AQUATIC
HOTSPOT
Byramangala |
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BACKGROUND INFORMATION |
Name of the Hotspot | Byramangala Reservoir |
Focal species | Once a source of rich fishery now only African catfish is thriving |
Coordinating Team | Prof. Madhav Gadgil and his team |
Investigating Team | S/Shri H.N. Chandrashekharaiah,M.F. Rahman, K. Sham Bhat and Dr.G.V.Kowtal |
Dates of data collection | From 10.03.2004 to 12.03.2004 |
Process of data collection | Field visits and interviews. |
Sources of information | B.S. Rajashekar, ADF (Rtd),Bangalore. Abdul Gani, Bidadi. Muniyappa, Bidadi. Raju, Bidadi. Venkataramanappa,Byramangala. Anjanappa, Byramangala. Thimmegowda, Byramangala. |
Number of man-days consumed in data collection | 8 man- days |
SETTING |
1. Location | Byramangala Reservoir, Byramangala, Bidadi, Ramanagaram Taluk,Bangalore Rural District. |
2. Area (in ha or sq km) | 412 ha. |
3. Latitude / Longitude | Lat. : 12' 58'', Long: 77' 38'' |
4. Village / Town / Taluk / District | Byramangala/Bidadi/Ramanagaram/ Bangalore Rural. |
5. Maps(kind of map and the scale) | Enclosed |
6. Modes of Access | (Distance from Railway station /Bus station) 5 Kms. From Bidadi Railway / Bus station. Connected from Government and Private Bus services from Bangalore. 38 km from Bangalore. |
7. Facilities to stay closest to the hotspot | There is a PWD travellers Bungalow at Byramangala; but easy to travel from Bangalore. |
8. Tariff ( if any) to be paid to visit the hotspot | No |
9. Controlling authorities | Department of Fisheries |
10. Classes of Landscape | Agricultural lands surrounding the reservoir |
11. Water body | Byramangala Reservoir. The reservoir water is highly polluted as it receives both industrial effluents and untreated sewage from the Bangalore Urban Area. |
12. Human Population | 2000 |
13. Presence of Scheduled tribes or Nomadic tribes population | SC - 100, ST - 50 |
14. Live stock | Cattle, Buffalos, Poultry, Piggery |
15. Irrigation status and Major crops | Paddy, Ragi, Sunflower, Vegetables, Sugarcane, etc. |
16. Significant forest produce | Nil |
17. Quantities recorded at the Range or Divisional Forest offices | Nil |
18. Cooperative Societies and their transactions | There was one Fishermen Cooperative Society at Byramangala having 180 members and is presently it is not functioning. |
19. Significant fresh water fish productions | Few decades back, the reservoir was famous for fish production contributed by Indian major carps, exotic Common carp as also by indigenous fish species. |
20. Disposal of fishing rights (Leasing / Auctioning / Licence) | By issuing fishing licences. |
21. Significant estuarine / marine / shellfish productions | Not applicable. |
22. Number and types of fishing craft / gear | Coracles and gears comprised of cashnets, gillnets of different mesh sizes drag nets, long-lines and rod and line and operated with or without the use of coracles. |
23. Nearest fish landing centres | Near Travellers bungalow, Byramangala. |
24. Availability of fish processing facilities | Nil. When the catches used to be good, they were sent to Bangalore Ramanagaram, Kanakapura etc for sale in fresh condition. |
25. Mining and quarrying activities | Nil |
26. Sources and extent of air and water pollution | Untreated domestic sewage of Bangalore city effluents of exide batteries, tanneries, textiles, soft drinks etc are released into the Vrishbhavati river which inturn enters the reservoir. The water in early 60s used to be good. Now it is polluted. |
27. Prevalence of Human diseases | Itching, Malaria, etc. |
28. Prevalence of Livestock diseases | Mouth and leg diseases in cattle. |
29. Educational Institutions | Primary Upper Secondary and High School. |
30. Cooperative Societies | Defunct Fishermen Cooperative Society, Byramangala. |
31. Youth Clubs | Byramangala Youth Club |
32. Ladies Clubs | Nil |
33. 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 |
|
Local individuals |
African catfish culturists |
- |
Banned fish is being cultured. |
Local institutions |
Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board. |
Nayandanahalli (sewage treatment plant ) |
- |
Industries |
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Fisheries Department |
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PWD |
LIST OF KNOWLEDGE INDIVIDUALS |
Name |
Age |
Sex |
Community |
Address of Expertise |
B.S. Rajashekar |
65 |
Male |
Hindu |
Asst. Director of Fisheries (Retd) |
Abdul Gani |
64 |
Male |
Muslim |
Fish Merchant, Bidadi |
Muniyappa |
61 |
Male |
Hindu |
Fisherman, Bidadi |
Raju |
56 |
Male |
Hindu |
Fisherman, Bidadi |
Kashinath Pai |
53 |
Male |
Hindu |
Byramangala |
HABITATS |
(a)Preparation of sketchmap of the landscape | |
1. For zone of influence (upper) | Enclosed |
2. For zone of influence (lower) | Enclosed |
(b) Description of Habitat types | |
1. Habitat type | Byramangala reservoir is fed by Vrishbhavati river and is surrounded by agricultural fields. Villages surrounding the reservoir are Anchipura, Bannigere, Maregowdana doddi, Byramangala, Shanmangala, Kuntanahalli Parasamaplaya, Thimmegowdana doddi, Vrishbhavathipura. |
2. Local name (if any) | Byramangala Jalashaya. |
3. Approximate total area (ha) | 412 ha |
4. Special significance of the habitat type (if any) | It is being fed with polluted Vrishbhavati river as a result of which it has become highly polluted. |
5.Management regimes | PWD and Department of Fisheries. |
6. Goods and services provided by the habitat | The reservoir provides water for agricultural, horticultural etc needs of the area and for fisheries development in tanks which are connected by canals. |
7. Bads and Disservices provided by the habitat | Reservoir is infested with water hyacinth and other weeds. Human population and livestock are affected. |
8. Significant ecological processes influenced by habitat type | The constant flow of untreated sewage and factory effluents have affected the water quality and the depth is gradually decreased. Prolific growth of water hyacinth has affected water quality and thus fishes. The private parties have excavated ponds in the periphery of the reservoir for undertaking culture of African, catfish. These fishes have migrated into the reservoir and have effected the indigenous fishery. |
9. Significant man-induced processes influenced by the habitat | As indicated above. |
10. Interacting individuals and institutions (Local) | Fishermen, staff of the Departments of Fisheries, Agriculture, Horticulture and PWD. |
11. Activities | The treatment plants should be established to treat the water before its release into the reservoir. |
12. Interacting individuals and institutions (External) | Fishermen, Fish merchants and Departments of Fisheries, Agriculture, Horticulture and PWD. |
13. Activities | There is one treatment plant established at Nayandanahalli to treat the effluents. No action is taken to prevent culture of African catfish in the ponds excavated in the vicinity of the reservoir. |
(c)History of important habitat patches over 10-15/40-50 years | |
1. Type and name of the habitat patch | Byramangala reservoir constructed across river Vrishbhavathi. |
2. Change in | |
i) Area | No significant change since the domestic sewage from Bangalore city and effluents from factories, / industries drains into the Vrishbhavathi river which are the source for Byramangala reservoir all through the year. |
ii) Vegetation strata | Grass lands, agricultural, horticultural and patchy forest areas provides almost identical picture through out the year. |
3. Aquatic habitat change in | |
i) catchment area | No significant change, except one treatment plant. |
ii) Aquatic fauna | Fishery was once flourishing. Now, due to polluted condition, fish culture is totally stopped. Indigenous fauna have disappeared. African cat fish thrives in the reservoir. |
4. Significant ecological processes influencing the habital patch | About 20 years back, the reservoir used to harbour varieties of fishes and was also contributing significantly in fish production. Presently, because of the pollutional threat, lot of changes towards degradation of the waterbody has occurred rendering it as nonproductive water body except for African cat fish and aquatic weeds. |
