We all knew that Nal Sarovar and Thol Lake are havens for migratory birds, but did you know that the southern Gulf of Kutch, Gulf of Khambhat, Jamnagar mangroves, coral reefs of Gulf of Kutch, Dharoi reservoir, Ukai reservoir near Surat and Kerly Lagoon in Porbandar were as important destinations for the winged beauty, if not more?
A recently concluded study by Space Applications Centre (SAC), Ahmedabad and Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has given detailed reports with maps, satellite imageries and statistics of the different wetland types in the state and their importance, which includes as many as nine wetland sites from Gujarat in the country’s list of most important wetlands of national importance. Last month, former Union minister of environment and forest Jairam Ramesh released the National Wetland Inventory and Assessment report at SAC.
The most striking aspect of the report is that Gujarat has the maximum amount of land identified as wetland in the country — 34.74 lakh hectare, constituting 17.56% of the state’s geographic area. A total of 23,891 wetlands, of five different types, can be found all over the state.
This natural ecological reserve is threatened in many ways - mainly anthropological influences. One of the main advantages of this atlas is that it has identified some lesser known sites, like the Kerly Lagoon in Porbandar. With focus on these sites, it should help to ensure that industrial development and any other illegal activities in this region does not damage the water body.
DNA digs deep into the SAC report to bring out the striking facets of our wetlands to help us understand and value these wonders of nature. Excerpts:
Nal Sarovar: Spread over 14,673 hectares of land Nal is identified as lake / pond type of wetland. It represents a typical wetland, an ideal bird sanctuary. It is a shallow, natural lake. Geologically it is a shallow basin which was once a part of the sea during the Miocene period of the Quaternary era. The larger part of the lake has other vegetation on fringes which provides shelter for migratory birds. Nal is an important winter habitat for thousands of migratory birds like Flamingos, Pelicans, cranes, ducks, spoonbill, herons etc., from Siberia, Central Asia and Europe.
Thol Lake: Spread over 379 hectare, Thol is identified as a lake / pond type of wetland. Located 40 km from Ahmedabad in Mehsana district, major part of the lake is under open water. There are small marshes at the edges and some scrub forest on the side of the embarkments. Thol Lake is well known for wintering Great White Pelicans, Flamingos, a variety of waterfowl including Mallards and good numbers of Greylag Geese, Sarus Cranes, the odd Spotted Flycatcher and waders which include Eurasian Curlews.
Southern Gulf of Kutch: Spread over 99,535 hectares, this wetland is identified as Intertidal mud flats, mangroves, creeks, coral reefs, salt marsh and salt pans etc. The National Park and Marine Sanctuary include 42 islands and a complex of fringing reefs backed by mud and sand flats, coastal salt marsh and mangrove forest. The major islands (from west to east) are Beyt, Chusnas, Bhaidar, Nora, Ajad, Chauk, Dhanibet, Karumbhar, Goos Reef, Moouada, Pirotan, Jindra and Chhad. Large numbers of hard and soft corals have been recorded, along with more than 100 species of fishes and prawn have been recorded. Major species are sponges, corals, jellyfish, sea horse, octopus, oyster, pearl oyster, starfish, lobster, dolphin, dugong, and waterfowls.
Gulf of Khambhat: Spread over 1,85,365 ha, this wetland is identified as Intertidal mud flats, mangroves, creeks, Salt marsh and salt pans etc. The wetland area is located from the region of Talaja on the west coast to the head of the Gulf at Khambhat, and south on the east coast for about 200 km to Valsad, The Tapi, Narmada, Mahi, Sabarmati and several other rivers have deposited alluvium over large areas as the marine recession has united Saurashtra with the mainland of Gujarat. The coastal marshes and mudflats provide feeding areas for large numbers of herons, egrets, storks, and ibises which breed in groves of trees. The New Port of Bhavnagar harbors one of the largest colonies of Egretta gularis in the world.
Jamnagar mangroves: The total wetland area is 19,918 hectares, the mangrove area is 6,415 hectares. This wetland is identified as Mangroves, coral reefs, inter-tidal mudflats and salt marsh. This is cluster of four islands and a complex of fringing reefs backed by mud flats, mangrove forest and coastal salt marsh. Site is located at North-West from Jamnagar city. This wetland site supports large number of birds, fishes, reptiles and mammals.
Coral Reefs of Gulf of Kutch: Spread over 14,495 hectare, consisting of 2,698 hectares of coral reefs, the wetland type is identified as coral reefs, inter-tidal mudflats, mangroves etc. The site is located in southern part of Gulf of Kutch at Karumbhar and surrounding Islands. This site is famous for its coral formations which are now the only living reefs between the Arabian Gulf and Laccadives.
Dharoi reservoir: Spread over 10053 hectares, this wetland is identified as Reservoir. Located at Dharoi in Sabarkantha district. The Dharoi Dam was built for supplying drinking water to urban area such as Ahmedabad that is located 85 km away. The Dam was constructed across the Sabarmati River in 1973.
Ukai reservoir: Spread over 49,401 hectares, this wetland is identified as Reservoir. Ukai Dam near Surat is a mega project in the state. It is constructed on the river Tapi. The reservoir also provides water for domestic and industrial usage in Surat and surrounding areas.
Kerly Lagoon: Spread over 9,670 hectares, this wetland is identified as Lagoon. Located at south-east of Porbander city it is basically a mudflat inundated during monsoon. It attracts large number of migratory birds mainly flamingoes due to rich phytoplankton population.
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