Mending the Gap Landscape Conservation for Alia-bet
Shreeni Benjamin
Grains of Island of Alia-bet
2
Abstract Coastal management is one of the most important parameter to be considered in urban planning for a resilient future. In today’s time especially when we are on the brink of climate change, it becomes mandatory to look at the existing ecosystem services and it’s impact in a larger spectrum. The island of aliabet is a part of the river Narmada’s estuary which has formed connections with the mainland due to the depositions afflicted by the anthropogenic activities like the construction of the Sardar Sarovar dam. Once an ecologically rich and diverse chunk of land, Aliabet was a home to many wetland birds and animals. The present conditions and disturbances has replaced the existing physical conditions and habitats that has affected to the biodiversity in many ways. The imposed man-made conditions has left Aliabet to become a desert and a saline wasteland. This research study is an attempt to understand the drivers and services of the ecosystem of Aliabet in order to revive and strengthen its resources thereby regaining its position in the larger ecological chain.
2
3
Abstract
7
Process
8
Global Impact
10
Narmada Estuary
24
Inside Aliabet
42
Proposal
66
Ecosystem services
69
Acknowledgment
70
References Content
Contents
5
process
The process began with asking intriguing questions, based on the prior years of formal training and education in the field of Architecture and Landscape to finally stumbling upon an area of interest that resonated with a promising prospect. After identifying the area of concern, a deep, cohesive research oscillated between the ‘foundings’ and the undiscovered areas; to formulate a method of venturing the project further. This process involved intense discussions with the tutor and several brain storming sessions with other faculties to identify the scope and the overlooked details and inquiries if any to formulate a basic structure of the project. Formulation of the basic structure led to the collection of the primary data which began with multiple engaging site visits and verbal surveys. The oral narratives from the site visits raised
additional questions to an already unanswered questionnaire made while initial research. But with further engagements with the locals, various secondary resources including the discourses with the tutor helped unfolding a precise narrative. And as a result the questions of research became pointed and specific. This aided in reducing the spectrum of solutions and its search. The importance of existing research paper and softwares like GIS became essential. As they helped to generate the current data. The clear research questions focussed on targeted cases of solution that bought good time for generating appealing representation drawings. With the help of relevant case studies and added skills from prior training the resolution came out naturally in time. Though as a designer the outcome can always be improved but for the given scope of time and scale, the resulted outcomes were accepted as part of this research.
Process
The following research is an outcome of a 4-month long Studio project carried out during the final semester of the ‘Master of Landscape Architecture’ program at CEPT University. The project was carried out under the guidance of professional and senior studio tutors, faculties and external reviewers.
7
Global impact
East- African West Asia Flyway
8
The location of the site globally falls under the rich and hot tropical waters of the world, which are full of nutrients and varied bio-diversity. The highlighted circle is the larger site area. There are nine flyways in the world, a flyway is a geographical region within which a single or a group of migratory species completes its annual cycle - breeding, moulting, staging and non-breeding.
https://www.feow.org/global-maps/major-habitat-types http://wgbis.ces.iisc.ernet.in/energy/water/paper/TR123/section6.htm
global impact Flight path coinciding the site
Region of Aliabet
Central Asian Flyway encompasses overlapping migration route over 30 countries. The Indian sub-continent is a host to 370 Avian varities, 310 species of them use wetlands as habitat. Some of the species include the endangered Indian Saru, Flamingos, Pelicans, Tibetan crane, European roller and Red-necked crane amongst many others.
Global impact
Central Asian Flyway
9
Narmada Estuary History and Evolution Narmada, the oldest river system in India, originates from Amarkantak in Madhya Pradesh, flows east-west, and joins with the Gulf of Khambhat on the Arabian Sea. The river drains 45.64 km3 of annual run-off and a series of dams was proposed to hold some of its water resources for multipurpose use.
The banks of Narmada are steady and the course relentless. The Narmada is basically a sloping stream, in contrast to Ganges or Indus. It has no long, expansive flood fields reached out more than a great many hectares, as in the Indo Gangetic fields. Alia-bet in Gulf of Khambhat
Rift
Singhbhum protocontinental plate
Narmada-History and Evolution
Dharwar protocontinental plate
Figure . on the right: Upper course of river Narmada
10
https://www.mapsofindia.com/maps
The Narmad rift valley was a result of the upliftment between the Protocontinental plates of Aravali, Dharwar and the Singhbhum fracturing along the Precambrian patterns.
Biswas (1987)
bay
a
mad Nar r rive
Kachchh Rift valley
Cam
Aravali protocontinental plate
ada Narm y valle
Rift
State of Gujarat, Alia-bet highlighted with the Rift valley system at the Gulf of Khambhat, which is a part of an active estuarine area and thus undergoes regular changes in terms of deposition and shifting.
