______________________________________________________ Department of Landscape Architecture CEPT University, Ahmedabad, Gujarat
Sampat Jhorar Masters in Landscape Architecture ______________________________________________________ PA 200915 l Landscape Architecture Thesis
“Landscape Development of Cherrapunjee Plateau�
Meghalaya, India ______________________________________________________
Synopsis
Landscape Development of Cherrapunjee Plateau
Abstract: Water is frequently a ‘common resource’, not owned or controlled by any individual or organisation and used by many. -Barrow, 1987 Since start of the 20th century, deforestation and population are causing tremendous pressure on the local ecosystem. Along with also causing problems like increased soil erosion, accentuated monsoon winds, access surface runoff resulting in depleting soil conditions and vegetation diversity, increase in landslides, flash flooding in the lower Himalayan areas. Most of the lower Himalayan cities/towns/villages have lost a balanced relationship with their natural resources like forests, watersheds, flora/fauna etc. Climate change and tourism are causing another set of problems to deal with. Along with development, also came the degradation of the region and resulting in a disturbed natural equilibrium. The case of Cherrapunjee is no different from other many foothill settlements of the lower Himalayan region. Unlike other such regions, development has not been the main cause for its depletion, but it is a unique region and its uniqueness is the major reason for its degradation. Cherrapunjee is a place where residents use grass to soften the sound of the deafening rain on their roofs, dry their drenched clothes on chulhas as often as thrice a day, and don’t bother even a bit when a mass of clouds floats right into their homes. Issues & Concerns: The issues that emerge from the abovementioned concerns broadly encompass the following: 1. Discontinuous open space structure leading to fragmented spaces and non-coherent open spaces. 2. Unrealised potentials of Natural Landscape Resources. 3. Serious environmental concerns posed by incompatible surrounding land uses and activities. 4. Raging Deforestation 5. Soil Erosion 6. Contamination of Water 7. Incompatible land-uses like industries 8. Urbanisation without development control 9. Exploitation of available natural Resources 10. Agriculture and Fertilizers Lower Himalayan region is most critical in terms of the ecological and environmental parameters. Landscape Development of Cherrapunjee Plateau
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Intent: The prime intent of this thesis is to define an approach towards understanding the fragility of lower himalayan regions or foothill cities/towns/villages. The concern of the thesis therefore arises from the fact that the natural entities are critical elements and hold immense potential to regenerate the depleting built environment. The rivers, in particular are most vulnerable just while reaching to the plains. The himalayan foothills are very rich source of natural resources and fossils which are posed with several threats like population pressure, incompatible landuse, exploitation of natural resources. The most significant aspect in revitalising this transition zone is to identify the potential and constraint areas to demonstrate an appropriate approach which could help in mitigation of these degradation and destructive processes. The case of Cherrapunjee, Meghalaya Meghalaya (meaning “the abode of clouds”) is a small hilly state in the North Eastern India and most of the area of the state is under dense forest cover. To the north, it is bounded by Assam and by Bangladesh to the south. Shillong is the state capital which is a popular hill station. Shillong is situated at an altitude of 1496 m above sea level and it remained the capital of Assam, before the formation of Meghalaya in the 1974. Only 56 kms away from Shillong is Cherrapunjee, the wettest place on earth. Sohra was the original name of Cherrapunjee, which britishers pronounced as “Churra”. This name ultimately evolved Cherrapunjee, the current name. The word “Cherrapunjee” means ‘land of oranges’. Located at an elevation of 1,484 m above sea level and connected to the Sylhet plains (now Bangladesh), Sohra was the very first British colonies in northeast India. In 1861, Cherrapunjee created a world record with rcorded 22,987mm of precipitation in a single year. The britishers who settled in Sohra in 1820, named it the “Scotland of the East”. They were the ones who discovered its unique features and gave it the special status as the wettest place on the planet. But even the hardy colonists could not bear the rains, and in 1850 they left from Cherrapunjee and shifted capital to Shillong. The Bay of Bengal arm of the Indian summer monsoon is what showers at Cherrapunjee. For about 400 kms, the monsoon clouds fly effortlessly over the plains of Bangladesh. Upon crossing the Sylhet plains of Bangladesh, the clouds hit the Khasi Hills which rise sharply from the plains to an average height of about 1380 m above sea level within a horizontal distance of 2 to 5 km. The khasi hills has many deep valleys which channel the low-flying moisture-laden clouds from a wide region to concentrate over Cherrapunjee plateau. The strong winds push the heavy rain clouds through these steep gorges and up towards the steep slopes. The sudden ascent of the clouds into the upper atmosphere accelerates the cooling and lets vapours to condense. Most of the rainfall in Cherrapunjee is because of the reason that the air is being lifted as a large body of water vapour. The extreme intensity and quantum of rainfall at Cherrapunjee is probably best known feature of orographic rainfall in North-east India. Landscape Development of Cherrapunjee Plateau
