86-Eco-tourism in Temple Tanks : An urgent need for public health

Abstract

In India Kings and emperors in olden times had built many tanks and lakes as per requirement of the general public. But as time passed on, most of the temple tanks have become waste and dumping ground. In the present paper, authors have taken up the case study of famous Bhalkeshwar Temple Tank located at Bhalki in Bidar district of Karnataka. The tank is situated near the temple of Lord Shiva constructed by King Bhalkeshwar approximately 600 years ago. The tank is completely surrounded by large walls on all sides and divided into two large units. In the centre of the tank, a spring type structure is existing from which water comes into tank. In olden days this tank had been in use for taking water for drinking purpose as well as for performing pooja and various rituals. Presently as per study, this tank has been found mainly dominated by aquatic weeds. The water colour is green. High siltation has been taking place due to immersion of idols specially during Ganesh festival. Also people have been throwing coconut and pooja waste in this tank on day to day basis and specially during Dasahara festival. The physiochemical characteristics of this tank reveal high pH, very low 02 concentration and very high CO2 concentration. Almost yearly 4-5 persons die due to committing suicides in this tank leading to becoming notorious suicide spot. It has also been observed that the time taken to swell up the dead body is 30 to 36 hours. Biological parameters reveal very large numbers of bacterial and insect population. It has been prominently occupied by various producers and different grades of consumers as per foodweb. In and around the tank, various aquatic birds have also been spotted and reported. Almost similar situations prevail for thousands of old temple tanks in India which are required to be studied and developed by Local Government and Non Government organisations for encouraging ecotourism and creating ecofriendly environment.