Читать книгу Pollutants and Water Management - Группа авторов - Страница 53

The conclusion of this study is that the Kanwar wetland is facing severe problems of water scarcity, heavy siltation, and enormous weed growth due to climatic variations and human encroachments. Water was being localized in patches during lean periods, i.e. summer, and open/scrub areas were used for other purposes by the local population. A significant change in LULC has taken place in the wetland. Different resources of this wetland like water, sediment, aquatic, and cultivated species of flora and fauna are contaminated with harmful heavy metals like lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd).

Most of the nearby population is dependent on wetland resources for their livelihoods and they are willing to conserve it in cooperation with the administration. Therefore, an inclusive and collaborative approach should be initiated to conserve this important wetland, without compromising the interests of locals with the following recommendations:

 The inlet channel of the wetland should be cleaned to allow water from the Basahi barrage to maintain the water level for the maximum time.

 A barrage across the outlet channel can help maintain the water level.

 An immediate de‐siltation and weed removal program should be initiated.

 A clear‐cut boundary demarcation should be made for the Kanwar wildlife sanctuary.

 Illegal land acquisition, agriculture, waste disposal, land digging, and bird trapping in the wetland should be stopped.

 The land disputes among different community groups in the wetland area should be resolved.

 The over‐extraction of water from the wetland should be avoided.

 Conflicts among different sections of society for the utilization of the Kanwar wetland resources should be resolved.

 Awareness programs should be initiated to make people aware of the importance and values of wetlands in society.

 Eco‐tourism should be promoted to provide alternative livelihood options for local people.