AQUATIC
HOTSPOT
Bellandur Tank |
||
![]() |
||
Name of the Hotspot |
Bellandur
Tank |
Focal species | African Catfish – Clarias gariepinus (Burchell)
|
Coordinating Team |
Dr. Madhav Gadgil and Team |
Investigating Team |
Shri. H.N. Chandrashekharaiah, |
Dates of data collection |
From 11.112003 to 15.11.2003 |
Process of data collection |
Field visits and interviews |
Sources of information |
S/Shri. Nallappa S/o. Kaverappa Kempapura |
Number of man-days consumed in data collection |
25-man days |
Location |
Located in the eastern part of Bangalore city. |
Area (in ha or sq km) |
361.3 ha |
Latitude / Longitude |
Lat : 12degrees 15', Long : 77 degrees 38' |
Village/Town/Taluk/District |
Bellandur, Bangalore. |
Maps (Kind of map and the scale) |
Enclosed |
Mode of access (Distance from Railway / Bus Station |
The tank can be approached by road through ring road, Agara to Bellandur Village and from there, the tank is about 1 km. It can also be reached form Marthahalli to Kempapura Village(on the road to White field). |
Facilities to stay closest to the Hotspot |
No facility for stay. From Bangalore, it can be easily approached. |
Tariff (if any) to be paid to visit the Hotspot |
Nil |
Controlling authorities |
Lake Development Authority, Government of Karnataka. |
Classes of landscape |
The tank is located in Kormangala-Challaghatta valley towards the upper reaches and to right sides of the tank, there are factories and Kempapura village, to the left side, Bellandur village is located. Below the bund of the tank, the achkat is cultivated . |
Water body |
The tank is receiving waste water from urbanized areas of cantonment, Ulsoor, Indiranagar, Domlur, HAL, HAL Airport, NAL and Koramangala. A portion of treated effluent from the aerated lagoon from HAL Complex is let into the tank. The overflow water of the tank joins Varthur tank. The Bellandur tank water is mainly used for irrigation (Paddy and Vegetables), in the achkat of the tank. The tank is reported to have caused health hazards to the public living in the surroundings villages of Bellandur, Belur, Kempapura, Nagasandra, Challaghatta, Egipura, Jakkasandran, Yemalur, Venkatapura, Agara, Iblur. |
Human population Kempapura Nagasandra Ejipura Jakkasandra Yamalur Venkatapura Agara Bellandur Iblur |
Total Families SC ST Population 2000 30 10 10 5000 50 30 25 3000 10 40 50 4000 30 50 50 3000 20 100 100 3000 20 50 50 7500 30 100 100 4000 20 25 25 500 10 50 50 |
Presence of Schedule tribes or Nomadic tribes population |
Nil |
Live stock |
Cattle, poultry, piggery etc., |
Irrigation status and major crops |
Paddy, Ragi, Vegetables |
Significant forest produce |
Nil |
Quantities recorded at the Range or Divisional Forest Office. |
Nil |
Cooperative Societies and their transactions |
There was one Fishermen Cooperative Society at Kempapura having 150 members of the surrounding villages. |
Significant freshwater fish productions. |
In 1970's about 150 fishermen were engaged in fishing. They were using 75 coracles, 150 gillnet 45 dragnets cast nets 30 and they were harvesting about 100-150 kgs of fish per coracle. The Society used to dispose the fishery by |
auction and the revenue realized was paid to fishermen after deducting at the 5 paise per kg of fish. Catla, Mrigal, Common Carp, Silver carp Singhi, Murrels. P.ticto and M. vittatus were the domina fish species. Prawns were also harvested in good quantity. There is no fishing activities from 1973. At present, few people are engaged in fishing to catch African catfish. It is reported that the African catfish has bred in the Tank. |
|
Disposal of fishing rights (Leasing / Auctioning/ Licence) |
Licensing |
Significant shell fish / marine fish productions |
Nil |
Number and type of fishing crafts / gears . |
Crafts coracles and theppas; fishing nets of various mesh-sizes, castnets, dragnets, plunge-baskets, rod and line, long-line etc. |
Nearest fish landing centres and disposal system. |
Kempapura and disposal is by auction. |
Availability of fish processing facilities |
Nil |
Mining and quarrying activities in the area. |
Nil |
Sources and extent of air and water pollution |
Formerly the factory effluents and domestic sewage used to drain into Challaghatta tank which was acting as a settling tank and the supernatent water used to be let into Bellandur tank. As a result, Bellandur tank water was used to be congenial and was responsible for the high fish production. Presently, Challaghatta tank is converted into residential lay-outs and the effluents |
And domestic sewage started entering into Bellandur tank directly. Thus the water became highly polluted and lot of debris accumulated at the bottom. Heavy fish mortality was noticed every year during summer months. Gradually fishery disappeared. Quite recently, the Lake Development Authority in order to restore the tank from pollutional threat have installed floating aerators and have resorted to bacterial culture to decompose the organic mater in the tank. |
