake has far more deteriorated than that in the Upper Lake (Pani and Misra, 1993). Surrounded by the busy and congested city on all sides, the Lower Lake receives its water mainly from 28 point and 6 non point sources which carry untreated sewage and waste water from settlements around the lake.

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A w fu l

B ad

F a ir

G ood

V . good

0 25 50 74 10 0%

% P h osp ha te load in g

C on se rva tion of w e tla n d s in urb a n e n vir on m en t :

• N itra te s an d p hosph a tes a re the n u trien ts resp on sib le for d egrad a tion of a w a te r b od y. T h e sou rcesof n u tr ien ts a re sew age , d e te rgen ts an d e ffluen ts from ind ustr ie s like pap er , su ga r, s ta rch e tc.

• N u tr ien t en richm en t leads to eu troph ica tion . R eve rs in g th e eu troph ica tion to res tore th e w a te r qu a lity and b io-geo- chem ica l cycle s and e s tab lishm en t of b iod ive rs ity a re th e m a jor issues involved in lak e m an agem en t an d form the bas is of rem ed ia l m easu res .

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Fig. 2. Relationship between phosphorus loading and the water quality (Edmondaon, 1991).

A large number of dhobighats (Laundry washing sites) along periphery pollute the lake by releasing effluents containing phosphate rich soaps, caustic soda and detergents directly into the water body (Fig. 2). Apart from this, large quantities of organic waste in the form of floral offerings are also added into the lake. The resultant organic enrichment leads to eutrophication of the water body with extremely degraded water quality and a number of negative manifestations discussed earlier. A large part of Lower Lake is covered with aquatic weeds and the foul smell of decomposing weeds and blooms of blue green algae like Microcystis is ever perceptible around it. A significant part of the lake near Banganga inlet, Kamla Park and Jehangirabad is heavily silted and covered with weeds.

5. PROGRESS OF THE PROJECT : 5.1 Desilting & Dredging of the lakes

Over the years, lot of silt has accumulated in the lakes causing deterioration in the water quality and reduction in their water holding capacities. Very fine silt containing organic matter has accumulated in the deeper portion of the lake which is proposed to be dredged out. At the points at which in-lets from the catchment (nallahs) and rivulets meet the lakes the silt accumulation is a major problem. As a result of siltation peripheral areas are getting shallower with rooted vegetation further reducing lake area. Desilting is being carried out in such areas.

5.2 Deepening and widening of Spill Channel :

The Upper lake discharges its surplus water through a 4.4 km. long spill channel which too has got silted and was getting obstructed due to growth of weeds. So far bout 9.87 lack cubic meter soil digging work is completed.

5.3 Restoration of the Island:

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'Takia' is a small island in the Upper Lake. It’s banks were eroded and in the peripheral area, siltation has taken place. The island is of historical importance and place of worship and a number remedial measures are completed for its environmental protection, up-gradation and restoration.

5.4 Catchment Area Treatment : Aforestation to create buffer zones:

In order to prevent encroachment, illegal human settlements, movement of cattle and cultivation on exposed shore zones of the lake, buffer zone is created along the periphery of Upper Lake. Extensive block and avenue plantation of more than 1 million trees is already completed and maintained. The buffer zones will not only help check encroachment of lake bed but also arrest or reduce the flow of silt from this portion of the catchment area into the lake.

5.5 Construction of check dams, silt traps, toe walls and cascading:

The construction of these structures is partly completed and once in place they will reduce influx of silt from the catchment. The problem of sitation is more acute in the case of Lower Lake and construction of Check Dam, Silt trap & gabion Structures is in progress. In the case of Upper Lake 10 low lever and 6 high Level gabions & 1 Silt trap is already completed.

5.6 Construction of garland drains:

Due to the general slope of ground near the immediate peripheral area of the lakes, pollutants mixed in the rain and drain water find their way into the water bodies. To solve this problem garland drains are to be constructed, mainly around the Lower Lake and a part of the Upper Lake. The work on this project is in progress.

