Wetlands conservation

Loss and impairment of aquatic ecosystem is accompanied by loss in valuable environmental functions and amenities important to humans. Quality assessments of selected waterbodies in Bangalore were carried out in order to assess the present status and to evolve strategies for an ecological restoration. Appropriate ecological restoration mechanisms are to be implemented to regain and protect the physical, chemical and biological integrity of wetland ecosystems. Hence conservation and management would demand for a detailed investigation to correct non point source pollution problems (NPS), socio-economic aspects assessment (wetland valuation). In this context a pilot survey on socio-economic aspects of wetland in Hebbal lake region through a designed questionnaire was undertaken. The study in the vicinity of lake showed that about 90% of the residents surveyed were directly dependent on the ground waters (borewell and wells) for bathing and washings and about 60% depended for the same on alternate days (when there is no BWSSB water supply). The survey also reveled that small percentage (about 35-40%) of the residents were dependent for drinking, cooking purposes and about 20% for fodder (water hyacinth). Two families were dependent on fish for their livelihood. The general public of the area was also concerned with the degree of pollution of the lake due to deteriorating water quality. This has affected not only the human health but also lead to decreased flora and fauna (birds and fish population).