e-newsletter indian of trust for art the natural heritage...

E-Newsletter of The Natural Heritage Division-INTACH

The Natural Heritage Division was set up with the objective to conserve India’s rich natural heritage

in 1984. The Division addresses environmental issues of biodiversity and habitat and encourages

sustainable use of natural resources. The primary focus is on water issues, which is inextricably linked

with issues of human survival, biodiversity and wildlife habitat. This has inevitably led the Division to

engage in larger environmental issues of biodiversity and habitat.

The Division focuses on eco-restoration, conservation, creation of environmental assets and

advocates sustainable use of natural resources. The Division aims at influencing state policy and

environmental impact of large private entities through carrying out pioneer projects and addressing

policy lacunae by hosting expert forums.

NATURAL HERITAGE DIVISION

Sabarmati River Front Development

The 12 km long waterbody

formed by intake of waters

from Narmada Canal is the

core of the multi-crore

Sabarmat i River Front

Development project. The

water is eutropied, with

overgrowth of algae and

hydrilla bloom rendering it

difficult to use for recreational purposes. INTACH carried

out a scientific analysis of soil

and water samples, diagnosing

the problem and prescribing

innovative solutions which are

to be employed on a pilot

basis. The water quality will

be improved by altering bed

g e o m e t r y , u s i n g

bioremediation technique,

floating wetlands and

cascading wetlands.

27 January 2014 Volume 1, Issue 1

E-Newsletter

of

The Natural Heritage Division

of INTACH

INDIAN

NATIONAL

TRUST FOR ART

AND

CULTURAL

HERITAGE

DEDICATED TO

CONSERVATION

Hauz Khas Lake revived by INTACH Kankaria Lake

“Nature to

be

commanded

must be

obeyed”.

-Bacon

Sparrow

Green Bee-Eater

Sabarmati River, Ahmedabad


Documentation of Natural and Sacred Landscape of Yamunotri

Conservation of Freshwater Ecosystem

E-Newsletter

NHD team visited Yamunotri to “Document the

natural and sacred landscape of Upper

Yamuna Basin”. The objective was to identify

distinct and vulnerable natural, sacred and

cultural features. Team visited Janki Chatti,

Purola, Sankari and Lakha Mandal. Team

interviewed locals to understand their traditions

and culture and to document the mythological

tales and beliefs associated with their traditions.

Earthwatch and INTACH collaborated to initiate “Citizen Science Programme” which aims to safeguard and

conserve urban freshwater bodies on which critical ecosystems depend. HSBC Citizen Science Leaders and

Freshwater Watchers are two volunteer programmes which

provide opportunities for citizens to contribute to water

conservation. These projects focus on engagement of

participants in field research and training of citizen scientist

over a four years period. The data collected by the

volunteers will help to address local water issues and will

contribute to strengthen the conservation of the fresh water

bodies in the future.

The first HSBC Citizen Science Leaders (CSL) event was

conducted on 20th March 2013 at Okhla Bird Sanctuary. The

HSBC CSL event was divided into 6 sessions. In the first two

sessions the focus was on introducing the volunteers with

the team, fellow volunteers, the study site and discussing the importance of the site. In the next two sessions

the focus was on discussing threats and challenges to urban

water bodies and indicators of water pollution. The volunteers

also conducted water quality analysis using field testing kits that

included parameters like turbidity, nitrates and phosphates. In

the end session the volunteers were asked to take their own

personal action to conserve water and reduce water pollution.

The HSBC CSL and Freshwater Watcher events are conducted

every alternate month and provide hands-on experience and

knowledge on water-quality and conservation of the freshwater

bodies.

Regular monitoring of birds and water quality at Okhla Bird Sanctuary is being carried out as a part of the

“Research Based Conservation Action for Okhla Barrage, an Important Bird Area, Delhi NCR” program. Weekly data

collected will help to compare the status of the biodiversity in the area.

Join us for

the

Freshwater

Watcher

Program

and be a

Scientist

for a day!

Those interested to join us in this initiative as volunteers are welcome.

