69-Conservation and Management of Wetlands in Punjab - Challenges & Opportunities

Abstract

The present paper primarily brings out major threats to Ramsar sites of Punjab (Harike, Kanjli & Ropar) and the conservation measures being taken for their sustainable management. These wetlands have major threats from siltation, agriculture runoff, water pollution and infestation of weeds. Harike is receiving silt from degraded ravines in the catchments and is infested with water hyacinth due to water pollution in the Sutlej. Ropar is also facing problem of siltation from denuded hills with loose bound soil in its immediate catchments whereas Kanjli is facing problem of agriculture runoff from the adjoining fields and infestation of water hyacinth. Various conservation measures are being taken up by Punjab State Council for Science & Technology, the nodal agency for wetlands conservation in Punjab through active involvement of concerned departments. Catchment Area Treatment is being taken up at Harike and Ropar wetlands by various measures such as plantation, silt detention structures, masonary drop structures, crate wire structures, brushwood structures, loose stone structures, field bunding, and vegetative hedges,etc. For control of water hyacinth, mechanical and biological methods using conveyer belt systems and release of weevils have been adopted. Public awareness is also an integrated part of the conservation plan. Now, to control menace of water hyacinth and generation of livelihood for local population, collaboration of KIDS society, Kottapuram (Kerala) is being sought to train local artisans for preparing handicraft items from water hyacinth and other weeds. In Punjab, recently two more wetlands (Inter State wetland Ranjit Sagar in district Gurdaspur and Nangal lake in distt. Ropar) have been included in National wetlands conservation plan of MEF,GOI. Efforts are also being made to conserve five state wetlands namely Dholbaha in district Hoshiarpur, Keshopur Miani & Kahnuwan in district Gurdaspur, Mand Bharthala in district Nawanshahr and Jastarwal in district Amritsar. Keshopur Miani has been notified as 'Community reserve' by Deptt. of Forests & wildlife so as to conserve the same through active participation of local community.