CONSERVATION PLAN OF ANSHUPA LAKE

Abstract

There are 1410 wetlands in Orissa,out of which 345 are large and 1065 are small. Out of the above 345 large wetlands, 100 are natural which cover an area of about 14000 ha only. Ansupa lake, a typical lacustrine ecosystem located at Banki Subdivision in the district of Cuttack is the largest natural fresh water lake of Orissa. It is surrounded by some denudational & residual hills and large area of agricultural fields in the alluvial plains of the largest river of Orissa, Mahanadi. This river flows from west to east direction at about one km distance on the south side of the lake. The lake surface area is about 2 sq km with a catchment area of 16.6 sq km. The lake's eco-system inhabitates large variety of flora & fauna and is famous for its crystal clear water. It attracts many local and migratory birds especilly in winters. The lake has received large quantity of clay and silts in the overflow runoff from the degraded hills during monsoon period over the years. After the construction of embankments in Mahanadi for the control of flood, the inflow and outflow system of the lake were interupted and the flow ciculation had been stopped. The lake is degraded on account of siltation, weed infestation, eutrc ication, water quality degradation, decrease in fisheries resources, decrease in avi-fauna and decrese in socio-economic status of the peripheral villagers. The conservation work of this lake was initiated by the state government in the year 2001-02. Works like catchment area treament, desiltation, deweeding and improvement of flow circulation mechanism have been partly completed. But all environmental issues had not been addressed for the conservation of this ecosystem. The lake is included in National Wetland Conservation Programme (NWCP) and also draws the attention of the 'international community like . International Lake Environment Committee (ILEC). iv Present status of the lake in terms of the lake basin characteristics, trophic status, temperature profile, water quality, lake bottom sediment, saniation etc. have been studied. Hydrographic & topographic survey had been conducted. The Sechhi tranparancy and lake water temperature have been measured to obtain trophic status and temperature profile. Water and sediment samples have been collected from different stations and analysed for different parameters. A comprehensive plan has been prepared for the conservation and management of the lake. Catchment area treatment, improvement of flow circulation, desilting, weed management, tourism development, provision for street lights, development of avifauna, fisheries development, common property resource management, improvement of sanitation and environmental monitoring in an integrated manner with participation of public havtbeen worked out. The estimated cost of the plan is Rs.17.09 cores with an reccurring expenditure of Rs. 1.71 cores towards annaual 0 & M cost. The completion period of the plan is estimated as 3 years. It is expected that the annual 0 & M cost shall berecbvered from the tourism, fisheries and production of biogas & mannure from aquatic weeds. f