5.7 Prevention of Pollution (Sewerage) Schemes:

A section of shore line in Upper Lake and most of the shore of Lower Lake has human habitation and for lack of adequate sewer lines untreated sewage finds its way into the lakes. Under this project a net work of sewer lines will collect the sewage from settlements and direct it to Sewage Treatment Plants (STP) for treatment and disposal of the same down the Lower Lake. Such STPs are already completed.

5.8 Management of shoreline and fringe Areas: Construction of link road from Retghat

to Lalghati:

Towards the northern portion of the upper lake, construction of a road adjoining the lake is proposed which will prevent encroachment of lake bed in this thickly populated area. It will also act as relief to the heavy traffic on the Indore-Bhopal Highway passing through the city. The proposed road with 500 mt long bridge, will connect two localities known as Retghat and Lalghati.

5.9 Management of solid waste:

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Apart from the sewage and sullage, solid waste also contributes to the pollution of the lakes. This sub project provides for solid waste management in wards in the catchment area near the lakes.

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5.10 Prevention of pollution from Dhobigats:

Traditional washermen communities are using lakes for washing of cloths and polluting the water. Under Bhoj Wetland Project a scheme has been proposed to shift these washing sites from Lakes to an area down stream of the Lower Lake. The success of this programme depends on co-operation of this stakeholder community and proper creation of necessary infra-structure. The project is being successfully completed.

5.11 Deweeding:

As a consequence of eutrophication weed infestation is common in both the lakes. Further, systematic cultivation of Trapa is going on, on the western shore of Upper Lake. Unchecked growth of weeds not only accelerates eutrophication but also provides breeding ground for vectors having direct impact on public health. Desiltation to some extent can help reduce this problem but in addition to this, there is a need of regular up keep and manual or mechnical removal of weeds. The Trapa cultivators need to be rehabilitated elsewhere.

5.12 Aquaculture:

Traditional fishermen communities should be encouraged to initiate scientific fishery development. Depending on nutritional status of lakes composite fish culture should be introduced. The aquaculture will not only provide food fishes but also help reduce nutrient load on the lakes. In the Upper Lake recreational fishery also can be encouraged.

5.13 Installation of Floating Fountains:

Six floating fountains in each lake have been proposed which will improve DO levels and in turn help recycling of nutrients.

5.14 Monitoring of water quality:

Impact assessment study and regular monitoring of the water quality for its physical, chemical, bacteriological, heavy metals and biological parameters is being done since inception of the project (Reports of Environmental Research Laboratory (ERL).

5.15 Public Awareness:

Citizens of Bhopal are the main stake holders in conservation and management plan and awareness programmes have played a key role in it. So far a number of Field visits, workshops, competitions, Rallies, lectures, Public meetings, Audio-visual shows, Training courses, Eco-camps and Street theatre performances have been carried out as a part of awareness campaign. In addition to this open forum and seminars have been conducted on issues of environmental concerns. Cinema theaters in Bhopal regularly show slides on Save the lakes campaign.

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The impact of developmental activities could be assessed in two ways: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

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1. Visible impacts: The developments around periphery of the lake have improved

aesthetics and recreational value significantly. As people in large number are visiting the lakes a class of stake holders is generated. This class could be very powerful in future management and improvements of the water bodies.

2. The impact of remedial measures on the water quality to, particularly of Lower lake to

Class B depends on a number of factors like total rain fall and dilution effect, restabilization of biodiversity and effective recycling of organic matter and complete cessation of non-point sources of pollution (Table 3). The planned diversion of sewage drains from settlements around the lake has reduced nutrient loading of Upper lake but appears to have little impact on Lower lake that is receiving large volume of sewage from inlets. Development of new slums and extension of existing ones is always a possibility and due to socio-political repurcations of this issue, such situations are difficult to tackle.

