wetlands news monitor may - june 2018 - sacon.in€¦and appoint fort kochi revenue divisional...
TRANSCRIPT
WNM Compiled by: Dr. B. Hemambika, Ms. A. Julffia Begam, Mr. N. Mohamed Ibrahim and Dr. Goldin Quadros
ENVIS Centre, Sálim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History, Anaikatty P.O., Coimbatore – 641108, India
Wetlands News Monitor
May - June 2018
TRENDING TOPICS IN THIS ISSUE:
1. News on Mangrove
2. News Brief on Coral Reefs
3. Report on Discovery of Frog Species
4. Report on Indus River Dolphin
5. Report on Crocodiles
6. Report on Fishing Cat
7. Report on Bird Census
8. Information on Wetland Birds
9. News on Wetland Conservation
10. News on Wetland Pollution
11. Report on Kerala Conservation of Paddy Land and Wetland Act
12. General Wetland News
News brief on Mangrove, Coral Reefs, Discovery of Frog Species, Indus River Dolphin,
Crocodiles, Fishing Cat, Wetland Conservation and Pollution.
WNM Compiled by: Dr. B. Hemambika, Ms. A. Julffia Begam, Mr. N. Mohamed Ibrahim and Dr. Goldin Quadros
ENVIS Centre, Sálim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History, Anaikatty P.O., Coimbatore – 641108, India
News on Mangrove
1. Mangrove Forests in Puthuvype, Kerala
To conserve the mangrove forests in Puthuvype, Kerala the social forestry department has sent a
proposal to the state government to notify the area as reserve forest. To prevent further depletion
of mangroves, the proposal seeks to notify 206.80 hectares of mangrove forest spread over three
survey numbers in Puthuvype village, as reserve forest under the provision of Kerala Forest Act
1961 (Act 4 of 1962). The proposed area falls under the custody of four government institutions
and departments. The areas are under the jurisdiction of Cochin Port Trust, Kerala University of
Fisheries and Ocean Studies (Kufos), Kinfra and the agriculture department.
The proposal specifies the relevance of the ecosystem in maintaining temperature in the
area. The proposal states that mangrove swamps protect shoreline from erosion, storm surge and
tsunamis. Puthuvype is located at south eastern portion of Vypeen Island. It now harbours large
industrial conglomerates like LNG Terminal and IOC bottling plant. It proposes that the
government exercises powers conferred by Section 3 and 4 of the Forest Act to notify the area
and appoint Fort Kochi revenue divisional officer as the forest settlement officer. The
responsibility of the officer is to inquire and determine the existence, its nature and extent of land
on which an individual or department raises claim. The settlement officer, as per the Act, is
entrusted with the task of hearing complaints of the public or stakeholders and taking decisions
under provisions of the Act.
It was mentioned that if the government decides to go ahead with the takeover, a
stakeholder meeting will have to be called after which a report will be sent to the state
government which will publish a draft notification on the project. The project proposal will also
be sent to the Union ministry of environment, forests and climate change. The area will be called
proposed reserve forest pending final decision. After the approval of central government, state
government will issue a final notification declaring the area as reserve forest.
Source:
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/move-to-conserve-puthuvype-mangroves-
as-reserve-forest/articleshow/64524580.cms
WNM Compiled by: Dr. B. Hemambika, Ms. A. Julffia Begam, Mr. N. Mohamed Ibrahim and Dr. Goldin Quadros
ENVIS Centre, Sálim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History, Anaikatty P.O., Coimbatore – 641108, India
2. Mangrove Forests in Uran, Maharashtra
The Maharashtra Forest Department reported that as many as 4,550 mangroves spread across 4.5
hectares in Uran, Maharashtra have been destroyed due to construction carried out by the
Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT). A letter from Regional Forest Officer B.D. Gaikwad,
responding to a query by local fishermen‘s leader Ramdas Koli, said the ―death‖ of the
mangroves was due to landfill work for the JNPT‘s Container Terminal 4. The letter states that it
has come to notice during inspection 4,550 mangrove plants on 4.5 hectares have dried up due to
the non-availability of sea water.
Nandkumar Pawar, founder-director of Shree Ekavira Aai Pratishtan stated that this was
one of the ―largest massacres of mangroves‖ in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. He added that
after Parsik Hills, which were destroyed due to reckless quarrying, it seems to be the turn of
mangroves in the carelessness regarding the environment and he demanded an FIR against JNPT
officials.
N. Vasudevan, Chief Conservator of Forests (Mangroves Cell), said the department will
have to check if the destruction of mangroves was in the area awarded to the JNPT for
construction and further action will be decided,‖ Mr. Vasudevan said. Mr. Pawar had earlier
complained to the Konkan Divisional Commissioner, alleging encroachment by the JNPT
outside the area allotted to it. He also said that the reclamations are happening all over Uran
taluka on mangroves and on wetlands despite a stay order from the NGT dated October 11, 2013,
that no reclamation should be undertaken on fishing land of the traditional fishing community.