2
Narmada-History and Evolution
Narmada-river basin
GUJARAT
12
MADHYAPRADESH
MAHARASHTRA GULF OF KHAMBHAT
Map . Narmada river basin
https://www.mapsofindia.com/maps/rivers/narmada.html
Network of Narmada The Narmada, additionally called the Rewa is a waterway in central west India and the fifth longest stream in the Indian subcontinent. It is the third longest waterway that streams completely inside India. It shapes the customary limit between North India and South India and streams westwards over
a length of 1312 km before depleting through the Gulf of Khambhat into the Arabian Sea, 30km west of Bharuch city of Gujarat. The Narmada bowl, trimmed among Vindhya and Satpura ranges stretches out over a zone of 98796 Sq.km and lying on the northern furthest point of the Deccan Plateau.
Narmada Basin Area : 98,796 sq. km Length: 1312 km Dams : 30 major dams, 135 medium dams and around 3000 minor dams
Narmada-river basin
AMARKANTAK
13
Area of study : Estuary of river Narmada
14
Gulf of Khambhat : Geomorphology
Ravines
Younger tidal flats
Map . Gulf of Khambhat
The configuration of the Landforms in the Gulf of Khambhat consists of the Older tidal flats, Younger tidal flats and Ravines. The island of alia-bet is part of a younger tidal. flat. The younger tidal flats are a recent addition which is formed by the deposits of the sea and river due to the upliftment of
the rift valley and some anthropogenic pressure. This area is a part of the active estuarine area and thus it will still undergo changes in terms of deposition and shifting. The rate of the river flow will remain slow and thus the formation of shoals and deposition will continue to happen.
https://www.mapsofindia.com/maps/rivers/narmada.html Biswas (1987)
Gulf of Khambhat: Geo-morphology
Older Tidal flats
15
water sweet
Fluvio-marine Dynamics of Aliabet
er at tw
ee sw
Arabian sea
Narmada River, west of Bhadbhut, enters in the delta region, part into two distributaries. These distributaries circle Aliabet, comparing Gulf of Cambay. Along the two banks of the waterway, mudflats and swamps are framed. Following reasons will define this Deltaic part of Narmada, AliaBet is an estuary:
01. Before Sardar Sarovar Dam, Aliabet was an island and was surrounded by river water channels on all the sides
Narmada- Fluviomarine dynamics
• Most parts of Aliabet stays submerged in the water during the elevated tide and it gets completely submerged amidst the floods. • During elevated tide, water stretches out up to Broach and even past. • Marshes and mud-pads are framed on both the banks and the island.
16
Alia-Bet has been developing in size quickly with time. Its upper segment is portrayed by broad swamps and mud pads shaped in a bungle design by tidal channels and creeks. Its central part does not experience numerous progressions as it is secured by the shrubs and grass. In any case, this gets submerged amidst the elevated tides and floods. It is seen that the development of Aliabet is toward the sea side as opposed to upstream. Different variables might be in charge of this toward the ocean development. The distributaries streaming at the edges of the island cut the bank of the island and store silt along its edge. In this manner, the island develops in size and the distributaries’ sizes don’t change. Narmada River can likewise be an explanation behind the development of land mass. Mudflats are found along both the banks of Narmada River. In the northern part, they stretch out toward the west of Bharbhut and in the south, they reach out from north of Gonpatpura to south-west of Ambheta.
Map 1. https://www.mapsofindia.com/maps/rivers/narmada.html Map 2. By author Map 3. Google Earth
02. Aliabet was part of an active and perennial estuary where the water was a part of a varying salinity throughout the year
sea
er wat
03. During Floods and high tides the sea water currents travels North and North-Eastern part of the Gulf of Khambhat
Saline Wasteland
04. After the floods, the water recedes back to the sea
leaving behind loads of sediment, which is then left for the river water to clean up during ebb.
07. The process leads to the shifting of the Mudflat towards the mainland to an extend that it completely fills up the river water channel on the other side of the island. Forming a landwise connection to the island.
sion
Ero
ion
sit
05. River water has now lost the pressure to flush out the sediments in to the sea leading to the sediment deposition
08. The East-West aligned island faces saline water to a larger extent which shifts the ecological plane and leaves the island devoid of its natural vegetation
n
sio
sion
Ero
Ero
ion
sit
po
De
06. More deposition leads to the formation of Sand bars and Shoals, also many submerged sediments emerges in the absence of adequate flushing
09. The present condition may increase the deposition of the island towards the sea
Narmada- Fluviomarine dynamics
po
De
17
Impact of Sardar Sarovar Dam
Narmada- Sardar Sarovar Dam
Invincible Sardar Sarovar Dam
18
The 458.3km long, 1,133 cumecs limit Narmada Main Canal in Gujarat is the biggest water system lined waterway on the planet. It further reaches out by 74 km in Rajasthan, and has 38 off-taking branch trenches being worked in stages. The construction of the river Narmada required clearance of more than 10,000 hectares of forest, Not only the forests but the displacement of the surviving tribes by the banks of river Narmada whose livelihood was the river itself. Artificially dammed Narmada, has lost more than 10,000 hectares forests which has resulted in to the deposition of silts on the riverbed, heading into blocking of the entire rift valley.