For further details contact: Monika Sah, [email protected], 011-24641304, Ext. 221/222

Lakha Mandal Temple

Someshwar Mahadev Temple, Sankri

Mahasudevta Temple, Hanol


NHD conducted a three day (9th to 11th January 2013) training course on “Urban Lakes and Wetlands”. The course aimed at

developing an understanding of the lake eco-system, the analysis and diagnosis of problems associated with it and the methods

of maintaining a healthy lake eco-system.

The participants were enlightened about the issues related to: formation and

transformation of wetlands in the urban areas, threats and challenges to wetlands

and key approaches to conserve and maintain urban wetland. One day field visit to

Sanjay Van and Hauz Khas Lake helped to further illustrate the broader

understanding, conservation and management of this natural heritage.

The participants were trained about the following:

Develop an understanding of the phenomenon of lakes and wetlands.

Explore critical aspects of lake ecology- physical, chemical and biological.

Develop an understanding of urban wetlands and examine some of the key

implications of urbanization.

Get introduced to the issues, challenges and approaches to the conservation and management of urban lakes.

Start thinking critically about the present and future of lakes and wetlands in an urban context.

NHD organised an exhibition on “Maps of

British India: Defining the Empire” from 18th

to 30th April 2013. This exhibition

displayed historic maps of India, made in

Colonial Era; the territories in the British

ruled provinces and erstwhile Princely

States were clearly shown in the maps.

These maps were based on the earlier

Atlas of India and Revenue surveys.

Dr. Manosi Lahiri curated the event and

provided a platform for the participants to

view and discuss the changes India has

gone through since the Colonial Era. The

success of the event could be witnessed by

the gathering of historians and bibliophiles

who also gave their valuable feedback

about the event.

Urban Lakes and Wetlands Course

Maps of British India Exhibition

Volume 1, Issue 1

Mr. Manu Bhatnagar attended a two

day (30th and 31st May 2013)

workshop on “Geo-Heritage” organized

by INTACH Vizag Chapter. The

workshop aimed to conserve the geo-

heritage of the country and to

advocate suitable legislation to achieve

the same. A sustained initiative to

conserve Geo-Heritage is being

launched.

Geo Heritage Workshop

Dr. Ritu Singh attended a conference

conducted by “Society of Wetland

Scientist” at Duluth Minnesota, USA from

2nd to 6th June 2013. Society for Wetland

Scientists is the only professional

association of wetland scientists. They

hold annual conferences with

participants from all over the world,

especially USA. There were several

parallel sessions, fieldtrips and

workshops.

Dr. Ritu Singh was awarded the

“International Travel Award”. The goal of

this award is to foster participation of

the international membership through

travel grant to an Annual meeting and

free membership for 3 years in Society

for Wetland Scientist.

Society for Wetland Scientists


Resilient eco-systems regain their

equilibrium even after a major

disturbance, a process known as

homeostasis. However, in human

dominated landscapes, where

humans have very often

contributed in some measure to

the disturbance, to retrace ones’

steps by the same path to the

previous situation would be a crowning folly. The impact of

the mid-June cloudburst in

Uttarakhand was magnified by a

combination of human greed and

corruption which put thousands

in harm’s way. The disaster

event has not only shaken the

lives of people but has jogged

mindsets as well. Hopefully,

further development will be

respectful of the fragile ecology

and geology of the young

Himalayas. Over the years the

State is substantially culpable by

ignoring the fragile mountain

geology, allowing unbridled

construction of dams, tunnels

and roads in weak geological zones using explosives and

allowing building construction in

vulnerable areas and hazard

zones. Lack of regulation,

reluctance in enforcing existing

regulations and a grasping

mentality has allowed chaotic

townships to develop around

sacred shrines with the aim of

milking the burgeoning pilgrim

t ra f f i c . Fo res t cove r i s

increasingly composed of planted

pine trees which yield timber,

turpentine oil and pine needles

while oak forests whose root

system binds the soil cover but

do not offer overt commercial

b e ne f i t s h a v e d e c l i n e d substantially. It is difficult to

ignore the change in tree

communities from alpine to

tropical even at higher altitudes.

Continued on Page 5 & 6...