The NGT, in an order on February 27, 2015, directed that all fishing sites that were reclaimed be
restored. Mr. Pawar reported that an appeal in this regard is pending with the Supreme Court, yet
the violations are continuing.
Source:
https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/mumbai/4550-mangroves-in-uran-dry-up-due-to-
landfill-work/article24187884.ece
WNM Compiled by: Dr. B. Hemambika, Ms. A. Julffia Begam, Mr. N. Mohamed Ibrahim and Dr. Goldin Quadros
ENVIS Centre, Sálim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History, Anaikatty P.O., Coimbatore – 641108, India
News Brief on Coral Reefs
According to a study, marine protected areas (MPAs) may be effective in saving coral reefs from
the damaging effects of global climate change which contradicts the notion that such efforts are
futile. The study by researchers at the University of Maine in the US spanned 700 kilometers of
the eastern Caribbean, discovering that local reef protection efforts can work. According to the
findings, published in the journal Science Advances, local fisheries management resulted in a 62
percent increase in the density of young corals, which improves the ecosystem's ability to
recover from major impacts like hurricanes and coral bleaching. Robert Steneck, a professor at
the University of Maine reported that MPAs can help coral reefs, but studies to the contrary just
were not measuring the right things at the right scales. He added that the idea behind MPAs is
that, by reducing fishing pressure, increase in the number of seaweed-eating fish, and they
decrease the amount of harmful seaweed, which makes it easier for younger corals to get started
and thrive on the reef. He added that as taking field measurements on coral reefs is time
consuming, many researchers were forced to take shortcuts and use simple, widely available data
to analyse how reefs respond to protection.
Researchers stated that there is no management solution for any ecosystem and especially
not for coral reefs. Stresses on reef corals from climate and atmospheric changes are serious and
beyond direct management control. Steneck suggested that local management measures can
strengthen the recovery of corals after damaging events and, eventually, improve their overall
condition.
Source:
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/flora-fauna/marine-protected-
areas-can-help-save-coral-reefs-study/articleshow/64108886.cms
Report on Discovery of Frog Species
Two frog species discovered in Eastern and Western Ghats. They are indicators of healthy
ecosystem and live in wide habitat ranges. Two species of frogs have been recorded in the Indian
WNM Compiled by: Dr. B. Hemambika, Ms. A. Julffia Begam, Mr. N. Mohamed Ibrahim and Dr. Goldin Quadros
ENVIS Centre, Sálim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History, Anaikatty P.O., Coimbatore – 641108, India
peninsular - Fejervarya kalinaga from the Eastern Ghats and Fejervarya krishnan from the
Western Ghats. Prudhvi Raj, post doctoral research fellow of the Wildlife Institute of India and
the lead author of the paper for the latest findings reported that the Eastern Ghats species of
Fejervarya kalinga attains significance since it is endemic to moist high altitude forest of the
region. Its type locality is from Mahendragiri in Odisha (west of Srikakulam). In Andhra Pradesh
it is found in high elevation region of Srikakulam, Visakhapatnam (Araku, Chintapalli, Sileru)
and Papikonda National Park of East Godavari district. It is one of the very few species of
herpetofauna endemic to the Eastern Ghats. The discovery is a collaborative effort of institutions
like the Wildlife Institute of India, the Zoological Survey of India and the North Orissa
University. He added that these new species are habitat specialists, living in perennial hill
streams and have been unnoticed due to their secretive habit and morphological similarities with
similar looking species of cricket frogs.
The new frog species – ‗Fejervarya kalinaga‘, the new frog species discovered in the Eastern
Ghats.
Source: The Hindu Dt.: 06 June 2018
The species from the Eastern Ghats is widely distributed in the hilly mountains and
named after the ancient kingdom of Kalinga — the historical region comprising Odisha and part
of Andhra Pradesh that is north of River Godavari. The Fejervarya krishnan, found near the Jog
Falls in Shimoga district of Karnataka, is named after the eminent biologist the late KS Krishnan
for his colossal contribution in the field of biological sciences. Krishnan was professor emeritus
WNM Compiled by: Dr. B. Hemambika, Ms. A. Julffia Begam, Mr. N. Mohamed Ibrahim and Dr. Goldin Quadros
ENVIS Centre, Sálim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History, Anaikatty P.O., Coimbatore – 641108, India
at the National Centre for Biological Sciences, the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research
(TIFR), Bangalore and was one of the key persons in embarking the School in Herpetology
sponsored by the Department of Science and Technology. The Kalinga cricket frog was first
spotted from various localities of the Eastern Ghats by Prof. Sushil Kumar Dutta, a renowned
herpetologist and former professor at the North Orissa University, and the Krishnan cricket frog
by Mr. Raj from a single locality near the Jog Falls. The Kalinga cricket frog is one of the largest
of its group and grows up to 6.5 cm, whereas the other has an average size of 2 cm. Cricket frogs
are indicators of healthy ecosystem and live in wide habitat ranges in agricultural fields, streams,
swamps and wetlands.