The dam also resulted in thinning out the river channel which impacted its adjoining river ecology and biodiversity. The flowrate of the river dropped drastically and it affected the overall level of the water which in turn raised the hidden islands and shoals in the estuary.The stable banks of Narmada due to the forests are now devoid of its steady agents, which opens them now to destruction through floods. Minus the forests this river is facing raging torrents in the rains and dried up water courses in the summer. One of the shoals has resulted in to a considerably huge island named Aliabet which conserves a diverse and rich ecosystem of the Estuary.
Evolution of Natural features 1995
2000
2005
2010
Mangrove
Aliabet : Satellite images
Vegetation
Hydrology
Erosion & Deposition
1985
Map 1. https://www.mapsofindia.com/maps/rivers/narmada.html Map 2. By author Map 3. Google Earth
19
Aliabet : GIS maps Maps generated from the remote sensing tool indicates heavy loss of habitats over the period of years. The 1974 map shows an extensive spread of mangroves across the island. Over the period of years mangroves disappear drastically and salt pan and salt marsh which were absent before starts appearing. One of the reason for the loss of mangroves projected is also due to the communities living close by that used the mangroves for wood fire. And salt pan changed the land terrain to a larger extent inviting saline water inside the land changing its existing ecology.
Map . 1974
201 1
01
Aliabet ; GIS maps
1974
20
20
Salt Marsh Geographic Information System.2019
Mudflats
Mangrove
Salt Pan
Map . 2001
Map . 2011
Scrubland
Creeks
Settlement
Depression
Aliabet ; GIS maps
Mudflat Mangroves Scrub Shoals Salt Marsh Salt Pan Creek Depression / Water logged area
2
Gulf of khambhat
Bharuch
Bhadbhut
a ad
rm
Na
Gulf of khambhat
22
Aliabet 238 sqkm2
Ankleshwar
r
e riv
Sardar sarovar dam
Lower Narmada trail of Sardar sarovar dam to the Gulf of Khambhat. Narmada River, west of Bhadbhut, enters in the delta region, part into two distributaries. These distributaries circle Aliabet, and merges in the Gulf of Khambhat. Along with the two banks of the waterway, mudflats and swamps are framed. The Sardar sarovar dam is situated approximately 110 km away from the estuary of river Narmada
Gulf of Khambhat
Scale of the population in towns and villages nearby
23
inside aliabet
Inside Aliabet: Elevation and Tidal range
Natural features: Elevation and Tidal ranges
24
Map . Contour map
0
2.5
5
10 km
2m 4m 6m 8m 10 m
Map . Spring Tides
The average of periodical tides that occurs twice a month is estimated between 3.5-4 m
The highest amplitude of tide 6m during flooding of the sea
Map . High high tides 0
2.5
5
10 km
Inside Aliabet: Elevation and Tidal range
Map . Neap Tides
The average of the regular tides that occurs everyday is estimated 1-1.2m
2
inside aliabet Natural features: Vegetation
Inside Aliabet: Vegetation
Avicennia marina
26
Cressa cretica
Suaeda nudiflora
Main mangrove species
Mangrove associate
Mangrove associate
It is 0.5 to 2m high; stem glabrous much branched; pneumatophores 3-10 cm long, narrowly pointed, straight, not branched or hooked. Leaves 6 x 2 cm, ellipticoblongcorriaceous, dark-green, shining above, yellowish papilliose beneath, acute or obtuse at apex.
Coastal ground cover and creeper
Coastal ground cover and creeper
Shrubby diffuse herb about a feet high arising from a woody perennial rootstock. Flowers are small, white or pink, nealy stalkless in upper leaf axils. Soft leaves but saline in nature
A diffused branched, woody, perennial under shrub, stem prostrate, much branched, smooth, yellowish.
High salinity Near the coast Not eaten as a fodder
High salinity Near the coast Not eaten as a fodder
High salinity Near the coast Not eaten as a fodder
Devi, Vandna & Pathak, Bhawana. (2016). Ecological studies of mangroves species in Gulf of Khambhat, Gujarat. Tropical Plant Research.
Sesuvium portulacastrum Mangrove associate Perennial coastal ground cover and creeper Leaves have fleshy blades that are oval or lance-shaped, very succulent, flat above and convex below. 1.5-2 cm long leaves
Salvadora persica
Porteresia coarctata
Evergreen shrub or a tree
Coastal grass
A diffused branched, woody, perennial under shrub, stem prostrate, much branched, smooth, yellowish.
It has narrow, tough blades and special glands that secrete excess salt, allowing it to withstand intense heat and daily exposure to salt water.