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Table 3. Water quality cirteria for uses of water. 1 2

NO

Designated best use

Class of water

Criteria

I

Drinking water source without conventional treatment but after disinfection

A

1. Total Coliform MPN/100 mL shall be 50 or less 2. pH between 6.5 and 8.5 3. DO : 6 mg/L or more 4. BOD 5 days 20 oC : 2 mg/L or less

II

Out door bathing (Organized)

B

1. 500 or less 2. 6.5 to 8.5 3. 5 mg/L or more 4. 3 mg/L or less

III

Drinking water source with conventional treatment followed by disinfection

C

1. 5000 or less 2. 6.0 to 9.0 3. 4 mg/L or more 4. 3 mg/L or less

IV

Propagation of wild life and Fisheries

D

1. - 2. 6.5 and 8.5 3. 4.0 mg/L or more 4. - 5. Free Ammonia ( as N ) : 1.2 mg/L or less

V

Irrigation , Industrial cooling, Controlled waste disposal

E

1. - 2. 5.89 to 6.00 3. 4.0 mg/L or more 4. - 5. - 6. Sodium absorption ratio max. 26 7. Boron, Max. 2 mg/L

3 4 5 6 7 8 9

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6. SUCCESSFUL ACTIONS :

1. Regular water Quality Assessment is being undertaken for accessing the impact of conservation measures during pre, current and Post implementation stages.

2. Public Awareness Drive : Successful shifting of idol immersion venue from Upper lake to designated site in Lower lake, is an example worth emulating for other urban centers in India. Further, it is a shining example of community participation in ecosystem management.

3. The impact of de-weeding and de-silting in the form of greater biodiversity and increased water holding capacity would normally be visible after some time.

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7. MANAGEMENT OF ENVIRONMENT: 1 2 3 4 5

7.1 Work already done :

Table 3. Aquatic Biodiversity of key flora and fauna in the Upper Lake..

Phytoplankton Chlorophyceae (53) Bacillariophyceae (21) Cyanophyceae (16) Euglenophycea (5) Dinophyceae (2) Macrophytes Free Floating (4) Submerged (15) Emergent (10) Zooplankton Rotifera (12) Cladocera (8) Calanoida (2) Copepoda (4) Ostracoda (4)

Macrobentbic species : Protozoa (6) Diptera (9) Odonata (2) Hemiptera (4) Coleoplera (4) Trichoptera (2) Marginal (8) Oligochaeta (7) Mollusca (6) Nematoda ( ) Flatworm (2) Plecoptera ( )

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In the past a number of studies funded by State and Central agencies have been conducted on lakes of Bhopal. However, except for occasional project oriented work continuous monitoring data on linmology does not exist. Further, lack of uniform procedures and methodologies adapted by researchers, correlating available data becomes very difficult. Nevertheless, this data could be utilized as reference information to compare present status of these lakes with the past. The studies conducted in the past reveal that the lake water quality was deteriorating due to several factors. Apart from water quality an impressive data on lake biodiversity is available (Table 3). In the long history of more than 1000 years the Upper lake has been the only source of potable water for Bhopal city. Further, Bhopal region has no river and the role of Upper Lake as the source of drinking water for ever growing urban area has assumed added significance. The utility of lower lake, on the other hand, is confined to secondary uses like aquaculture and recreation.

Work within Lake : The proposed action plan to improve the water quality includes the following actions:

1. De-weeding of the lakes 2. De-silting/dredging shallower zones to remove deposited silt and toxic sediment 3. Aeration/ oxygenation/ozonisation of lake water to reduce nutrient level 4. Aquaculture to remove the accumulated nutrients and reverse the trend of

eutrophication

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5. Shifting of Idol Immersion sites to prevent siltation and pollution of water by toxicants in the paints.