5. Significant man-induced processes influencing the habitat patch | Pumping-in of considerable quantity of raw domestic and un-treated effluents from factories and industries has rendered the waterbody as a 'worn-out' habitat. |
6. Productivity of Goods and Services | The water from the reservoir helps in the production of agricultural and horticultural crops and fishery. |
7. Extent of Bads and Disservices | Loads of harmful ingredients being carried in by the untreated domestic sewage and effluents from the factories and industries, will not only harm the fishery of the reservoir, but also the agricultural and horticultural produce. |
8. Reasons for ongoing changes | Flow of untreated domestic sewage and effluents from the factories and industries located in the upstream stretches into the river Vrishbhavathi and in the reservoir has caused enough damage to the ecology of the impoundment. |
9. Gainers | Agriculturists and horticulturists in particular. |
10. Losers | Department of Fisheries, Fishermen Fish merchants, Bird watchers, general public etc., |
11. Desired changes / Desired future | Letting in treated domestic sewage and effluents from factories and industries, clearance of aquatic weeds, debri, etc., may bring back favourable conditions of the reservoir. |
12. Desired management system | A joint management effort of the industrial, agricultural, horticultural, fisheries and PWD managers only may create conducive conditions in the reservoir. |
13. Suggested component for a feasible management plan for the habitat patch | The important factor that has created the adverse conditions in the water body is on account of discharge of untreated domestic sewage and industrial effluents. The accumulated debris and shallowness has caused profuse growth of aquatic plants, especially, water hyacinth. The entry of African catfish has also contributed in the depletion of indigenous fish fauna. Some fish ponds are excavated for the culture of African cat fish. To mitigate the situation, it is suggested that domestic sewage and factory effluents being discharged into the Vrishbhavathi river which is the main source of water to Byramangala reservoir Byramangala should be treated. Efforts should be made to desilt and deweed, check the population of African catfish and also prevail upon the individuals not to take up culture of African catfish. On the on-set of normal conditions prevail efforts may be made to rejuvinate the fishery by introducing indigenous fishes. There is one fish farm located adjacent to the reservoir, which is now defunct. The farm may be revived and action may be taken to raise the brood stock of the threatened / culturable fish species and breed them and organise stocking in the reservoir when once the reservoir is restored, for conservation practices. To monitor the aforesaid developmental programmes, a committee consisting of Jala Samvardhana Nigam, P.W.D, Taluk and Zilla Panchayat, Pollution Control Board, Department of Health, Agriculture, Horticulture, Fisheries, Revenue may be constituted. |
LIFE SCAPE |
i PLANKTON | |
PHYTOPLANKTON | |
Myxophyceae: Spirulina | |
Chlorophyceae: Spirogyra, Zygnema | |
Bacillariophyceae: Synedra ,Fragillaria | |
ZOOPLANKTON | |
Protozoa: Amoeba, Arcella | |
Copepoda: Nauplius, Cyclops | |
Rotifera: Keratella, Diaphnosoma, Filinia | |
Cladocera: Daphnia, Ceriodaphnia | |
Ostracoda: Cypris | |
ii BENTHOS | |
Insects | |
Order: Odonata | |
Suborder: Anisoptera | |
Family: LIBELLULIDAE | |
1. Urothemis signata (Rambur) | |
Order: Hemiptera | |
Family: NOTONECTIDAE | |
2. Notgonecta glauca Linnaeus | |
Family: NEPIDAE | |
3. Hydrometra elongata Fabricius | |
Family: BELOSTOMATIDAE | |
4. Diplonychus annulatum Fabricius | |
Family: CORIXIDAE | |
5. Micronecta mercope Dist. | |
Order: Diptera | |
Family: CULICIDAE | |
6. Culex spp. | |
Family: CHIRONOMIDAE | |
7. Chironomus sp | |
Family: STRATIOMYIDAE | |
8. Stratiomys sp. | |
MOLLUSCS | |
Order: Bassomatophora | |
Family: LYMANAEIDAE | |
