On the eve of the World Wetlands Day 2015 to
be observed on Monday, scientists have called for drastic measures to
check the considerable reduction in waterspread area of the three Ramsar
sites in Kerala, namely the Ashtamudi, Sasthamcotta and Vembanad lakes,
and the ecological threats faced by smaller waterbodies like the
Veli-Akkulam lake.
The Centre for Water Resources
Development and Management (CWRDM) has initiated efforts to prepare a
management action plan for the Ashtamudi and Sasthamcotta lakes.
According
to George Chackacherry, scientist, CWRDM, there is an urgent need to
address the threats faced by the wetlands from an environmental
perspective.
The consequences
Scientists
say the disappearance of wetlands will affect access to fresh water for
millions of people, and impact livelihoods and biodiversity. Research
work done by the Department of Aquatic Biology and Fisheries, University
of Kerala, reveals that the organic pollution of the Veli-Akkulam lake
ecosystem in Thiruvananthapuram has assumed serious dimensions.
A
study conducted by U.G. Abhijna showed that all the ecological
indicators were far below the required standards. Another work by R.
Regi showed that more than half the area of the lake was affected by the
spread of the exotic water hyacinth
Eochhornia crassipes
while the exotic Tilapia had emerged as the dominant species, crowding out native fishes.
The
increasing number of African catfish and sucker catfish in the Akkulam
Lake is also of great concern, notes A. Biju Kumar, Head of Department.
The indigenous catfish (mushi) which was common in the lake is not seen
anymore. Increased development activities and encroachment have also
whittled down the water mass and impacted on the health of the lake
ecosystem.
Dr. Kumar argues for a Wetland Management
Authority for conservation and management of the lakes in Kerala. He
highlights the need to prepare a GIS map of the wetlands to identify
encroachments and prevent further reclamation.
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