Source:
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/two-frog-species-discovered-in-
eastern-and-western-ghats/article24090873.ece
Report on Indus River Dolphin
The WWF-India in partnership with the Punjab‘s department of forests and wildlife preservation
conducted by the population survey of Indus river dolphin during 3-6 May 2018 period and
found the population of the Indus river dolphins between five and 11. Number of Indus river
dolphin may be negligible in India, but the first ever organised survey of this endangered aquatic
species in the river Beas in Punjab gave a sign of ―breeding population‖ which has potential to
be multiplied in due course if properly conserved. Though the country has dolphin population in
much bigger numbers elsewhere (primarily in the river Ganga and its tributaries in Uttar Pradesh,
Bihar and West Bengal and river Brahamputra in Assam), the very presence of dolphin in river
Beas shows health of the river which has been supporting aquatic life.
Suresh Babu, director-rivers of the WWF-India stated that at least, its presence in the
Beas river above the Harike barrage for 70 years indicates no decline in population of the
species. The presence of a young calf (found during the survey) is also a positive sign and
indicates a population that is large enough to be viable. The idea of the survey was also to
sensitise local authorities about conserving the Indus river dolphin. The survey was conducted
WNM Compiled by: Dr. B. Hemambika, Ms. A. Julffia Begam, Mr. N. Mohamed Ibrahim and Dr. Goldin Quadros
ENVIS Centre, Sálim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History, Anaikatty P.O., Coimbatore – 641108, India
across 185km stretch of the river Beas (Beas Conservation Reserve). It was started from 52
Headworks, Talwara on May 3 and ended at Harike Nooze point on May 6. The 55 km stretch of
the river downstream of 52 Headworks was, however, surveyed by road due to insufficient water
in the Beas. Remaining 130 km stretch was surveyed using motorboats.
According to WWF-India, the first dolphin sighting during the survey occurred at the
village of Mundapind, which included an adult female with a week-old calf and a sub-adult. A
second dolphin sighting occurred at the village of Karmowala (8 kilometers downstream of
Mundapind) which again included an adult female with a week-old calf and a sub-adult,
indicating breeding populations in the river. Babu reported that the department of forests and
wildlife preservation, Punjab and the WWF-India is now preparing an Indus River Dolphin
strategy with an implementation road map to secure the habitats and conserve the endangered
species.
Though different surveys were conducted for dolphin population in Ganga-Brahamputra
rivers and also in Chilika lake in the past, there is no concept of a national census as such in the
case of dolphins. The WWF-India had in 2015 did one survey in river Ganga in Uttar Pradesh
and estimated the population of Ganga river dolphin at 1,270. Different estimates have put the
total population of the Ganga river population somewhere between 2,000 and 3,000 in Uttar
Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal and Assam. Similarly, population of Irrawaddy dolphins, found in
Chilika Lake in Odisha, is estimated at between 130 and 140.
Source:
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/flora-fauna/indus-river-dolphin-
survey-shows-sign-of-breeding-population-of-endangered-aquatic-species-in-river-
beas/articleshow/64099628.cms
Report on Crocodiles
The wetlands of lush green Charotar belt of Central Gujarat are home to as many as 233
crocodiles. This count of Charotar crocodiles was conducted by the Voluntary Nature
WNM Compiled by: Dr. B. Hemambika, Ms. A. Julffia Begam, Mr. N. Mohamed Ibrahim and Dr. Goldin Quadros
ENVIS Centre, Sálim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History, Anaikatty P.O., Coimbatore – 641108, India
Conservancy (VNC). VNC which has been conducting Charotar Crocodile Counts since the last
five years annually during winters, for the first time had conducted a summer crocodile count
between May 11 and May 13 this year. The crocodile count data from 17 villages of Anand and
Kheda districts revealed presence of 233 crocodiles including juveniles in the wetlands of the
twin districts. Interestingly, during the earlier crocodile count which VNC had organised on
January 6 and January 7, volunteers could sight 131 muggers – in the rural heartland of Gujarat.
Source: The Times of India Dt.: 23 May 2018
Dhaval Patel, managing trustee of VNC stated that during winters when the reptiles come
out for basking, the adults or the matured ones, occupy premium places as they need more heat
whereas the juveniles remain surrounded by vegetation making their sighting difficult, but during
night counting during summers, one can sight the juvenile. Since it was not possible to approach
crocodiles closer to evaluate the size of the reptiles, a majority of the crocodiles recorded during
the night counts were of unknown size. The report released by VNC states revealed that of the
233 individuals sighted, 41 were bigger than two meters, 24 were between one and two meters,
38 less than one meter and rest and 130 were of unknown size.
According to VNC, globally such citizen science approach is used for crocodile
population surveys only at two places including the one in the Charotar belt of Central Gujarat
and at Belize in Central America. Professor B C Choudhury, retired scientist and executive
WNM Compiled by: Dr. B. Hemambika, Ms. A. Julffia Begam, Mr. N. Mohamed Ibrahim and Dr. Goldin Quadros
ENVIS Centre, Sálim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History, Anaikatty P.O., Coimbatore – 641108, India
trustee of Wildlife Trust of India had also remained present during the summer count to share his
experience with the participants.