Genus: Lymnaea Lamarck | |
9. Lymnaea luteola Lamarck | |
Family: PLANORBIDAE | |
Subfamily: Planorbinae s. str. | |
Genus: Gyraulus Charpentier | |
10. Gyraulus convexiusculus Hutton | |
FISH | |
Order: Cyprinodontiformes | |
Family: POECILIDAE | |
Subfamily: Poecilinae | |
Genus: Gambusia Poey | |
11. Gambusia affinis (Baird & Girard) | |
Genus: Poecilia Bloch | |
12. Poecilia (Lebistes) reticulatus Schneider | |
iii AQUATIC WEEDS | |
Family: ONOGRACEAE | |
Genus: Jussiaea | |
1. Jussiaea spp. | |
Family: ACANTHACEAE | |
Genus: Asteracantha | |
2. Asteracantha longifolia Nees | |
Family: PONTEDERIACEAE | |
Genus: Eichhornia | |
3. Eichhornia crassipes Solms | |
Family: Lemnaceae | |
Genus: Lemna | |
4. Lemna minor Linnaeus | |
Family: CYPERACEA | |
Genus: Cyperus | |
5. Cyperus distans Linnaeus |
IV. FISHES : | |||
Scientific Name | Common Name | Kannada Name | |
Order : Cypriniformes |
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Family : CYPRINIDAE |
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Subfamily : Danioninae (= Rasborinae) |
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Tribe : Oxygasterini |
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Genus : Salmostoma Swainson |
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1. |
Salmostoma clupeiodes (Bloch) Tribe : Danionini Genus : Chela Hamilton-Buchanan |
Black razor-belly minnow |
Chalake |
2. |
Chela (Chela) cachius Hamilton-Buchanan Genus : Esomus Swainson |
Silver hatchet chela |
Borle menu |
3. |
Esomus danricus (Hamilton-Buchanan) Genus : Rasbora Bleeker |
Flying Barb |
Meese Pakke |
4. |
Rasbora daniconius (Hamilton-Buchanan) Genus : Amblypharyngodon Bleeker |
Black - line Rasbora |
Midun |
5. |
Amblypharyngodon mola ( Hamilton - Buchanan) Subfamily : Cyprininae Tribe : Cyprinini Subtribe : Cyprini Genus : Cyprinus Linnaeus |
Mola carplet |
Enapu pakke |
6. |
Cyprinus carpio communis Linnaeus |
Common carp |
Samany agende |
7. |
Cyprinus carpio specularis Lacepede Tribe : Systomini Subtribe : Systomi Genus : Puntius Hamilton-Buchanan |
Mirror crap |
Kannadi meenu |
8. |
Puntius chola (Hamilton-Buchanan) |
Swampy barb |
Dodda karse |
9. |
Puntius dorsalis (Jerdon) |
Long – snout barb |
Mooti gende |
10. |
Punitus puckelli (Day) |
Puckelli Barb |
Mooru pakke |
11. |
Puntius sophore (Hamilton-Buchanan) |
Spot-fin swampy barb |
Gud pakke |
12. |
Puntius ticto (Hamilton – Buchanan) Tribe : Labeonini Subtribe : Labeones Genus : Cirrhinus Oken |
Ticto barb |
Bud pakke |
13. |
Cirrhinus mrigala (Hamilton – Buchanan) Genus : Catla Valenciennes |
Mrigal |
Mrigal |
14. |
Catla catla (Hamilton – Buchanan) Genus : Labeo Cuvier |
Catla |
Catla |
15. |
Labeo rohita (Hamilton – Buchanan) Family : BALITORIDAE Subfamily : Nema cheilinae Genus : Schistura Mc Clelland |
Rohu |
Rohu |
16. |
Schistura denisoni denisoni (Day) Order : Siluriformes Family : BAGRIDAE Subfamily : Bagrinae Genus : Mystus Scopoli |
Nemacheilus |
Murangi |
17. |
Mystus cavasius (Hamilton – Buchanan) |
Gangetic Mystus |
Girlu |
18. |
Mystus vittatus (Bloch) Family : SILURIDAE Genus : Ompok Lacepede |
Stripped Dwarf catfish |
Chittu |
19. |
Ompok bimaculatus (Bloch) Family : CLARIIDAE Genus : Clarias Scopoli |
Butter fish |
Godle |
20 |
Clarias batrachus Linnaeus |
Magur |
Ane meenu |
21. |
Clarias gariepinus (Burchell) Family : HETEROPNEUSTIDAE Genus : Heteropneustes Muller |
African catfish |
Ane meenu |
22. |
Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch) Order : Cyprinodontiformes Family : POECILIDAE Subfamily : Poecilinae Genus : Gambusia Poey |
Singhi |
Chelu meenu |
23. |
Gambusia affinis (Baird & Girard) Genus : Poecilia Bloch |
Mosquito fish |
Gambusia |
24. |
Poecilia (Lebistes) reticulates Schneider Order : Porciformes Suborder : Gobioidei Family : GOBIIDAE Subfamily : Gobiinae Genus : Glossogobius Gill |
Mosquito fish |
Sole menu |
25. |
Glossogobius giuris giuris (Hamilton – Buchanan) Suborder : Channoidei Family : CHANNIDAE Genus : Channa Scopoli |
Tank goby |
Bhangi sidda |
26. |
Channa orientalis (Schneider) |
Asiatic snake - head |
Mottu |
27. |