From the Principal Director’s Desk

Urban Wetland Conservation: A Case Study of Delhi

these 101 wetlands 90 were

natural and 11 manmade. The

exercise was repeated in 2009,

using IRS LISS IV and LISS III

data of years 2006/07, smallest

wetland mapped was 0.5 ha.

Published in National Wetland

Atlas, that demarcated total

wetland area of 2490 ha (0.93%

of geographical area) mapped

441 wetlands – 52 natural and

389 manmade. This clearly

indicates extent of loss of water

bodies in Delhi. The map below

shows the number of lakes lost

in past 15 years.

Under condition of rapid

urbanization and infrastructure

development across the country

loss of wetlands is concerning.

While there are some legislation

in place that could help in

wetland conservation their

implementation leaves a lot to

ask for.

The Water (Prevention and

Control of Pollution) Act, 1974,

prohibits disposal of polluting

matter into any stream or well

or sewer or on land. This does

not specifically mention lakes

and wetlands, as a result

garbage and sewage more often

than not finds its way into the

lakes and wetlands.

The Environment Protection

A c t ( 1 9 8 6 ) ,

defines "environment" as that

includes water, air and land and

the inter- relationship which

exists among and between

water, air and land, and human

beings, other living creatures,

plants, micro-organism and

property . The Wet l and

( C o n s e r v a t i o n a n d

Management) Rules, 2010

defines “protected wetlands” as

Ramsar sites, part of UNESCO

World Heritage sites, High

altitude wetlands (>=5ha) above

2500 m altitude, Wetlands >=

500 ha below 2500 m altitude.

Therefore, all small wetlands

remain unprotected under these

rules.

These unprotected wetlands,

whether urban or non-urban

provide us with various

ecosystem services including,

habitat for many species of

plants and animals, as well as

ecological functions such as

nutrient cycling , water

purification, flood mitigation,

boating, f i sh ing, cl imate

amelioration, health benefits and

scenic enjoyment. Many a times

these are the only open spaces

for recreation for urban

dwellers. The rapid loss of lakes

in Delhi is a wake-up call for all

of us to contribute towards

environment protection.

With a growing economy and

fast development cities in India

are under immense water

stress. Water resources are

inadequate owing to fast

popu l at i on g rowth and

immigration to urban areas. The

Aqueduct Water Risk Atlas

identifies North-west India as

‘extremely high risk’ region,

wherein Delhi is located. Delhi

is continually urbanizing at a

rapid pace that has affected the

condition of water bodies. To

identify water resource available

within Delhi, an extensive field

survey and remote sensing

based mapping was carried out

during 1997-98 in Delhi to map

all the water bodies including

groundwater recharge sites – 44

lakes and 355 village ponds

were identified. These were

reduced to only 22 lakes in year

2012. Lack of policy and legal

support is one of the reasons

for lack of urban lake

conservation. Other issues

include changes in surface

hydrology and over exploitation

of groundwater resources.

Wetlands of India (1998)

published by Space Application

Centre, Ahmedabad, using IRS

LISS I/II data of years 1992/93,

mapped 101 wetlands more

than 2.25 ha in size, in Delhi

with a total area of 4716.38 ha

(3.18% of geographical area) was

covered by wetlands. Out of

Uttarakhand known

as the “Devbhoomi”

faced one of the

most hazardous

natural calamities in

mid-June 2013.

Volume 1, Issue 1

Dr. Ritu Singh

Senior Consultant

NHD

INTACH

Mr. Manu Bhatnagar

Principal Director,

Natural Heritage

Division.

INTACH

In a survey carried

out in 1997-98 in

Delhi, 44 Lakes and

355 village ponds

were identified.

These have reduced

to only 22 lakes in

year 2012.


Conti of Page 4 “From the Principal Director’s Desk”...

Hotel and house builders who built on river edges to maximize economic advantage while flirting with danger are also culpable. Think of the

abdication of responsibility in allowing excessive mule population in the pilgrim season whose foraging requirements and hooves would have

wreaked havoc on the thin soil cover as a typical example of the tragedy of the commons. And of course all stakeholders were one when it

came to encouraging unregulated movement of hordes of pilgrims placing immense pressure of population and traffic in the delicate upper

reaches. Unlike the Janmashtami festival in Mumbai where the human pyramid aims at bagging the ‘dahi-handi’ at the pinnacle, here the

inverted human pyramid came tumbling down.

