ecological restoration through landscape modification - munderikkadavu

2014

Deepak T C

1100100196

10/30/2014

Ecological Restoration of Munderikkadavu Wetland Ecosystem Through Landscape Modification

Guided By:

Ms. Prashanti Rao

Assistant Professor of Architecture

Restoration of Ecological Balance in Munderikkadavu Wetland Ecosystem

Through Landscape Modification

DEEPAK T C1

Date: 30 Oct. 2014

ABSTRACT

Wetlands are called as “the Kidneys of the Landscape”. (CST, n.d.). Munderikkadavu is

one of the important wetlands in the district of Kannur, Kerala. And is highly enriched with

species diversities of birds, fishes, dragonflies, crabs etc. This paper intends to look upon the

human interventions in the Wetland of Munderikkadavu; which has adversely affected the

ecological balance of the ecosystem and then focuses upon the methods to mitigate the

impacts of these activities. Secondly, it focuses upon the restoration of the lost ecological

balance through the modification of landscape features as a tool for the restoration.

KEY WORDS

Ecological Restoration, Wetland, Ecosystem, Threats, Landscape modification, Ramsar

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1. Wetland Ecosystems

To understand the dynamisms of a Wetland Ecosystem it is essential to understand its

extent or potential. The land area which are occasionally covered or saturated with water,

where water level does not exceed 6m even at low tide is called as a wetland. The climate and

configuration influences the water flow into and out of the site and the hydrological cycle

determines the salinity of water. These factors plays a major role in the determination of the

flora and fauna that can survive in the wetland ecosystem. (Ramsar Convention, 1971).

In case of net productivity, salt water wetlands are most productive ecosystems,

followed by freshwater wetlands and then tropical rain forest. Wetlands also add an indirect

value to the local economy based on the wetland based recreations, such as fishing, sailing,

bird-watching, etc. It provides an environmental services such as water quality improvement,

protection from flooding and storm damage, erosion control, water supply and ground water

recharge. Alongside there are aesthetic, educational and scientific values. (Matthews, 2013).

In India there are a total of 27,403 wetlands in which 23,444 are inland wetlands and

remaining are coastal. 18.5% of national land area is covered with wetlands. In Southern

India are mostly manmade wetlands and are called as Yaris. (CPREEC, n.d.). In Kerala there

1 1100100196, B-Arch Student at School of Planning and Architecture

are 4354 wetlands, out of them 3 falls in Ramsar list. And in the district of Kannur 3.63% of

geographic land area is covered with wetlands [Figure 1]. (SACA & KSRSEC, 2012).

Fig.1 Wetlands in Kannur District Courtesy: National Wetland Atlas: Kerala

1.2. Ramsar Convention, 1971

For the protection of the wetlands, in the year of 1971 at Ramsar, Iran a convention was

conducted. The Convention’s mission is “the conservation and wise use of all wetlands

through local and national actions and international cooperation, as a contribution towards

achieving sustainable development throughout the world”. (Ramsar, n.d.)

The main principles followed by the conventions are:

- Work towards the wise use of all wetlands

- Find out the suitable wetlands and make the list of Wetlands of International

Importance (the “Ramsar List”) and their proper governance.

- International co-operation for the wellness of wetlands.

There are a total of around 2000 Ramsar sites all around the world. (Ramsar, 2014).

[Figure 2]. Out of them 19 are there in India and 3 in Kerala. 6% of the earth’s land area is

covered with wetlands.

2. NEED AND RELEVANCE

2.1. Munderikkadavu and its Importance

Munderikkadavu Wetland is the fourth proposed bird sanctuary in the State of Kerala

after Kadalundi, Thattekad and Kumarakom. (Nair, 2013). It is about 12 kilometres away

Fig.2 Ramsar Site Distribution around the World Courtesy: NASA, 2014

from district H.Q., 7.5 sq. km of land is spread across Munderi and neighbouring panchayats,

forms the catchment of the Kattampally River.

The Munderikadavu wetland [Figure 3], is a destination for more than 100 rare species

of birds. According to bird-watchers, around one lakh birds including 60 migratory bird

species visit this wetland every year. Eurasian wigeon, black-headed bunting and red-headed

bunting are some of the regular visitors. 12 endangered species of eagles are seen only in

these wetlands. Bombay Natural History Society and the Birdlife International has identified

the site as one of the 24 Important Bird Areas (IBA) in the state. (Nair, 2013)

2.2. BIODIVERSITY OF MUNDERIKKADAVU

Munderikkadavu wetland ecosystem is very rich in biodiversity. It consists of around

150 species of birds, 45 species of spiders, 34 species of dragonflies, 82 species of butterflies,