Soft leaves but saline in nature Brackish water
Saline to brackish waters Near the coast, Along the creeks, Depression and water logged areas Less prefered by the animals. Leafs are soft but salty
Near the coasts
Near the estuary and water logged areas as creeks only during the monsoon and the initial period of winter Reason for declination: Accumulation of sediment absence of brackish water
and
Inside Aliabet: Vegetation
High salinity
2
inside aliabet Natural features: Biodiversity Residential birds
Black hair-crested drongo
Common crane
Pond grey heron
Reef Haron
Black headed gull
White Egret
Grey Shrike
The forest officials of Bharuch have spotted various birds on Aliya Bet. Some of them are also Migratory birds from the Northern part of the world: China, Siberia and Russia are said to visit Gulf of Khambhat and Aliya Bet. Around 20,000 flamingos visit Aliya Bet in a year. Thousands of waterfowls can be seen in the salt- pans of Aliabet from October to March. The forest officials of Bharuch have spotted various birds on Aliabet. Some of them are also Migratory birds from the Northern part of the world: China, Siberia and Russia are said to visit Gulf of Khambhat and Aliya Bet. Around 20,000 flamingos visit Aliya Bet in a year. Thousands of waterfowls can be seen in the salt-pans of Aliabet from October to March.
Inside Aliabet: Bio-diversity
Migratory birds
Red necked Flamingo
Brown pelican
European roller
Painted Stork
Common Sandpiper
White necked Kingfisher
Bar-tailed god-wit
Aquatic creatures
The Kharai was recognised as a separate breed in 2015 by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). These camels are unique. Because they have the special ability to survive on both, dry land and in the sea. They swim in seawater and feed on saline plants and mangroves. Presently there are about 600-650 camels. http://birdsofgujarat.co.in/checklist.php
28
Hilsa
Catfish
Mudskipper
Giant freshwater prawn
gb, Sreekanth & Jaiswar, A & Zacharia, P U & Pazhayamadom, Deepak & Chakraborty, S. (2019). Effect of environment on spatiotemporal structuring of fish assemblages in a monsoon-influenced tropical estuary. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment.
Inhabitants Jhat-Maldhari Community
Aerial view, Settlement at higher elevation, Aliabet
With a total of 110 familes (appr. 450 people), the Jat maldhari familes are the only community residing in Aliabet. They came to aliabet 250 years back in search of pasture for their cattles and carried out a journey of coming back an forth from Kutch to Aliabet for camel trading and rearing. Decrease in the local grass “aal” has reduced the number of camels from 2000 to 600 at present.
Potable water bought from nearby towns
Temporary huts made from hay stacks and wooden posts.
Inside Aliabet: Inhabitants
Animal husbandry is the primary occupation, with a total estimate of 1800 buffaloes and goats in the entire community. Fodder plays an important role for thriving the community which is bought from the nearby farms and towns.
29
Settlements in the vast plains of
Vegetation types in Aliabet
30
Inside aliabet
Map . Land-use
0
2.5
5
10 km Mud flat Salt Marsh Scrubland Mangroves Depression Ponds Settlements Salt pan Connection
Inside Aliabet : Land Use
Land-use and Vegetation types
31
2011 2001 1974
Salt-marsh flat
Salt Marsh
27.1 %
Aliabet: Land use Mudflats and Wetlands Coastal edge and Salt-marsh Creeks and Depressions Flat land and Scrub-land Dense forest
Mangrove Cressa cretica
Suaeda nudiflora
Reef Haron
Inside Aliabet : Salt Marsh flat
Aliabet: Typical section
32
Prosopis cinnereria
Tenualosa ilisha
Sesuvium portulacastrum
Brown pelican
Features
Issues
Sediment filteration Breeding ground for migratory brids and aquatic creatures Surge barriers
Groundwater Salinisation Degraded coastal edge Diminishing ecological habitat
Avicennia marina
Painted Stork
0.5 %
2011 2001 1974
Creeks
Tidal creeks & Depression
2.4 %
Aliabet: Land use Mudflats and Wetland Coastal edge and Salt-marsh Creeks and Depressions Flat land and Scrub-land Dense forest
Depression Black headed gull
Prosopis cinnereria
Grey Shrike
Sesuvium portulacastrum
Common Sandpiper
Suaeda nudiflora
White Egret
Porteresia coarctata
7.0 %
Tenualosa ilisha
Features Habitat for Hilsa fish, Migratory birds Ground-water recharge
Aliabet: Typical section
Salinity ingress Filled up creeks Diminishing natural vegetation
Inside Aliabet : Tidal creeks & Depression
Issues
33
2011 2001 1974
Wetland
Mudflats
22.4 %
Aliabet: Land use Mudflats and Wetlands Coastal edge and Salt-marsh Creeks and Depressions Flat land and Scrub-land Dense forest
Pond grey heron
White necked Kingfisher
Inside Aliabet : Wetland
Aliabet: Typical section
34
Common crane
Black headed gull
Red necked Flamingo
Grey Shrike
White Egret
