International Programme onIntegrated Lake Basin Management (ILBM),

(9 to14th August 2009)

REPORT

Bhoj wetlands, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India - 9-10th AugustLakes of Udaipur, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India - 12th August 2009

Pushkar and Annasagar, Ajmer, Rajasthan - 14-15th August 2009

Acknowledgements :

The participation of ILEC experts in the ILBM-G Indian component is financially supportedby Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, and Science and Technology, Japan, as part of theILBM-G project which is being implemented by Research Center for Sustainability andEnvironment, Shiga Univerisity, Shiga, Japan.

Dr. M.S.Kodarkar, Secretary, IAAB, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India

International Lake EnvironmentCommittee, (ILEC), Kusatsu, Japan

The six basic pillars of ILBM :1. Institutions,

2. Policies,3. Participation of all the stake holders,

4. Technologies,5. Knowledge and Information and

6. Finance Indian Association of AquaticBiologists (IAAB), Hyderabad

Indian Association Of Aquatic Biologists (IAAB)104, V.K.Dhagenagar, Gaddiannaram, Hyderabad - 500060, A.P., India.

URL : www.iaabonline.org E-mail : aquabiol@igmail.com

IAAB, a registered body was established in 1981 for complimenting on going teaching, research, training and extensionactivities in the field of Aquatic Biology. With more than 700 Life Members from Universities and Colleges, Central and StateResearch Institutions, Corporate sector and Voluntary Organizations (NGO), the Association has developed into a forum thathelps in generating, exchanging and sharing new ideas in the field of Ecology and Environment in general and Aquatic Sciencesin particular.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

International Lake Environment Committee Foundation1091 Oroshimo, Kusatsu, Shiga, 525-0001 JAPAN

URL: www.ilec.or.jp E-mail: tuda@ilec.or.jp

ILEC was founded in 1986 as an International NGO with initial objective of continuing to organize and convene the World LakeConference. It was given legal status in 1987 by Environmental agency and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Japan. Its continuingmission is (i) to advance International cooperation for (i) Conservation of lake environments and (ii) to promote environmentallysound management of lakes around the world, based on scientific knowledge gained through survey, analysis and research. Theorganization developed and promoted the World Lake Vision and Integrated Lake Basin Management (ILBM)initiative to furtherits vision and goals.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

JAL DINDI PRATISTHAN3, White House Society,

Air Port Road, Yerwada, Pune - 411006, Maharashtra, Indiajala dindi <jaladindi02@gmail.com>

The Jal Dindi Foundation promotes annual 'on water' pilgrimage from Alandi to Pandhrapur, a distance of about 450 km topromote Environmental awareness, positive health and spiritual up-liftment of rural as well as urban communities. Jal dindiintegrates traditional values and cultural heritage in to community centric actions and similar actions are promoted on rivers allover the country. The foundation has already published two books in Marathi on issues related with wholestic approach towardsthe noble cause of environmental protection and establishment of values in individual and social life.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Barkatullah University,Bhopal - Madhya Pradesh

Barkatullah University has been engaged in the research activities on conservation and management of aquatic resources for thelast three decades. Various departments like Limnology, Applied Aquaculture and Applied Geology have contributed to thedevelopment of knowledge base of aquatic resources which has helped in chalking out management plans for the aquaticresources. .

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Lake Conservation Authority of MP

E-5, Paryawaran Parisar, Bhopal

Lake conservation Authority of MP, Bhopal is the nodal agency set up by the Govt. of MP with the objective toprepare plans for conservation of aquatic resources of the state.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Jheel Sanrakshan Samiti(Lake Conservation Society)113, Chetak Marg,Udaipur,313001Rajasthan

The civil society initiative has undertaken work for conservation and sustainable management of lakes in Udaipur, Rajasthan -the lake city. With membership cutting across the civil society groups the Samiti has vast experience in organzing stake holdersfor an effective action in the field of environmental protection in general and lakes and water resources in general. JSS membersinclude Engineers, Doctors,Lawyers, Scientists, Retired Beurocrates, environmentalists, activists etc. JSS is an umbrellaorganization supporting and strengthening various stakeholder lake conservation groups..

ILEC,Kusatsu,

Japan

International programmeOn

Integrated Lake Basin Management ILBM- Global India(ILBM-G India)

Dates(9-15th August 2009)

IAAB,Hyderabad,

India

PREFACE

The ILBM-G initiative in India is a result of an International workshop held in August 2008 at Hyderabad and justconcluded programme is a follow-up of the same. The Ujjani lake in Mahrashtra was the first to be covered underILBM initiative of 2008 and the case study was presented at Global ILBM meet held in Japan in 2009. The Ujjanilake case study had attracted a great deal of International attention and could serve as a template for similarinitiatives in the country. Particularly, Jal Dindi component of Ujjani lake ILBM was very much appreciated and isincluded as a training module in the International Training programme conducted by Japan InternationalCooperation Agency (JICA) (www.ilec.or.jp).

As a part of Integrated Lake Basin Management - Global (ILBM-G), a project financially supported by Ministry ofEducation, Culture, Sports, and Science and Technology, Japan, and Indian Association of Aquatic Biologists(IAAB), Hyderabad, in collaboration with International Lake Environment Committee (ILEC) and localorganizations listed elsewhere, had organized three major programmes at Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh); Udaipur(Rajashtan) and Pushkar-Ajmer (Rajashtan). The objective of this initiative was to establish an inter-disciplinary,cross-sectoral platform on which diverse stake holders will come together to develop a comprehensive conservationand management plan for long term sustainability of respective lake ecosystems. The platform in the form of a lakeconservation society (Sarovar samvardhini) will also serve as the 'think tank' to generate new ideas for protection oflakes. In future, the concept will be extended to other lakes and reservoirs in the country thereby establishing astrong network that will support overall environmental protection taking lake basin as the basic unit.

The programme scheduled at Pune (Maharashtra) on 14-15th August 2009 had to be postponed due to swine fluproblem. Nevertheless, the finalization of ILBM document on Ujjnai lake from Pune region is in advanced stage andwill be completed by the end of December 2009 for submission to concerned organizations and agencies(www.iaabonline.org). It will be a major civil society initiative complementing on-going initiatives of the State.

The main focus of just concluded International initiative was on Bhoj wetlands, Udaipur lakes and Pushkar andAnnasagar at Bhopal, Udaipur and Pushar-Ajmer respectively. The ILBM platform established at the end ofrespective programme will undertake further action to develop a comprehensive document on each lake. It will try tointegrate traditional wisdom and initiatives from civil society groups in to action plans already being implemented/proposed to be implemented by different agencies. The three lake ecosystems and their basins represent diversegeo-graphical, cultural and socio-economical settings and hold a great potential for implementation of the sixprinciples of ILBM.

Experts from Japan, Nepal and India participated in the discussions and each programme was followed by a fieldvisit to understand ground level situations. For visiting foreign and Indian experts, it was great learning experience anew beginning is expected in the conservation strategy for lakes in India.