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Cherrapunjee is having abundant natural reserves of fossils and minerals, especially limestone and coal. A very rich and rare range of species of flora and fauna are found in the Meghalayan forests. Due to the extreme climatic conditions (rainfall), Cherrapunjee plateau is ecologically very sensitive zone and right now facing threats. Aim: To identify the potential and constraint areas to propose an appropriate master plan to revitalize the depleting natural resources in Cherrapunjee plateau. Objectives: a. To understand the problems/issues of lower Himalayan region through case studies. b. To study and analyze the development in the region and factors affecting the local ecosystem. c. To study and analyze the role and interdependence of various natural resources comprised in the local ecosystem and its impact on the urban environment and vice versa. d. To identify potential and constraint zones. e. Integration of fragmented resources and identification of the factors depleting the ecosystem to bring a comprehensive master plan. f. To understand the social, cultural & religious aspects of the region g. To find out the ecologically sensitive areas in the region Scope: -The study is restricted to policies and design guidelines for conservation and management of natural resources and open spaces development in the region. -To prepare a broad level master plan sketching the different subzones on the basis of land uses, activities, natural resources and available open spaces. - To suggest the detail design proposal for a delineated site (like biodiversity park, ecotourism park, lakefront, waterfall sites, etc) to demonstrate the development policies suggested. Limitations: -Since other setbacks and issues related to core environment, geography, geomorphological areas can be resolved technically, planning of the activities and allocation of spaces for landuses and design of open spaces becomes more important issues for landscape architect. - The detail design proposal will be demonstrated only for the delineated site.
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Methodology: Understanding of the local systems contributing to overall ecosystem of the region and management of the natural resources like forests, grasslands, aquifers, recharge zones, rivers, streams etc; cannot be achieved unless referred to large scale. Therefore the study is done in detail at delineated site level as well as in context with the city on the broader level. The assessment is to be carried out at 3 levels: MACRO (Master-Plan Level), MESO (Delineated Site like biodiversity park), MICRO (Detail Design of area in the park with sections demonstrating the suggestion of finishes, planning, slope treatment etc) Step 1: Regional Level Studies (For study of resources and preparation of master plan) -Topography (Relief, slope and aspect) -Hydrology, watershed and catchment zones -Geology, Geomorphology and soils -Climate & Ecology of the area -Environmental parameters (water quantity and quality), -Flora (Vegetation communities) and Fauna (Fauna habitats, existing biodiversity) -Physical Parameters like Landuse and activity pattern, circulation and visual character, Existing open spaces and continuity of spaces. -Study of natural resources available in the region. Step 2: Analysis, Identification of issues, and Case Studies. -Composite Analysis and synthesis of studies -Identification of issues and formation of mitigation measures, guidelines and policies. -Case Studies Step 3: Development Guidelines, Policies, and Design Proposal. -Broad level Master Planning suggesting allocation of land use and activity zones, biodiversity areas, protected areas -Broad level suggestion for vegetation and plant communities. -Design proposal for a delineated site to demonstrate the proposed policies. Landscape Development of Cherrapunjee Plateau
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Case Studies: 1. Sukhomajri Watershed, District Panchkula, Haryana, INDIA Sukhomajri is a village in the state of Haryana like thousands of other villages in India’s lower hilly areas that suffer ecologically under various climatic conditions, especially monsoon. The village is located at the foothills of the Himalayas near Chandigarh, where overgrazing and deforestation have led to massive soil erosion during the monsoon seasons. Some decades ago, the entire agricultural land was under rain-fed single cropping. Small land holdings coupled with frequent crop failures due to erratic distribution of rainfall, made agriculture as the least dependable means of adequate livelihood. Consequently, the people of Sukhomajri were forced to raise and possess a large number of sheep, goats and cows to carry out a living. But, once the domestic animals were allowed to graze freely in the nearby hills, followed by indiscriminate felling of trees for fuel and other domestic consumption, the once densely covered with lush green vegetation hill slopes,, soon became bare and not even grass was to be seen. The prime reason for which this project was initiated was the continuous problem of silting in the prestigious man-made Shukhna Lake in Chandigarh. Secondarily, loss of top soil was another alarming issue which made this project a reality. Treatments: The major catchment area was treated by vegetative measures. Native species like khair, shisham in the pits and Bhabbar grass at mounds of trenches were planted as initial tretment measure. Construction of earthen reservoirs for storage of excess monsoon rainwater for irrigating the agricultural fields during dry months. The methods worked quite well with the involvement of HRMS (Hill Resource Management Society) and the results brought change in the attitude of people towards the hills. Grazing was controlled and soon the naked hill slopes started florishing again with grasses and trees. Once the forest propagated, they were considered as valuable assets and were protected by the people and was termed as ‘Social Fencing’. People’s participation is the key to success of this project. 