Sesuvium portulacastrum
Tenualosa ilisha
Porteresia coarctata
Giant prawn
Painted Stork
Features
Issues
Feeding grounds for Migratory birds, Kharai camels, underground aquatic organism Ground-water recharge
Ground salinisation Diminishing natural vegetation
2011 2001 1974
Scrub-land
Scrubland
18.1 %
Aliabet: Land use
Prosopis cinnereria
Black hair crested drongo
Aliabet: Typical section
Sesuvium portulacastrum
Bubalus bubalis
Capra aegagrus hircus (goat)
Features
Issues
Grazing grounds for Buffaloes and goats Habitat for animals and birds
Groundwater Salinisation Diminishing local vegetation
Inside Aiabet : Scrub land
Mudflats and Wetlands Coastal edge and Saltmarsh Creeks and Depressions Flat land and Scrub-land Dense forest
35
2011 2001 1974
Dry deciduous forest
Dense forest
1.2 %
Aliabet: Land use Mudflats and Wetlands Coastal edge and Salt-marsh Creeks and Depressions Flat land and Scrub-land Dense forest
Ailanthus excelsa
Tamarindus indica
Pavo cristatus
Albizia lebbek
Black hair crested drongo
Sesuvium
Bubalus bubalis
Peltophorum pterocarpum
Capra aegagrus hircus (goat)
Features Highest elevated area Settlement area for the local tribe Habitat for animals and birds Issues Groundwater Salinisation
Inside Aliabet : Dry deciduous forest
Aliabet: Typical section
36
Cressa cretica
Mangrove chain of connections
37
Rainfall Temperature
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
27
30
33
35
36
0
0
0
0
0
Celsius
Windspeed
%
9.7
10.3
12.1
13.7
17.9
28
24
22
31
44
38
Presence of few migratory birds
Hilsa fish
Partially active wetlands
Inundation
Inside Aliabet : Annual events
Local grass
Migratory
m/s
Humidity
mm
https://www.worldweatheronline.com/lang/en-us/hansot-weather/gujarat/in.aspx
High Temperature Absence of birds and vegetation Dried up wetlands
Jun
34
Jul
29
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
28
30
33
31
26
62.5
7
0
0
1023
Dec
24.4
21.4
20.4
13.8
8.3
9.4
11
60
79
78
68
37
31
29
Water recedes back to sea
Flooding and Sedimentation
Active coastal wetland Recreational period for near by towns and villages High Fishing activities
Inside Aliabet : Annual events
Aliabet inundates
39
Diminishing of the brackish water-zone
Inside Aliabet : Connections
Reduction in the Residentary and Migratory birds
40
Reduction in the number of Kharai camels
Absence of fodder for the animals of the herding community
inside aliabet Aliabet Connections and Survival chain thousands of waterfowls can be seen in the salt- pans of Aliabet from October to March. The only residing community the “Jhat maldharis” (Animal herders) who thrive on fresh river water and there domestic animals like camels, buffalos and goats are suffering because of lack of fodder and potable water. Camels have now adapted to survive on both, dry land and in the sea. They swim in seawater and feed on saline plants and mangroves. Presently there are 600-650 left of them.
Inside Aliabet : Connections
Narmada estuary is famous for the Hilsa fish that breeds in the ocean water but travels back to the brackish water for the rest of year. Sedimentation and Salinity ingress has reduced the rare mix of various saline levels and temperature of the brackish water to a larger extent, damaging its dependent ecology like the Mangroves and the “Aal grass” Reduction in Hilsa fish and Aal grass has affected in the number of wetland birds. Various migratory birds from China, Siberia and Russia are said to visit Gulf of Khambhat and Alia Bet. Around 20,000 flamingos,
41
Proposal Strategy for Damage control
42
Replenishing mangroves using salt-tolerant species
Prevention of Coastal Erosion by providing a natural surge Barrier
Filtration of sediments at both the ends of land and water
02
conserve
Proposal : Strategy for Damage control
replenish
01
Nursing grounds for local and migratory fishes and crustaceans
Preventing Salinity ingress
By introducing barriers at the strategic locations leads to conservation of water and prevention of sea-water to flood and degrade the resources further
replenish
03
SALT
BRACKISH
FRESH
Cultivating fodder for the grazing animals
+ Cultivation of fodder strengthens the only residing tribal community and their livestock, increasing the ownership and responsibility towards the degrading island more.
Proposal : Strategy for Damage control
Conservation of fresh water can help re-generate the lost habitats of varying salinity and biodiversity.
04
flourish
Fresh water conservation
43
Proposal 01
Proposal : 01 Replenishing of Mangrove swamps
Replenishing Mangroves
44
Map . 01 Mangrove swamps followed by salt marsh Replenishing the belt of mangroves in the descending order of salt tolerant species from the sea-ward to land-ward side. This will restore the lost habitats for the migratory birds and the benthic organisms of the mudflats.