Dr. M.S.Kodarkar, CO-ordinater, ILBM-G India.

Acknowledgements : The participation of ILEC experts in the ILBM-G Indian component isfinancially supported by Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, and Science and Technology, Japan,as part of the ILBM-G project which is being implemented by Research Center for Sustainability andEnvironment, Shiga Univerisity, Shiga, Japan.

REPORT : ILBM - G INDIAN COMPONENT

Introduction :

Why focus on lakes? : 90% of the freshwater available for different human uses; right from drinkingand domestic use to agriculture, Industry, aquaculture to water for nature, is in the form of lenticwater (standing water) in the lakes. Lake, in the present context, is a term used for all kind ofecosystems like natural lakes, man-made reservoirs and impoundments created taking advantage oftopographical features. Even the rivers are so heavily impounded that in most of the year they arechains of reservoirs. That is why as far as freshwater is concerned Lakes become focal points forbetter governance.

Defining a lake : Any lake, fresh, brackish or marine; natural, artificial or man-made, has three basicattributes; well defined basin also called catchment or watershed, the area from where rain waterflows in to the second attribute called the lake proper and down stream command area that receiveswater from the lake.

Why focus on basin? : As stated in the ILEC publication titled - World Lake Vision : Action reports,a lake is refection of its basin as the latter has direct influence on the former. The basic aspect i.e.quality of water ultimately defines range of goods and services from a lake ecosystem on which mandepends.

Integrated Lake Basin Management ILBM : Integrated Lake Basin Management (ILBM) is a way ofthinking that assists lake basin managers and stakeholders in achieving sustainable management oflakes and their basins. It takes into account that lakes have a great variety of resource values whosesustainable development and use require special management considerations for their lentic (static)water properties. In final analysis, good basin management underlines continuous improvement oflake basin governance that integrates institutions, policy, participation, science, technology andfunding. In the light of fast degradation all over the world improvement of the state of lakes can berealized by promoting ILBM.

The six basic pillars of ILBM comprehensively help and address the issues of good governance. Thetask of ILBM has assumed greater urgency in view of global climate change and emerging issuesassociated with population growth, water intensive life styles and agriculture and large scaledeterioration of water quality visible in all types of aquatic environments.

ILBM also offers a common platform for diverse stake holders to discuss issues involved insustainability and has a potential to serve as a think tank for generating new ideas for goodgovernance.

ILBM-G India :

Three representative lakes and their basins were identified for ILBM-G India. They were Bhojwetlands, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh; Udaipur lakes, Udaipur, Rajasthan and Ujjani lake, Dound, inMaharashtra. However, due to unavailable circumstances, Ujjani programme had to be postponedand replaced by Pushkar-Annasar, Ajmer, Rajasthan, component.

Brain Storming Session onIntegrated Lake Basin Management (ILBM)

with special reference to Bhoj Wetland, Bhopal(August 9-10, 2009)

Chief Guest:Shri Alok Shrivastava IAS

Principal SecretaryDepartment of Housing and Environment

(Govt. of MP)

Guests of Honour from ILECProf. M. Nakamura

Chairman, Scientific CommitteeInternatioal Lake Environment Committee

Japan

Prof. M.S. KodarkarSecretary, IAAB

Member, Scientific CommitteeILEC, Japan

Mr. Shailendra PokharelConsultant, Lake Conservation and Management Committee,

Govt. of Nepal, Kathmandu

Presided byProf. Ravindra Jain

Hon’ble Vice ChancellorBarkatullah University, Bhopal

Welcome Address:Prof. Pradeep Shrivastava

Dean, Faculty of Life SciencesBarkatullah University, Bhopal

Barkatullah University, Lake Conservation Authority of MP ILEC, IAAB,Bhopal Bhopal Japan Hyderabad

ilECBhopalDirector:Prof . Pradeep Shrivastava

Organizing Committee:Prof. DC Gupta Prof. NC SharmaProf. Meenakshi BanerjeeProf. Ashwani WanganeoDr. Anil PrakashDr. Vinod SinghDr. Vinita Vipat

Organizing Secretary

Dr. Vipin Vyas,Department of Limnology,Barkatullah University,Bhopal 462 026 (India)Email: secvip@yahoo.co.in 09827273545, 0755-6541345

Jt.Organizing Secretaries:

Dr. Shriparna SaxenaDepartment of Limnology,B.U., BhopalEmail: shriparna16@yahoo.co.in09229200243, 0755-6544331

Dr. Kamlesh BoranaDepartment of Zoology & AppliedAquaculture, B. U. BhopalEmail:borana_kam@yahoo.co.in09329042331, 0755-2491837

Telefax: 0755-4234620

I. II. BRAIN STORMING SESSION ON BHOJ WETLANDS :(9-10th August 2009)

Department of Limnology,Barkatullah University, Bhopal - Madhya Pradesh, India

1. Introduction :

Fig. 1. Satellite image of Upper lake and lower lake.

Table 1. The salient features of Upper & Lower lakes are as follows.

Features Upper Lake Lower LakePeriod of Lake Formation 11th Century 17 th Century (1794)

Longitude 77 018' - 77 024'E 77o24’-77o26’ ELatitude 23o 13' - 23o 16' N 23o14’ NCatchment area 361 km2 9.6 km2Submergence area at FTL 30.72 km2 1.287 Km2Maximum Depth 11.7 m 9.4 mSewage waste water inflow 5.381 Mld 36627 cum/dayMain use of Water Potable water supply Washing, Boating

The Upper and Lower Lakes named after the legendary king, Raja Bhoj as the Bhoj wetlands, areecological landmarks on the map of Bhopal, the capital of Madhya Pradesh, India. Of the two, thelizard shaped larger Upper lake is situated on the South-West side of the City, while much smallerLower lake looks like it’s protruding tongue (Fig.1). Historically, the hilly terrain and undulatingtopography of Bhopal was ideal for conservation of surface water and the two impoundmentssymbolize ancient wisdom of rulers who had built these two impoundments on the river Kolans.

The Bhoj wetland is a designated Ramsar site (November 2002) and the two lakes (Upper and Lowelake) are also one of the two case studies; other being Chilika (Orissa), included in the GlobalEnvironment Facility (GEF) sponsored International initiative on Lake Basin Management

Upper Lake Lower Lake

(www.ilec.or.jp). A comprehensive conservation plan titled Bhoj Wetland Project was implementedwith financial support from Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) since re-designated asthe Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The Bhoj wetland represents a typicalimpoundment with multiple goods and services and its conservation and management experiencesare most valuable for future of lake conservation and sustainable management in India and SouthAsia.

ILBM essentially a dynamic and continuous process. Present ILBM programme in the form of abrain storming session followed by a filed visit was planned for reviewing the status of lakes andissues in their sustainable management. Apparently basin urbanization and chemical basedagriculture in the vast rural catchment of the lakes are twin environmental issues. In lake activitiesand ever spreading urban settlements around the lake are other issues of concern.

The brain storming session on ILBM with special reference to Bhoj wetlands, Bhopal was jointlyorganized by Department of Limnology, Barkatullah University and Lake Conservation aAuthority,Bhopal on 9th August 2009.

