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Wetlands are areas where water is the primary factor controlling
the environment and the associated flora and fauna. The Ramsar Convention, an
international organisation actively involved in conservation and sustainable
utilisation of wetlands, has categorised wetlands in five major types, viz.
marine (coastal lagoons, shores & coral reefs), estuarine (deltas, tidal
marshes & mangrove swamps), lacustrine (lakes & ponds), riverine
(rivers & streams) and palustrine (marshes, swamps & bogs) (Ref: Ramsar
Convention, www.ramsar.org). Wetlands contribute significantly to the region's
economy by providing water, fishery resources, agricultural products and
tourism opportunities. Important wetland functions include water storage,
groundwater recharge, protection from storms, flood mitigation, shoreline
stabilization, erosion control, and retention of nutrients, and sediments.
However, there is a general lack of awareness about the resource potential of
these wetland ecosystems among all sections of the society. Efficient
management systems and development of sustainable models which would help
maintain the natural characteristics of wetlands while also exploiting its
potential to meet the socio-economic and recreational needs of communities is
highly desired.
A survey by TERI (The Energy and Resources Institute) of few freshwater wetlands in Navi Mumbai
area indicated that these are being destroyed at an alarming rate due to
several anthropogenic activities like dumping of solid wastes including debris,
release of sewage and destruction of catchment areas, to name a few. For the
long term preservation of the freshwater wetlands in Navi Mumbai for
sustainable resource utilisation, TERI conceptualized a pilot project at
Khandeshwar Lake in New Panvel. Khandeshwar Lake is chosen as a model to
demonstrate feasibility as a 'Sustainable Wetland'. As seen in the photographs,
Khandeshwar Lake complex, spread across an area of 4.2 hectares, comprises of a
freshwater spring-fed lake, 125-year old temple, ample of wooded area and an
unused guest house building. The lake surface area is around 17826 sq m and has
great ecological, socio-economic and recreational potential. TERI will lend its
expertise in preserving the lake in healthy condition while developing
activities within the complex that will make the entire project sustainable.
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