Welcome to 5th GLOBAL BIODIVERSITY SUMMIT FOR CITIES AND SUBNATIONAL GOVERNMENTS Conserving precious urban fresh water bodies a case study from Telangana, India Dr. Suvarna Chandrappagari Member Secretary, Telangana State Biodiversity Board Hyderabad, India suvarnac@yahoo.com
History of Hyderabad Hyderabad, the capital of Telangana State, is the fifth largest city of India. A 400 year old metropolis is known for its rich culture, grand history, delicious food and Information Technology. The city has an estimated population of around 8 million, making it 4th largest city in India Fifth-largest contributor city to India's overall GDP with a sobriquet "City of Pearls. The Telangana State is hub for various industries like more than 300 Seed, 500 Ayurveda & Unani, 150 pharma, 150 Agri-food Processing units, 100 nutraceuticals, 50 Bio-pesticides, 150 biotech (Genome vally), 70 bio-control labs, located in Hyderabad and more than 950 bioresources are being used by the industries for commercial purpose and export. More the 100 CSIR, ICAR, DST, DBT, ICFRE, institutions are located in Hyderabad.
Map of Ameenpur lake
Chain lakes around the Ameenpur BHS
Biodiversity of Ameenpur lake: The Ameenpur Lake is one of the few urban fresh water bodies left out in Telangana. Originally served as an irrigation tank as part of chain of tanks, but later got disconnected from the rest. It is the most sought after haunt for bird watchers as a variety of avian species including migratory and resident bird species visit the lake. This Lake supports fisheries as well. Rich Biodiversity is available at Ameenpur Lake with a variety of herbs, shrubs, creepers, medicinal flora, trees, animals, reptiles, birds, insects, microbes, etc. Around 219 species of birds (migratory & residents), 250 plant species (including rare & medicinal), 9 fish species, 26 aquatic beetles, 41 butterfly species, 33 species of invertebrates, 12 amphibian species, 33 reptiles species, 9 species of wild animals and millet diversity is available in the area.
Flamingoes are regular visitors to the lake
Other birds
Other Diversity
Threats to the lake Encroachment, Dumping of garbage, Municipal waste, Drainage water, Rock and sand mining, Industrial pollutants, illegal commercial ground water tapping through bore wells, Killing of migratory birds etc,.
Volunteers during the cleaning & plantation drive
Objectives of the Biodiversity heritage Site proposal To strengthen the biodiversity conservation and to stem the rapid loss of biodiversity by avoiding environment degradation by giving a special attention. To achieve the link between livelihood security & biodiversity conservation of the area. To instill pride & honor in the community regarding the biodiversity conservation taken up through their participation. To ensure availability of the natural resources & precious biodiversity to their future generations.
Methodology for declaration Developed the Biodiversity profile of Ameenpur lake. Organized series of awareness programs to the Ameenpur villagers by involving other stakeholders like Telangana Special Protection Force, Hyderabad Birding Pals, Friends of Flora & Fauna and line departments (Revenue, Irrigation, Pollution Control Board). Constituted the Biodiversity Management Committee, Ameenpur in a participatory manner. Resolution was passed by the BMC for declaration of BHS. Consent received from District Collector & Magistrate and Chairperson, Zilla Parishad, Medak District on BHS.
Methodology for declaration Placed the proposal in the Expert Committee on BDHS for discussions and Board meeting for approval. Proposal included water spread area of 93.15 Acres and adjacent 170.00 acre land in the management plan Government of Telangana issued preliminary notification for declaration of Ameenpur lake as BDHS calling for objections within 30 days. Organized a public hearing at Ameenpur village involving all the stakeholders. The Govt of TS issued final Gazette notification declaring the particular site as Biodiversity Heritage Site in November 2016 as per Section 37 of the National Biological Diversity Act, 2002
Next what???? Specifying the boundaries, prior surveying with mapping of the BHS with clear administrative boundaries and specifying the restrictions, if any. livelihood enhancement for fisherman community, controlling the Tilapia population Preparation of plans and schemes to eliminate biodiversitydamaging practices De-silting of feeder channels, establishment of Sewerage Treatment Plant, developing proper garbage system etc., Constituting Monitoring Committee at state level & Biodiversity Heritage Site Management Committee at field level. The Journey has just begun Let us see how best we can march ahead!!!
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