2. Inaugural session :

Dr. M.S.Kodarkar, Member, ILEC, Sci-Com & Secretary, IAAB, Hyderabad; Prof. Ravindra Jain, Hon'ble, V.C.,Barkatullah University; Sri Alok Srvastava, Principal Secretary, Govt. of Madhya Pradesh; Dr. Masahisa Nakamura,

Chairman, ILEC, Sci-Com & Coordinator ILBM-G project and Dr. Pradeep Srivatsave, Dean, Faculty of Science

The participants belonging GO, NGO, National and International Experts and student communitywere warmly welcome by Dr. Pradeep Srivatsave, Dean, Faculty of Science, Barkatullah University.He traced the genesis of programme and expressed happiness that such diverse stake holders havecome together on a single platform. Vast research dome by academicians needs to be applied on thefield and in this context ILBM can be very effective platform.

Dr. M.S.Kodarkar, Secretary, IAAB, Hyderabad and a meber, Sci-Com, ILEC presented theme of theprogramme. He underscored inter-desciplinary, cross-sectoral nature of ILBM platform and need ofstrengthening it as a think tank to generate implementable ideas for long term sustainability oflake ecosystems all over the country. He suggested Bhoj Sarovar Samvardhini as the name of such aplatform which will work for conservation of lakes all over the state.

Dr. Masahis Nakamura, Chairman, ILEC Sci-Com and coordinator of ILBM-Gproject traced the history of ILBM as an idea and how it has evolved over a periodof time as a major strategy for effective conservation of lake ecosystems all over theworld. He cautioned the audience on high expectations from interventions asdegradation is slow process, so is the recovery. It is a long term perspective that ismore important. Expressing his happiness on success of Bhoj wetland project, healso suggested to think about un-finished tasks and newly emerged issues inconservation. The six pillars of ILBM need further analysis with reference to Bhojwetland and deficiencies, if any, need to be addressed effectively andcomprehensively.

The chief guest for inaugural session was Sri Alok Srvastava, Principal Secretary, Govt. of MadhyaPradesh. Addressing the gathering he emphasized the need to understand conservation in terms ofInter-generational equity. Further analyzing the programmes of the Government he emphasizedthat development and conservation should go hand in hand. Development can not be at the cost ofconservation and should understand limits of resources and environmental potential. Heunderscored the irony of disconnect between perception of common man and developments beingundertaken by the concerned authorities. Further, development is not a single step but a continuousprocess requiring refinement at every stage. Particularly lakes are dynamic ecosystems this appliedmore in their case. He emphaised the need for further strengthening the LCA to set an example ofeffective conservation and sustainable management for others to follow.

Porf. Ravindra Jain, Vice-Chancellor of Barkatullah University presided over the session.Addressing the gathering he emphases that integration in every sense is important as nothinghappens in isolation. The involvement of diverse stake holders is basic for long and short terminterventions as a part of conservation strategy. Basically every one needs to have a sense ofbelonging and a continuous dialogue between basin and lake communities holds key for successfulILBM.

The inaugural session concluded after formal vote of thanks proposed by Dr. Suparna Misra. DrVipin Vyas convener of the Brain storming session conducted the programme.

The inaugural session was followed by two; pre and Post-lunch, sessions.

3. Pre-Lunch session :

Dr. M.S.Kodarkar presented over view of ILBM in Indian context. It was followed by a presentationby Dr. S.Pani (LCA, Bhopal) who traced the history of projects on Bhoj wetland and establishment offirst lake conservation authority in the country. He also gave an account of on going activities ofLCA.

The lecture by Dr Udai Raj Singh (please give his organization) on Lessons learnt in lakeconservation projects in Madhya Pradesh, presented an account of projects in the state supported byMinistry of Environment & Forests (MOEF) under National Lake Conservation Plan (NLCP). Hedrew the attention to issues related to the Global climate change in the context of lake conservation.Also the issue of use versus conservation needs further analysis as lake dependent communitiesemphasize on sustained services without much concern for conservation. Finally he insisted on stakeholders involvement in the conservation programmes at every stage of implementation.

Dr. Atul Srivatsava, DFO, gave detailed account of afforestation around the Bhoj wetland. The plantspecies were selected based on zonation of the lake areas. The aim is to creat a forest around the lakefor ecological protection of the lake and its surroundings.

Mr. Habib (Remote sensing centre, Bhopal?) gave an interesting presentation on "Assessemnt ofstatus and condition of wetland based on data from remote sensing and GIS. He informed the thatsatellites have much improved resolution capability and data generated can be effectively used forall kinds of interventions. Use of modern maco-level technology can effectively help micr-levelactions.

4. Post-Lunch session :

Dr. M. Nakamura in his presentation underscored long term nature of recovery processes aftermanagement interventions. This requires a long term planning and management. As complexprocesses control an ecosystem it is very difficult to predict outcomes and that makes long termplanning very important in management of a natural resource. Degradation of an ecosystem does notmanifest up to a limit of its carrying capacity, however, once threshold is reached all themanifestations are visible suddenly. Such manifestations remain for a long time. So also recoveryprocess which is very slow. ILBM essentially addresses these issues.

Mr. Shailendra Pokharel, Consultant, Lake Conservation and Management Committee, Govt. ofNepal gave an account of ILBM with respect to lakes in picturesque Pokhara valley in Nepal.

Dr. Madhu Verma (Forest Research Institute, Bhopal) gave a presentation on economic evaluation ofecological services from Bhoj wetland. She proposed the idea of environmental audit and modelingbased on futuristic projections. The developments in and around the lake ecosystem should be basedon resource availability and its carrying capacity.

Ms. Gopa Pandey (M.P.Tourism Department) informed the house that India has emerged as thesecond largest investment destination in the world. However, economic development is not insynchronization with water development. She out lined need of eco-tourism as a source of livelihoodfor large lake based and dependent communities all over the country. She also emphasized onavoiding negative impacts os such tourism on lake ecosystem thorugh strict implementation of rulesand regulations.

The role of stake holders in management of lakes was underscored by a number of speakers.Siltation and pollution from non-point sources were idetitified as major threats to Bhoj wetland. Amodel based on ecological potential of the lake needs to be developed to accommodate diverseinterests.

5. Panel discussion :

In the final session of the day a panel discussion was held. The eminent panelists wer Sri Khandekar(Editor, Dainik Bhaskar), Dr. Madhu Verma (Forest Research Insitute, Bhopal), Mr. S.R. Azad(Secretary, M.P.Vignayan Sabha, Bhopal), Mr Karnti Chaturvedi (Journalist) and Mr. V.R. Khare(Ex-Chief Conservator of Forests, Govt. of M.P.). The panelists after expressing their views called forcomments and suggestions from the audience. A number of very interesting suggestions andcomments were made in the process. Some of these include; creation of a new reservoir at the spot ofnatural depression where still remanants of such an impoundment exisist; IN difference of society isroot cause of degradation of natural resources and hence special efforts need to go in to involvementof diverse stake holders in the management of lakes; Treatment is always much costly whencompared with prevention of pollution; in most of the conservation programmes too much emphasisis given to beautification of lake environment and in the process basin magament remains neglected;Bhoj wetland trust needs to be established to undertake conservation measures; the ecologicalservices need to be evaluated in economic terms to understand value of a nature resource; a synergy

need to be established between rural basin and urban lake and command in the case of Bhojwetland; the laws and regulations need to be implanted in letter and spirit.

