Major

WETLANDSOf Himachal Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh State Wetland Authority
 WETLANDS

Wetlands are important features in the landscape that provide numerous bene cial services for people, wildlife
and aquatic species. Some of these services, or functions, include protecting and improving water quality,
providing sh and wildlife habitats, storing oodwaters and maintaining surface water ow during dry periods.
These valuable functions are the result of the unique natural characteristics of wetlands. Wetlands are among the
most productive ecosystems in the world, comparable to rain forests and coral reefs. An immense variety of
WETLANDS

species of microbes, plants, insects, amphibians, Conserv ation Programme with the active
reptiles, birds, sh and mammals can be part of a participation of all the stakeholders, keeping in view
wetland ecosystem. Climate, landscape shape the requirement of multidisciplinary approach,
(topology), geology and the movement and various Departments and Agencies such as Forests,
abundance of water help to determine the plants Fisheries, Tourism, Industries, HP Environment
and animals that inhabit each wetland. The complex, Protection and Pollution Control Board,
dynamic relationships among the organisms Universities, Zoological Survey of India. National &
inhabiting the wetland environment are called food State level research institutes are also actively
webs. Wetlands can be thought of as "biological involved in the Wetland Conservation Programme.
supermarkets." The core objective of the
Ramsar convention de ned Wetland Conservation Programme is to conserve
wetlands as areas of marsh, fen, peat land or water, and restore wetlands with the active participation of
whether natural or arti cial, permanent or the local community at the planning,
temporary, with water that is static or owing, fresh, implementation and monitoring level. Beside this
brackish or salt, including areas of marine water the the broad objectives laid down in the Management
depth of which at low tide does not exceed six Plan are to conserve and to restore the habitats for
metres . These include estuaries, deltas, bogs, migratory & resident species of birds of the area ,to
streams, ponds, reservoirs etc. conserve the indigenous sh species and make
Himachal Pradesh encompasses a wide shery, sustainable livelihood for the local
variety of wetlands, spread in various ecological shermen, to harmonize the relation between
zones which are the source of livelihood for the local shermen, wildlife and farmers, to enhance the
community and have immense aesthetic & tourism income of the local people by undertaking the
values. Presently, the State has three Ramsar income generation in potential area, propagation of
Sites- Wetlands of International Importance eco-tourism in the area to generate employment in
namely Pong dam (Kangra), Renuka (Sirmour) and the area and to make the tourists more sensitive
Chandertal (Lahaul& Spiti). Besides, Rewalsar towards the values of nature & wetlands.
(Mandi) and Khajjiar (Chamba) have also been To ful ll objectives, the Wetland Conservation and
included by the Ministry of Environment Forests & Management action plans involve components like
Climate Change, Govt. of India for its conservation Habitat Improvement, Soil and Water Conservation,
and management. The Himachal Pradesh State Dweeding & Desilting, Income generating activities,
Wetland Authority (HPSWA) constituted in the year Training/workshops/ Awareness camps, Research
2017 under the aegis of H.P. Council for Science, Studies covering site-speci c conservation works
Technology & Environment (HIMCOSTE) is acting and awareness activities.
as a nodal agency to coordinate the Wetland
RAMSAR SITE-WETLANDS OF INDIA
S.No Name of Site State Location Date of Declaration Area (in sq.km)
1 Asthamudi Wetland Kerala 19.08.2002 1860
2 Bhitarkanika Mangroves Orissa 19.08.2002 525
3 Bhoj Wetlands Madhya Pradesh 19.08.2002 31
4 Chandertal Wetlands Himachal Pradesh 08.11.2005 38.56
5 Chilka Lake Orissa 1.10.1981 1140
6 Deepor Beel Assam 19.08.2002 4.14
7 East Calcutta Wetlands West Bengal 19.08.2002 378
8 Harika Lake Punjab 23.03.1990 86
9 Hokera Wetland Jammu & Kashmir 08.11.2005 13.75
10 Kanjli Lake Punjab 22.01.2002 14.84
11 Keoladeo Ghana NP Rajasthan 01.10.1981 28.73
12 Kolleru Lake Andhra Pradesh 19.08.2002 673
13 Loktak Lake Manipur 23.03.1990 945
14 Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary Gujrat 24.09.2012 120
15 Point Calimere Tamil Nadu 19.08.2002 17.26
16 Pong Dam Lake Himachal Pradesh 19.08.2002 307.29
17 Renuka Wetland Himachal Pradesh 08.11.2005 4.028
18 Ropar Lake Punjab 22.01.2002 41.36
19 Rudrasagar Lake Tripura 08.11.2005 2.40
20 Sambhar Lake Rajasthan 23.03.1990 736
21 Sasthamkotta Lake Kerela 19.08.2002 11.3
22 Surinsar-Mansar Lakes Jammu & Kashmir 08.11.2005 3.50
23 Tsomoriri Lake Jammu & Kashmir 19.08.2002 120
24 Vembanad Kol Wetland Kerala 19.08.2002 4583
25 Upper Ganga River Uttar Pradesh 08.11.2005 265.90
26 Wular Lake Jammu & Kashmir 23.03.1990 173
[Source: Ministry of Environment & Forests, Government of India] Total Area [in sq. km] = 12119.03
 REWALSAR-WETLAND
Introduction
Rewalsar is natural and small wetland is located in district Mandi of Himachal Pradesh at a distance of 24 km in
the south west direction of Mandi on Mandi-Hamirpur highway at the height of 1360 mts(Avg.) amsl. The lake is
shaped like a square with the shoreline of about 735 m. This area falls on the con uence of Sikandara-Dhar and
'Barkot' ranges of sub-mountainous Himalaya between latitude 31°37'30 N and longitude 76°49 E. The place
has series of small beautiful lakes, of which Rewalsar lake is the most beautiful and sacred. Total catchment area
of Rewalsar wetland is 173 hactare. The lake covers 2.6 ha. The main source of water for Rewalsar wetland is
their internal water springs. Rewalsar is an important tourist destination and also one of the most famous sacred
spots for Hindus, Buddhists and Sikhs as it is largely associated with serpent worshipping. Keeping view of its
religious, cultural and ecological importance, the Ministry of Environment & Climate Change Govt. of Scheme
Forests, GoI has covered Rewlsar wetland of the State underque national Wetland Coservation programme.
REWALSAR-WETLAND