68 species of mammals, 150 species of plants, and 16 species of fishes. (Joseph, 2012). Some

of them are

Fishes: Etroplus suratensis, Catla catla, Kowala coval, Solea elongate,Puntius ticto, Arius

sp, Scylla serrate, Charybdis cruciate

Prawns: Macrobrachium idella, Macrobrachium rosenbergei, Pennacus indicus,

Metapenaeus monoceros, Pennaens indicus, Pennaeus monodon

Clams: Meretrix casta, Villorita cyprinodies, Crassostrea gryphoides, Paphia malabarica,

Katalysia opima

Fig.3 Munderikkadavu Wetland Courtesy: www.k4kannur.blogspot.in

Plants: Nymphea nouchali, Nymphoides hydrophylla, Nymphoides indica, Premna

serratifolia, Wedalia trilobata, Cyperus distans, Cyperus castaneus, Hygrophila schulli,

Merremia vitifolia, Mimosa pudica, Morinda citrifolia, Sida acuta, Urena lobata (Karakkatt,

n.d.)

Birds: Anas querquedula, Aythya nyroca, Tadorna ferruginea, Anas penelope, Egretta

garzetta, Ardea alba, Ardeola grayii, Ardea cinerea, Anastomus oscitans, Platalea

leucorodia, Himantopus himantopus, Spilornis cheela, Aquila heliacal. (Prabhakaran &

Karakkatt, 2013)

2.3. Threats Faced

The whole catchment is 7.4 sq.km. And for the purpose of study 4.3 sq. km of the land

as shown in Fig.5, have been analysed. Even though the Munderikkadavu Wetland is a

Government protected area, it is facing a lot of threats due to human interventions, such as:

Pollution

Deforestation

Illegal Construction Activities

Hydrologic Activities

Urbanisation

2.3.1. POLLUTION

Any mean of action which contaminates the natural existence of air, water, land etc. is

called pollution. (Merriam-Webster, n.d.). Munderikkadavu wetland faces all the three type

water, soil as well as air pollution.

2.3.1.1. Water Pollution

The life of a wetland ecosystem is totally depended on the quality and salinity of water

present. So the pollution of water makes the entire wetland ecosystem in trouble. The

contaminated water suits the reproduction and spreading of the mosquitoes, insect and other

harmful microbes. Water is mainly contaminated by dumping of wastes and washing of

vehicles which spills the oil into water. When oil comes in contact with water, oxidation

takes place and water soluble compounds are formed, which may harm the aquatic life. It also

decreases the oxygen content in water and makes the aquatic life difficult. (EPAOERS, n.d.)

2.3.1.2. Land Pollution

Any activity that damages the surface of earth and soil is called land pollution. Land

pollution leads to the deterioration of the land formation of barren lands.it reduces the green

cover which adversely affects the microclimate of the region. It reduces the quality of the

soil. And it damages of the habitats of many living organisms, like earthworms, centipede,

etc. The lose habitat will lead them to find a new one or get extinct on the fight for survival.

(Future Conserve Energy, n.d.).

2.3.1.3. Noise Pollution

Contaminating the air with unwanted sound is called noise pollution. Social events,

transportation and construction activities are the main sources of noise pollution. During the

social events like marriages, campaigns, sports events, etc. people will put the songs and

dance till midnights, or use the microphones at a higher decibels. Sound from the vehicles

and nearby construction sites makes a lot of noise. (Future Conserve Energy, n.d.)

So much of noise can cause hearing problems, and it makes the communication

difficult, and it gives a high impact over the animals and birds. (Future Conserve Energy,

n.d.). They becomes disoriented. It can cause hormone imbalance, chronic stress, panic and

escape behaviour, abandonment of offspring, increase in loudness of inter species

communication. (Ghosh, 2011)

2.3.2. ILLEGAL CONSTRUCTION

The construction activities pollutes the surrounding in many ways, air pollution, noise

pollution, along with that it discharges waste to the nearby water body. The chemicals used

for the construction and maintenance purpose also gets mixed with surrounding land and

water. For the construction purpose there a boundary had been kept around.

For the construction purpose the lands of the preserved area was levelled with soil

filling. The canal running along the site was covered. It reduced the area of preserved land.

Other than this for construction many trees were cut, that also had adversely affected the

climate of the region.

2.3.3. DEFORESTATION

Cutting of trees as well as demolition of green is called as deforestation. Deforestation

is done mainly for the purpose of housing and urbanization, timber etc. It affects the nature

by the means of loss of species, carbon emission, water cycle, soil erosion, and life quality.