6. Bhoj wetland basin tour :

Dr. M.S.Kodarkar, Dr. Supernana Mishra, Dr. M. Nakamura (Japan), Dr.,Mr. Shailendra Pokharel (Nepal), Dr. Vipin Vyas and Sri. Sunil Deshpande

On 10th August 2009 a tour of Bhoj wetland basin was organized to study ground situations. Theteam visited plantation undertaken by C.P.A. and expressed the view that bio-conservation zone isvital for health of the lake and greenery ensure ecological balance. Plantation should have emphasison local species and mix plantation.

The team visited Behta village and saw the gabion structures meant for reducing siltation of lakefrom de-siltation in the rural catchment. The silt traps need maintenance and silt need to be utilizedfor increasing soil fertility of adjourning agricultural fields.

Subsequently, the team visited the site on Kollans river from where de-silattion is being undertaken.The tourism promotion activities undertaken in this area were also seen. The team appreciatedspecial idol immersion ponds which can reduce large scale siltation from the catchment.

Visit to picturesque nursery of Forest department near the Bamouri village was one of the highlightof field trip. Plantation and greenery around the Bhoj wetland is one of the success stories of JIBCproject. For this purpose even land around the lake was acquired with payment of compensation toaffected farmers. Dr Atul Srivatsava, the DFO explained in detail activities of urban forestry inmaintaining greenery and bio-conservation zone of Bhoj wetland. Mr. Sivasekhar Shukla, District

Collector of Bhopal, joined the discussion and promised all help in implementing actionablesuggestions coming out of two day Brain storming session. He showed a lot of interest in involvinguniversity students in conservation programmes in the form of projects.

In the final leg of field visit a tour of afforested areas around the lake, zoo and Lake Interpretationcentre was covered. The team felt that entrance of Interpretation centre needs face lift andattracting features so that large number of people visiting the lake could be attracted.

7. ILBM analysis :

ILBM needs improved "Lake Basin Governance" by integrating six basic pillars :

1. InstitutionsMadhya Pradesh is one of the few states which have established an independentLake Conservation Authority (LCA) to look after conservation and managementof lake resources of the state. However, the authority needs to ve furtherempowered and funded to undertake long term projects and action plans.

2. Policies

Basin management being a dynamic process, policies need to be dynamic as newchallenges

emerge in short and long time spans. Policy frame work for developing asynergy bwtween rural catchment and urban lake area needs to be developed.This will prevent future environmental degradation from developments in thebasin of Upper lake.

3. ParticipationAn ILBM platform in the form of Bhoj Sarovar Samvardhini BSS - is proposed tensure stake holders participation at every level of conservation andmanagement programmes on Bhopal lakes. The Lake interpretation centre onUpper lake needs face lift and advertisement.

4. Technologies

Organic farming, silt trapping through Gabbian structures and aforestation isbeing successfully implemented in the rural catchemnt of upper lake. Impact oftourism needs to be monitored carefully. The I and D work needs furtherextension to newly developing areas around the lake. Eco-technologies needs tobe implemented to compliment technological interventions already in place.

5. Knowledge andinformation

Barkatullah University if the first to introduce Limnology in the country andvast knowledge base generated through research need to be translated in toimplementable actions at the ground level. Similarly eco-technologies need to beintegrated in to technological interventions already in place.

6. Finance :

Actions implemented on the basis of ILBM generate a lot of goods and servicesimproving over all economy of the lake basin. However, sustaining smooth flowof these benefits require committed finances for a variety of follow-up actions.Ways and means need to be developed to generate finances from beneficiariesand Governments. The letter need to make budgetary provisions for sustainingbenefits out of ILBM.

Flock of painted storks in the back waters of upper lake. Thick plantation in the bioconservation zone of the Upper lake is visible.

8. Resolutions :

At the end of two days programme a valedictory function was arranged in the Deptt. of Limnologyand after iliciting views of experts following resolutions were finalized :

1. Bhoj Sarovar Samvardhini will be established as the ILBM platform for future actions. Itwill be a common platform involving diverse stake holders and also will act as a thin tank togenerate ideas for long term sustainability of lake ecosystems.

2. Lake Pollution Index (LPI) based on select parameters will be developed for Bhoj wetland foreffective identification of degradation and effective interventions.

3. Eco-technologies and other ecological interventions should complement technology basedconservation measures.

4. For effective conservation, emphasis should shift from lake to basin for long termsustainability of lake ecosystem. ILBM is identified as an effective startagy for this purpose.

5. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) need to be more rigorously undertaken before anydevelopmental acitivtes in and around a lake. Prsent EIA procedure needs to be made moreeffective.

6. Ways and means need to be explored to enhance interest of common man in the lakes andtheir management. An annual lake festival could be organized mainly to inform people onenvironmental status of the lake.

7. University and professional collge students can take up projects on dofferent aspects of lakeecosystem and help in generating knowledge resources.

8. A synergy needs to be established between basin and lake communities. This will requiremuch more imagination and innovation.

Dr. Vipin Vyas, Deptt.of Limnology, BarkatullahUniversity, BhopalE- mail : vipin v<secvip@yahoo.co.in>

Cell : 09827273545

9. ContactsMr. Sunil Deshpande, M.P.Con., BhopalE- mail : sunil deshpande<cx_007@rediffmail.com>

Cell : 09826220690

II. INTERNATIONAL WORKSHOP ON UDAIPUR LAKES, UDAIPUR, RAJASTHAN :(12th August 2009)

Jheel Sanrakshan Samiti(Lake Conservation Society)113, Chetak Marg,Udaipur,313001Rajasthan

Introduction :

Fatehsagar Pichhola

As a part of ILBM-G programme in India the International workshop on Udaipur lakes wasorganized at Udaipur on 12th August 2009. Udaipur (24 35’ latitude & 73 42’ longitude, Attitude of578 mtrs. above MSL the historical lake city has inter-connected ten lakes; three lakes in uppercatchment area (Lake Badi , Chhota Madar & Bada Madar), six lakes (Lake Pichhola, Fateh Sagar,Swaroop Sagar, Rang Sagar, Kumharia Talab , Goverdhan Sagar) within municipal limits and one(Lake Udai Sagar) in the downstream. In addition to this there are 100 small lakes like Roopsagar,Nela, Jogi Ka Talab etc. The Udaipur lakes impounded on the river Berach (Banas Basin) and itstributaries, is an integral component of the upper Berach basin, a part of the Gangetic river system.

