Lakes and Wetland Conservation
A Survey of Ramsar Sites in India
A Rapid assessment study on 26 Ramsar Sites present in India focusing on Current Status, Climate Change Impact, Mitigation Measures and Tourism Potential was undertaken for Ministry of Environment, for India’s 3rd National Communication to UNFCCC supported by UNDP. Field visits, GIS mapping, Land Use Land Cover changes through satellite imagery, assessment of current conservation plans and positive recommendations for the conservation and promotion of eco-tourism at these lakes have been made.
Assessment of National Lake Conservation Program(NLCP)
A study to conduct a rapid assessment of the delivery, effectiveness and impact of NLCP scheme based on a study of a representative sample of lake was undertaken for MoEFCC. 5 completed projects were selected as a representative sample with a fairly wide spatial dispersal. the projects assessed were Dal lake [Srinagar], Nainital lake [Uttarakhand], Mansagar lake [Jaipur], Sagar lake [MP] and Bellandur lake [Bengaluru].
Mapping of lentic water bodies in the Chattarpur Region
Mapping was carried out and a total of 1200 water bodies and tanks were listed. Efforts are being made to plan their conservation and protection inspite of several threats to their existence. It was noted that native biodiversity was still extant in some of them.
Hauz Khas Lake, Delhi
The revival of this dead 16 acre lake is a matter of pride for INTACH and Delhi. This pioneer project has become a habitat for migratory birds and a model for other urban lakes (sponsored by DDA).
Bhalaswa Lake, Delhi
Conservation Plan for the 47 ha lake in north Delhi lays out Conservation measures include changing the bed geometry, bringing in surplus Yamuna floodwaters and treated wastewaters, and maintaining water quality through bioremediation and pisciculture. This project is being supported by Indusind Bank CSR fund.
Kankaria Lake, Ahmedabad
This major 30 ha lake is a social hub suffering from rich algal growth as well as foul smell. According to scientific analysis the refill groundwater was the actual source of pollution. The plan [for Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation] involves changing the source of water and bioremediation using bacteria consortium, floating wetlands, and daphnia zoo plankton (sponsored by SRFDEL).
High Altitude Lakes
High altitude lakes are mostly associated with Hindu mythology and legends. Increasing pilgrimage pressure have put environmental threat to such pristine and sacred landscapes. INTACH studied four high altitude lakes – Manimahesh Lake [HP] and Vasuki Tal, Dodital and Deoria Tal in Uttarakhand. Conservation plan highlighting the issues has been prepared for the same.
Naya Raipur Lake, Chattisgarh
Lakes at Naya Raipur, Preparation of Conservation Plan In Accordance With NLCP Guidelines for 3 lakes falling in New Raipur Capital City. [Sendh, Khandwa and Jhang Lakes].
Sanjay Lake, Delhi
This 17 ha lake has been cut off from replenishment by embankments between Yamuna River. It not only dries up in summer but also has eutrophic conditions. DDA is implementing INTACH plan involving bioremediation and wetland treatment of effluent from Kondli STP as well as in situ treatment and pisciculture.
Lakes at Hazaribagh, Jharkhand
Preparation of Conservation Plan in Accordance With NLCP Guidelines for 3 lakes falling in Hazaribagh.
Conservation Plan for Sambhar Lake in Collaboration with CIWSA
Detailed studies over two years have resulted in a formulation of a conservation management plan for Sambhar Lake [2nd largest saline water lake in Asia] with serious consideration given to biodiversity conservation as well as welfare of the dependent communities.
Mansagar Lake, Jaipur
As plan of a tourism project, plans were drawn up for the changing the lakes’s geometrical characteristics. A hydrological model was prepared to regulate inflows and ensure a perennial Water body, imparting floating effect to Jal Mahal situated in the lake.
Tikri Khurd Lake & Mughal Tank
The Lake was protected through PIL and thereafter a plan had been prepared by NMCG to fill the lake and the 6 Ha Mughal Tank and assorted lakes and tanks with treated effluents with recycled water from Narela STP. Overflow from these lakes will be recharged through large green areas of the 2 nearby industrial estates (sponsored by NMCG).
Shoreline Development of Naini Lake, Bhimtal, Nakuchia Tal, Sat Tal.
Lake edges of these glacial origin lakes were being corroded by haphazard and shabby civil works. The greater Nainital lake authority interested INTACH with the preparation of planned or natural littoral zonal plans.