Source:
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/vadodara/charotar-wetlands-home-to-233-
crocodiles/articleshow/64279373.cms
Report on Fishing Cat
The Andhra Pradesh Forest Department undertook the census of the endangered Fishing Cat at
the Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary (CWLS) on a large scale using modern technology. The month-
long exercise comprising 30 trained personnel equipped with 120 state-of-the-art digital cameras
commenced on 7th
June 2018. Categorised as ‗vulnerable‘ by the International Union for
Conservation of Nature‘s (IUCN) ‗Red List of Threatened Species‘, and very little known about
its ecology and behaviour, the Fishing Cat is being spotted every now and then in the CWLS, the
second largest mangroves after the Sundarbans, and an abode for about 85 species.
Fishing Cat, a rare cat species moving in Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary.
Source: The Hindu Dt.: 08 June 2018
WNM Compiled by: Dr. B. Hemambika, Ms. A. Julffia Begam, Mr. N. Mohamed Ibrahim and Dr. Goldin Quadros
ENVIS Centre, Sálim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History, Anaikatty P.O., Coimbatore – 641108, India
A feline, the Fishing Cat is about twice the size of a typical house cat is an adept
swimmer and enters water frequently to prey on fish as its name suggests. It is known to even
dive to catch fish. Anant Shankar, District Forest Officer (Wildlife) reported that camera traps
were installed in the entire 235.7 km stretch of the sanctuary to assure the accuracy. As many as
60 locations have been identified in the entire CWLS and two cameras each will be installed to
capture the movements of the species. It ensures coverage of all the three distributaries –
Tulyabhaga, Coringa and Gaderu – inside the sanctuary. The department has already launched a
mascot of the CWLS with the caricature of the species and named it ‗Macha – the Fishing Cat,‘
aimed at promoting its presence and the need to preserve to the general public.
Source:
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/state-takes-hi-tech-route-to-
count-fishing-cats/article24110540.ece
Report on Bird Census
1. Bird Census at Ranganathittu, Karnataka
As a part of a bid to pitch for International Wetland Site status the second bird census of the
season at Ranganathittu was conducted on May 2018 to gather data of the bird species harboured
in the bird sanctuary later in the year through the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate
Change (MoEF&CC) and usher in the best international conservation practices at the sanctuary.
Around 100 volunteers from Mysuru, Bengaluru and other parts of the State took part in the
exercise, which commenced at 5.30 a.m. and concluded at 10.30 a.m. This was followed by a
workshop by ecologist T.K. Roy. The volunteers identified nearly 120 species of birds, including
the spot-billed pelican, painted stork, egret, stone plover, Ibis, and Baya Weaver.
Deputy Conservator of Forests Mr. V. Yedukondalu said the first bird census was held in
March 2018 and the plan is to conduct a census in each season as the sanctuary harbours
different species during different times. He added that some birds arrive here late summer while
there are many species that roost here only during winter. Hence, they planned to conduct census
WNM Compiled by: Dr. B. Hemambika, Ms. A. Julffia Begam, Mr. N. Mohamed Ibrahim and Dr. Goldin Quadros
ENVIS Centre, Sálim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History, Anaikatty P.O., Coimbatore – 641108, India
four times every year to create a robust database of the birds that seek sanctuary at
Ranganathittu. The exercise also takes into account the surrounding vegetation on which the
birds depend, and this is expected to result in more scientific landscape management.
Ranganathittu houses a large number of bird species as well as endangered species such as the
Mugger crocodile. Photo Credit: M.A. Sriram
Source: The Hindu Dt.: 14 May 2018
The first bid for international wetland site for Ranganathittu is expected to take a year for
formality completion, and the proposal will be submitted for consideration during the
international meet of the countries that are signatories to the Ramsar Convention. The Ramsar
Convention is an inter-governmental treaty for the conservation and management of wetlands.
More that 90% of the member states of the United Nations, including India, are signatories. The
convention was adopted in Ramsar, Iran, in 1971. There are 26 Ramsar sites in India, but none in
Karnataka. Mr. Yedukondalu said there was every possibility of Ranganathittu qualifying as an
International Wetland Site as it fulfils many of the criteria for it. He stated that there are nine
criteria and meeting just one is sufficient to qualify as an International Wetland Site.
One of the criteria is that the wetland should support at least 1% of the population of any
endangered bird species. Ranganathittu supports more than 3% of the world population of spot-
billed pelicans and painted storks. Birds apart, Ranganathittu sanctuary also supports other
WNM Compiled by: Dr. B. Hemambika, Ms. A. Julffia Begam, Mr. N. Mohamed Ibrahim and Dr. Goldin Quadros
ENVIS Centre, Sálim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History, Anaikatty P.O., Coimbatore – 641108, India
endangered species like the Mugger crocodile, river otters, and Mahseer fish, which is unique to
the Cauvery River and is on the verge of extinction.