|
Prevalence of human diseases. |
Skin rashes, Malaria are reported. |
Educational Institutions |
There are Primary and Upper primary Schools are the surrounding villages. |
Co-operative Societies |
Kempapura Meenugarara Sahakara Sangha, Kempapura. This Society is now defunct. When it was functioning, there were about 150 members from the surrounding villages. |
Youth clubs |
Nil |
Ladies club |
Nil |
Active NGO's |
Nil |
THREATS AND SUPPORTIVE RESTORATION ACTIVITIES |
Name of individual
/ institution / agency.
|
Activity
with a positive influence on core area |
Activity
with a negative influence on core area |
Activity
with a positive influence on zone of influence |
Activity
with a negative influence on zone of influence |
|
Local
individuals |
Farmers from surrounding villages and far off places. |
The Jussiaea aquatic
plants is being collected
in large scale and is fed to live stock |
- |
- |
- |
Local institutions |
Bangalore Water Supply and Sewage Board has established a | - | - | ||
Outside individuals |
Kolar farmers |
On account of drought
conditions, lorry loads of Jussiaea was collected and taken to feed the
cattle in Kolar district. |
|||
Outside institutions
|
Factories |
Discharging effluents |
|||
Government agencies |
Lake Development Authority of Karnataka |
Propose to restore the tank |
|||
Industrial mining companies
|
HAL |
They
are treating the effluents in the aerated lagoons and discharging into the
tank. |
|||
Any other agencies |
LIST OF KNOWLEDGE INDIVIDUALS |
Name
|
Age
|
Sex
|
Community
|
Address
|
Shri. Nallappa |
60 |
Male
|
Thigala
|
Fisherman
Kempapura |
Shri. S. Muniyappa | 65 | Male | Thigala
|
Fisherman
Kempapura |
Shri. K.M Shyma | 68 | Male | Thigala |
Fisherman
Kempapura |
Shri. K.M Shyma | 55 | Male | Thigala |
Fisherman
Kempapura |
Shri. S. Ramappa |
50 | Male | Thigala |
Fisherman
Kempapura |
Shri. Muniraju |
40 | Male | Thigala |
Fisherman
Kempapura |
Shri.S. Shiva |
55 | Male | Thigala |
Fisherman
Kempapura |
Shri. Solappa |
55 | Male | Thigala |
Fisherman
Kempapura |
Shri. Cheluvappa |
60 | Male | Thigala |
Fisherman
Kempapura |
Shri. Shanmugan |
62 | Male | Thigala |
Fisherman
Kempapura |
HABITATS |
A |
Preparation
of sketch map of the landscape : |
|
|
1 |
For
zone of influence |
Enclosed |
|
2 |
For
zone of influence |
Enclosed |
|
B |
Description
of Habitat types |
|
|
1 |
Habitat
name |
Perennial tank |
|
2 |
Local
name (if any) |
Bellandur tank |
|
3 |
Approximate
total area (ha.) |
361.3ha. |
|
4 |
Special
significance of the habitat type (if any) |
|
|
5 | Management regimes | The Department of Fisheries was engaged in annual stocking of catla, Mrigal, Common carp, Grass carp and Silver carp, fingerlings. There used to be significant growth of the species introduced in addition to local species. The Department used to manage the fishery and were issuing licences for fishing. There is also a nursery nearby established for rearing of fish seed before stocking them | |
6 | Goods and services provided by the habitat | About 400 tons of fish was harvested every year. Jussiaea plant was provided as fodder to the cattle | |
7 | Bads and disservices provided by the habitat | Highly polluted water gradually rendered the tank unproductive and the water hyacinth acted as a menace | |
8 | Significant ecological processes influenced by the habitat type | The disappearance of Challaghatta tank (its area is converted into a layout for human habitation) has caused havoc by direct entry of untreated domestic sewage and factory effluents | |
9 | Significant man-induced processes influenced by the habitat | As at ‘8' above | |
10 | Interacting individuals and institutions (Local | Water Supply and Sewerage Board Lake Development Authority, Pollution Control Board, Department of Fisheries. | |
11 | Activities | Water Supply and Sewerage Board has established one treatment plant. Lake Development Authority proposes to restore to tank. Pollution Control Broad may monitor the quality of water. | |
12 | Interacting individuals and institutions (External) | As in 11 above | |
13 | Activities | The Lake Development Authority may restore the Bellandur tank Water Supply and Sewage Board may install few more treatment plants. The Pollution Control Board may monitor water and soil quality etc. | |
C |
History of important habitat patches over 10-15/40-50 years |
|
|
1 | Type and name of the habitat patch | The
Bellandur tank is a perennial Tank. |
|
2 | Change in | ||
i | Area | Water spread area is reduced to some extent. | |
ii | Vegetation strata | Water hyacinth, Juessiaea Colacasia, typaha, Agrostics etc Cypress, found in small patches. | |
3 | Aquatic habitat change in | ||
i | Catchment area | Now totally human habitated | |