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Works around the Lakes:

1. Sewage diversion to prevent its influx into the lakes, 2. Shifting of washing activities to prevent detergent pollution, 3. Lake View Drive and other beautification activities to increase esthetic beauty of the

water bodies, 4. Pathway (Walking ways) to enhance recreational value of lakes, 5. Construction of Bridge for easy trans-lake access thereby preventing any reclamation

of water body, 6. Improvement of Island as a socio-religious place,

7.2. Technology and scientific methodology :

Under the Bhoj Wetland Project many innovative experiments were conducted for handling pollution issues;

1. The application of ozone in oxidizing metallic and nonmetallic ions and reduction in

organic and inorganic pollutants in the lake. 2. Introduction of fish species like grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) for control of

vegetation. 3. Economic use of aquatic biomass (weeds) for vermi-composting thus generating

wealth from waste. 4. Erosion control measures adopted under the project are worth replicating.

To summarise, the gains of present project need to be protected and propogated to benefit similar lakes all over the country.

7.3 Involvement of stake holders:

The activities under taken in Bhoj Wetland project such as construction of High Level bridge at Bhadbhada Spill Way, Path ways in the periphery of east southern bank of the Upper Lake, pagodas, boundary walls and Rotaries seem out of the scope of lake conservation plan. However, the area development and face lifting of lake environs and improvement of aesthetics have created a new class of stakeholders. Further, Kamla park dam should be strengthened to further improve recreational value of this area. The physical developments, nevertheless, should be compatible with long term management of lake ecosystem. The infra-structure facilities created for tourism or otherwise should not affect the lake ecosystem. The recreation also brings in lot of other problems like generation of solid waste that can adversely affect take and thus needs to be carefully planned. In India and South Asia Lake conservation and management is a new emerging discipline and its further development and success greatly depends on expertise drawn from diverse disciplines like engineering to aquatic biology. This science being highly inter-disciplinary, an integrated approach in knowledge generation, experience sharing and effective implementation is a prerequisite for any successful conservation programme.

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Success of any conservation programme depends on involvement of common man which, in turn, depends on level of awareness people have about the project, its implementation and possible outcomes. Under Bhoj Wetland Project some actions have already been initiated. The very fact that the site of idol immersion is successfully shifted from Upper Lake to Lower Lake speaks volumes about outreach and success of the project.

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7.4 Investment: Capacity building:

The training imparted to the project staff in ILEC, Japan has improved their skill and knowledge about issues of lake conservation. The work being conducted and operational system of the Project reflects the work culture. Further, improvement and up-gradation could be done through more interactions with expertise of National and International repute. Training to the field staff and middle level functionaries needs to be organized for further improvement.

7.5 Future frame work for action :

As post project follow up following actions are suggested for strengthening the gains of Bhoj Wetland Project.

1. The water quality assessment needs to be continued for another five years on

completion of the project. Moreover the lake modeling should be undertaken to implement remedial measures in the event of any adverse impact on the lake ecosystems.

2. The maintenance of the assets and work done under the project need special attention, so there is a need of separate lake conservation agency/ authority for taking care of generated infra-structure.

3. The environmental analytical facility created under the Bhoj Wetland Project could be strengthen so that it will serve as nodal agency in future water quality monitoring programmes for whole state of Madhya Pradesh. Generally, on conclusion of any major project the facilities are not put to further use and are lost in due course.

8. LESSONS LEARNED AND RECOMMENDED INITIATIVES: 8.1 Specific lesions: 8.1.1 An integrated approach - a key to success :

Lake Management is very complex issue involving different disciplines and multidimensional activities and an integrative approach. Unfortunately the mind set of experts available for such work is quite different; technocrats consider lake as a physical entity and apply stereotypic technology based solutions, while scientists consider lakes as 'living systems' requiring specific solutions based on prevailing biological and physicochemical circumstances. This difference in perception some times lead to conflicting situation in project implementation. The best solution to this problem lies in imparting a common core training to all the project staff that will cover diverse areas and interdisciplinary topics. Training to the staff should be arranged in the beginning rather that in between implementation. Selection of staff should be as per requirement of the work and their

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qualifications, experience and expertise should be laid down in project proposal itself. The processing of a project should be simple and easy as to avoid delays. Post Project maintenance of the infra-structure for certain period should be a part of the project proposal with necessary fund allocation.