Several suggestions are pouring in to implement sensible but inconvenient recommendations offered by experts in the past. Old

reports, ignored earlier, are now being dusted from the archives. Hazard zonation based on geological and geophysical inputs is of course a

basic task in the short and medium term. Most essential is an alternative development model which balances hydro-potential with

environmental concerns and adequate livelihood opportunities with integrity of eco-systems. Indeed, compensating Himalyan states for

conserving their environment which provides eco-system services to a vast land mass north and south of it is an idea whose time has come.

Travelling frequently since 1989, on assignments, to Uttarakhand and other Himalyan states has given one a close familiarity with

structural issues in the Himalayas. INTACH, whose survey team was located in the ‘eye of the storm’ at Gangotri –Harsil– Maneri -

Uttarkashi during 14 – 22 June, 2013 has some pertinent observations and recommendations to offer.

Since 1980 approximately 45,000 hectares of forest land has been diverted in Uttarakhand, 68% of which was after formation of the

new state in the year 1999. Of this the maximum was for construction of roads followed by hydel projects and transmission lines. It is not

surprising that areas worst affected by floods – Chamoli, Rudraprayag, Uttarkashi and Pitthoragarh are also the areas where most forest area

was diverted for non-forest purposes. Compensatory afforestation is ineffective and loss of native vegetation is unaccounted for.

Re-forestation of native species that not only thrive well in the climatic region but also aid soil and water conservation should be part of the policy on conservation of forest and environment. Expanding settlements and townships in the upper reaches places immense

pressure on the fragile mountains and cannot continue limitlessly. Uttarakhand must have a population distribution policy with bulk of

population located in the terai plains [which have urbanizable lands], restrict growth of population and towns in mid-altitudes and restrict

construction above tree line except in exceptional cases. The policy would have to be built around stringent town planning and building

regulations, economic incentives and disincentives of location, encouragement of livelihood opportunities in the plains and low altitudes

through directed State investment. In this context the State also needs to revisit the policy of allowing 3 – 5 storeyed construction in the

hills, scale down the building height, lower ground coverage and FARs [floor area ratios]. Building of private townships [many are in the

pipeline with 200 or more housing units envisaged with JCB machines increasingly employed to gouge out hillsides without a thought to slope

stability, dumping the spoils downhill] should not be permitted above 1000m AMSL.

Having taken an irreversible toll on the mountain environment the bulk of these investor houses lie empty round the year. Frankly,

building rules of the terai plains cannot be allowed in hilly terrain. Yet another ill-effect of such building activity is the increasing use of tube

wells to support such ‘townships’ at higher altitudes. Permissions for boring are lubricated by the usual means. These tube wells are bored to

depths of hundreds of feet and only serve to dry out soil moisture and spring downstream with consequent ill-effect on the vegetation of

these slopes de-stabilizing them further. These tube wells should not be permitted above 1000m AMSL and only in valley floors and plains.

Easy loans are also promoting excessive over capacity in hotels construction many of which fail due to rosy projections and poor choice of

locations. This suite of policy measures is available to the govt. for constraining urbanization in the mid and upper hills. The anemic Town

Planning Department needs to be adequately staffed, capacitated and empowered rather than restrained from acting. Lateral [east-west] all

weather roads need to be constructed south of the Gangotri glacier and at mid-altitude to enable, in the event of a disaster, lateral

movement between various north-south axes. In the recent disaster, movement to the unaffected Yamunotri axis would have enabled

greater survival and faster relief. The lateral rail and road network in the terai plains can also be augmented to reduce some of the load on

roads in the upper reaches.

It is clear that damage due to torrential flow in rivers cannot be contained by shallow abutments. Roads, thus, need to be built well

away from rivers highest flood level channels, the distance dependent on the cross-sectional size of the stream and its likely impact zone

especially at bends. Outer bends of rivers, which receive the maximum impact of stream driven boulders, due to centrifugal force, should be

identified for strengthening. Between the road and river building construction should be allowed only in stringently examined exceptional

cases.