ii | Aquatic fauna | The fishery, once, was flourishing. Presently it is absent. | |
4 | Significant ecological processes influencing the habitat patch | The entry of untreated effluents and sewage has affected the water quality and the accumulated debris has created shallowness | |
5 | Significant man-induced processes influencing the habitat patch | - Do - | |
6 | Productivity of Goods and services | There used to be considerable fish production from the tank and the harvested fish was marketed to local and urban people. | |
7 | tent of bads and disservices | Nil | |
8 | Reasons for ongoing changes | Not taking care of treating water before it is allowed to enter the tank | |
9 | Gainers | Farmers who collect Jussiaea and feed the cattle | |
10 | Losers | Fishermen
Local people |
|
11 | Desired changes / desired future | Water
should be treated before allowing it to enter the tank by establishment
adequate number of treatment plants. The factories should treat the water
before allowing it to drain into the tank. Pollution Control board should
insist on establishing treatment plants and the quality of water discharged
should be monitored by the KSPCB. |
|
12 | Desired management system | Lake Development Authority proposes to retore the tank. It may be assisted by all the concerned and a Committee may be constituted to monitor the progress | |
13 | Suggested component for a feasible management plan for the habitat patch | - do |
LIFE SCAPE |
(a) Naturally occurring species of
significance
1. PLANKTON | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
PHYTOPLANKTON | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Myxophyceae : Microcystis, Oscillatoria, Eudorina , Spirulina | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cholorphyceae : Spirogyra, Ulothrix,
Oedogonium |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Bacillariophyceae : Navicula,
Synedra, Nitzchia, Fragillaria, Surierella, Cosmarium |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
ZOOPLANKTON | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Prtozon : Arcella | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rotifera : Brachionus, Keratella, Filinia
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cladocera : Daphnia, Moina |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Copepoda : Cyclops, Diaptomus |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2. BENTHOS | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Insects : Odonata | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Suborder : Anisoptera | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Family : LIBELLULIDAE | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1.Urothemis signata (Rambur) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Order : Hemiptera | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Family : GERRIDAE | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2. Gerris spinolae leth & Sev | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Order : Coleoptera | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Family : DYTISCIDAE | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
3. Dytiscus limbatus Fabricus | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Order : Diptera | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Family : CULICIDAE | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
4.Culex spp. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Family : CHIRONOMIDAE | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
5.Chironomus | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Family : STRATIOMYIDAE | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
6.Stratiomys Spp | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fish Order : Cyprinodontiformes | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Family : POECILIDAE | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Subfamily : Poecilinae | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Genus : Gambusia Poey | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
7.Gambusia affinis (Baird & Girard) |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Genus : Poecilia Bloch | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
8.Poecilia (Lebistes) reticulates Schneider | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
3. AQUATIC WEEDS | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Family : | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Genus : | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1. Jussiaea spp. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Family : PONTEDERIACEAE | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Genus : Eichhorina | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2. Eichhorina crassipes Solms | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Family : TYPHACEAE | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Genus : Typha | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
