Tampara Lake: Odisha’s Vital Wetland Ecosystem Under Threat

Tampara Lake

Tampara Lake, a Ramsar wetland site, freshwater body located in the Indian state of Odisha, holds considerable ecological and socio-economic importance. Recently on Aug 11, 2023 NGT passed an order banning ‘illegal’ construction in and around Tampara Lake.

This article aims to present an objective analysis of the lake’s significance as well as the threats it faces. By examining the current conservation efforts, this article intends to shed light on possible solutions for safeguarding Tampara Lake’s fragile ecosystem.

Introduction

Tampara Lake is a significant freshwater lake in Odisha, India, known for its large size and scenic beauty. Covering an area of 337.86 hectares, the lake stretches 5.8 km in length and 670 meters in width.

It was formed in 1766 as a result of a large depression created during a battle between the British East India Company and French colonists. Over time, rainwater from the catchment area filled up the depression to form the lake we see today.

Tampara Lake serves an important role in mitigating flooding during monsoon season by absorbing excess water from the Rushikulya River to which it is connected.

With its picturesque landscape and considerable dimensions, Tampara Lake stands out as one of Odisha’s most renowned freshwater lakes.

Importance of Tampara Lake

As a biodiversity hotspot, Tampara Lake boasts diverse flora and fauna, providing habitat for numerous species including birds, fish, and turtles.

Moreover, local communities rely on the lake’s resources for their livelihoods through fishing, agriculture, and transportation activities.

Additionally, the lake plays a vital role in mitigating flooding during monsoons by serving as a natural reservoir and reducing the risk of overflow into surrounding areas.

Tampara Lake Location Map

Biodiversity Hotspot

The biodiversity hotspot of Tampara Lake is characterized by its rich variety of avian species, including resident birds and winter migrants, as well as a diverse range of fish species and wetland vegetation. Surveys have documented 61 avian species belonging to 52 genera and 26 families at the lake, with 46 species being resident birds and 12 being winter migrants. The lake also supports a total of 46 fish species, with an estimated fish yield of 12 tonnes per year.

Vulnerable bird species such as the common pochard, river tern, common carp, and common moorhen can be found here. Furthermore, the wetland vegetation surrounding the lake provides habitat for seven terrestrial plant and macrophyte species.

The biodiversity of Tampara Lake highlights its ecological importance and emphasizes the need for conservation efforts in this area.

Livelihoods

Fishing in the area provides sustenance and income for many local communities living near Tampara Lake. The annual fish yield of 12 tonnes is a vital source of food and economic stability for these communities.

In addition to fishing, the lake supports agricultural activities through irrigation, further contributing to local livelihoods.

The transportation of goods via the waterway provided by the lake also plays a significant role in sustaining the economy of the area.

These traditional occupational roles demonstrate the importance of Tampara Lake for supporting and enhancing the livelihoods of people living nearby.

Flood Control

The flood mitigation function of the lake is essential for protecting nearby habitations from annual flooding events. During the monsoon season, Tampara Lake acts as a flood regulating system by receiving and absorbing excess flood waters from the Rushikulya River. This ecosystem service plays a crucial role in preventing flooding in the region, thus safeguarding local communities and infrastructure from flood damage.

The lake’s connection with the river creates a natural mechanism that effectively manages and controls water levels during periods of heavy rainfall. By serving as a buffer zone, Tampara Lake reduces the risk of inundation in nearby areas, providing valuable protection against annual flooding events.

Threats

Tourism development and climate change are two key factors that pose threats to the Tampara Lake ecosystem.

The construction of hotels, resorts, and other tourist facilities near the lake can disrupt the fragile ecosystem and cause long-term damage.

Additionally, rising temperatures and erratic rainfall patterns associated with climate change put further pressure on the lake’s ecosystem, exacerbating the existing threats.