Source:
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/second-bird-census-conducted-at-
ranganathittu/article23875606.ece
2. Bird Census at Periyar Tiger Reserve
Bird survey in the Periyar Tiger Reserve (PTR) reveals the presence of richer avian fauna.
During the annual exercise birders recorded the presence of Glossy Ibis and Small Pratincole. It
was reported that Glossy Ibis was recorded in Vellimala camp. A flock of around fifty birds were
also seen in flight. Small Pratincole was recorded in Periyar Lake. Going by the initial
information, around 250 species were recorded during the four-day exercise. Good populations
of Great Hornbill and Wayanad Laughing Thrush and migrant varieties like Osprey, Rusty-tailed
Flycatcher, Brown Shrike and Black Baza were also recorded during the survey. Populations of
Nilgiri Wood Pigeon, Black and Orange Flycatcher, Nilgiri Flycatcher and White-bellied
Shortwing were recorded from higher elevations of the Reserve.
Glossy Ibis spotted at the Vellimala camp, and
Small Pratincole sighted in Periyar Lake.
Source: The Hindu Dt.: 16 May 2018
An ornithologist who led the exercise stated
that more than the number of new species
recorded from PTR, the survey underscored the
fact that a large number of endemic and
threatened bird species were thriving in the
Reserve. The reserve also housed varied bird
habitats. From forest birds to wetland-
dependent ones, one could find a wide variety
of avian fauna in PTR. Research Range Officer
Jogie John, Thekkady Forest Range Officer
Anuraj and J. Patrick David, ecologist, Periyar
WNM Compiled by: Dr. B. Hemambika, Ms. A. Julffia Begam, Mr. N. Mohamed Ibrahim and Dr. Goldin Quadros
ENVIS Centre, Sálim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History, Anaikatty P.O., Coimbatore – 641108, India
Tiger Conservation Foundation facilitated the
survey. This year, 98 bird watchers from
Kerala and Tamil Nadu participated in the
survey. Students from Nature Club of Eco-
Development Committees and neighbouring
schools and colleges too attended. The students
were imparted basics of birding during the
survey.
Source:
http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/glossy-ibis-among-
sightings-at-ptr/article23898467.ece
Information on Wetland Birds
(i) Pokkali is a unique saline tolerant rice variety that is cultivated using extensive
aquaculture in an organic way in the water-logged coastal regions, spread in about 5000 hectares
area in Alappuzha, Thrissur and Ernakulam districts of Kerala in Southern India. They support as
many as 174 of the 516 bird species in the State which need to be conserved. The online citizen
science platform, eBird, where birdwatchers upload their daily birdwatching data, has listed 174
bird species (from 430 checklists) since 2011 in pokkali fields near the Kadamakkudy rice field
alone.
Source: The Hindu Dt.: 20 May 2018
Vishnupriyan Kartha, secretary of Cochin Natural History Society which organises bird
watching sessions in the area on a regular basis stated that they see a lot of bird species in
WNM Compiled by: Dr. B. Hemambika, Ms. A. Julffia Begam, Mr. N. Mohamed Ibrahim and Dr. Goldin Quadros
ENVIS Centre, Sálim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History, Anaikatty P.O., Coimbatore – 641108, India
pokkali fields, be it in the Kadamakkudy area or Kandakadavu and Kalathara regions near
Thoppumpady - Palluruthy. Species sighted in pokkali fields include the commonly-seen egret
species, rare ospreys, migratory birds like sandpipers and plovers, and the difficult-to-spot black-
capped kingfisher.
Deepa K.M., who conducted the study as part of her doctoral thesis reported that Pokkali
fields need to be urgently conserved, and farmers should be encouraged to cultivate the crop. She
added that for ease and profits, many farmers are now turning away from the traditional method
of cultivation by not cultivating rice and farming only shrimp. She added that their work shows
that both are required to sustain high bird diversity.
Source:
http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Kochi/high-bird-diversity-in-ernakulams-pokkali-
fields/article23939401.ece
(ii) The heronry, on a small islet on the Kabani River, is an elevated sandbank covered with
vegetation, predominantly bamboo grove. As the southwest monsoon advances in Wayanad in
full vigour even as early as in the first weeks of June, flocks of waterbirds have started to
congregate at Panamaram heronry for breeding. Though the rain-inundated wetlands of
Panamaram area have brought enough volumes of food for the survival of the avian population,
efforts to declare the breeding site as a bird sanctuary remains on paper after several years of
conservation efforts.