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8.1.2 Protection of catchment is key to management of lakes :

Sustainable management of a lakes and reservoirs is directly linked to protection of its catchment. In other words, a lake is reflection of its catchment. Thus a number of measures need to be taken to protect the catchment like :

1. It should be declared as protected area prohibiting any developmental activity

affecting its green cover and landscape. The developmental activities with reference to human

settlements in the catchment need to be eco-friendly. This will prevent major problem of siltation of lakes, 2. Natural in-lets of a lake need protection so that rain water from the catchment reaches the lake, 3. Agriculture/aquaculture and other water consuming activities in the catchment need

regulation. The classical example of last measure is lake Osmansagar in Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India. This reservoir is not receiving adequate in-flows as in the past and reaching its Full Tank Level (FTL) in recent years. One of the major reasons for this is withdrawal of water in the catchment by constructing check dams and utilizing the same for water intensive crops.

8.1.3 Lake/Reservoir level measures :

1 . Shore zones of takes and reservoirs are always prone to encroachments and need protection as a major management action. Thus a Lake Shore Regulatory Zone (LSRZ) on the line of Coastal Regulatory Zone (CRZ) in the case of sea coast line, need to be established. The size of LSRZ for different water bodies in urban and rural areas can be based on topography, population pressure and other local factors. The zone should serve as green belt to control air pollution and prevent lake-ward encroachment.

2. No industrial activity should be allowed near a lake or in its catchment. A Supreme

Court judgment in the case of a lake in Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India, serves as an example in this regard. Despite of total ban on any industrial activity around a drinking water reservoir efforts were made to establish an oil industry on the shore of Osmansagar, the drinking water reservoir for the mega-city of Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India. Fortunately, by this judgment Hon. Supreme Court prevented the establishment of the industry and saved the lake from possible environmental disaster.

3. Administrative measures : '

A. Demarcation of lake boundaries after proper survey and development of green belt

along Full Reservoir Level (FRL). B. Regulation of developments in the catchments to prevent destruction/modification of

natural in-lets

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C. As a part of betterment laying of sewer lines should be made a pre-condition for sanctioning of layouts in the catchments of water bodies

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D. Regular de-silting of idol immersion sites in the lake E. Prevention of solid waste and garbage dumping in the lake through proper watch and

ward system F. Development of lake environ as a recreational zone by developing gardens, parks and

introduction of water sports G. Regular de-weeding and upkeep of lake E. Declaration of takes as protected areas and establishment of a lake protection cell to

coordinate activities of various agencies involved in the protection of the water body G. Establishment of educational centers for creating awareness about importance of eco-

heritage

4. Bio-manipulation to improve, the water quality and aesthetics

A. Removal of nutrients : Nutrients i.e. Nitrates and Phosphates can be reduced through controlled cultivation and harvesting of plant biomass. Macrophytes like water hyacinth not only reduce nutrients but also remove pollutants like heavy metals and pesticides and act as de-polluters (Muromota and Oki 1983). Flotilla of such weeds or their cage culture can be developed. Periodical harvesting of weed biomass will automatically remove excess of nutrients and improve the water quality. Similar manner algal biomass also can be removed to rid water body of excessive nutrients. B. Bio-manipulation of trophic levels: It is considered as one of the effective tools in the lake management. Introduction of composite fish culture to harvest biomass in surface, column and bottom feeding niches through introduction of select fish species can effectively reduce nutrient levels. Thus, ' bottom up' or 'top down' approach directed through introduction of surface , column and bottom feeders will generate income and reduce nutrient levels resulting into improvement of water quality. Such an integral approach is found to be most effective in relative shallower water bodies like the Lower Lake. C. Prevention of pollution from domestic sewage Action needs to be initiated at town planning level. Proper sewage treatment and disposal should be pre-requisite and an integral aspect of betterment before any housing plan is sanctioned. The town planning departments need to take extra care while allowing catchment areas of water bodies for human habitation. Sewage should be treated as a resource and recycled and managed through proper technologies. There is a need of investment on research & Development of such technologies because sewage is one issue tackling of which can lead to considerable improvement in the health and hygiene and reduction in the financial burden on health security particularly in developing countries all over the world. D. Desiltation :

