31-The Impact of human activities on the lakes of Brij Region

Abstract

The landscape is a composite system where the hydrological factors play an important role. It has been unfortunate that the human race has silently damaged many a water body in the ecosystem. The population, affluence and technology are the three factors which have contributed in a major way. The human needs of freshwater are increasing at a phenomenal rate and the rivers, lakes, ponds, wells are not able to sustain the load. The degree of impact is largely dependent on the nature and quantum of the human activities. This paper is an attempt to present the analysis of the impact on the lakes of the Brij area. Agra has the fortune of having a lake at Keetham which has been completely exploited by the human activity around it. Besides there were several small water bodies in Brij which are now dry and barren.

The Keetham Lake is major component of the water system of Agra and contributes to the water supply in the summer months. It it's a special habitat for birds and fishes besides the water loving insects. The past three decades have seen a vast change in the state of this lake. The system of lakes in the Brij Zone has been completely destroyed by the human activates. The climate, wind, rain, waste, deforestation, drainage, infiltration on the water system, urbanization have brought changes in the size, quality and aesthetic value of the lakes.