The ‘prachin’ shrines need to be restored to the original state of majestic isolation so as to regain their divine aura. This requires

that ugly service towns resembling flies on a honey pot be dismantled and relocated in planned fashion a goodly distance away. Many of these

shrines have been built around ancient stones which have resemblance to some deity or the other. In recent years the zeal of devotees is

‘modernizing’ these ancient sites with garish colours and bathroom tiles diluting their antiquity. This opportunity should be taken to reverse

such ‘zeal’ and restore the sense of antiquity to these ancient temples.

With the arrival of vehicular mobility several old walking tracks have been abandoned in favor of roads. Many disused pathways are

still available and with some engineering inputs these can make for an alternative evacuation network. At other times these can constitute

trekking routes bringing economic contribution to otherwise inaccessible hamlets. As an example the disused Almora – Kathgodam route

comes readily to mind.

It is well known that EIAs are managed to ensure projects get through rather than be rejected or compelled to adopt costly tough

mitigation and compensatory measures. It is seen that safety assessment from geological dynamics and impact on geological environment is

not given due emphasis. As per environment impact assessment [EIA] notification of MoEF the following activities are also to be covered by

EIAs which generally is not happening:

All State Highway Projects

State Highway expansion projects in hilly terrain (above 1,000m AMSL)

All projects located at altitude of 1,000m AMSL and above

It is also suggested that EIAs should be conducted on a valley-wise basis to establish their capacity to absorb development and also look at

cumulative impacts as one move downstream. Better still a statewide strategic environmental assessment and sustainability appraisal should


be conducted which can nip many a poorly conceived project in the bud, which otherwise require substantial environment management.

Prevention is always better than cure. In the wake of current crisis one should not shy away from decommissioning a few projects to prevent

future disasters.

The reticence to regulate shows up in other vital areas. Strip development is rampant in the state and the minimum right of way

laid down for the road hierarchy under UP Roadside Act is never enforced. Strip development is choking roads everywhere in the hills. The

Act framed many decades ago, needs amendment in the light of modern traffic requirements and enforced strictly. Spatial planning must be

extended to the village level to prevent haphazard growth [Rajasthan is already doing it but parameters in hills would be different. An urban

arts and landscapes commission must be set up to prevent ‘uglification’ of pristine hillsides. In this context it may be seen that colonial

architecture of the hills with its simple graceful lines, sloping roofs and adoption of forest green or terracotta red shades on the these roofs

merged with the hillsides. Today garish construction is ruining the hills and individuals are announcing their arrival with even purple painted

structures.

Some other observations and illustrative experiences are outlined herewith:

Cmde Rohit Patel [Retd] has drawn attention to the large ex-servicemen population in the state, a disciplined human resource, which should

not go waste. These men could be encouraged to retain their unit hierarchies, trained in disaster management, rescue and medical relief.

Capacities would be enhanced yearly and a small financial incentive added. The volunteer force would thus be present on the scene of action

with shortest reaction time and dependence on inducted forces can be reduced.

It is necessary to evaluate the current status of dams, complete as well as under construction, to assess the loss of storage capacity,

revise the life span figure, and reassess the utility of the worst hit projects, decommissioning them where warranted.

Given the state’s peculiar combination of topography, geology and climate, hazard zones are widespread. Preventive remediation is the order

of the day otherwise damages and losses set back the state economy. An example which comes to mind is the Nainital Lake where there is a

live possibility of the massive hills on the north east sliding into the lake.

Rope bridges, advanced helipads and landing strips, emergency stocks in the upper reaches should become a permanent feature, ready for

use at short notice

Medical facilities in upper regions will have to be augmented. It is observed that doctors are unwilling to serve in these areas and rather keen

to refer patients to private hospitals. Medicos graduating from the state’s institutions should be incentivized to serve there.

The state tourism policy should be oriented towards sustainable tourism.

Glimpses of Uttarakhand Disaster


The citizen science program-

first of its kind in Delhi and

NCR has been initiated by the

Natural Heritage Division of

INTACH in collaboration with

Earthwatch Institute and

HSBC. The program aims at

conserving freshwater bodies

of Delhi and NCR through

citizen science approach. “Cit izen Science” a lso

sometimes referred to as

public participation in scientific

research, is increasingly

becoming popular as a tool for

data collection and awareness

generation among general

p u b l i c a n d s c i e n t i f i c

communities.

