Wetlands
systems of Kerala, elsewhere in India are currently subjected to acute pressure
of rapid developmental activities and indiscriminate utilization of land and
water. As a result, the system is being destroyed, especially in the tropics at
an alarming rate of one percent per year (Gopal et al., 1993) A study was
undertaken in two wetlands of Kerala namely Kumarakom
and Budhathan Kattu to assess the quality order of water and to suggest
appropriate mitigation measures based on the degree of pollution. These wetlands
serve as a suitable breeding and roosting place for wetland birds and diverse
microorganisms (Jayson, E.A, 2002). Due to urbanization and other developmental
activities in and around these wetlands, there have been changes in water
quality, aquatic flora and fauna, which are reflected in the changes of all
biotic components of the environment, including human beings. To elucidate the
changes taking place in these two wetlands, water quality monitoring and to
assess the dependency on these wetlands, a socio-economic survey is being
conducted (September 2002 - till date). The present paper discusses the current
status of these wetlands, along with suitable mitigation measures that has to be
adopted for enduring sustenance of these ecosystems.
Address:
Center for Water and Environmental Studies,
Department of Civil Engineering,
Kumaraguru College of Technology,
Coimbatore – 641 006, Tamil Nadu, India
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