altering natural hydrological regimes were highlighted, for example, in Kolleru
(Andhra Pradesh), wherein the natural flood buffering function was lost to aquaculture (Sellamuttu et al. 2012). During the late 1990s, projects on Chilika, Bhoj
and several other urban wetlands were framed on Integrated Lake Basin
Management Framework, which was also adopted as an implementation framework
for restoration of urban lakes (Nakamura et al. 2007; MoEF 2008a).
Despite the emerging evidence base on the adverse impacts of hydrological
transformation on wetlands, integration of wetlands into water resources planning
and decision-making has hit several roadblocks. The assessment of environmental
flows for Chilika stands out possibly as the only positive example, wherein operational rules of Naraj Barrage at the head of Chilika catchment were formulated
considering freshwater needs of the lagoon, and a river basin-level monitoring of
hydrological regimes has formed as part of wetland management strategies since
2000 (The World Bank 2005; Kumar and Pattnaik 2012). In the case of Loktak,
despite over a decade of assessments and identification of a framework for revising
operations of Ithai Barrage to secure Loktak ecosystem, implementation is yet to
take place (WISA 2011). For Vembanad, many assessments have indicated options
for revision of Thaneermukkom to benefit the wetland environment, as well as
address needs of farmers and fishers, and actual change of barrage operation is yet
to take place (Kumar et al. 2013).
The network of wetlands prioritized by states for conservation has often included
hydraulic structures, as over time their biodiversity values were recognized beyond
their role as a water resource. For example, the water bird diversity and numbers in
Hirakud Reservoir at present are next only to Chilika (WISA and CDA 2015). Bird
surveys in Pong Reservoir indicated that species diversity had considerably
increased after the construction of the reservoir (Pandey 1993). The list of 37
wetlands designated by India as Wetlands of International Importance includes 17
reservoirs and barrages. The management arrangements of such hydraulic structures
have had to make necessarily incorporation of ecosystem requirements (such as
water needs for maintaining water bird habitats), which is an indication that
cooperation between the two sectors is indeed possible.
In summary, wetlands conservation in India has been structured around a network of sites. Over time, the narrative has shifted from a concern for species,
mainly water birds, to a role in maintaining water and food security and buffering
extreme events such as floods. There has been considerable progress in recognizing
the role of hydrology in wetland functioning and incorporating hydrological
descriptions within wetland management plans. However, translating information
on flows to achieving desired changes in water use and allocation practices within
the river basin has been very difficult and, more often than not, highly contested.
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R. Kumar et al.
(Andhra Pradesh), wherein the natural flood buffering function was lost to aquaculture (Sellamuttu et al. 2012). During the late 1990s, projects on Chilika, Bhoj
and several other urban wetlands were framed on Integrated Lake Basin
Management Framework, which was also adopted as an implementation framework
for restoration of urban lakes (Nakamura et al. 2007; MoEF 2008a).
Despite the emerging evidence base on the adverse impacts of hydrological
transformation on wetlands, integration of wetlands into water resources planning
and decision-making has hit several roadblocks. The assessment of environmental
flows for Chilika stands out possibly as the only positive example, wherein operational rules of Naraj Barrage at the head of Chilika catchment were formulated
considering freshwater needs of the lagoon, and a river basin-level monitoring of
hydrological regimes has formed as part of wetland management strategies since
2000 (The World Bank 2005; Kumar and Pattnaik 2012). In the case of Loktak,
despite over a decade of assessments and identification of a framework for revising
operations of Ithai Barrage to secure Loktak ecosystem, implementation is yet to
take place (WISA 2011). For Vembanad, many assessments have indicated options
for revision of Thaneermukkom to benefit the wetland environment, as well as
address needs of farmers and fishers, and actual change of barrage operation is yet
to take place (Kumar et al. 2013).
The network of wetlands prioritized by states for conservation has often included
hydraulic structures, as over time their biodiversity values were recognized beyond
their role as a water resource. For example, the water bird diversity and numbers in
Hirakud Reservoir at present are next only to Chilika (WISA and CDA 2015). Bird
surveys in Pong Reservoir indicated that species diversity had considerably
increased after the construction of the reservoir (Pandey 1993). The list of 37
wetlands designated by India as Wetlands of International Importance includes 17
reservoirs and barrages. The management arrangements of such hydraulic structures
have had to make necessarily incorporation of ecosystem requirements (such as
water needs for maintaining water bird habitats), which is an indication that
cooperation between the two sectors is indeed possible.
In summary, wetlands conservation in India has been structured around a network of sites. Over time, the narrative has shifted from a concern for species,
mainly water birds, to a role in maintaining water and food security and buffering
extreme events such as floods. There has been considerable progress in recognizing
the role of hydrology in wetland functioning and incorporating hydrological
descriptions within wetland management plans. However, translating information
on flows to achieving desired changes in water use and allocation practices within
the river basin has been very difficult and, more often than not, highly contested.
116
R. Kumar et al.