The water bodies in Delhi are

important habitats for flora

and fauna and also recharge

points for ground water.

These water bodies add to the

natural heritage of the city.

However these water bodies

have fallen prey to rapid

urbanization and pollution and

are deteriorating/vanishing at a

fast pace. A handful of

organizations and NGOs have

addressed these issues before

authorities, but that has not

helped in improving the

condition of these water

bodies. The conservation of

these natural assets can be

achieved by generating

awareness among public on

freshwater issues.

The Citizen Science Project

aims at stimulating the

concerns for freshwater

conservation among citizens.

The objective of the program

is to equip the participants

with knowledge and support

which would help them to

play an active role in

conserving water resource. The program aims to develop

environmental leaders among

general public, who would

m a i n s t r e a m w a t e r

conservation considerations

into their everyday decision

making both at personal and

professional levels.

The program was launched in

Delhi on March 20th 2013,

with prominent guests like

Mrs. Naina Lal Kidwai

(Manager and Country Head

of HSBC India), Maj. Gen.

(Retd.) L. K. Gupta (Chairman

INTACH), Mr. Mike Pandey

(Chairman, Earth Watch

I n s t i t u t e and Na tu re Filmmaker), and Mr. Simon

( H e a d o f C o r p o r a t e

Sustainability, HSBC). The

program hosts two types of

events: a full day ‘Citizen

Science Leadership’ day (CSL

Day) with HSBC employees

and a half-day freshwater

volunteer day with Non HSBC

volunteers. The CSL days are

usually conducted at Okhla

Bird Sanctuary, Delhi, while

v o lun t e e r s ’ d a y s a r e

conducted at different water

bodies of Delhi like Hauz Khas

Lake, Sanjay Lake etc. As for

year 2013 three CSL events

(HSBC events) and three

freshwater volunteer days

have been conducted, which

have received a total of 118

participants so far. A set of

data on water quality of water

bodies explaining the status of

different water bodies have

been generated by the

participants through these

events. These data sets give a

strong base for accelerating

conservation efforts. Besides

the volunteer programs a

team from INTACH regularly

monitors three different water

bodies in Delhi NCR viz

Okhla B ird Sanctuary ,

Wazirabad Barrage and Hauz

Khas Lake. The data includes

visual, bio-chemical and optical

measurements of water

quality of these water bodies. The data collected gives an

estimate about the general

conditions and nutrient levels

(Phosphates & Nitrates) in the

three water bodies.

The INTACH and Earthwatch

teams together make an effort

to communicate this program

to a wide range of public. The

events conducted under this

program attempt to brief the

volunteers on the status of

f r eshwater ava i l ab i l i t y ,

problems regarding water

quality and quantity and giving

them hands-on experience of

scientific research by using

field test kits for water quality.

The project so far has been able to involve volunteers of

different age group and

backgrounds and has received

positive feedbacks for all the

programs . Apart from

employees of HSBC group the

events have been receiving

volunteers from Schools,

Colleges, NGOs and other

professions also. Thus the

program has been delivered to

a wide range of public and has

an excellent outreach among

local citizens. The research

will add to the global database

on freshwater quality. The

parameters like turbidity and

nutrient levels in water body

will help in determining the

status of freshwater bodies in

Delhi and help develop water

management s t r ateg ie s

keeping in mind the local

issues and conditions.The data

collected will be fed into a

global data set which will be

made available in public

domain and would help

accelerating conservation

efforts.

Conservation of Freshwater bodies in Delhi and NCR- A Citizen

Science Approach

Volume 1, Issue 1

Monika Sah

Consultant

NHD

INTACH


With the rapid urbanization in

the cities the ecosystem is

getting affected. The green

cover is diminishing because of

construction of infrastructure;

water bodies are shrinking or

vanish ing due to the

anthropogenic act iv it ies

performed in their catchment

areas as well as around the water bodies; the changing

rainfall patterns due to global

warming, etc. are some of the

alarming concerns. In this

regard, the need is to green

substantial area by changing

the vegetation characteristics

of existing open areas and

increasing the foliage density

within the existing green area

with a view to support urban

biodiversity . Conserving

biodiversity will increase and

improve the quality and the

quantity of ecosystem services

which are as follows:

Provisioning services refers

to services or goods directly

obtained from the ecosystems

like vegetables, fish, fresh

water, etc.

