KOZHIKODE: A survey carried out by the team of experts from the Centre for Water Resources Development and Management (CWRDM) has identified 100 wetlands in northern Kerala.
The survey was conducted as part of the environment ministry's direction to all the states in the country with an aim to prepare an authentic data on wetlands to take up conservation and management of wetlands.
Out of the 100 wetlands identified in the north 20 face threat to their rich biodiversity and need to be conserved for future generation.
The wetlands which need to be preserved are -- Kavvai backwater, Chempallykkundu marshes, Pulathuruthpandy marshes, Elathuruthpandy marshes, Kottappally marshes, Aavala marshes, Cherandathur marshes, Kandanchira-Karuvodchira marshes, Agalapuzha backwater, Govindhankettu backwater, Kunduparambu-Erangikal backwater and mangroves, Kottuli wetland, Mavoor wetland, Olavanna marshes, Kadalundy estuary, Thatanchuttythuruth, Purathur estuary, Kuruva river island, Karappuzha reservoir and Banasura sagar reservoir.
The CWRDM has already submitted the report of its findings to the directorate of environment and climate change in the state. Latest technique such as geographic information system is being used for mapping of wetlands.
The study found that encroachments and conversion of wetlands for aquaculture, agriculture and human settlements are increasing at an alarming rate. The study also revealed that wetlands face threats such as water pollution, dwindling fish population, weed infestation and disappearance of mangroves. The wetlands are also turning to be centres of mosquito breeding and water-borne diseases.
CWRDM water quality division head P S Harikumar, who headed the team, said the mapping would help curb uncontrolled activities in the wetlands. "A wetland regulatory authority will be formed for the conservation of notified wetlands in the state," he said. "During the survey it was also found that overexploitation of the wetlands has reduced the carrying capacity of the backwaters. Other factors that affect the backwater biodiversity are dredging, reclamation and sediment accumulation. Adding to these causes are the pollution inflicted by industrial, agricultural and tourism activities," said Harikumar. "Destruction of mangroves due to coir retting is also noticed," he said.
CWRDM has done the survey in northern Kerala. In the southern region Centre for Earth Sciences Studies (CESS) is conducting the survey; and Thrissur-based Kerala Forest Research Institute (KFRI) is conducting study in the central region.
Source: The Times of India,Sep 6, 2012