Tourism Development

Unregulated expansion of hotels and resorts along the lake shore and its fringes, as part of the government’s ‘Swadesh Darshan’ scheme to promote ecotourism in Tampara Lake, is violating Wetland Conservation Rules and causing habitat destruction and human disturbances that threaten the fragile wetland biodiversity.

The uncontrolled construction activities have resulted in encroachment on the lake land, leading to the destruction of crucial habitats for various species. This has disrupted the delicate balance of the ecosystem, jeopardizing the survival of many plant and animal species that rely on these wetlands for their existence.

Furthermore, increased human presence due to tourism development has caused disturbances such as noise pollution, littering, and disturbance of breeding grounds. These disruptions further exacerbate the negative impacts on wetland biodiversity.

It is imperative that proper regulations are put in place to mitigate these threats and ensure sustainable tourism practices in this ecologically sensitive area.

Climate Change

Climate change poses significant threats to the ecological health of Tampara wetland. Rising temperatures and erratic monsoon rainfall are impacting its water resources and sensitive flora and fauna. The rain-fed nature of Tampara Lake makes it highly vulnerable to decreased inflow due to poor rainfall, while increased evapotranspiration exacerbates the pressure on its water resources.

These environmental changes triggered by global warming have a direct impact on the biodiversity and ecosystem services provided by Tampara wetland. Adaptation strategies that focus on conservation are crucial in building resilience against these climate risks.

It is imperative to understand the complex global issues surrounding climate change in order to effectively address its detrimental effects on Tampara wetland’s delicate ecosystem.

Conservation Efforts

Legal protection is a crucial aspect in the conservation of natural sites.

In the case of the Tampara Lake, it has been designated as a Ramsar site and is protected under the Wetland Conservation Rules, which aim to safeguard its ecological integrity.

Additionally, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has taken action by ordering a probe into the violation of norms regarding tourism construction and imposing a ban on any further construction activities in order to protect this ecologically sensitive area.

Legal Protection

Designation as a Ramsar site confers legal protection on Tampara Lake, ensuring its conservation and wise use in accordance with the obligations of the Ramsar Convention.

This international recognition signifies the significance of Tampara Lake as a wetland of global importance.

As a Ramsar site, Tampara is subject to specific guidelines and regulations aimed at preserving its ecological integrity.

The legal protection granted to Tampara Lake prohibits activities such as permanent construction within 50 meters from the edge of the wetland, underlining the commitment to safeguarding its natural values.

By adhering to these restrictions, authorities can maintain and enhance the biodiversity and ecosystem services provided by Tampara Lake.

NGT Order on Tourism Construction

The recent order by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) aims to address the issue of unregulated tourism growth and its potential ecological damage near Tampara Lake.

In response to a petition filed by the Wildlife Society of Odisha, the NGT has ordered an investigation into violations of environmental norms by tourism constructions around the lake.

A high-level committee has been directed to probe the ecological damage and submit a report within 4 weeks.

To prevent further harm, the NGT has also imposed an immediate ban on any permanent constructions near the lake until the next hearing.

This intervention is crucial in halting unregulated tourism growth and protecting the fragile wetland ecosystem from irreversible harm.

Conclusion

In summary, the conservation and sustainable management of Tampara Lake is crucial for its ecological integrity, socio-economic benefits, and cultural significance.

The lake serves as an important habitat for a diverse range of species, including rare and threatened ones, making it ecologically vital. It also supports local communities by providing livelihood opportunities through fishing and agriculture.

The Ramsar site status has been a positive step towards protecting the lake; however, further measures are necessary to ensure its long-term preservation. This includes regular monitoring of the lake’s health, active engagement of local communities in conservation efforts, adaptation strategies to address climate change impacts, and integrated land-water use planning.

Preserving Tampara Lake’s ecosystem integrity is not only important for its ecological value but also holds cultural and aesthetic significance as one of Odisha’s most picturesque waterbodies.

A balanced approach that combines wetland conservation with sustainable development is essential for safeguarding this valuable habitat.