Kanjli Wetland- Opulent Natural Resources
Dr Gursharan Singh Kainth is Director, GAD Institute of Development Studies, 14-Preet Avenue, Majitha Road, PO Naushera, Amritsar 143008
India by virtue of its extensive geographical stretch and varied terrain and climate supports a rich diversity of inland and coastal wetland ecosystem. Wetlands are among the world’s most productive environments. They are cradles of biological diversity, providing the water and the primary productivity upon which countless species of plants and animals depend for survival. They support high concentrations of birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish and invertebrate species. Of the 20,000 species of fish in the world, more than 40 per cent live in fresh water. The Ramsar Convention of IUCN held at Iran in 1971 raised global attention on conservation and management of wetlands. However, the importance of wetlands in India was recognized only in the recent past. The Ministry of Environment and Forest, Government of India has identified 17 Notified Wetlands for their conservation and management. Punjab, the host seat of India’s cultural extravaganzas abounds in scenic beauty. Apart from the panoramic rhapsodies manifested by its picturesque landscape, the state also boasts of a diverse natural heritage. There are 14 wetlands of Punjab covering 225.76 sq km out of the total 5357 sq km of the state’s geographical area. However, only five wetlands, namely, Ropar at Ropar, Harike-Patan (Ferozpur), Kanjli (Kapurthala), Ranjit Sagar (Pathankot) and the recent addition of Nangal-Poong(Ropar) has been designated as Ramsar Site.
Kanjli Wetland is located about 4 km from Kapurthala city on the west of Kali (Black) Bein. Kanjli is a perfect example of the state’s opulent natural resources, came into being owing to generous patronage of Maharaja of Kapurthala. The erstwhile potentate had constructed a sparkling barrage on the river Kali Bein- a permanent rivulet (tributaries) of river Beas. No other river in the state is as important from religious viewpoint as Kali Bein since it is associated with Sri Guru Nanak Dev, the founder of Sikhism and first Guru of Sikhs. The rivulet has played an important role in the formation of fertile plains by brining down large sediments loads during floods in the past. The rivulet has also proved an important water sponge as the water level in the areas around it has not depleted as alarmingly as compared to other parts of the state. Kanjli wetland officially attained its prestigious national status (Ramsar site) in February 1992 is a hallmark of Punjab’s rich biodiversity. It’s a man made fresh water riverine system and can be classified as both natural as well as artificial wetland. It gained artificiality with the construction of the barrage resulting in the impoundment of water.Many of Punjab’s streaming rivers and their tributaries discharge their water to the mighty Kali Bein., which tranquil lake. The lake gleaming under the saffron sunbeams lie a mirage of quicksilver paints a charming picture of nature at its best. The reserve has tremendous tourism potential and is a popular tourist spot. It is also a popular fishing zone coupled with the provision for tourists to explore the lake and the nearby forests on an enjoyable boating spree.
On the leftmost extremity of the lake rests a dense forest that shelters several species of wildlife in its dark wilderness. The Maharaja, an ardent lover of jungle retreat on the banks of the lake, based on splendid French architecture and lovingly named it The Villa. The royal successors of the Maharaja currently reside in the Villa that overlooks a breathtaking backdrop.
As per Punjab Remote sensing centre, Ludhiana, out of 5150 hectares under Kanjli wetland, 209 hectare is covered by swamp or marsh and 779 hectare is seasonally waterlogged. The lake and ponds cover 9.5 hectare while 29 hectare is covered by oxbow lakes or cut-off meanders. The area under wasteland is 559 hectare while 123 hectares is under various types of forest. Crop land (double crop) constitute 3082 hectares in addition to a seasonally water logged area of 779 hectares, which is also used for paddy cultivation. Plantation and built up land cover 66 hectares and 281 hectares respectively. The soils mainly are alluvium in nature consisting of alluvial sand, clay and loom. Maximum depth of water varies from 10 to 25 feet depending upon the season and water inflow. Catchment area is mainly agriculture. Being ultimately joins Harike wetland downstream after covering a distance of about 20 kms. Kanjli lakes qualifies for low turbidity class during pre monsoon and moderate turbidity class during post monsoon season indicating the regimentation of the lake during post monsoon season.
The wetland attracts a large number of resident and migratory birds. The sanctuary sprawls across an expanse of 50 acres and houses about 50 species of exotic birds, 4 mammals and 17 invertebrates. It acts as an important staging ground for long distant migratory birds. Some common migratory birds of Kanjli wetlands includes various species of waterfowl, white eye pochard, wigeon, tufted pochard, common teal, large whistling teal, pintail, mallard, shoveller. About 17 fish species have been reported, the common being catla catla, Channa marulius, C. striatus, Cirrhinus mrigala, labeo calbasu, L. rohita. Dev Ji. This wetland is important for many species of plants which are ecologically significant. Insectivorous plant Utricularia sp., pollutant managers Phragmite sp, Typha etc. and other aquatic plants are noteworthy species of invertebrates.
Anthropogenic pressure, weed infestation, europhcation, fishing and pesticides pollution poses danger to the wetland. However, the most important threat to the wetland is due to the anthropogenic pressure, that is, indiscriminate conversion of wetlands for agriculture, human habitation, industrial expansion and recreational activities. Extensive growth of water hyacinth is posing a big problem to the ecological status of Kanjli lake as it detracts the migratory avifauna and has replaced the natural aquatic floral and faunal components.
Main problem is its consistently fast growth and its in situ death and decay. To prevent the spread of this weed on a larger area and its disposal at one place, log boom was installed by Punjab Irrigation department but dismantled due heavy pressure exerted by rainwater. In addition to water hyacinth, certain submerged and rooted weeds have become parasitic to the lake’s well being. But it is difficult, rather inappropriate to weed out these plants as it can create disruption in food chain structure. A conveyer belt, bought at an amount of Rs 10 lakh, was installed last year has not been put to use effectively. Their in situ decay adds to the europhcation of lake. An integrated approach manual, biological but not chemical should be adopted to bring the situation under control. In addition to hyacinths and water weeds, the lake also faces the danger of pollution due to washing down of nutrients and pesticides from adjoining agricultural fields. The threat comes from the barraging of Kali Bein, which now flows through Budha Barkat regulator near village Muradpur since the two 138 years old barrages that kept the water flow in check got destroyed. Illegal fishing causes considerable disturbance to birds die and reduces number of fish in the lake. To tackle the problem of grazing and encroachment, fencing of strategic area has been done by the forest department.
Integrated wetland management will benefit both the man and the animals and at the same time maintains ecological balance. The long term solution to the problem of protecting wetlands lies in educating masses. Unless people realize the need to safeguard wetland ecosystem, there is very little hope of the survival of ecologically valuable and vulnerable habitat. Environmentalist Baba Balbir Singh Seechewal efforts to cleaned the area and built Ghats followed by two shramdaans by the residents of the town and adjoining areas in the past are welcome step in this direction. Such activities must be taken up on regular basis. Various NGOs should also come forward to save the opulent natural resources.