Hills& Small Lakes

Hills& Small Lakes

The city lakes symbolizing traditional water wisdom of this region have great tourist potential,however, also are under negative developmental pressure from basin activities and presentworkshop provided a common platform for diverse stake holder communities to discuss short andlong term strategies for long term sustainability of lake ecosystems.Inaugural session :

L Dr. M. Nakamura, Chairman, ILEC, Sci-Com, Japan; Dr Tej Razdan, Chairman, Jheel Sanrakshan Samiti(JSS); Shriji Arvind Singh Ji Mewar, Chairman and Managing Trustee of Maharana of Mewar Charitable

Foundation (MMCF), Udaipur; Sri. Gulab Chand Kataria, MLA, Udaipur; Shri Raghuveer Singh Ji Meena, M.P.

The International workshop was held in the grand Darbar Hall of The City Palace complex, Udaipur.The conference hall over looking one of the lakes was perfect setting for discussion on conservation oflakes. The inaugural session was presided over by Shriji Arvind Singh Ji Mewar, Chairman andManaging Trustee of Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation (MMCF), Udaipur, while ShriRaghuveer Singh Ji Meena, Member of Parliament (MP), Udaipur, was the Chief guest. Otherprominent dignitaries on dais were Prof. Masahisa Nakamura, Chairman, Scientific Committee (Sci-Com), ILEC, Japan; Padma Bhushan, Prof Jagat S. Mehta, Chairman, Jheel Snrakshan samiti, Sh.Gulab Chand Kataria, Former home minister and present MLA,Sh Vijay S Mehta ,Chairman,Dr.Mohan Sinha Mehta Memorial Trust (MSMMT); Dr Tej Razdan, Chairman, Jheel SanrakshanSamiti (JSS); Nand Kishore Sharma, Secretary, MSMMT, Udaipur; Sri Bhupendra Sing Auwa,Secretary, MMCF and Er. Anil Mehta, Organizing Secretary, of the International workshop onILBM.Dr. Tej Razdan extended a warm welcome to participants of the workshop and gave a briefpresentation on Citizen's efforts in Lake Conservation and activities of JSS. He underscored the needto involve civil society in the process of implementation of projects undertaken by the authorities forconservation of lakes.In his welcome address Prof Jagat S. Mehta traced the history of regional water management androle of traditional wisdom in it. He supported the concept of Inter-basin water transfer as a longterm solution for lakes of Udaipur. The water transfer of surplus Sabarmati Basin is the onlypermanent solution for emerging crisis for Udaipur lakes.The key note address was delivered by Prof. Masahisa Nakamura . In his address Dr. Nakamuraexplained in detail ILBM-G project and global perspective on water resources management. 90% offresh water available for human consumption in different sectors is present in the lakes which are

undergoing steady environmental degradation at a faster pace in the last 60 years and reversing thistrend is must for economic development and Social wellbeing. Udaipur lakes represent traditionalwisdom in water management of people of this water scare region and there is a need ofcomprehensive approach for their long term sustainability.Shri Raghuveer Singh Ji Meena in his address underlined the need of collective thinking and action.Without involvement of common citizens any conservation plan can not succeed. Let the lakes ofUdaipur be full, clean and bring health and happiness to people of Udaipur but for this every one hasto work rising above narrow sectoral considerations.Sri. Gulab Chand Kataria, MLA, Udaipur assured his full support for programmes for conservation flakes.

conservation and management projects. He also proposed the idea of a committee of members drawnfrom diverse fields and sections of stake holders to advise and oversee implementation ofprogrammes like the one under National Lake Conservation Programme (NLCP) by the Ministry ofEnvironment and Forests (MOEF) and Govt. of Rajasthan. Finally he hoped that throughprogrammes like ILBM a new vision and mission will become operational and together we will beable to protect our environment including the precious lakes.The prgramme concluded with formal vote of thanks by Sri Vijay S. Mehta.Pre-lunch ession :The Inaugural session was followed by pre-lunch session in which there were four presentations.Dr.M.S.Kodarkar presented theme of the conference. He emphasized the need of an integratingILBM platform for developing consensus on plans and programmes and the idea of think tank. Hepraised sustained work being done of JSS for protection of lakes. Ecosystem approach anddevelopment of individual lake visions were other suggestions given at the end of this presentation.The second talk was by Prof. L.L.Sharma who evaluated trophic status of lakes in Udaipur andbased on scientific data suggested a number of remedial measures for long term sustainability of thelake ecosystems.Er. Anil Mehta based on his studies on hydrological and water quality assessment proposedecological modeling of each lake of Udaipur. He underscored need of ILBM this exercise.Mr. Sandeep Joshi (Pune, Maharashtra) spoke on the issue of sewage management and lakes. Heidentified sewage as most important source of pollution leading to environmental degradation oflakes in growing cities and megacities of the country. If urbanization here to stay, sewagemanagement need to be given top priority in conservation of water resources. Finally after describingcost effective, eco-frindly ecological technologies for sewage treatment in the basins of lakes, heemphasized the need of integrating modern sewage treatment technologies with fast emerging eco-technologies .

Shriji Arvind Singh Ji Mewar

The address of Shriji Arvind Singh Ji Mewar was the highlight ofInaugural session. Speaking as the Chief guest, he expressed hisprofound happiness for ILBM platform as it has brought togetherdiverse stake holders together. He emphasized need of consensus onissues of environmental conservation. Water is at the core ofcivilization and culture of any region on earth and well being of asociety in future to a large extent will depend on its ability tomanage the water resources effectively. He too supported Inter-basin transfer of water as permanent solution for sustainability oflakes. There is a need of Public private Partnership (PPP) in on-going and future lake

Survey of Udaipur lakes :

ILBM team, Udaipur and Pushkar, Rajasthan L Dr Tej Razdan, Chairman, Jheel Sanrakshan Samiti (JSS); Dr. M. Nakamura,Chairman, ILEC, Sci-Com, Japan and Padma Bhushan, Prof Jagat S. Mehta, Chairman, Jheel Snrakshan samiti and others

A group of International and National experts undertook survey of Udaipur lakes in the afternoon.They had visited the sites where work has already completed and is being done under National LakeConservation Programme of Ministry of Environment & Forests MOEF. The site where marbalslurry is being dumped was most amazing and totally unacceptable as the area falls under thecatcment of Roopsagar lake. A civil society group from neighboring areas had discussed the issuewith experts. There is a need of re-thinking on the part of concerned authorities as the downstreamlake is under great environmental threat due to these developments in the catchment.

Three Facets of ILBM

Marble slurry dumped in thecatchment of Swaroopsagar

Foam filled sewage drain fromUdaipur city

Victim of Udaisagar pollution

The team in the last leg visited the stream carrying city's untreated sewage and Udaisagar, thebigger and terminal reservoir of Udaipur lake chain. The lake is in an eutrophicated state due toinflowing sewage and very poor ecological health. A group of farmers had expressed their distressedas pollution is not only making their lives miserable but also affecting agriculture productivity.There is an urgent need to look in to this issue to prevent further deterioration of environment andhealth and livelihood of communities from this rural region.The representatives of civil society also presented bottles of contaminated ground water on whichthey depend for their daily water needs. The recently closed industry that was dumping its effluentsin to the ground water is symbol of indifference of industrialists towards environment On thisbackground the team appreciated conservation efforts of Hindustan Zink.In summary, whole Udaipur needs a comprehensive sewage plan if lakes are to be protected forfuture generations. This would require an integrated approach involving all the six pillers asenvisioned in the ILBM.

