Reports and Documents

The Himalayan glaciers are a valuable national and global resource – they possess the largest concentration of ice outside of the Polar Regions; regulate global climate; feed most of northern India’s perennial rivers; and are an important indicator of climate change. However, this source of water is not permanent, as glacial dimensions change with the climate.

The Himalayan glaciers are a valuable national and global resource – they possess the largest concentration of ice outside of the Polar Regions; regulate global climate; feed most of northern India’s perennial rivers; and are an important indicator of climate change. However, this source of water is not permanent, as glacial dimensions change with the climate.

The Chandola Lake, spread over an area of 1200 hectare, has dried up due to neglect. The government has allowed large-scale encroachment on this water body. It is being for agriculture, as well as for other purposes like processing of waste oil and plastics. Kharicut, the lake’s feeder canal is choked with filth and garbage.

Udaipur has faced water scarcity from its inception, due to its geographical location. The Hindu monarchs who ruled the city built an array of artificial lakes to ensure regular water supply for their subjects. They were taken care of not only by the administration but also the local people.

Powai Lake is an artificial lake, situated in the northern suburb of Mumbai. The lake was created in 1891 by constructing dam between two hillocks across Mithi River. Catchment area of the lake is about 600 hectors and water spread area at full supply level is 220 hectors. The lake water is used for non-potable purposes i.e. gardening and industrial use.

The Charkop Lake is located in Kandivli (West), Mumbai and is more than 50 years old. Sweet water was once used for potable purposes. Now it is used as 'Ganpati Imersion' talao (lake), where all local devotees gather during Ganpati festival. This lake is not only an important bird area, but also home for a host of fauna, contributing to the ecological and hydrological balance of the area.

Rabindra Sarobar Lake, previously known as Dhakuria Lake, is an artificial lake in south Kolkata. This is Kolkata’s only national lake is spread over 48 hectares and comprises several smaller water bodies. It was dug in 1920s to provide soil for filling up the low-lying areas of Ballygunge, which was at that time being made habitable by the Calcutta Improvement Trust.

Chilika is the largest brackish water lake in Asia and also the second largest lake in the world. Chilika is situated between 19º28' and 19º54' North latitude and 85º05' and 85º 38' East longitude. A mix of estuarine, marine and freshwater ecosystem is observed here and the lagoon has a long history of sustainable fishing.

The wetlands to the east of Kolkata comprises of many water bodies from north and south 24 Parganas. The hydrological setup of these wetlands is completely different from any other wetland in India. There is no catchment for these water bodies and perched aquifer is found to occur below these water bodies at depth greater than 400 feet.
 

Subhash Dutta has been trying to draw the attention of the authorities to the steadily escalating civic problems in Howah since 1980. The focal point of his crusade has been the ‘killing’ of water bodies. The Samiti has filed a dozen PIL in the Calcutta HC, seeking intervention.