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need for the government to act and protect this wetland to ensure that the wetland
ecosystem remains a safe haven for its diverse flora and fauna.
12.5 Potential Threats
The Kaliveli wetland has been converted to intensive agriculture, with few enclaves
of forest remaining. As a result, of inhabitant’s pressure, half of this eco-region’s
mangrove forests have been cut down to supply fuel wood and other natural
resources. Human activities, including settlements in newer areas, indiscriminate
use of natural resources and diversion of water have caused immense damage to the
delta. Significant losses have been resulted from its conversion, threats from agricultural, industrial and various urban developments. Incidents of industrial wastes
disposal in and around the lake have also been reported. The villagers living around
the areas they engaged themselves in fishing and related activities for their income
and utilize the grass and mangrove for firewood, fodder and building purposes. Salt
panes and shrimp farming are on the increase in the brackish part of the lake.
12.5.1 Human Interface
Nearly 20 small and medium sized hamlets are located in this area with a meager
population of around 2,500. Many of these people in these areas depend upon the
Kalveli reservoir and Yedayanthittu lagoon for their sustenance in one way or other.
The economic dependence is small scale, as they collect reeds and sedges to make
some household items, fishing for their own consumption as well as to sell in the
local market. Continues rising intrusion of land for various commercial activities is
one of the major problems threatening the existence of Kalivelli. Urbanization in the
region for its part also exerts a lot of pressure on the wetland.
12.5.2 Salt Pan
The salt marshes and mangrove regions around these areas are converted into saltpans. Even some of the fresh water regions of the lake is being converted into saltpans (Figs. 12.2 and 12.3a, 12.3b, 12.3c, 12.3d).
This alter the salinity gradient of the soil, which also influence the flora and
fauna of this wetland ecosystem. Most of the salt pans are located in this regions are
belonging to the Government. Owing to extended use the ground water has become
saline. Most of them, they discharges partially or untreated wastewaters are into
wetland ecosystem which leads to rise of biological oxygen demand and turbidity
of the water also increases due to the organic particulate materials which conseK. Silambarasan and A. Sundaramanickam
need for the government to act and protect this wetland to ensure that the wetland
ecosystem remains a safe haven for its diverse flora and fauna.
12.5 Potential Threats
The Kaliveli wetland has been converted to intensive agriculture, with few enclaves
of forest remaining. As a result, of inhabitant’s pressure, half of this eco-region’s
mangrove forests have been cut down to supply fuel wood and other natural
resources. Human activities, including settlements in newer areas, indiscriminate
use of natural resources and diversion of water have caused immense damage to the
delta. Significant losses have been resulted from its conversion, threats from agricultural, industrial and various urban developments. Incidents of industrial wastes
disposal in and around the lake have also been reported. The villagers living around
the areas they engaged themselves in fishing and related activities for their income
and utilize the grass and mangrove for firewood, fodder and building purposes. Salt
panes and shrimp farming are on the increase in the brackish part of the lake.
12.5.1 Human Interface
Nearly 20 small and medium sized hamlets are located in this area with a meager
population of around 2,500. Many of these people in these areas depend upon the
Kalveli reservoir and Yedayanthittu lagoon for their sustenance in one way or other.
The economic dependence is small scale, as they collect reeds and sedges to make
some household items, fishing for their own consumption as well as to sell in the
local market. Continues rising intrusion of land for various commercial activities is
one of the major problems threatening the existence of Kalivelli. Urbanization in the
region for its part also exerts a lot of pressure on the wetland.
12.5.2 Salt Pan
The salt marshes and mangrove regions around these areas are converted into saltpans. Even some of the fresh water regions of the lake is being converted into saltpans (Figs. 12.2 and 12.3a, 12.3b, 12.3c, 12.3d).
This alter the salinity gradient of the soil, which also influence the flora and
fauna of this wetland ecosystem. Most of the salt pans are located in this regions are
belonging to the Government. Owing to extended use the ground water has become
saline. Most of them, they discharges partially or untreated wastewaters are into
wetland ecosystem which leads to rise of biological oxygen demand and turbidity
of the water also increases due to the organic particulate materials which conseK. Silambarasan and A. Sundaramanickam