Channa punctatus (Bloch) |
Spotted snake - head |
Korava |
28. |
Channa striatus (Bloch) |
Stripped snake – head |
Kuchu |
Note : These species were recorded about 25 years back. Now only the African catfish is noticed.
V. CRUSTACEA | |
Class: Crustacea | |
Subclass: Malacostraca | |
Order: Decapode | |
Family: POTAMONIDAE | |
1. Paratelphusa spp. | |
VI. AMPHIBIA | |
Phylum: Chordata | |
Class: Amphibia | |
Order: Salentia | |
Suborder: Phaneroglossa | |
Family: RANIDAE | |
1. Rana cynophylctes Schneider | |
VII. REPTILIA | |
Order: Squamata | |
Family: COLUBRIDAE | |
Subfamily: Homalopsinae | |
1. Natri piscator L. | |
VIII AVES | |
Family: PHALACROCORACIDAE | |
1. Ahinga rufa melanogaster | |
Family: ARDEIDAE | |
2. Ardeola grayii |
(b)
Additional information on species of significance:
Inflow of un-treated domestic sewage and harmful effluents from industries / factories has caused enough damage to the ecology of the reservoir, the result being, ill-effects on the survival and population of indigenous fish species as also on the introduced carp species. In addition, the reported availability of highly carnivorous exotic, African catfish- Clarias gariepinus in different size-groups is a danger signal towards the devastating effects of its occurrence and its role in the destruction and elimination of the aquatic fauna in general and fish in particular.
i)Most common local name of the species (Language) | Indicated. |
ii) Scientific name of the species | Indicated. |
iii) Habitat favoured | Ecologically normal aquatic conditions |
iv) Value to local community | Availability of cheap protein food in the form of fish and improved ecological conditions in the reservoir. |
v) Major uses / ill effects | Major uses being in the production of fish and improved ecological conditions of the water body. Any laxity on the part of concerned, will render this biotope into a 'bog' and of health hazard. |
vi)Value of global reference(as rare, threatened or endangered) | Out of 204 freshwater fish species recorded from the State, majority of the forms indigenous to the drainages / rivers / reservoirs / tanks have drastically declined- both species-wise and in population. Byramangala reservoir is not an exception to this threat. To maintain biodiversity pattern and to provide all amenable avenues for the survival and propagation of these important indigenous fish genetic resources on the National / International norms, all efforts should be made to cater to the basic needs of clean water and hygienic conditions in the biotope. |
(C) History of magnificant species / variety : NOT APPLICABLE
(D) History of significant species / varieties
1. | Most common name of the species | Indicated |
2. | Scientific name | Indicated |
3. | Most common local name of variety | Indicated |
4. | Existing management authority | Department of Fisheries |
5. | Fish breading season | June - August |
6. | Fishing methods (Types of nets used) | Gillnets, cast nets, Rod and Line |
7. | Existing management authority | Department of Fisheries |
8. | Current level of abundance | Poor |
9. | Trend in abundance in last | About 15-20 years back the production was of the order of about 200 tons per year. Gradually as the pollution level increased, the production has reduced. Now no fish is available except the African catfish. |
10. | Significant ecological processes influencing the species / varieties | Siltation, encroachment , polluion and weed infestation has affected the fishery. |
11. | Significant man-induced processes influencing the species / variety. | Discharge of untreated factory and domestic sewage is allowed to enter the reservoir. Water hyacinth has covered about ½ of the tank. The fishery is affected. |
12. | Reasons for ongoing change | Urbanisation, establishment of factories, discharge of untreated effluents and domestic sewage. |
13. | Gainers - Internal / External | Agriculturists and Horticulturists |
14. | Losers - Internal / External | Fisheries Department / Fishermen Even the fish farm is constructed nearby is not being used on account of the polluted water. |