Trees are the habitat for many species like birds, insects, etc. so that the cutting of trees will

lead them to search for a new habitat. Trees absorb the greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide,

and helps to keep a very cool microclimate. Trees helps in the grounding of water, as in turn

cutting of trees will lead to the decrease in ground water level. The roots of the trees holds the

soil from erosion. As a whole cutting of trees indirectly reduces the life quality. (Szalay,

2013)

2.3.4. HYDROLOGICAL ACTIVITIES

Activities which change the natural hydrological cycle like construction of a dam, will

adversely affect the ecosystem. It stops the natural flow of water. It restricts the migration of

aquatic organisms, which may be a necessity for their reproduction. It changes the

temperature, chemical composition, dissolved oxygen and other physical properties of the

water. It has affected the living organisms like fishes, amphibians, etc. which leads an

aquatic life. (Rivers, n.d.)

3. OBJECTIVES

1. Explore the different types of wetland ecosystems.

2. To study more about the riverfront ecosystems, their inhabitants and the problems

faced by Munderikkadavu wetland ecosystem due to human interventions.

3. To know the role of landscape architecture in developing the Munderikkadavu wetland

ecosystem.

4. SCOPE and LIMITATIONS

The study is restricted to case specific, as on Munderikkadavu wetland ecosystem. So it

does not deal with any other places or other ecosystems. And the case is focused on the

distractions caused by human interventions and how it can be tolerated through landscape

modifications. And the solution part is mainly the development and beautification of the area

with landscape as a tool. For the case, primary and secondary studies were done. It is an

effort to make the site to get its importance make it fall in the Ramsar list. Has to give equal

importance to each member of biodiversity and try to protect them.

5. METHODOLOGY

The whole project was divided into four parts as, (i) Site analysis, (ii) Identifying the

problems, (iii) Finding out solutions for the problems and (iv) Proposing landscape

modification as a mechanism for the restoration of ecosystem. The site analysis was done as a

primary study as well as secondary. The primary study is comprised of the physical analysis

of the site and a survey about the site. As a part of physical analysis, will analyse, the existing

features, on site and off site, soil condition, water condition, identifying existing flora and

fauna. On survey part will analyse the thoughts and views of people about the site, how it was

when they saw it first time, what changes they feel now, how they want to change it now. In

secondary analysis will collect the data about the historical importance of the site, its

ecological importance, how the site was before, what were the flora and fauna found, etc.

And then will compare the data of past and present to identify how much the impacts of

human intervention has affected the ecosystem.

As a continuation to the site analysis next step is identifying the problems faced. For

that the whole area of site is divided into three four parts and analysed. Spotted the deceased

areas and noted the problems faced. Then analysed each problems and its impacts in a

detailed manner. Problems and its immediate effect were identified from the primary studies

and its future impact was analysed from the secondary studies.After noting down the

problems, next is to find out the solutions for them. For this referred literatures by

experienced people on the topic. Then formulated a way to implement it on the site.

As a solution for all the problems and to recover the lost ecological balance proposed

landscape modification as a solution. Then did the literature studies on how it can be done,

and what are the methods and patterns to be followed. And formulate a better way for its

practical implementation on the specified site.

As a conclusion analysed whether the study was relevant for the present human life, whether

the study has given a final result, and then has to find out other than this what else it could be.

6. FACING THE CHALLENGES

The Munderikkadavu Wetland Ecosystem faces threats from the human interventions.

Pollution, encroachment, deforestation and changes in the hydrological cycle are the major

threats in the site. To make the strategies to face the threats the whole site [Figure 4] was

divided into different zones as shown in Figure 5.

6.1. Zone 1

Zone 1 faces the threats of water pollution, air pollution and noise pollution. Water

pollution by the dumping of wastes, air pollution and noise pollution by the vehicles passing

through the bridges across the zones.

Water is polluted by dumping the waste into the water body from the bridge [Figure 6].

We can’t do anything physically to stop this activity completely, since it entirely depends on

the mental perception of the people of the space. So by making the place just below the

bridge, more beautiful or dynamic in function will change the perception of the people. It will

Fig.4 The site Courtesy: Google Earth

Fig.5 The Site Zoning Courtesy: Google Earth

change the perception but not the habit, so the bridge design should be modified in such a

way that it does not allow anyone to dump the waste from top to the waterbody.

To reduce the noise pollution, mud walls has to be implemented on both sides of the

bridge which will absorb and scatter the noise. This will reduce the impact of the noise over

the lives over there. The bridge design should be modified in such a way that it can be

implemented both the changes.

To reduce the air pollution due to the vehicles, find out the amount of polluting gases

ejected by vehicles, and list out the plants that can compensate or absorb these gases and use

them. Plant them as much as possible near the source of pollution, roads. This plants will help

us to keep the air always fresh.