C.K. Vishnudas, ornithologist and director of Hume centre for ecology and wildlife
biology described that the largest and oldest heronry in the State is a safe haven for more than
nine species of waterbirds for breeding. He stated that the site is a rare breeding ground for
globally threatened water fowls including the Black headed-ibis, Purple Heron, Large Egret,
Median Egret, Little Egret, Pond Heron, Night Heron, and Little cormorant. He added that it was
the only location in State where the Cattle egret breeds. While nine species of birds were
breeding on the tiny island during the monsoon, many other species were breeding on the
riverbanks and marshy wetlands nearby. He reported that due to anthropogenic interventions and
WNM Compiled by: Dr. B. Hemambika, Ms. A. Julffia Begam, Mr. N. Mohamed Ibrahim and Dr. Goldin Quadros
ENVIS Centre, Sálim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History, Anaikatty P.O., Coimbatore – 641108, India
destruction of the avian habitat, the birds that bred in the wetlands in the past such as Lesser
whistling duck, Jacanas and Moore hens had already disappeared.
A little egret in breeding plumage at the Panamaram heronry in Wayanad district.
Source: The Hindu Dt.: 19 June 2018
Former District Collector Kesavendrakumar and Sub Collector Sambasiva Rao had taken
special efforts to declare the heronry as a bird reserve to conserve the avian population nearly
four years ago but the Panamaram grama panchayat was yet to pass a resolution necessary to
declare the area as a bird reserve. Night patrolling to stop sand mining in the area and stringent
measures against filling of wetlands were the need of the hour to conserve the unique birds‘
habitat, he added.
Source:
https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/panamaram-yet-to-be-
declared-a-bird-reserve/article24197176.ece
(iii) Black-necked stork was rescued at Najafgarh Jheel on 13th
June 2018 by the Haryana
Wildlife Department after a rubber ring got stuck around its beak. The rescued black-necked
stork was released at the Sultanpur National Park. A yellow ring with ―K16‖ written on it has
been put around the stork‘s leg to help track its movements. Coding and ringing of birds in India
WNM Compiled by: Dr. B. Hemambika, Ms. A. Julffia Begam, Mr. N. Mohamed Ibrahim and Dr. Goldin Quadros
ENVIS Centre, Sálim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History, Anaikatty P.O., Coimbatore – 641108, India
is done by the Bombay Natural History Society. Jittery due to the crowd and commotion, the bird
kept sitting on the grass even after a Forest Department official took away the makeshift cage in
which it had been kept for the past two days since its rescue. Even Haryana Forest Minister Rao
Narbir Singh prodding the bird to ―persuade‖ it to fly did not work. Eventually, the stork was
carried away from the crowd and left in the bushes. Ten minutes later, it got up and walked deep
inside the park.
The rescued black-necked stork was released at the Sultanpur National Park in Gurugram
Photo Credit: Manoj Kumar
Source: The Hindu Dt.: 16 June 2018
Forest Department officials, Gadoli Khurd resident Anil Gandas and Jhajjar resident
Sonu Dalal, and others involved in the rescue operation were felicitated by the Minister.
Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Haryana) Anil Kumar Hooda was also present. Pankaj
Gupta of the Delhi Bird Foundation told the Minister how photographer Manoj Nayar had
accidentally clicked a picture of the stork at Basai wetland on June 7. While processing the
pictures, he discovered a ring stuck around its beak. The news spread and Forest Department
officials were informed. A frantic search for the bird began and many methods, including
camouflage, drone and bamboo traps, were used to catch it. A rescue team finally chased the
stork for two km near Najafgarh Jheel and caught it.
Mr. Gupta, several birders and environmentalists also demanded that several acres of land
in Basai, which is frequented by birds throughout the year, be declared a wetland. He claimed
WNM Compiled by: Dr. B. Hemambika, Ms. A. Julffia Begam, Mr. N. Mohamed Ibrahim and Dr. Goldin Quadros
ENVIS Centre, Sálim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History, Anaikatty P.O., Coimbatore – 641108, India
that the land remains inundated with water even during peak summer and visits by more than 280
bird species there have been recorded. Mr. Hooda and several Forest Department officials visited
Basai wetland later and assured the birders that they would take up the matter with the Municipal
Corporation of Gurugram, which owns a major portion of the land.
Source:
https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/amid-great-fanfare-rescued-stork-released-
inside-park/article24176544.ece
News on Wetland Conservation
For wetland conservation, hundred waterbodies in the state of Tamil Nadu get an additional
protective ring as the State Wetland Authority is all set to notify them as ‗priority wetlands‘.
After the notification, these wetlands will become protected waterbodies and intensive
conservation measures will be taken to maintain and improve them. Forty-nine wetlands have
already been selected and documentation of data was in progress that includes information such
as area of the wetland, its boundaries, biodiversity information and ecological values.
The Coimbatore-based Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural history (SACON),
which was entrusted with the selection and Rs. 10 lakh was allotted for the study of these
wetlands. In Coimbatore, 4 lakes – Sulur, Singanallur, Sengulam and Sundakkamuthur – have
been chosen to be declared as priority wetlands. Once these lakes are notified, activities such as
dumping of sewage, garbage and construction debris will be stopped. A senior forest officer
reported that the development activities will not be taken up without the approval of the
authority. He added that once notified, it was not just the wetlands but the entire supply channels
from the foothills till the wetlands will be conserved.
