The
wetlands are regarded as direct or indirect life supporting system of millions
of people in a diverse way. Increased anthropogenic activities over time have
significantly contributed to the deterioration of these lakes. The catchment
area of Sharavathi river basin has treasured numerous small ponds with varying
use potential. The present study was carried out in four lakes Kaspadi, Ulluru,
Govatooru and Nagara to analyze the present status of these wetlands and assign
conservation values in terms of their direct and indirect benefits. These lakes
are mainly used for irrigation purposes. The study found that despite the
irrigation, groundwater recharge and other benefits, they are being neglected by
the local people and the concerned authorities. Due to negligence and
callousness in addition to lack of appropriate conservation and management
measures these lakes are on the verge of extinction. This study is an attempt to quantify the conservation values
based upon the direct and indirect benefits from each irrigation tank.
Address:
Energy & Wetlands Research Group,
Centre for Ecological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science,
Bangalore-560 012, Karnataka, India
Phone: 080- 3600985 / 3092506
Fax: 91-80-3601428 / 3600085 /3600683{CES-TVR}
E-mail: cestvr@ces.iisc.ernet.in
,
cestvr@hamsadvani.serc.iisc.ernet.in
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