Figure . on the right: Coastal edge before and after restoration of mangroves
BEFORE
Degraded edge
Encrusted salt
Filled up creeks Vegetated creeks
Salt marsh
Halophytes
AFTER Nesting grounds
High
Medium
Low
Salt tolerance of Mangroves
45
Proposal 02
Salinity - High tide - After construction of Embankments
Areas under embankment : Salinity level - Less
Proposal : 02 Preventing Salinity
Understanding Salinity with Embankments
Salinity - Spring tide - After construction of Embankments
Areas under embankment : Salinity level Extremely low to moderate
46
Salinity - Neap tide - After construction of Embankments
Less Moderate Extremely
Areas under embankment : Salinity level Extremely low to null
Embankment-Details
Typical section after the construction of embankment
Platform Overflow drain E-concrete Boulders packed with sand
Embankment section
E-concrete is an ecofriendly material that allows the growth of oysters and corals on its surface along with moss and algae. This promotes the small fishes and shrimps make shelter around it.
Embankment wall after 1-2 monsoon season
Proposal : 02 Embankment Details
Impenetrable concrete foundation mattress
47
Salinity after Embankments
More than 90% of the area is subjected to salinity ingress
Less Moderate Extremely
Proposal : 02 Preventing Salinity
Map . Existing Salinity gradation
48
Map . Spring tides before embankments
Map . Spring tides after embankments
More then half of the land parcel gets submerged periodically.
Creating embankments above the height of the spring tides at strategic levels to prevent the saline water from entering inside the land.
Map . Spring tides after Embankments & Rainwater pools The rain-water can be then conserved in the areas of depressions which were earlier flooded by the sea water.
Achieved state of salinity after embankments helps promote native vegetation and inhabit local bio-diversity
Less
0
2.5 5
10 km
Moderate Extremely
Map . High tides Second level of embankment above the height of the high tides preventing the saline water to enter at all.
Map . High tides after Embankments Extent of the high tides floods the first level of embankments making the water brackish in nature.
Map . High tides after Embankments & Rain water pools Rain water conserved after monsoon in the areas dammed under the second level of embankments which percolates to improve the salinity of the land.
Proposal : 02 Preventing Salinity
Map . Achieved Salinity gradation after 3-4 seasons
49
Proposal : 02 Preventing Salinity
The three waters of Aliabet
50
SALT FRESH BRACKISH
Map . Retained water - After Monsoon By introducing barriers at strategic locations leads to rain-water conservation and prevention of sea-water to flood and degrade the resources further
0
2.5
5
10 km
Brackish water
2 - 2.5 m
Fresh water
2-2.5m
4 - 4.5 m
Summer Winter
1-1.5m
1 - 1.5 m
3-4.5m
3 - 3.5 m
Monsoon
3 - 3.2 m
1.5 - 2 m
51 Figure . Expanse of waterbodies during different seasons
SPECIES
HABITAT
Variety of inland and coastal waters including lakes, marshes, mangroves and tidal creeks
WATER
WATER
S,B,F
Little egret
Wet and Dry grasslands, saltmarshes and coastal lagoons
S,B,F
Common crane
Glossy ibis
Lakes, rivers, grasslands, swamps, and coastal marshes.
Variety of inland and coastal waters including lakes, marshes, mangroves and tidal creeks
S,B,F
S,B,F Grassland, Marsh edge
Black headed gull
S,B,F
Red naped ibis
Coastal estuaries, saltmarshes, mangroves, small trees and bushes
F
S,B,F
Grasslands with freshwater ponds Red-wattled lapwing
Reef Haron
Well-spaced shrubs or low trees
F
Grey Shrike
Brackish or saline lakes or estuarine lagoons
S,B
Oceans, Mangrove swamps
S
Wetland, Swamps, Marsh
S,B
Wetland, Swamps, Marsh
S,B,F
Red necked Flamingo
Freshwater and Salt water areas
Avi-faunal Habitat
HABITAT
Lakes, rivers, marshes, Saltpans, estuaries
S,B,F
Pond grey heron
S,B,F
White Egret
Brown pelican
Lakes, rivers, marshes, Salt-pans, estuaries
S,B,F
White necked Kingfisher
52
SPECIES
Painted Stork
Variety of inland and coastal waters including lakes,
S
marshes, mangroves Bar-tailed godwit
and tidal creeks
Black necked stork
SPECIES
HABITAT
Light hill forest, Open wooded country and cultivations
WATER
SPECIES
F
SPECIES
WATER
Lakes, rivers, marshes, Light to deciduous forest
S,B,F
