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ENVIS Technical Report: 29
October 2008
Ecological Status of Kali River Flood Plain |
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1.0 Summary
The Western Ghats (Sahayadri Hills) of India also known as is identified as one of the richest regions in terms of biodiversity and it is often referred to as a “biodiversity hotspot”(Daniels, 2003). The Western Ghats is the source of 38 east flowing and 37 west flowing river systems. The ecosystem has experienced tumultuous changes due to river valley and other developmental projects in the last 60 years. Inventorying and monitoring the biodiversity and ecology of river basins would help in the formulation and implementation of appropriate conservation and management strategies in the Western Ghats. This report documents the biodiversity and ecological significance of the flood plains of Kali river basin
Nearly 45 endemic to Western Ghats and 73 endemic plants to both Western Ghats and Sri Lanka were recorded from the study area. Plants such as Aristalochia indica, Arundinella metzii, Canthium parviflorum, Smithia hirsuta, Flacourtia Montana, Geissaspis cristata, Crotalaria lutescens. Rhynchospora wightiana, Trees such as Artocarpus heterophyllus, Artocarpus hirsute, Caryota urens, Garcinia indica, Holigarna arnotiana, Hopea ponga, Hydnocarpus laurifolia, Ixora brachiata, Lagerstroemia microcarapa, Litsea laevigata, Mammea suriga, Mangifera indica, Memecylon talbotianum, Myristica malabarica, Polyalthia fragrans etc., are endemic to Western Ghats. Many of the plants such as Hemidesmus indicus, Cassia fistula, Pongamia pinnata, Nothopodytes nimmoniana, Embelia ribes, Rauvolfia serpentina etc., are medicinal plants. The water quality of the streams in the Kali flood plain region is in pristine condition. The Salinity level decreases gradually from the downstream to upstream in these streams. In terms of organic pollution the stream water quality was found to be good for the whole stretch. The total dissolved solids increases during the November month; it may be attributed by the excess water discharged from the paddy field during the cultivation. The phosphate and nitrate levels are recorded in very meager level. The freshwater zone of these streams supports unique stream flora and fauna, among which most are endemic odonates to Western Ghats like Euphaea fraseri, Euphaea dispar. The existing water quality also supports lot of unique aquatic organisms ranging diatoms, aquatic insects, reptiles and birds. Among the 20 species of anurans recorded, nearly 45% are endemic to the Western Ghats. The place records the presence of once thought to be extinct species of frog (Philautus cf.leucorhinus) while one of the recorded species of frog belongs to vulnerable (Philautus tuberohumerus) and three belong to near threatened category (Ramanella montana, Clinotarsus curtipes, Sylvirana temporalis ). 50 birds belonging to 13 different orders and 31 different families were recorded from the study area. One of the near threatened birds which is endemic to Western Ghats – the Malabar pied hornbill (Anthracoceros coronatus) was observed in the region. Indian peafowl (Pavo Cristatus) which belongs to the Scheduled I of protected animals according to the Wild life protection act 1972 was observed in the region. Six major dams across the river, a nuclear power plant and the paper and sugar industries on its bank have already caused tremendous loss of the biodiversity in the region. Any further development be it a hydro electricity project or any thermal power plant in the district is likely to cause a lot of damage to the left over biodiversity as well as it will harm the fish production capacity of the region.
A large scale removal of mangroves in swampy area (74.18767° N, 14.88362° E) is noticed near Hankon jog within 100 meters from the flow of river. This activity is a violation of CRZ 1991 (amended in 2001) as the region falls within the prohibited activities. As per the Clause (d) of sub-rule (3) of Rule 5 of the Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986, rules 5(3)(d) of the environment (protection) rules, 1986 and also CRZ 1991, the coastal stretches of seas, bays, estuaries, creeks, rivers and backwaters which are influenced by tidal action (in the landward side) upto 500 metres from the High Tide Line (HTL) and the land between the Low Tide Line (LTL) and the HTL are mandated as Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ). CRZ 1991 (amended in 2001) prohibits land reclamation, bunding or disturbing the natural course of sea water or dumping of ash or any wastes from thermal power stations.
This study re-affirms ‘hottest hotspot’ status of the Western Ghats, a repository of biological wealth of rare kind, both in its aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems and indicates strongly the need for adoption of holistic eco-system management for conservation of particularly the rare and endemic fauna of the Western Ghats. The premium should be on conservation of the remaining evergreen and semi-evergreen forests, which are vital for the perenniality of streams and sustenance of biodiversity. Through appropriate management there still exists a chance to restore the lost natural evergreen to semi-evergreen forests. Considering the ecological significance and rich biodiversity, entire district be declared as an Eco-sensitive region as per sub‑section (1) with clause (v) of sub‑section (2) of section 3 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 (29 of 1986) and clause (d) of sub‑rule (3) of rule 5 of the Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986 in concurrence with the provisions of the Indian Forests Act, 1927 (16 of 1927) and Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 (69 of 1980) the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 (53 of 1972) and also Biological diversity act 2002.