Lakes and Wetlands

Purpose: 

(i) Take stock of the conservation and management status of the wetlands of Assam in general

(ii) Discuss the significance of good landscape connectivity of flood plain wetlands

(iii) Share the framework and results of Aaranyak-IUCN study on the Deepar beel on wetland connectivity and modelling

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The term wetland is a bit difficult to understand. Is it land or water or land that is wet? It is likely this difficulty in comprehending the term that has led to the sad state of affairs for most wetlands in the country today.

They take your pain and give you what you need. They will absorb the excess showers that our cities can’t handle and replenish water underground when our taps run dry. Often underestimated, these shallow water bodies are also home to countless life forms and serve as winter destinations for distant migratory birds. Blame me for being philosophical but I equate wetlands to mothers.

This brackish lake is located 4,595 metres above sea level, an altitude to tax the lungs of the most dedicated trekker. With two wetlands - the Nuro Sumdo on the North, and the Pare Chu on the South - the lake is a breeding ground for many rare bird species. It is a day's travel from Leh and a popular destination for the avid birdwatcher.

Tawang, a mystical, magical place is nestled in the mountains of Arunachal Pradesh. Indians not from this region as well as foreigners need special permission to visit this restricted area. It is only accessible through a narrow mountain pass. A road snakes through this pass, which is the second highest motorable pass in the world, and at a height of 13,700 feet, reaches a crystal clear lake.

Uday Shankar from water.org welcomed the audience and introduced the issue of access to safe water and sanitation. Gary White, water.org, set the tone of the seminar by explaining his organisation’s vision of ‘getting safe water’ for everyone.