F Indian peafowl
European roller
F
S,B,F
Dense forest, Woodland
Well-spaced shrubs or low trees
F Spotted owlet
Merops orientalis
F
Common myna
Light hill forest, Open wooded country and cultivations
Woodlands, light hill forests
Black kite
Wet and Dry grasslands, Well spaced shrubs or low trees
Dense forest, Woodland and Meadow
Coppersmith barbet
F
Wet and Dry grasslands, Well spaced shrubs or low trees
Well-spaced shrubs or low trees Black drongo
Anthus campestris
F
Grasslands with tall grasses
Crested lark
Coastal wetlands, and freshwater source during breeding
S,B,F Indian skimmer
Wetlands, Swamps
Saru crane
S,B
Greater flamback
F
Bllue hair-crested drongo
S,B,F Dense forest, Woodland
F
F
53 Coastal wetland, Marshes
Common Sandpiper
Avi-faunal Habitat
Jungle babbler
Wet and Dry grasslands, Well spaced shrubs or low trees
F
SALINE
Sesuvium portulacastrum
Inventory - Shrubs and grasses
Leptochloa fusca uninervia
54
BRACKISH
Salsola iberica
Haloxylon salicornicum
Paspalum vaginatum
Salicornia brachiata Salvadora persica
Salsola iberica
Atriplex halimus
Paspalum vaginatum
Suaeda nudiflora
Aeluropus lagopoides
Heleochloa setulosa
Porteresia coarctata
Limonium stocksii
BRACKISH
Cyperus conglomeratus
Sporobolus maderaspatanus
Halopyrum mucronatum
Salvadora persica
Juncus effusus
Terminalia arjuna
Typha angustata Echinocloa colonum
Cyperus iria
Tradescantia axillaries
Fimbristylis tenera
Syzygium cumin
Heliotropium supinum
Tamarindus indica
Inventory - Shrubs and grasses
Cressa cretica
FRESH
55
Proposal : 02 Progressed habitats
Progression of Wetland habitats
56
Map . 02 Freshwater and Brackish water habitats
Figure . on Pg: 53 Wetland habitats generated for the birds and residentary grazers after the construction of embankments
After the construction of embankments
Embankments as platforms for the tourist
Water-retaining ponds during the winter
E-concrete
57
Proposal 03 Bio-saline Agriculture Bio-saline agriculture - Cultivation of the salt-loving grasses or Halophytes Salinity ingress like in the case of Aliabet is a very common rapidly growing problem in many parts of the world due to seawater intrusion into aquifers or reduced river-water flushing. So much so that some farmers prefer to abandon their saltdegraded lands as traditional crops fail. The problem poses challenges to national efforts to enhance food security and self-sufficiency through local production.
Proposal : 03 Bio-saline agriculture
Bio-saline agriculture is one of the successful remedies to rejuvenate the ground with nutrients and make food production.
58
Leptochloa fusca subsp uninervia
Paspalum vaginatum
Halophytes is a potential source of salt resistant genes for increasing the salt tolerance of conventional crop plants. It is a potential source of halotolerant bacteria with plant growth promoting potential. It adds to the protection of the coast. Serves as a food source for the grazers. And in addition also acts as s Phytoremediation tool (restoration of heavy metal-contaminated land) and a Phytodesalinization tool (revegetation and remediation of salt-affected land). The wood and fibers produced helps in balancing the carbon cycle and reducing global warming
Salsola iberica
Distichlis spicata
Etesami, H., & Beattie, G. A. (2018). Mining Halophytes for Plant Growth-Promoting Halotolerant Bacteria to Enhance the Salinity Tolerance of Non-halophytic Crops. Frontiers in microbiology, 9, 148. doi:10.3389/fmicb.2018.00148
Sporobolus virginicus
Map . 03 Grasslands preceded by wetland habitats
Map . 04 Woodlands
Proposal : Succession of Forests
Succession of forests
59
20 20km km
10 km 10 km
60 km 00km
10km km 10
20 km
Map . 05 Succession of Woodlands to Dense forests and addition of the farmlands to cultivate the fodder.
Mangrove swamps Salt Marsh Brackish wetlands Fresh water ponds Grasslands Woodland Dense forest Farming 30 km
Embankments
61
Proposal 03 Tourism
Settlements Freshwater harvesting ponds
Agriculture
Proposal : 03 Tourism
Map .
62
Tourist Trail
0
2.5
Close to 25% of the land can be opened to public for research and tourism. The chosen land parcel includes the residential area of the Jhat-maldhari trip, productive farm lands and various wetland habitats for bird watchers, in addition to a part of the mangrove swamps.