In Tamil Nadu, as per a study by SACON in 1991 there are 1,175 wetlands that cover
1.24% of the total area. Of these, 12 have been declared as bird sanctuary and these wetlands
come under the Wildlife Protection Act. V S Vijayan, Trustee of Salim Ali Foundation stated
that out of the remaining wetlands, based on their ecological services, dependence of community,
WNM Compiled by: Dr. B. Hemambika, Ms. A. Julffia Begam, Mr. N. Mohamed Ibrahim and Dr. Goldin Quadros
ENVIS Centre, Sálim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History, Anaikatty P.O., Coimbatore – 641108, India
biodiversity, importance and other benefits, these waterbodies will be selected for notification.
Of this, already 49 have been selected and a report is being prepared by SACON.
As per the state government officials in the forest department, SACON submitted its
initial report on wetlands. Jayanthi, member secretary of State Wetland Authority stated that they
will study the document and take further steps. This document details all the data about the
selected wetlands such as its area, ecological important, species of flora and fauna recorded,
activities carried out, community dependent on the wetland and similar information. In another
three months, the authority will also notify these 100 wetlands. This is the first major task
entrusted with State Wetland Authority, which was formed in 2016. The authority was formed
based on a Supreme Court direction hearing public interest litigation filed in 2001. The authority
is headed by the minister of environment and forests as chairperson and chief secretary as vice-
chairperson. The member secretary is from the forest department and secretaries of various
departments are members.
Environmentalists said that it was very important to notify the wetlands to protect them.
Joseph Reginald of the Centre for Urban Biodiversity Conservation reported that ecological
components in an urban environment are very important. He added that such laws help activists
to promote conservation activities. These policies are important as it will act as a deterrent for
violators.
Source:
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/coimbatore/100-wetlands-to-be-protected-in-
state/articleshow/64263894.cms
News on Wetland Pollution
(i) The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has asked the Haryana government to file its
response to a plea alleging dumping of waste at a construction and demolition waste recycling
facility in the Basai wetland area in Gurugram by 11th
May 2018. The Bench headed by judicial
member Raghuvendra S. Rathore, on May 3, granted the State government time to file its
WNM Compiled by: Dr. B. Hemambika, Ms. A. Julffia Begam, Mr. N. Mohamed Ibrahim and Dr. Goldin Quadros
ENVIS Centre, Sálim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History, Anaikatty P.O., Coimbatore – 641108, India
response to the notices that were issued. The plea filed by NGO Delhi Bird Foundation, alleged
that the project proponent did not have the requisite approvals from the Haryana state pollution
control board. Citing environmental concerns, the plea further sought a stay on the dumping of
waste at the concerned site. The green panel, in January had lifted its stay on the construction of
a waste treatment plant in the catchment area of the Basai wetland after noting that the particular
site had not been identified as a wetland by the Haryana government. The petitioner earlier had
contended that the Basai wetland was a valuable waterbody even though it had not been declared
as a wetland under the 2010 Wetland (Conservation & Management) Rules. The plea contended
that the construction and debris plant which is under process of establishment shall have an
adverse impact on the water body due to various activities connected with the plant.
Source:
http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/waste-being-dumped-in-basai-wetland-
plea/article23806919.ece
(ii) The dumping of thousands of used bottles has created a giant mound of plastic waste on
the fringes of the Basai wetland in Gurugram, New Delhi not far from the controversial plant to
treat construction and demolition waste that has drawn strong protests from environmental
activists. This plastic waste mound, say local residents, is a recent development. Next to it is a
privately run plastic compressing and recycling unit that has also come up at the site recently. A
local resident reported that earlier, only C&D (construction and demolition) waste was being
dumped here by authorities and the plastic waste flows down a drain to the wetland. Barely 200
meters from this spot is the Basai wetland where a birder spotted a black-necked stork with the
ring that holds the cap of a plastic bottle around its beak. The stork, as a result, is unable to part
its beak. As word spread and the forest and wildlife department began a search for the bird,
environmental activists and birders sought an immediate ban on dumping of all kinds of waste
near Basai.
Pankaj Gupta of the Delhi Bird Foundation blamed MCG for ruining the wetland. In May
2017, MCG laid the foundation of the city‘s first C&D waste treatment plant in Basai. Gupta
stated that the corporation is gradually filling up the wetland and dumping of waste is changing
WNM Compiled by: Dr. B. Hemambika, Ms. A. Julffia Begam, Mr. N. Mohamed Ibrahim and Dr. Goldin Quadros
ENVIS Centre, Sálim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History, Anaikatty P.O., Coimbatore – 641108, India
its very nature. Waste dumping is hazardous for winged creatures and a plastic ring around the
beak of an endangered bird shows that many birds are at risk. Mixed waste is being dumped at
the site both by official agencies and private players, activists and local residents said. Over 300
species of birds including the black-necked stork, painted stork, ruddy shelduck, common
pochard, bar-headed goose, greylag goose, northern pintail, plovers, isabelline shrike, tickell‘s
blue flycatcher, green-winged teal, yellow-legged quail and grasshopper warbler are spotted at
the Basai wetland every year.