2. Jhabua District, Madhya Pradesh, INDIA: Once a heavily forested area, Jhabua lost its natural wealth over the last 45-50 years. Almost 80 per cent of its forest is severely degraded. Both Jhabua and its adjoining areas in Dhar district were, thus, on the threshold of an ecological disaster. The impact was greater on the tribal people as 83 per cent of the district’s populations were tribals, mostly Bhils, whose survival was closely linked to forests. Jhabua witnessed two draughts and a food riot since independence. Landscape Development of Cherrapunjee Plateau
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Moreover, there is wide variation in annual rainfall from year to year. This had resulted in extensive hill, gully and ravine soil erosion. Migration out of Jhabua for jobs continued into the 1990s, ranging between 57-66 per cent. In almost all landholding categories, except large farmers, more than one-third of the household was migrating. The situation changed in the mid-1990s, when the Madhya Pradesh government launched the Rajiv Gandhi Mission for Watershed Development (RGMWD) programme, in October 1994. A decentralized and time-bound mission, it started with the objective of improving 1.2 million hectares (mha) of the land stretched over several watersheds, by the year 2000, with each watershed project finishing within four years. It envisaged greening more than 2.9 mha, approximately one per cent of the country’s total land area. Main reason for initiation of this project was soil erosion and poor water resources, causing a decrease in agricultural and biomass productivity. In the 1ast 50 years, most programmes and schemes meant for the people had not included them only. In this watershed mission, attempts were made to put all the responsibility on the people, with the government working only as a facilitator it was time for the villagers to take over. The first and most important aim of the mission was to make the programme totally people-oriented. The people were involved in the concept, planning, implementation and maintenance of land and water conservation activities in their watershed areas. There was an increase in the forest cover with plantation of millions of trees and subsequent drop in wasteland area. A large area was brought under cultivation. Increase in greenery and subsequent availability of fodder for livestock was made easy. Bhutan For Happiness, Bhutan: Gross National Happiness is more important than Gross National product. - His majesty, the 4th King of Bhutan. Bhutan is a small, landlocked country with an area of 38,394 sq.km situated on the southern slope of the Eastern Himalayas, bordering China to its North and India to its south, east and west. The country is almost entirely mountainous with altitudes ranging from 150 to 7,500 m. Bhutan is part of the Eastern Himalayan region which contains parts of three global biodiversity hotspots, 60 eco-regions, 330 important Bird sanctuaries, 53 important forest areas, and a large number of wetlands. Bhutan’s Conservation History: The Forest Act of Bhutan 1969 was the first modern Act to be enacted by the Royal Government of Bhutan (RGoB), which stipulated the requirement for the maintenance of a minimum of 60 per cent of the total land area under forest cover for all time. This was further enshrined in the Constitution of the Kingdom of Bhutan enacted in 2008. Landscape Development of Cherrapunjee Plateau
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Currently, the country has 70.46 per cent of the total area under forest cover1 (LCMP, 2010) and 51.44 per cent of the total area secured as protected areas and biological corridors. In a world threatened by climate change and global warming, Bhutan is a carbon neutral country. In fact, it is carbon negative. Out of 200 countries, its the only country which is carbon negative. Because of abundant sources of water, the hydropower energy produced is green energy. Climate change is a reality and it is hitting hard on a carbon negative country like Bhutan as well. The glaciers are melting, causing flash-floods and landslides resulting in disaster in the country. Few years ago, a lake breached its barriers and the glacial lake burst causing massive disaster and havoc in Bhutan. That was caused by one lake and Bhutan has 2700 of such glacial lakes. Introduction to Site: Cherrapunjee, The Region: To the north of the study area i.e., Cherrapunjee, lies Shillong plateau and further south is the Bangladesh Plain. While to the west lies Mawsynram plateau, which also receives the highest rainfall in the world. Cherrapunjee area has substantial water resources, but their distribution over the land is uneven. While some areas are blessed with abundant water resources, many others are deprived of even minimum water to meet the basic needs. Rainfall is confined mainly to 7 months (April to October) in a year, which accounts for more than 85 percent. The precipitation in the rest of the year is insignificant. The Cherrapunjee region selected for the present study more or less coincides with geological and physical features and possesses unique geomorphological characteristics. Again, this region is the world’s wettest area with about 1200 cm of rainfall aimually, which results in the formation of strong fluvial dominated landforms. The region is demarcated by Mairang Block and Umngi river valley in the north and west respectively; and in the east this region is separated from the Cherrapunjee platform by the