And moreover to these, government and traffic department implement strict laws, on

the PUC checking, and speed control of the vehicles over the region, and restrict the

maximum speed of vehicle to 40 km/hr.

6.2. Zone 2

This zone is rich in vegetation. The threat faced is the cutting of the trees [Figure 7].

People are cutting the trees for the construction purposes, for timber, for the firewood, etc. So

the number of trees in this area has considerably reduced in the last few decades. And it has

adversely affected the microclimate prevailing over the region. The temperature has arose in

a considerable manner irrespective of the presence of a wetland and a river.

Fig.6 Dumping of Waste from Bridge Courtesy: Site study

Fig.7 Cutting of Trees Courtesy : Site Study

To face it we have to find out the trees which have been cut and what its role in the

nature is. Each plant cut has to be compensated with planting three new trees. While listing

out the plants, it has to be keep in mind that the plant can survive in the climatic and soil

conditions prevailing and it supports the birds for nesting.

Grow mangroves that helps in the purification of water in the wetland. And also it adds

an aesthetic value to the scene.

6.3. Zone 3

Zone 3 is infected with the encroachment of land and land filling. Around every

preserved area government had put a boundary for the construction activities. But here on the

name of personal belonging the people are trespassing this border line and constructing their

houses. And they are not ready to hand over the land to government, because of a rapid hike

in the land value in the recent times. When they are questioned they replies as we were not

aware of it. They are filling the wetland areas with soil and using for construction, this is

gradually reducing the area of wetland.

To face this the border line for the construction activities, the preserved wetland area

should be clearly marked with a green belt boundary line. This will block the people from the

encroachment of wetland area. And make the people aware of the importance of this wetland

and its preservation. The government should implement strict laws against the trespassers.

6.4. Zone 4

The Zone 4 is also facing the threat of water pollution, but mainly because of the

washing of the vehicles, and the spilled oil [Figure 8]. To connect the both sides of the

wetland a mud road have been constructed, but now the people are utilising it as a comfort

area to park and wash the vehicles. While washing the oil from the vehicles get spilled over

there and later get washed to the water body. This oils creates a layer over the body and

prevents the gas exchange and make the aquatic life in trouble. And moreover this pathway

has blocked the free flow of water or it has divided the wetland into two parts.

Fig.8 Oil Spilled over Water Courtesy : Site Visit

To face this challenge, have to grow the aquatic plants which can consume the spilled oil.

That will purify the water body. And to prevent the same action in future, a thick greenery

has to be provided on both sides of this pathway, which blocks the direct access to the water

body. It can prevent the washing of vehicles over here. And there should some changes made

on this pathway which will allow the free flow of water across it.

6.5. Zone 5

The zone five is comprising the whole wetland and the area surrounding it. As one of

the problem faced by the nearby people is the salt water in their wells. Actually this problem

was created by us only. In the name of the purpose of irrigation a check dam was constructed

across the river [Figure 9]. It became a failure as it could not serve the purpose. And when

the dam opens the salt water starts to flow back and the fresh water wetland has become a salt

water wetland now. And this salt water pierce into soil and comes to the nearby wells

making the well water non-potable.

To face this problem a green belt has to be given around the wetland body which can

absorb the salt or which can purify this salty water piercing into soil. Or the plants which can

avoid the piercing of this salt water into the wells.

7. CONCLUSION

The Munderikkadavu Wetland Ecosystem is a salt water wetland ecosystem in Kannur

district of Kerala. The government has proposed the site as a bird sanctuary. As all other

preserved areas, it also faces threats from the human interventions.

All these studies, landscape modifications and laws will go in vain until and unless the

perception of the people about the wetland does not change. Since all the treats are manmade,

only man can control or avoid these threats. For that the people should be aware of the

importance of the Munderikkadavu Wetland Ecosystem, and need of its preservation.

The site should be well designed and design should be eco-friendly. Landscape

modification and beautification can change the mentality of the people towards the site.

Giving a walkway around, giving sitting poles for the birds, spots for bird watching a bird

Fig.9 Kattampally Check Dam Courtesy : Salin Kunnath @ www.panoramio.com

research centre, a pathway depicting importance of the sites and living species over there on

the sides can help the people to know more about the site. And the better governance of the

site will make it to fall in the Ramsar List in a near future.

As a part of further study on the topic, it can be studied about the different species of

shrubs, trees, and mangroves that can grow in and around a salt water wetland. Can study

about the different species of birds and other organisms and their lifestyle. Can study about

the different landscape patters to be implemented. Can study and formulate different rules

and regulations to be implemented.

8. REFERENCES

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