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1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50

Siltation is posing a great threat to lakes and reservoirs all over the world. Its main reason is catchment deforestation. Special efforts need to be initiated to increase green cover and protection of catchment. In the case of urban lakes socio-cultural aspects like immersion of idols has assumed a grave proportion. Apart from siltation, organic matter through floral offerings and toxicants like heavy metals used in painting of idols is causing large scale pollution of water. A number of actions like using easily dissolving clay instead of plaster of paris and eco-friendly paints in place of synthetic colours can be used in making and painting of massive idols. Such an action needs involvement of all communities and an integrating approach. The sites of idol immersion should be de-silted every year to maintain proper depth of water. Proper cess can be collected for this purpose as per the principle of - Polluter should pay for de-pollution (Tekale, 2003). E. Construction of a boundary wall after proper survey to prevent further encroachment F. Proper location of washing activities by constructing dhobi ghats to prevent water pollution

8.2. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR BETTER MANAGEMENT: A. Upper lake:

Being a drinking water source this lake needs better management. From the present state of its environment, following actions need to be initiated:

1. The massive Trapa cultivation along shore of the lake should be prevented. The weed

is accelerating eutrophication and sedimentation of this section of the lake. An alternate site can be provided to the farmers for this purpose,

2. Stopping further expansion of urbanization along the shore of the lake through

creation of Lake Protection Zone in the upper reaches of the lake, 3. Post-project management plan : The work done under Bhoj Wetland project needs to

be further strengthen in the interest of long term management of the lake ecosystems. For this purpose a post-project management plan needs to be grounded before conclusion of the project. Some of the components of such a plan could be:

(a) Regular monitoring of water quality, flora and fauna of the lake, (b) Watch and ward in the form of guards who will prevent dumping garbage/solid

waste in to the lake and help maintain the environment clean.

B. Lower lake:

Lower lake is an eutrophicated water body. The remedial measures initiated by Bhoj Wetland Project are yielding some results and it is matter of time before the water quality suitable for bathing in the lake is achieved (Table 2). Following are some of the suggested measures

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2. Regular cleaning of lake to get rid of floating solid waste, 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49

3. Shifting of dhobighats 4. Desilting of immersion sites after conclusion of festivities 5. Diversion of sewage to STP and its treatment 6. Creation of wetland to biologically treat the organic waste wherever possible and 7. Protection of shore line of the lake.

8.3. General capacity building:

1. An integrated approach in sharing the experiences : Lake management needs an integrated approach involving professionals from diverse disciplines like science & technology, ecology, biology, limnology, geology, geochemistry, sociology, economics and information technology and sharing of information becomes a key factor in capacity building. Sectoral and blinkered approach often leads to conflicts defeating the goal of a lake management project. Thus, inter-disciplinary and cross sectoral dialogue is must for creation of team spirit. A common platform for sharing experiences and learning becomes a must for building a team spirit.

2. Involvement of stake holders including lake dependent communities and common people should form an integral part of any management programme. Their interest in lake needs to be sustained through awareness campaigns and other eco-friendly activities.

3. A permanent museum highlighting past and present experiences of lake management

needs to be established. Such a museum will not only be a common meeting point for stakeholders but also an attraction for tourists.