ILBM analysis :

ILBM needs improved "Lake Basin Governance" by integrating six basic pillars :

1. InstitutionsBetter co-operation, co-ordination and integrating out look betweenMunicipal/Governmental departments/ organizations will be basic to success ofmanagement actions.

2. Policies Inter-basin transfer of water from Sabermati basin is identified as a solution forenvironmental problems of Udaipur lakes.

3. Participation

A strong civil society movement in the form of Jheel Samrakshan Samiti JSS isactively pursuing the cause of lake protection and conservation. Stake holdersgroups, farmers dependent on Udaisagar are active in the movement for lakesand there is a need of integrating their efforts in the conservation andmanagement programmes being implanted.

4. TechnologiesSewage regulation, Interception and Diversion of sewage and regulation ofInter-lake flow of water is already implemented. However, there is a need ofimplementing 'in lake' actions like aeration/ozonization, fish culture and weedcontrol. Solid waste management needs a priority.

5. Knowledge andinformation

Findings from research being carried out by professional/educationalinstitutions needs to be implanted in the form of executable ground level actionsfor maintaining ecological health of the lakes.

6. Finance :

The conservation programmes are being funded by Ministry of Environment andForests - MOEF - through National Lake Conservation Programme - NLCP.However, planning for post-project sustenance of implemented actions will bethe real challenge. Budgetary allocation of funds for annual maintenance oflakes could be a strong measure for long term conservation of lakes.

Comments :1. The marble slurry dumping in the catchment of Roopsagar should be stopped immediately.2. A comprehensive sewage treatment plan needs to be implemented for Udaipur city.3. Each lake needs to be developed taking ecosyetem approach as comprehensive implenetation

staratagy.4. Budgetory allocation needs to be done for annual maintenance of the lakes.5. An annual Udaipur lake festival could attract tourists from all over the world.6. NLCP project must emphasize more on drainage basin treatment and conservation7. The lake conservation programme must have effective and full participation of all stake holders.8. The Submergence of all small lakes must be demarcated for conservation.9. The Lake development Authority with proper and dynamic representation of Stakeholders and

NGOs must be constitutes.10. Inter-basin water transfer schemes like Dewas and Mansiwakal must be implemented.11. Operation policies for all Lakes must be formulated.

Contacts :

Er. Anil Mehta, Lake protection committee, UdaipurE-mail : Anil Mehta<aniljheel@gmail.com>

09414168945

ContactsDr. Tej Razdan, Lake protection committee, UdaipurE-mail : Razdan Udaipur<tej_razdan@yahoo.co.in>

0294-2426566 Resi0294-2523715 Clinic

III. LAKES OF AJMER, RAJASTHAN, INDIA :

Introduction :

The Ajmer district is located in the central part of Rajasthan, India. The water resources in this district canbe grouped in two categories based on their topography; lakes of Pushkar falling in Pisangan block andAjmer lakes in Srinagar block. The area is bounded by North latitudes 260 24' 40" : 260 32' 43" and EastLongitudes 740 31' 40" : 74040' 36" (Survey of India Toposheet no. 45J/10, 45J/11). The area ischaracterized by undulating topography marked by scattered hillocks and a hill range in the central parttrending in NE-SW direction.

I. Pisangan block :1. Anasagar2. Visalsar(pal bichhla)3. Foy sagar

II. Srinagar block :4. Pushkar5. Madhya puskar6. Budha pushkar.

Pushkar lake,Pushkar, Rajasthan

Ana Sagar,Ajmer, Rajasthan

Madhya Pushkar

Budha Pushkar

Foy Sagar

The lake basins :

The basins of six lakes are divided by NE-SW trending hill range acting as a surface and ground waterdivide. West of the hill range are Pushkar, Madhya pushkar and Budha pushkar, whereas at east of hillrange are Foysagar, Anasagar and Visalsar. The elevation of the plain in the Western part varies from 512to 475 mamsl sloping towards North West in the western part and South West in the northern part .Thecentral part of the area have elevation from 520 to 452 mamsl and slopes from the south west to the northeast direction .

I. PISANGAN BLOCK : AJMER LAKES :

1. FOY SAGAR :

The lake ecosystem is situated in the upper reaches of Ajmet city and has rural basin. Bindi river and itstributaries bring water to sustain its hydrology. It was constructed in 1891-92. In a good monsoon year theheight of Foy Sagar at Full Tank Level (FTL) stands at 8.16 m and water spread area at 18.40. km2.

As a vital source of freshwater Foy Sagar needs proper application of ILBM to prevent possibleenvironmental impacts from changing land use pattern, agricultural practices, demography and climaticconditions. Changing temperature and precipitation regimes in this region as a result of Global ClimateChange and their impacts on water cycle make this lake a life line for this region.

2. ANA SAGAR :

Located in the north central part of Ajmer district, Anasagar was constructed by King Anaji during 1135-1140 between two hillocks named Bajrang Garh and Khobra Bhairon .It is an impoundment created onriver Bandi and its tributaries. The catchment of Anasagar covers an area of 35.629 km2 and totalsubmergence area in 2006 was estimated to be 1.736 km2.

The lake is typical example of an urban reservoir with all negative impacts of urbanization like heavyencroachment of its lake spread area, poor water quality, low biodiversity and an eutrophicated state withpoor water quality. The lake is included in the National Lake Conservation Programme (NLCP) ofMinistry of Environment & Forests (MOEF), Govt. of India. The funds under this programme are mainlyspent on development of shoreline improvement and recreational infra-structure. The basic issues ofbasin, morphometry and water quality management have received the lower priority.

The pressure from urbanization has eaten in to water spread with destruction and modification of naturalinflow channels (Chorasiyawas nala, Maheswari school nala, Nala in front of Regional College ofEducation). Most dramatic alteration of basin in-lets include diversion of Bindi river which is majorsource of water of Anasagar. The river course is converted in to a nala with sharp turns and its banks areheavily encroached upon. The hydrology of Anasagar is subject to un-predictable monsoon usuallylinked with global climate change which has added new dimension to the challenges of lakeconservation.

Despite of all environmental problems, Anasagar has great ecological, economical and cultural potentialand ecosystem approach needs to be applied with emphasis on integrated basin and water qualitymanagement as key management issues for its long term sustainability. Following table gives the ILBManalysis of Anasagar :

ILBM needs improved "Lake Basin Governance" by integrating six basic pillars :

1. Institutions

A perfect coordination and cooperation between different Government agencieshaving jurisdiction on the lake is basin for any coordinated conservationintervention. A lake based authority on the line of Budha Purnima ProjectAuthority (BPPA) in the case of Hussainsagar lake in Hyderabad can be createdto look after the three lakes including Foy sagar ad Visalsar.

