Problems and Prospective in Renovation of Wetlands in Coimbatore

On April 4, 2011 by Dr. M. Gunasekaran

“Areas of marsh, fen, peatland or water, whether natural or artificial, permanent or temporary, with water that is static or flowing, fresh, brackish or salt, including areas of marine water the depth of which at low tide does not exceed six meter” –  Ramsar Convention

“Lands transitional between terrestrial and aquatic eco-system where the water table is usually at or near the surface or the land is covered by shallow water” –   Mo EF. Govt. of India

Background

Coimbatore, the third largest city of Tamil Nadu is situated on the banks of the river Noyyal in Kongunadu (Kongu country). During the Kongu Chola’s regime in 8th and 9th centuries several wetland were constructed on both sides of River Noyyal for irrigation and flood control mitigation. All these wetlands are interconnected to each other and with the river Noyyal. Over 800 years these wetland were served well to both mankind and environment, but due to human greed, now all the wetland in and around Coimbatore are highly polluted. All of these are under the authority of the Public Works Department, while eight wetlands (Narsampathy, Krishnampathy, Selvampathy, Kumaraswamy, Selvachinthamani, Periyakulam, Valankulam and Singanallur) that are under the Coimbatore Municipal Corporation limits have recently been leased by the Coimbatore Municipal Corporation from the PWD. Traditionally, they play a very important role in regulating the water levels in the Noyyal and preventing floods during excess rains in the city apart from underground water recharge. These wetlands are sources of fresh water for domestic and agricultural use but in recent years due to rapid urbanisation they are being used only by marginalised people living in the vicinity for domestic use, as grazing grounds for subsistence herders, by farmers for irrigation seasonally and also for fishing. Due to the unregulated and unsustainable extraction of groundwater in the city in recent years, their roles as water-table rechargers is one of the most important today.

Traditionally, these wetlands are used by resident and migratory birds throughout the year. Large congregations of threatened birds like the Spot-billed Pelican and near threatened birds like the Painted Stork and Darter and several other birds are regularly use these wetlands for feeding, breeding, roosting and nesting. Several studies conducted by researchers from Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History, Bharathiar University, Government Arts College, PSG College of Arts &  Science, Nirmala College, Tamil Nadu Forest Department and other institutions proved over  130 species of birds using these wetlands from its construction.

Problems

Recent years the Government is not allocating funds to maintain the tanks since there is no water is used for irrigation purpose around the tanks. Coimbatore Municipal Corporation has initiated a programme to renovate and improve these eight wetlands with private participation after taken over of these wetlands. The estimate of the proposed project is Rs. 68.24 cores. In these regard ‘Scott Wilson India Pvt Ltd’ and ‘Almondz Global Securities Ltd’ were appointed as consultants by Tamil Nadu Urban Infrastructure Financial Ltd, who are the financial supporters for this project.

In connection with this Coimbatore Municipal Corporation has conducted two public meetings, held on 14th August and 26th October 2010 at the Coimbatore Corporation. District authorities including Mayor of Coimbatore Municipal Corporation, District Collector of Coimbatore and Commissioner of Coimbatore Corporation and few other environmentalists, NGO’s and officials were participated in the first meeting. In second meeting Commissioner of Coimbatore Corporation, Environmental Cell Division, PWD and other officials, several other environmentalists, and NGO’s were participated. In both meetings a presentation was made by Scott Wilson India Pvt Ltd and Almondz Global Securities Ltd about proposed privatization of the eight lakes. Along with a rejuvenation proposal, the project also proposed to Build-Operate-Transfer scheme of other commercial activities like urban Health Resorts and Spas, Food Courts, Water Theme Parks, Aquarium, Planetarium, Bird Park, etc., in and around the wetlands.

In the first meeting a few questions were raised by environmentalists about the commercialisation of city wetlands. In the second meeting several environmental and commercialisation issues were raised by several environmentalists, NGO’s, farmer organisations and others. The consultants, ‘Scott Wilson India Pvt Ltd’ and ‘Almondz Global Securities Ltd’ are not able to explain any questions raised by environmentalists and farmers. After careful scrutiny of both the presentations and proposed project proposal an evaluation was made and merits and demerits were analysed.