3. Typha elephantina Roxb | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Family : ARACEAE | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Genus : Colacasia | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
4. Colacasia antiquorum Schoff | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Family : CYPERACEAE | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Genus : Cyperus | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
5. Cyperus distans Linnaeus | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
4. Fish species (Systematic list) |
|
(b) Additional information
on species of significance
1. |
Most common local name of the species (Language) |
The list of fishes furnished pertains to observation made about 15 years back. Now only the African catfish form the fishery. |
2. |
Scientific name of the species |
Furnished |
3. |
Habitat favoured |
Ideal ecological conditions for the tank environment. |
4. |
Value to local community |
The quality of water should be improved and aquatic plants removed. The present nauseating smell shall disappear when once the tank is restored and the diseases like cough etc., will no more affect the humans. |
5. |
Major uses / ill effects |
African cat fish – Food value / nil |
6. |
Value of global relevance (as rare, threatened or endangered) |
African cat fish -As a pest. |
(c) History of significant species / varieties
1. |
Most common local name of the species (Language) |
African catfish. |
2. |
Scientific name |
Clarias gariepinus (Burchell) |
3. |
Most common local name of variety |
Anemeenu. |
4. |
Existing management authority |
Since the fishery is very poor on account of the adverse conditions, nobody is managing the fishery. Airport authorities have advised that no fishery should be developed in the tank. The fish farm located nearby is defunct. To restore the water body to normal conditions ecologically, late development authority has assumed overall control of the tank and action has already been initiated in this direction. |
5. |
Fish breeding season |
Monsoon season |
6. |
Fishing methods (types of nets used) |
Occasional gillnets are operated. |
7. |
Current level of abundance |
Nil- The tank fishery, save African catfish is totally absent. |
8. |
Trend in abundance in last 10-15 /40-50 years. |
It was one of the most productive tank as for as fishery is concerned. The Catla, Rohu, Mrigal, Common Carp, Grass carp , seller carp, used to attain a record size of 2 ½ to 5 Kg per year. There used to be a temporary camp of about 50 fishermen of Koppam (AP) to harvest fish in addition to local 150 fishermen during summer months. Daily about 2500 – 3000 Kgs of fish used to be harvested. The fish caught was auctioned in lots. Bellandur tank fish was sent to Calcutta in those days. Situation, more or less, continued upto 1973. Plantius ticto dominated in the tank and other fishery declined gradually Plantius ticto was caught to an extent of 4- 5 Kgs in one castnet operation. Huge quantity of fish was caught in early 1970's. This used to be sold in fresh condition and part of the catch was sun- dried and it was sold to poultry feed producers and also for local consumption. |
9. |
Significant ecological processes influencing the species / varieties. |
No indigenous fishes are found in the tank as the conditions are un-favourable. Only the African catfish is thriving in the tank |
10. |
Significant man induced processes influencing the species / variety |
The breaching of Challaghatta tank lead to converting the tank bed as sites and the sedimentation. That used to take place in respect of sewage and effluents, totally stopped and they started flowing into Bellandur Tank directly. This adverse process affected the fishery of the tank totally. |
11. |
Reasons for the ongoing changes |
The lapse on the part of the responsible institutions not taking timely action to lead to the present situation. Expansion of layouts, (dwelling extensions), increased population etc are responsible for this situation. |
12. |
Gainers : Internal / External |
Brofuse growth of aquatic plant Jussiaea spp, water hyacinth, etc in the tank is proving to be quite beneficial. The weed plant is being utilized as a fodder for the cattle, both in the neighbouring villages, and distant places like Kolar as draught conditions are prevailing. This is a boon to farmers who are maintaining cattle. |
13. |
Losers : Internal / External |
The health conditions of the people in the neighbouring villages is affected on account of foul smell and bad quality of water which has affected the ground water too. The open-well water in the area has become unfit for human consumption. |
14. |
Desired changes / desired future |