Regulating services refers

t o b e n e f i t s f r o m

ecosystem processes like

climate regulation, nutrition

flow, pollination, etc.

Cultural services refers to

non-material benefits people

receive from ecosystems like

recreation, aesthetic values

etc.

Habitat services include

providing habitat to different

species and production of

resources necessary for

survival.

Natural Heritage Division

successfully held its first

“Urban Biodiversity Seminar”

on 23rd November, 2013. The aim was to provide a single

forum to highlight the issues

related to Urban Biodiversity

has much to contribute to

sustainability but has long

remained neglected by

p l a n n e r s a n d u r b a n

administrators.

The presenters discussed

issues on natural habitats in

urban areas, the ecosystem

services provided by them and

strategies for achieving

naturalization of urban areas.

India is urbanizing rapidly and

human dominated landscapes

are resulting in increasing

concretization, habitat loss and fragmentation due to land

use change. Urbanization has

become a demographic issue

not only in India but all over

the world. In India, the 1901-

2001 census show that the

total urban population and

number of towns have

increased more than ten

times, from 26 million to 285

million, but overall total

population has increased less

than five times from 2387

million to 10270 million.

According to Census of India

(2001) a continuous increase

has been observed in the

p e r c e n t a g e o f u r b an

population from 11% in 1901

to 17% in 1951 and 28% in

2001. Not only the urban

population but also the

number of towns has

increased from 1916 in 1901

to 2422 in 1951 and

subsequently to 4689 in 1991.

This increasing population

generates a land hunger

whereby the land is seen not

from an ecological prism but

through a commercial filter of

land value. This results in a

loss of eco-system services

which further leads to a

decline in sustainability and

resilience. The seminar

brought together scientists,

planners and administrators at

a single forum to highlight the

issues regarding Urban Biodiversity that has much to

c o n t r i b u t e t o u r b a n

sustainability and has long

remained neglected by

p l a n n e r s a n d u r b a n

administrators.

Twelve eminent speakers and

participants from various

Government as well as Private

Organisations attended the

seminar. Themes deliberated

during the seminar were:

Urban biodiversity strategy;

planning for ecosystem

services; changing trends in

birds and butterflies diversity;

urban wetlands; role of

increasing green cover and

City Biodiversity Index.

The seminar concluded with the following observations and

recommendations to conserve

Urban Biodiversity:

Identifying spaces that have

potentials for developing ideal

eco-regions on the lines of

Biodiversity Parks in and

around the urban ized

landscape.

Introduce plant species that

will support all those faunal

components that are under

stress to encourage local

biodiversity components.

Ensure that connectivity

with such isolated areas is

possible through well

thought out corridors.

Mass awareness and

education programs to

conserve environment.

Adopt and encourage

innovative schemes that will

reduce the burden on the

immediate environment

around.

Develop State Biodiversity

Strategy and Action Plan for

Delhi.

Adopting these strategies will

provide a healthy environment

necessary for ensuring urban

sustainability, healthy life style

for the population and

providing habitat for flora and

fauna.

1. Mozhi, J. M. (2010). Introduction. In

Urbanization and its impact on

environment in Pudukkottai, Tamil

Nadu. Tiruchirapalli, Tamil Nadu http://

s h o d h g a n g a . i n f l i b n e t . a c . i n /

bitstream/10603/5081/8/08_chapter%

201.pdf.

2. Kundu, A. (2011). Trends and

processes in India. Retrieved from

ISBN 978-1-84369-820-3

Urban Biodiversity

Volume 1, Issue 1

Astha Pujari

Consultant

NHD

INTACH

Indian Pond Heron

Black Drongo

INTACH proposes

to orgnaise an Eco-

Literacy Course 10th

-13th June 2014.