Merits

  • The proposal suggested some steps for renovation of wetlands, based on old DPR(AFPRO)
  • The proposal suggested to remove encroachments in the identified wetlands, based on old DPR (AFPRO)

Demerits

  • Proposal clearly violates “Regulatory Framework for Wetland Conservation” set by   Mo EF. Govt. of India ((C). Key Threats)
  • Proposal violates the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 for conservation of scheduled species
  • No biodiversity survey was conducted in the wetlands and referred in the I’st presentation as “No Endangered Species of Flora and Fauna” found in these wetlands
  • The DPR didn’t mention any Conservation measures on wetland biodiversity including RET & migratory species which are  traditionally using these wetlands
  • The DPR emphasis more on “Commercialization of Wetlands”, out of 12 chapters 7 chapters are on commercialization (2,3,6,7,8,9 & 12))  than the renovation
  • During summer most these wetlands would be dry, which will have negative effect on proposed commercial and recreational activities (DPR also referred in SWOT analysis(Chapter 3))
  • The DPR referred Coimbatore Wetlands as Commercial commodities (Chapter 12) than the biological and ecological lifeline of Noyyal river basin
  • As per the DPR one of the recreations is to establish Bird Park in the wetlands – No clear idea on it – question raised by naturalists as caged birds in their original habitat. But consultants replied as birds of Western Ghats will benefit from the project?

Present proposal and DPR clearly indicates that the consultants initiated an unethical war against traditional lifestyle of Tamils, Tamil culture and coexistence with nature. Proposed project not only eliminate endemic flora and fauna of the wetland ecosystem of Coimbatore but also create an imbalance in natural ecosystem. Hence all the proposed commercial activities have to be stopped in Coimbatore wetlands. We the citizens of Coimbatore are not against the removal of encroachments in and around the wetlands and also other rejuvenates activities of city wetlands, our concern is only on commercialisation of wetlands.

In this connection Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History (SACON), Anaikatty, organized a seminar on 12th November 2010 to mark the Salim Ali Centenary celebrations at Central Academy of State Forest Services (CASFOS) Forest Campus, Coimbatore. The Coimbatore district collector Dr. P. Umanath, was the chief guest of the function”Seminar on Urban wetlands of Coimbatore”. Speakers from various walks life were participated and expressed their concern over the issue. In particular the following speakers were delivered lecture on the current problems.

1. Wetlands As a source of water & its conservation – Mr. Rajesh Govindarajalu (Siruthuli, Coimbatore)
2. Coimbatore Wetlands As the habitat of birds – Mr. A. Sukumar (Veteran Bird Watcher, Coimbatore)
3. Conserving Coimbatore Wetlands – the way forward – Mr. Kalidasan (Osai Coimbatore)
4. Coimbatore Wetlands & its environmental problems, An overview – Mr. K. Mohanraj (Salim Ali Naturalist Forum, Coimbatore)
5. Past, present and Future of Coimbatore Wetlands – Dr. M. Gunasekaran (Save Coimbatore Wetlands)
6. Sustainable utilization of Coimbatore tanks – Er. R. Ilangovan, Environment Cell Division, PWD

In association with this issue third round of discussion was organized by Indian Chamber of Commerce Coimbatore chapter on 5th December 2010 Sunday. Local NGOs and environmentalists were participated it and decided to join hands on this issue for the benefit of Coimbatore people.

The Coimbatorians require pleasant environment in the city especially in and around these wetlands for both birds and people. After careful study, we recommend several mitigatary measures to improve the quality of water and environment around the city wetlands. In this regard people of Coimbatore are ready to extend their support to Municipal Corporation’s future actions.

Conservation Recommendations for Coimbatore Wetlands

  • Removal of encroachments in and around wetlands has  to be done
  • Alternative arrangements to be made to deposit debris
  • Removal of all solid wastes from the wetlands
  • Waste water treatment plants with appropriate technology to be constructed at the water inlets
  • Regular monitoring of physio-chemical properties of tank water has  to be done
  • Wherever necessary bund strengthening has  to be done
  • Planting of native trees on the bunds essential to stop soil erosion, to provide nesting opportunity to the water birds and shade to the walkers
  • Small islands have to be created inside the wetlands with suitable tree saplings for foraging and nesting of water birds
  • Unnecessary roads in and around wetlands has to be closed and fenced
  • Erect necessary signage at appropriate places around wetlands
  • Form restoration and watch dog committees for sustainable managements
  • Commercialization or privatization of wetlands has to be stopped

At present, people of Coimbatore well understood problems in and around city wetlands and its rectification. Hence, all commercializing activities of city wetland have to be stopped and other fruitful activities on improving the quality of wetlands have to be initiated. Further discussions would yield a common concession in this regard.

This article appeared in the magazine Stream, published by PWD, Environmental Cell Division News Letter, Coimbatore. Jan-Mar. 2011.


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