Umiew river valley and by the Bangladesh plain to the south. The general slant of the study region is toward the southward heading into the Bangladesh plains. Little territories lying between various contours show an assortment of morphogenetic features. On the eastern side, it gradually inclines down to the valley of stream Umiew. Once more, in the western part, it gently slopes down to the valley of stream Umngi and in the north it rises delicately towards the Shillong upland. Towards the South of Cherrapunji, the plateau abruptly ends on scarp face of thick cretaceous sandstones and afterward slant abruptly like a wall to the fields of Surma Valley along its Southern edge. The Umstew, Umsohra, Wahrew, Umiew or Umlam or Bagra discover their way down this wall originating over the plateau surface and gives rise to waterfalls along the south of Cherrapunji. Towards the south, the terrrain covering the Shella and Bholaganj exhibits a karst limestone geography with numerous sink holes and potholes over the thick limestone deposits covering the region. Landscape Development of Cherrapunjee Plateau
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Climate: The area experiences tropical monsoon climate. The plateau bears the burnt of the monsoon which begins from February to September. The moisture bearing winds obstructed first by this scarp face of the plateau, precipitate moisture over Cherrapunji areas with annual rainfall exceeding 1100 cm one of the rainest places of the world. The Cherrapunji area experiences cold temperate climate with foggy winter months while the southern part of the terrain along the Bangladesh border experiences hot summer and cool winter months similar to that of adjacent plains. The average annual relative humidity is 84% and average monthly relative humidity ranges from 67% in March to 94% in July. Site Potentials: It seems like the Nature has painted Cherrapunjee in water colors. Unblemished landscapes, stunning waterfalls and the vibrancy of this place arrests one with its charm. The divine seven sisters waterfalls depicting the seven states of the North East is a picturesque site. For the adventurous ones, the unexplored caves around town are certainly a treat along with the various scenic trekking trails and walking paths. There are numerous unique natural features in the region attracting lots of tourist and nature enthusiasts. Culture, People & Occupation: The people living locally in and around Cherrapunjee are known as the Khasi people. The society has a Matrilineal culture. After the wedding of the youngest daughter, her husband goes to live with his wife’s family, who then owns the property of the family. This is because of the reason that the youngest or only daughter of the family has to look after the parents in their old age. While other siblings live on their own getting their bit of share. The kids have to take on the surname of the mother. The real and practical explanation of the development of the matriarchal systems in North-Eastern region of India is derived from the fact that the Khasi men were constantly engaged in the battlefield in the past. That necessitated women to be a constant factor at home in order to ensure continuity of the line. Religion wise the people are represented by Christians, Hindus Khasis etc. Language-wise the people can be differentiated as Khasi, Garo, Bengali, Nepali, Assamese and Hindi speaking. The working population is also lower in comparison to State and District averages. The rural working population is by and large engaged in Jhuming or shifting cultivation activities.
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Analysis of the Region: The Cherrapunjee plateau is unique in terms of its geological setting, variety of geomorphological formations, uncommon slopes and elevations, distinct hydrology, a very different kind of vegetation pattern and various environmental concerning issues. A detailed analysis of these layers individually is utter necessary to understand the region in a more detailed and wholistic approach. A detailed study of the geological, geomorphological, slope, relief, hydrology, soil, landuse, figure ground study, forset cover, biodiversity and aspect layers is done in order to understand the complexity of the region. Detailed analysis is done to infer the essential information. Special emphasis is given on studying the issues the plateau is facing and hence issues like mining, quarrying, etc are identified. These maps are further overlayed to arrive to synthesis plans like erosion susceptibility map, ground water recharge potential map, Afforestation Suitability map & Biodiversity Disturbance map are generated. These maps are used to make critical zone maps pertaining to various factors which are further used as base for masterplanning. Strategies and recommendations for conservation, preservation & development are given at respective levels pertaining to Vegetation, Quarrying, Hydrology, Soil, Landuse, Geology/ Geomorphology, Slope and Relief, Visual character, Tourism & Environment. Bibliography: 1. Ian L. McHarg. Design with nature. United Kingdom: Natural History Press, 1971. 2. Nigel Jenkins. Through the Green Door. United Kingdom: Gomer Press, 1995 3. Dr. P K Das. The Monsoons. India: National Book Trust, 1989 4. Alexander Frater. Chasing the Monsoon. USA: Picador Publishers, April 30, 1991 5. Christopher Becker. History of the Catholic Missions in Northeast India. India: South Asia Books, 1 May 1980. 6. Binoo K. John. Under a Cloud: Life in Cherrapunji, the Wettest Place on Earth. USA: Penguin Books, January 22, 2004 www.cherrapunji.com www.lonelyplanet.com www.india.com www.rainwaterharvesting.org www.downtoearth.org.in Landscape Development of Cherrapunjee Plateau
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