2. Policies

Basin management being a dynamic process, policies need to be dynamic as newchallenges emerge in short and long time spans. Policy frame work fordeveloping a synergy between rural/fast urbanizing catchment and urban lakearea needs to be developed. This will prevent future environmental degradationfrom developments in the basin of the lake.

3. ParticipationAn ILBM platform in the form of Anasagar Sarovar Samvardhini is proposed toensure stake holders participation at every level of conservation andmanagement programmes.

4. Technologies

- Organic farming, silt trapping through Gabbian structures and aforestationneeds to be implemented in the rural catchemnt areas.

- A minimum 100 meters bio-conservation zone needs to be created aroundAnasagar to prevent urban impacts.

- Impact of recreation/tourism on the lake needs to be monitored.- The Interception and Diversion (I & D) of sewage from up-land urban

settlement with proper sewage treatment. -- Eco-technologies needs to be implemented to compliment technological

interventions already in place.5. Knowledge andinformation

A lake information centre/ lake interpretation centre needs to be established tocreate awareness about benefits from lakes.

6. Finance :

Actions implemented on the basis of ILBM generate a lot of goods and servicesimproving over all economy of the lake basin. However, sustaining smooth flowof these benefits requires committed financial support for a variety of follow-upactions. Ways and means need to be developed to generate finances formaintenance of the lake. The budgetary provision for annual maintenance oflake is most important. .

3. VISALSAR :

Water was the most critical resource for survival in extreme climate of Rajasthan region and rulers of theregion knew it very well and that is why construction of lakes was considered as a virtuous act. Manylakes were created as a result of this civilizational wisdom. Visalsar was built by emperor Visal Deva (sonof Anaji : 1152-1163AD).The catchment area of Visalsar is 18.05 km2 and the submergence area isestimated to be 0.582 km2 during good monsoon year.

The basin of this lake is highly urbanized with dense population and settlements that have completelydestroyed natural in-flow channels. The escape channel encircling its western, southern and easterndirections carries sewage from the basin.

Considering its size, at the best the lake can be developed in to an aqua-park; a water body with adjescentpark as lung space for fast urbanizing Ajmer town.

II. SRINAGAR BLOCK : PUSHKAR LAKES :

Birds eye view of Pushkar lake in good times.

I. PUSHKAR LAKE :

Reverence to nature is hall mark of Indian civilization. With perfect understanding of the relationshipbetween man and nature, in the nature worship water and lakes have a special place. Innumerable templetanks all over South Asia are testimony to this harmonious relationship between water and humanwelfare.

Pushkar holds a special significance in Hindu religion and culture. On the banks of the lake is situated theonly one temple dedicated to lord Brahma the creator. In the Hindu trinity the concept of creation,sustenance and dissolution is symbolized by three deities viz. Brahma (Creator), Vishnu (Sustainer) andShiva (Dissolution0. While, there are innumerable temples dedicated to Vishnu and Shiva but there isonly one temple dedicated to the creator i.e. Brahma on the banks of the lake Pushakar. Thus, Pushkar isone of the holiest places visited by thousands and thousands of pilgrims and tourists throughout the year.

The lake is basically a temple tank bound from all sides. Limnologically a tank or reservoir is oftendescribed as disabled lake and needs management interventions for its sustenance of its water quality. Thebasin of Pushkar lake in good monsoon year is estimated to be 23.084 km2. There are three main streamsViz., Gori nadi (presently known as Kharkheri feeder originating from the villege of that name), Pushkarnadi (Pushkar feeder) originating from Nag pahar hill and Savitri pahar nala (channel) originating fromPahari pahad (hill).

II. MADHYA PUSHKAR :

As the name indicate Madhya Pushkar is situated between Pushkar and Budha pushkar. The catchmentarea is 7.73 km2 and the rain water runoff does not flow out of the catchment and acts as water harvestingzone recharging the ground water.

Madhya Pushkar is not a lake, but an inland depression near village Dang, where a step well isconstructed. In the rain deficient years, the step well usually dries. The area is covered by dunal sand andwater percolation rate is very high.

The budha pushkar watershed is located in the northern part of the study area its catchment area is 5.032km2 .The catchment slopes in the south direction and ponding of water can be done at lowest road level insouth, which obstructs flow of water to its maximum extent.

III. BUDHAPUSHKAR:

The basin is slopping to south west and is having depression where a pond is formed .The catchment iscovered by dune sand and percolation rate is very high. Extensive developments of agriculture and ruralareas surrounding the lake has reduced the water body to a small tank that hardly is filled. To facilitateholy dip series of tanks are constructed which are filled by ground water.

ILBM ANALYSIS OF PUSHKAR LAKE

ILBM team meeting with Divisional Commissioner, Ajmer, Shri Atul Sharma and others. Shri AnsntprashadGaneriwal, Pushkar, facilitated the interaction between visiting Inter national ILBM team,

Government agency and representatives of civil society.

ILBM team meeting with Divisional Commissioner, Ajmer :

The ILBM team had a very productive meeting with Divisional Commissioner of Ajmer. Atteded by theCollector, government officials and representatives of civil society organizations, the meeting wasaddressed by International experts and the Commissioner. A number of very important interesting issueswith reference to Pushkar lake were raised by the Commissioner. He stressed the fact that dynamic factorslike climate change, urbanization and demand of development is changing the environment dramatically.Th e emerging challenges need innovative and creative answers. In the case of lakes topographicalchange and destruction of natural inlets is causing basic problems for hydrological balance. Heunderscored need for change in the rituals and religious practices in tune with emerging water stress. Thelake area needs to be kept clean with better soldi and liquid management from ever growing Pushkartownship. Finally he stressed on an integrating approach and expressed his fullest cooperation inimplementing lake conservation measures.

In his thought provoking discussion, the divisional commissioner touched upon all the aspects asenvisioned in the ILBM approach.

Pushkar lake : Introduction :

Due to its religious and cultural importance Pushkar is visited by thousands and thousands of pilgrims andtourists alike throughout the year. It is also nerve centre of Socio-economical life of people of this regionas exemplified by famous annual camel fare. A holy dip in the lake is tradition for hundreds of years.Thus, lack of sufficient water in the lake is causing distress and even threatening the very exisistance ofthe holy place.

There are a number of factors underlining the limnological distress of Pushkar lake. Basically, in recentyears there has been dramatic alteration in the regional water cycle. It is reflected in pattern of annualprecipitation with successive low rainfall years leading to low inflows in to the lake, unsustainable andexcessive exploitation of ground water and loss of green cover in the basin. The situation is furthercomplicated by unsustainable sectoral water demand, water pollution from liquid and solid waste fromfast urbanizing Pushkar town and evaporative water loss due to increased days with higher temperature.In such a situation restoration of the lake to its past limnological glory is almost impossible. Nevertheless,an approach based on ILBM has potential for conservation of the lake.