8.4. Dissemination of information and data to the stakeholders : Establishment of Lake

Resource Cenre ( LRC) :

Enormous volumes of data useful for management of lake ecosystems is generated by organizations / Institutions in public and private sector. Similarly, universities and research laboratories are doing lot of research work on diverse topics. All this information can be collected, collated and distributed through different media like Printing, Internet, TV and other audio-visual means. Apart from this the LRC can also be a platform for stakeholders to discuss the plans and programmes, facilitate formation of lake conservation committees (LCC) and organization of campaigns and socio-cultural activities.

REFERENCES :

Bajpai, A., S.Pani, R.K.Jain and S.M.Misra (2002) Heavy metal contamination through idol immersion in a tropical alke. Eco. Env. & Cons. 8 (2): 157 - 159.

Chandrasekhar, SN.A. (1996) Ecological studies on Saroornagar lake, Hyderabad. Ph.D.

Thesis. Osmania University, Hyderabad. Edmondson, W.T. (1991 ) The uses of Ecology, Lake Washington and beyond. University

of Washinglon Press.

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Enviornmental Research Project (2000) Bi-annual report on Water Quality Monitoring of Upper and Lower Lakes, Bhopal – Years 1999 & 2000-Vol-I.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41

42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50

Enviornmental Research Project (2000) Bi-annual report on Water Quality Monitoring of

Upper and Lower Lakes, Bhopal – Years 1999 & 2000-Vol-II.

Enviornmental Research Project (2000) Bi-annual report on Water Quality Monitoring of Upper and Lower Lakes, Bhopal – Years 1999 & 2000-Vol-III.

IS (1984) Standards for effluent discharge. Kodarkar, M.S. (1995) Conservation of lakes, With special reference to five water bodies

in and around Hyderabad. Publ.3. Indian Association of Aquatic Biologists (1AAB). Hyderabad. PP : 1-63.

Muromoto, S. And Y.Oki (1983) Removal of some heavy metals from polluted water by

water hyacinth (Eichornia crassipes). Bull.Environ. Contain. Toxicol. 30: 170 - 177. Pani, S. and S.M.Misra (2003) Impact of artificial aeration/Ozonization on algal

community structure of a tropical eutrophic lake. Eco. Env. & Cons. Vol. 9 (1) : 31 - 34.

Postel, Sandra (1984) Water; Rethinking management in an age of scarcity. World Watch

Paper - 62. PP : 1-65. Singh, R.K. and H. Anandh (1996) Water quality index of some Indian rivers. IndianJ

Environ.H1th.,Vol. 38 (l & 2): 21-34. Subrata Pani and S.M.Misra (1993) Impact of hydraulic detention on the water quality

characteristics of a tropical wetland (Lower lake). Environmental pollution and its management. Ed. Pankaj Srivastava. PP : 18-28.

Tekale, N.S. (2003) Idol immersion - A critical analysis of environmental impact on urban

lakes and remedial measures. Souvenir/Abstracts. PP : 61-63. UGC sponsored National Conference on Urban lakes - Enviornmental status economics and management options, Hyderabad, India.

World Commission on Environment and Development (WCED) (1990) Our Common

Future. Oxford University Press. Oxford, New York. Zafar, A.R. (1959) Taxonomy of lakes. Hydrobiologia. 13 (3): 187 - 299.

Internet resources on Bhoj Wetland Project and related topics : www.ilec.or.jp/lakewatch/Bhopal www.epcobpl.org/bwl.html www.ilec.or.jp www.worldlakes.org www.fba.org.uk www.iaab.org

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http://www.epcobpl.org/bwl.html

http://www.ilec.or.jp/

http://www.worldlakes.org/

http://www.fba.org.uk/

http://www.iaab.org/


www.unep.or.jp 1 2 3 4

www.gwpforum.org www.aral.zu/

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http://www.unep.or.jp/

http://www.gwpforum.org/

Documents

BHOJ WETLAND PROIECT - World LakesBhoj Wetland 2. Aquaculture : If properly utilized urban water bodies can be effectively utilized for fish production. Unfortunately the planners