Inventory and charecterization of wetlands in Birbhum district, West Bengal, India: implications for conservation

摘要

An investigation on wetlands during December 2010- January 2012, covered 65 wetlands distributed over nineteen blocks of Birbhum district, West Bengal, India. 53 perennial and 21 non-perennial wetlands were characterized by multiple use pattern whichincludes: 2 wetlands used for only irrigation, 5 wetlands for irrigation and domestic purpose, 1 wetland for only pisciculture and domestic purposes with 57 wetlands for irrigation, domestic and pisciculture purposes. Shrinkage is the leading problem in45 (65%) wetlands followed by eutrophication in 11 wetlands (17%). Pollution sources in these wetlands include four categories: agricultural (26 wetlands), domestic (8 wetlands), both agro-domestic (27 wetlands) and nonspecific sources (4 wetlands). Villages in Birbhum district possessed medium to large sized wetlands which were of immense importance for the peoples and they depend on them for livelihood for several decades. Overall a few wetlands are noted for good conditioned during this in brief period of investigation but maximum wetlands are in verge of maximum threat due to overexploitation and pollution.