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.