As contemplated, the Lake Development Authority may take immediate steps to restore the tank. When once it is restored, the entry of untreated sewage and effluents shall stop. The quality of water should be assessed periodically |
15. |
Desired management system |
When the International Airport at Devanahalli is commissioned, the tank may be utilized for fisheries development, boating and related recreational activities. |
16. |
Suggested component for a feasible management plan for the species / variety |
The African catfish is the only representative of the fishery of the tank. The fish has also migrated to Varthur tank. To prevent their entry further to other water bodies this should be controlled by selecting harvesting by employing effective nets, traps long-lines etc., |
MANAGEMENT (For core area, zone of influence) |
1. |
Desired response options of different members of local or outside. Communities / Institutions/ Government agencies / industrial or mining undertakings etc., to be recorded |
1. The Village Panchayat, Taluk Panchayat Zilla Panchayat should take action to prevent entry of untreated sewage and effluents, involve public to control aquatic vegetation and to destroy African catfish whenever noticed. |
2.The Lake Development authority should implement their plan to restore the tank in due consultation with the local bodies. |
||
3. Pollution Control Board should monitor the quality of water and soil periodically. |
||
4. When once International Airport at Devanahalli is commissioned the tank may be utilized for fisheries development in particular. |
||
2. |
Significance of management issues and response options |
As detailed above |
3. |
Management issues pertaining to |
|
(a) |
Habitat and / or |
When once the tank is restored efforts should be made to maintain it without allowing towards further deterioration. |
(b) |
Species / Variety |
When the water quality gets improved, all culturable varieties of fish may be stocked. |
4. |
Customary / Administrative |
Local people should be educated to maintain the tank. The Revenue, Forest, fisheries Department may manage the tank. |
5. |
Since how long the arrangements have been in practice |
No such process, as indicated earlier, has ever been contemplated. |
6. |
Changes if any, in management pattern over last 10-15 /40-50 years |
When the tank was potentially quite productive, the agricultural crops and vegetable were grown in plenty. Fishery development and exploitation was considerable. Employment potential was high. No such situation is prevailing now. |
7. |
Desired changes / Desired future |
As at 6(a) – 1 |
8. |
Desired management system |
As at 6-3 – (a) |
(b) |
Perspectives of Investigators |
This is one of the perennial tanks situated around Bangalore. Like Hebbal, Madivala and Nagavara, this tank may also be restored. This will improve the healthy condition besides providing congenial atmosphere and the quality of ground water shall also improve. It may be used as a sport fishery centre, and for other recreational purposes. |
(c) |
Desired and feasible pattern of management that should be promoted in the opinion of the investigators. |
As at 6-(b) above |
(d) |
Suggested strategy for promoting this desired patterns of management and the ommunication needs for the purpose. |
A Committee may be constituted consisting of Forest, BWSSB, LDA, KSPCB, Revenue, Fisheries, Panchayat Institutions for taking responsibility of restoration and management of the tank and also other related activities. |
(e) |
Cultural, religious recreational, scenic, tourist significance of the hotspot. |
When once the tank is restored suitable action may be taken to create a garden in the peripheral region of the tank. A boat club, childrens park, bird-watching facilities, Sport fishing may be organized and this may form a place of tourists attraction. |
(f) |
Ecological evaluation of the hotspot |
Now it is a sewage-fed tank with nauseating smell, covered with aquatic plants and creating health hazards. The only plus point is that the tank has plenty of Jussiaea plant which is providing fodder to the cattle. |
(g) |
Suggested follow up investigations |
As at 6-(a) 1 |
(h) |
Any other suggested follow up |
The fishermen who were once engaged in fishing activity have no employment. They have no houses to reside and are working as labourers, to earn their lively hood. There is one scheme where-in houses at a cost of Rs. 30,000/- may be constructed to each family of fishermen, free of cost. Provided they have sites in their names. Unfortunately, none of the fishermen have sites of their own. But the Panchayat / Revenue Department . should provide sites for these people are the fisheries Department should construct houses for them. Once the tank is restored, the fishery could be developed. The people can deploy themselves for fishing and in related activities. |