Following actions based on ILBM concept are proposed for long term conservation and sustainablemanagement of Pushkar lake :

The lake Basin :

The lake has well defined basin which need an integrated management. The components of such an actionplan could be : (A) Extensive development of green cover with native water efficient species, (B)Regulation of ground water extraction around the lake, (C) Encouragement of water efficient crops ratherthan water intensive agriculture, (D) Regulation of changes in land use pattern to retain basically ruralcharacter of the basin, (E) Maintenance of in-flow channels to maximize inflows in the lake.

The canalization undertaken under National Lake Conservation Programme (NLCP), Ministry ofEnvironment and Forests (MOEF) could be helpful in directing water towards the lake, however,maintenance of natural in-flo channels has its own advantages. Thus concretization of basin should beminimum possible.

The lake :

There is an urgent need to establishment 1000 meter bio-conservation zone around the lake. In this zoneextensive plantation and greenery needs to be developed. The zone should be free from any constructionactivity. If need be relocation of existing structures should be undertaken.

Sufficient aeration needs to be ensured through fountains and ozonizers.

Cleaning of algal growth/marophytes and other solid waste needs to be part of lake maintenance.

A consensus need to be evolved for changing certain religious practices like immersion of ash andoffering of flowers and other pooja material. This is perhaps a little difficult task but could beaccomplished through cooperation of people who perform different religious rituals.

The lake needs bottom scaping so that nitches could be created for breeding and self recruitment of fishspecies that help in cleaning the lake free from organic matter/nutrients.

Technologies, if available for prevention of evaporative water loss and percolation of water due togeological features could be achieved.

Epilogue :

The deterioration of Pushkar lake is part of a common phenomenon of environmental degradationobserved all over the country. It is basically linked to regional water cycle and a situation developed dueto climate change, urbanization, population growth, industrialization and over all issue of developmentversus conservation. There are no easy answers to a dynamic processes that constantly change ourenvironment. Nevertheless, a holistic integrated approach as advocated by ILBM could be one of the mosteffective answers to the present situation. In the following table an ILBM analysis of Pushkar lake ispresented :

ILBM needs improved "Lake Basin Governance" by integrating six basic pillars :

1. InstitutionsA coordination and cooperation between different administrative wings of state governmentcan make a big difference in the lake governance

2. Policies

- Regulation of change in land use pattern to maintain basin character is basic to protectionof a lake.- The basin is rural with vast agriculture and policies on application of chemicals andfertilizers is very vital for water quality of the lake.- A policy for development of a synergy between pre-dominantly rural basin and the lakecommunities is necessary.- A 1000 meters Bio-conservation zone needs to be created around the lake with plantationof multiple plant species resistant to drought like conditions.

3. Participation

- To reorient agriculture based on limited water and regulation on exploitation of groundwater need cooperation of rural communities.- The lake dependent communities need to extend their cooperation in maintaining the lake.- A platform for cross-community dialogue in the form of Pushkar Sarovar Samvardhinineeds to be created to speared awareness and evolve conservation plans based on developingenvironmental challenges.

4. Technologies

- Organic farming, silt trapping through Gabion structures and aforestation needs toppriority. Technologies (like tissue culture) to protect and propagate local plant gene pool toensure productivity of marketable agricultural goods is vital for supplementing income offarmers.- Bottom scaping of lake for better protection of biodiversity.- Aeration of water to recycle organic load on the lake.- Treatment of water and bottom to prevent evaporative water loss and loss of water bypercolation in to the ground.

5. Knowledge andinformation

- Traditional colourful arts and crafts need to be brought in to awareness creation.- An annual lake festival can make a big difference in understanding significance of thewater resource.- A Pushkar lake information centre can be established.

6. Finance :

- Proper utilization of funds channeled for different rural development schemes needs to beensured through participatory management and application of Information technology.- The Pushkar municipality needs to make budgetary allocation of funds for maintenance ofthe lake.

Contact Sri Anant Prasad Ganeriwal, Pushkar, Rajasthan 0294-24800101

IV. International Conference on Upper Bhima Basin (UBB)- Ujjani reservoirPostponed to Nov/Dec. 2009

Ujjani Resevoir on Bhima river is a biggest reservoir with basin spread of more than 14,500 sq.km.Major urban centers of great environmental consequences in the basin are Pune and PimpriChichwad and other cities and towns like Lonavala, Chakan, Khed, Shirur, Daund and Bhigwan.The basin is also fairly well industrialized with numerous industrial estates like MIDCs in Pimpri,Chinchwad, Bhosari, Pirangut, Hinjewadi, Shirur, Kurkumbh etc. The basin also supportsflourishing agriculture. In the last 25 years urbanization and industrialization are responsible foremergence of new management challenges in the basin and present conference will try to identifythem and attempt solutions for sustainability. The basin is a cradle of great civilization and religiousmovements like Warkari sampradaya.

The main focus of present International Conference will be on Upper Bhima Basin (UBB) and Ujjanireservoir and as an out come we would like to finalize Ujjani ILBM document and submit the sameto concerned authorities as a stake holder initiative for further action. The Ujjani reservoir and itsbasin has potential for implementation of most of the principles of ILBM as envisioned by ILEC andUNEP.

Other collaborating institutions in the proposed conference include Upper Bhima Water Partnership;Indian Environment Association, Pune; Shrishti Eco-Research Institute, Pune; Maharashtra StatePollution Control Board MSPCB), Mumbai; Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation(MIDC), Puneand Green Infrastructure, Pune.

Contacts Mr. Sandeep JoshiE-mail : Sandeep Joshi<saandiipjoshi@yahoo.com>

09822548796

Er. Vidyanand RanadeE-mail : Vidyanand Ranade<vranade2003@yahoo.com>

020-24336076

With unfurled sails of WLV and ILBM and on the waves of Ecosystem approachSailing towards sustainability

Lakes and wetlands have inestimable value and are important and often easily available waterresources. Lakes supply drinking water, hydropower, food, irrigation and recreation, yet they arethreatened by pollution and excessive water withdrawal. Wetlands are cradles of vital biologicaldiversity and provide the water and primary productivity upon which numerous species of plants andanimals depend for survival. But they are threatened by drainage for use in agriculture and otherpurposes. Preservation of lakes and wetlands is a life necessity for people in many regions of the world,given their cultural, ecological and socio-economic value.

- World Lake Vision WLV.

Post project impacts of ILBM workshops in India

We look at ILBM as a continuously evolving and improvising process that has capacity to achievesustainability in water sector with reference to lakes and reservoirs. It has capacity to set in chain ofinclusive actions that will facilitate the conservation and management processes. The test of thisassumption was the impact the ILBM-G will leave behind once the workshop is completed.

In deed it is heartening to note that an impressive project involving Public-Private partnership wasdeveloped in Udiapur for conservation of lakes in Udaipur, Rajasthan. The Memorandum ofUnderstanding [MOU] are already signed and it is being implemented based on guidelines of ILBM. Itwill be interesting to follow up this initiative which is replicable in other parts of the South Asia.