An NGT stay on the construction of
the C&D plant was vacated in January 2018.
The court, however, directed MCG to ensure
construction work starts only after requisite
permissions are obtained from all departments
in line with the Construction and Demolition
Waste Management Rules, 2016. The plant is
expected to treat over 500 tonnes of C&D
waste a day. Rakesh Alhawat, a birder and
activist who has been rescuing water birds in
the area, cited two other cases where birds had
been in a similar predicament. He reported
that this year, they rescued an oriental darter
and a cormorant after they were trapped in
waste material in the wetlands near Jhajjar.
Black-necked stork, a ‗near-threatened‘
species with its beak caught in a plastic ring
from a bottle in the Basai wetland.
Source: The Times of India Dt.: 09 June 2018
Source:
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/gurgaon/plastic-bomb-at-gurgaon-
wetland/articleshow/64514402.cms
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/gurgaon/wildlife-dept-birders-look-for-rare-
stork-a-victim-of-plastic-waste/articleshow/64514411.cms
WNM Compiled by: Dr. B. Hemambika, Ms. A. Julffia Begam, Mr. N. Mohamed Ibrahim and Dr. Goldin Quadros
ENVIS Centre, Sálim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History, Anaikatty P.O., Coimbatore – 641108, India
Report on Kerala Conservation of Paddy Land and Wetland Act
The Kerala government has brought in amendments to the Kerala Conservation of Paddy Land
and Wetland Act, 2008, not only without diluting its original intention, but by giving more
clarity to certain crucial provisions. This was reported by revenue minister E. Chandrasekharan.
Replying to the discussions on the Kerala Conservation of Paddy Land and Wetland
(Amendment) Bill, 2018, and the allegations that 14 of the 30 sections of the Act have been
amended, the minister said that the key amendments were brought only in Sections 2,5,10,14 and
27 and the government has no intention other than to find solutions to genuine issues. He said
that the allegations of the opposition that the LDF was taking a double stand by introducing
section 27A (3), the same clause they had opposed while in opposition when the then UDF
government introduced 3A amendment that dealt with regularizing the fillings prior to 2008,
were unwarranted.
The minister stated that the then 3A amendment was without any kind of checks or
balances, but the 27A (3) has several strict clauses attached to it. The regularization of the filling
will be allowed only if the land is not a notified land, and is also proved to have been filled by
using the satellite maps of Kerala State Remote Sensing and Environment Centre (KSREC) and
also by certification by local-level monitoring committee. He added that amendment that the
paddy land and wetland filling can be allowed for public purpose was introduced as several
government projects like GAIL pipelining had stalled because of the provisions of the Act.
Further, he stated that the amendment to introduce rights of cultivation in the paddy land that is
lying fallow to a third party for two years even without owner‘s permission would not encroach
into his right of property, but has been introduced with the intention of increasing land under
paddy farming.
Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala said that the very definition of ―public purpose‖ is
questionable, as it also says ―other schemes as may be specified by the government from time to
time‖ can be considered as government purpose. The discussion that began at 1pm on the final
day of the 11th
session of the 14th
assembly lasted for more than six hours. The opposition
walked out after tearing apart copies of the bill. The assembly then passed the bill and adjourned
sine-die.
WNM Compiled by: Dr. B. Hemambika, Ms. A. Julffia Begam, Mr. N. Mohamed Ibrahim and Dr. Goldin Quadros
ENVIS Centre, Sálim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History, Anaikatty P.O., Coimbatore – 641108, India
Source:
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/thiruvananthapuram/amendment-to-wetland-act-
passed/articleshow/64744265.cms
General Wetland News
The Neknampur Lake‘s floating treatment wetland in Hyderabad, which has been serving as a
fitting example of low-cost but effective techniques used to clean city lakes, has been facing
controversies after a group of citizens raised concerns over the use of styrofoam or thermocol for
the wetlands. Dhruvansh, a voluntary organization working for the lake‘s protection, introduced
its first floating island in March 2017. It was designed using styrofoam, plastic, bamboo, gunny
bags and coir. However, a citizens group say that the floating islands made using Styrofoam is
harmful as it is a banned material in many countries including India.
Manoj Kumar, member of Neknampur Lakes Restoration Committee and general
secretary of Alkapur Township stated that it has not been tried in any lake and it should become
an example to other lakes if it is not scientifically proven because it will create problems. He
added that PCB gave in writing that they don‘t have any clearance from their side and it is not a
private property where anybody can do anything they want. Madhulika Chowdhary of
Dhruvansh said the PCB clearly told them that they have nothing to do with this permission. She
added that permission has to be taken from the irrigation department or the HMDA and they
have it. HMDA sponsored their project. Mr. P. Veeranna, joint chief environmental scientist at
TSPCB assured that there is no such danger.
Source:
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/floating-wetland-in-green-
muddle/articleshow/64251127.cms