Further details on

www. intach.org


Water is the essential source for living but increasing consumption and decreasing water

resources are leading to the problem of water scarcity. Inefficient use of water and poor

management has led to water scarcity in Delhi. For future sustainability, the government is

taking initiatives to conserve every drop of water. Delhi Jal Board (DJB) and INTACH has

collaborated on ‘’Rainwater harvesting Project in South West District of Delhi’’ to recharge

the declining groundwater tables. The most critical zone with regard to groundwater – South

west district has been chosen for rainwater harvesting. South west district has 10-20 m

depth of water table below ground level.

Rainwater harvesting is one of the measures to conserve water and refill our ground water

table. It is a simple technique of collecting and storing rainwater from roofs, constructed

catchment surfaces and driveways, sidewalks, parking lots and streets. It is an effective

water conservation strategy in both urban and rural areas. With appropriate filtration,

rainwater can also serve for potable water uses. It is an ideal solution for areas having

inadequate water resources, as it replenishes the ground water level, and enables dug wells

and bore wells to yield in sustained manner.

INTACH undertook Rainwater harvesting in collaboration with DJB. This project identifies

societies and institutions in the southwest district that are ideal for capturing rain water and

make them aware about it. After identification of the site, designs are prepared for rainwater

harvesting system for those willing to implement it in their locality. Subsequently, the draft

designs are approved by CGWB and detailed estimates drawn. Finally, organizations are

referred to Deputy Commissioner, Government of Delhi to access funds from ‘My Delhi I

Care Fund’ which is upto Rs.5 lakh to implement the system. Up till now we have

completed 30 draft reports of sites and submitted to DJB for further processes at their end.

In these 30 sites about 5,400 cubic meters per day of rain water can be harvested and a total

of 18,000 cubic meters per day can be harvested through the entire project.

INTACH conducted a workshop to promote rainwater harvesting for south west district

which was sponsored by DJB. The main purpose of the workshop was to make more people

aware of such system. The workshop was attended by 100 peoples, which include

institutions, NGO’S and DDA representatives. INTACH is making every effort in

implementing the RWH system in action.

Rainwater Harvesting in South West District of Delhi

Volume 1, Issue 1

Vikrant Goswami

Consultant

NHD

INTACH

Rainwater Harvesting Workshop in Dwarka (December 2013)


The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) is India’s largest non-

profit membership organization dedicated to conservation and preservation of India’s natural,

cultural, living, tangible and intangible heritage. INTACH is a registered society under the

Societies Act since 1984 and is recognized as a Centre of Excellence by the Government of

India. INTACH’s vision is to spread heritage awareness and conservation in India. In the past

30 years INTACH has pioneered the conservation and preservation of not just natural and

manmade heritage but tangible and intangible heritage as well.

INTACH’S mandate on Natural Heritage focuses on:

stimulating awareness among the public for preservation of the Natural Heritage of

India;

undertaking measures for the preservation and conservation of natural resources;

documenting natural heritage;

initiating pilot conservation projects

supporting select initiatives in the field of environment.

Membership form can be downloaded from website-www.intach.org

Donations to INTACH are exempt from income tax to the extent of 50% of their

donations under Section 80-G of the Income Tax Act, on the basis of certificates

issued for the donated sum by INTACH Central Office. INTACH is registered un-

der the Income Tax Act, and is exempted from payment of income tax.

Membership at a Glance

About INTACH

www.intach.org CATEGORY ADMISSION FEE (Rs.)

Life 5000

Ordinary 1200 & 200 per year

Donor / Individual 2,00,000 & above

Govt. Organization/Authority/Body 10,00,000

Public or Private sector Corporation 10,00,000

Institutional (New) 10,000 (for 10 years)

Overseas-Individual USD 200 or equivalent

Overseas –Institutional USD 150 or equivalent

Student-18 to 25 years (Non voting

category)

300

CONTACT INFORMATION

Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage 71, LODHI ESTATE

NEW DELHI 110003, INDIA

TEL: +91 11 2463 1818; 2469 2774; 2464 1304; 2464 5842

FAX:+91 11 2461 1290

Email: [email protected],

[email protected]

WEBSITE: http://www.intach.org

http://intach.org/

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