15. | Desired changes / Desired future | The Irrigation Department / Lake Development Authority may take up restoration of the reservoir. Ever step to be taken to control African catfish as it is menace. |
16. | Desired management system | As above |
17. | Suggested component for a feasible management plan for the species/variety. | The reservoir should be restored by preventing entry of untreated effluents and sewage, check the growth of water hyacinth, control of African catfish. Necessary funds should be mobilized for the restoration of the reservoir. The committee consisting of officials from Irrigation Department, Horticulture, Fisheries, Villa Panchayat, Youth Club may be constituted to foresee development and management of the reservoir. |
MANAGEMENT |
a) Perspectives of Others | |
1.Desired response options of different of local or outside communities/institutions /government agencies / industrial or mining undertakings etc, to be recorded | Public desires that measures should be taken to restore the water quality of the reservoir. |
2. Significance of management issues and response options | Water Supply and Sewage Board should install more treatment plants. Pollution control board should strictly enforce treatment of factory effluents before their release. |
3. Management issues pertaining to | |
a) Habitat and / or Species / variety | The quality of water requires improvement. Aquatic weeds should be eradicated. There after only fisheries development could be planned. |
4. Customary / Administrative | The untreated sewage and effluents are discharged. Only a small quantity of sewage is treated. The Pollution Control Board, Irrigation Department, Revenue Department and Department of Fisheries may manage the reservoir |
5. Since how long the arrangements have been in practice | For the last 10-15 years |
6. Changes, if any, in management pattern over last 10-15/ 40-50 years | Nil |
7. Desired changes / Desired future | As at 6 (a)- 2 above |
8. Desired management system | As above |
b) Perspective of Investigators | All out efforts should be made to effect better ecological conditions in the reservoir to provide hygiene and health not only to the people, but also to its flora and fauna. |
c) Desired and feasible pattern of management that should be promoted in the opinion of the investigators | Release of only the treated domestic sewage, effluents from factories / industries, removal of obnoxious aquatic weeds, elimination of exotic catfish, providing ideal conditions for the growth and propagation of native fish species and culture of amenable gangetic carps should be considered on top priority. |
d) Suggested strategy for promoting this desired patterns of management and the communication needs for the purpose | The Departments of Industries, Agriculture, Horticulture, Fisheries and Health should work together to achieve this goal as envisaged earlier. Salvation and propagation of threatened indigenous fish species should be accorded top priority. |
(e). Cultural, religious, recreational, scenic, tourist significance of the hot spot | Nil |
(f). Ecological evaluation of the hot spot | Byramangala reservoir is an important 'Hotspot' that desires to be protected from all sorts of hazardous onslaughts. The water body, not only provides aesthetic beauty and scenic spot to the tourist, but as an educative avenue also to the bird watchers, for fisheries research and development and also to produce agricultural and horticultural crops. |
g. Suggested follow up investigations | Release of only treated domestic sewage and industrial effluents, prevention of spraying of harmful pesticides on agricultural crops, removal of aquatic weeds and debris, to undertake aqua- cultural practices by introducing compatible fish species and to maintain bio diversity pattern of indigenous flora and fish fauna complimentary to each other. |
10. Any other suggested follow up | A cell represented by each Department should be constituted to look into the needs and to maintain health and improved ecological conditions of the reservoir. |