Figure . on Pg 59_Conservation pools close to the ‘Animal herders’ community
5
10 km
SUMMER
MONSOON
E-concrete
Catchment ponds
63
Proposal Mangrove swamps
Marsh land
Freshwater wetland
Percolation
Woodland
Percolation
Percolation
Low marsh High marsh Mangrove Swamps
20 - 30 YEARS
64
EXISTING
Brackish- Marsh land
Intertidal flat
Fresh water wetland
Dense forest
Settlements
Percolation
Dense forest Upland forest/ Terrestrial bird habitat
Freshwater ponds
Farming
Percolation
High marsh Fresh-water Wetland
Settlements Dry deciduous forests
Farming
Proposal : Strategic Section
Woodland
65
ecosystem services Sanctuary for Biodiveristy
Breaks floods, storm surges, protecting the coastal edge
Sediment Filters
Healthy Environment Indicators
Mangroves sequests 2.5 x more carbon then any tropical forest
Ecosystem Services
Nursery for various species of fishes and other creatures
66
Mangroves can be sustainably harvested in the future for honey, fuel and timber
Enough fodder for the residentary and migratory biobiversity
Fishing
Promotes research
Wilderness is our last habitat too, connecting with it refreshes us
Access to potable water
Physical activites for improved health
Cultivation generates livelihood opportunites
aides to:
Climate change Inhabitant local tribe Tourists and Visitors
Sustainable rearing of animals in the presence of sufficent food and water
Bird watching for nature enthusiast
Bio-diversity
Ecosystem Services
Monitors pests and insects
67
“He has made everything beautiful in its time.” Ecclesiastes 3:11
Acknowledgment
Firstly, I want to express my deepest gratitude and humble thanks to my guide and Head of division, Dr. Prof. Deepa Maheshwari, without whom this postulation would have not been formed the way it has. She patiently guided me through the whole process of the project and helped me ammend my errors whenever.
This research would not be completed without a steady and consistent help from my dear ones Ashka Vyas, Keval Sakaria, Arpan Pansuria, Samarth Barot, Rutuja Ulhe, Tanvi Parab, Rainee Saparia, Dixit Narola, Lalnunmawia, Shruti Purohit, Vidisha Barwal, Swati Surampally, Saylee Shinde and Nikunj Pithwa.
I want to extend the earnest gratitude to Prof. Sandip Patil, Prof Divya Shah, Prof. Priyal Shah, and the tutors from my Internal classes Prof. Mansi Shah, Dr. Rajesh Shah, Heena Gajjar and Dipani Sutaria; thank you for the criticaI reviews and guidance. I want to thank the entire Class of 2017-19 to help and accompany me accomplish this course successfully.
At long last, exceptional acknowledgment goes out to my family, for their help, consolation, and tolerance amidst my quest for completing the degree program. The steady support and backing given by them helped me to continue pushing ahead.
D: 05. 01. 2020
Acknowledgment
Shreeni Benjamin
69
References
Research papers: O. (2004). Wetland ecosystems and coastal habitat diversity in Gujarat, India (Rep.). Gujarat Ecology C Numerical Modelling of Tidal Circulation and Sediment Transport in the Gulf of Khambhat and Narmada Estuary, West Coast of India - P.C. Sinha, G.K. Jena, Indu Jain, A.D. Rao and Mohd Lokman Husain Mahapatra, Manik & Ramakrishnan, Ratheesh & S Rajawat, A. (2014). Monitoring long-term morphological changes of Narmada estuary using remote sensing and GIS techniques. 8. Babu N, Arjun. (2015). Tidal Analysis in Gulf of Khambhat (Cambay) off Gujarat Coast. Salvi, H., Das, L., Brahmbhatt, B., Vaghela, N., & Kamboj, R. D. (2017). Diversity of Halophytes in Gulf of Kachchh, Gujarat. International Journal of Life-Sciences Scientific Research, 3(3). doi:10.21276/ijlssr.2017.3.3.6 Mohan Narasimha Rao, Geddada. (2008). Mangrove population of Visakhapatnam and Sarada, Varaha estuarine complex.. Int. Jour. Plant sciences. 3. 686-687. Book: Unni, K. S. (1996). Ecology of river Narmada. New Delhi: A.P.H. Pub.\ Report:
References
Snapshot Feasibility of Alia Bet in Bharuch District _ GIDC – 2009
70
Research Paper: Dhara O. Bhavsar, Yogesh.T. Jasrai and Himanshu. A. Pandya, Vijay Singh, Ajay Patel, and Manik H. Kalubarme (2014) Monitoring Mangrove Status using Remote Sensing and Geo-informatics in Piram Island, Gulf of Khambhat, Gujarat State, India, InternationalJournal of Scientific and Engineering Research Bhaumik, Utpal. (2017). A case study of the Narmada River system in India with particular reference to the impact of dams on its ecology and fisheries. Aquatic Ecosystem Health and Management. 20. 151-159. 10.1080/14634988.2017.1288529. Sedimentology of the Narmada alluvial fan, western India - L.S. Chamyal, A.S. Khadkikar, J.N. Malik, D.M. Maurya Mitra, Abhijit. (2015). Effect of salinity on nutritional value of saltmarsh grass (Porteresia coarctata) from Gangetic delta, northeast coast of India. Indian Journal of Geo-Marine Sciences.
References
Salinity rise in Indian mangroves – a looming danger for coastal biodiversity S. Sandilyan, K. Thiyagesan, R. Nagarajan and Jayshree Vencatesan Devi, Vandna & Pathak, Bhawana. (2016). Ecological studies of mangroves species in Gulf of Khambhat, Gujarat. Tropical Plant Research.
71