5 days training course on conservation and management of lakes, wetlands and springs 24-28 June , 2019 at NIH, Roorkee

Abstract

The increasing demand for fresh water for various purposes due to ever growing population, calls for proper conservation and management of all the available fresh water resources, including lakes, wetlands and springs. Lakes are quite often the catalysts in the development of the region by supplying water for variety of uses such as drinking and civil water supply, industrial supply, irrigation, aqua-culture, recreation and tourism etc. Springs are primary sources of drinking water in many areas, particularly in the Himalayas. Wetlands are also a critical part of our natural environment and are the vital link between land and water. They provide an important range of environmental, social and economic services. The wetland ecosystems provide habitat for animals and plants and many contain a wide diversity of life. Unfortunately many lakes, springs and wetlands are reported to have undergone quantitative or/and qualitative degradation in the last few decades.They are under increasing stress due to growing demands, urbanization and human interference in the catchments. Heavy sedimentation and siltation, organic pollution, eutrophication, reduced water availability, loss of habitat etc. are some of the major problems which are common to most of the lakes and wetlands. Similarly many springs are reported to be going dry. As such, conservation and proper management of lakes, springs and wetlands for the socioeconomic benefits of the society, has assumed great significance in recent times.