Climate
The climate of the area is of sub-tropical monsoonic type. The average precipitation at
Rewalsar is 1690 mm and average maximum temperature is 33°C. The minimum
temperature touches freezing point and some time snowfall occurs in the area. Broadly,
four distinct seasons namely, winter (middle of December to February), summer (March
to June), rainy (early July to the middle of September) and autumn (October to
November) are present in Rewalsar. Winter is mild in low-lying areas, whereas it snows
on high mountain ranges. Springs are warm and sunny. Rainy season is the wettest part of
the year and characterized by high humidity. Summers are prickly hot during monsoon
months

Geology
The area is mostly hilly. The catchments lithology is composed of middle Siwalik Group (Pliocene) of rocks comprising
predominantly of ne grained, light colored sandstone with grey siltstone and shale inter-layered. The latter two are
often thicker than the former, indicating intermittent subsiding basin condition, their more weatherable nature and
intense tectonic activity; sandstone layers occasionally stand out as resistant boulder within the weathered mass. The
greenish grey-siltstone often show spheroidal or elephant skin weathering which weathers to soil. Fine specks of mica
are seen in the siltstone. Clayey soil is also common and is not very deep. The major, trace and, (rare earth element)
(REE) geochemistry of Rewalsar Wetland sediments supported by petrographic. Clay mineralogical studies have
revealed that sediments have been derived from metamorphic source terrain. In the very vicinity of the wetland area,
sandstone is seen dipping into the hill in north-west direction. The depression formed for the accumulation of water
appears to have been caused by a strike slip fault that runs in NE-SW direction. On the whole, the rocks are soft and
the strata are unstable, easily lending to the forces of denudation and erosion.

Social & Cultural Values

There is perennial out ow in one side of the lake which has been the source of irrigation for the immediate
downstream families since the historical time. This economic value of agricultural productivity owing to the water
body cannot be ignored. The wetland catchment also provides fuel and fodder for local habitants. Religious and
historical Importance of the wetland is of great attraction for pilgrims throughout the year.

Flora and Fauna

Rewalsar wetland is surrounded by thick vegetation and mountains which is a store house of both oral and faunal
biodiversity. Rewalsar has forest area which is occupied by chir forest and scrub. The type of vegetation is sub-tropical
type composed of khair, shisham, kachnar and chir etc. The chief macrophytic genera in Rewalsar
REWALSAR-WETLAND

lake are; Nymphaea, Trapa, Ceratophyllum and Phragmites in Rewalsar 262 species belonging to 82 families and 220
genera; of these one belong to gymnosperms and to rest to angiosperms, with 8 monocotyledonous spp. are found.
Besides, 47 genera of phytoplanktons are recorded. Out of which 11 belonged to Myxophyceae, 18 each to
Chlorophyacae and Bacillariophyceae. Blue green algae developed in large number in Rewalsar Wetland The faunal
biodiversity of the area is rich. It has jackals, leopards, snakes, monitor-lizard, mongoose, monkeys, porcupine, and
barking deer. Indian coot, Brown coot, White Breasted king shers, Kalij pheasant birds are recorded in the area. The
Wetland is rich in sh fauna consisting of Channa marulius, C. straitus, C. punctius, Cyprinus carpio, Carrasius auratus,
Catla catla, Punctius ticto, P. sarana and Rasbora rasbra.

Problems/ Threats
 Water pollution and siltation in the water body.
 Hydrological and ecological troubles by crowded human settlement around the wetland.
 Encroachment, deforestation and increased activities of the heavy in ux of pilgrims/tourists.
 Proliferation of aquatic weeds in the wetland area depleting the dissolved oxygen level in the wetland.
 The profuse aggregation of Phragmites, Nymphea, Ceratophyallum, Trapa and other species is causing much
concern to the ecological functioning of the lake.
 Sewage drains constructed around the lake are not functioning properly and leaking at many points which are
causing eutrophication in the Wetland due to the heavy ow of the nutrients.
 Frequent incident of heavy sh mortality in the water-body due to increasing water pollution which increases the
BOD level and decreases the DO level below the permissible level.
 Fish catch is taboo at the religious place for population crossing the carrying capacity of the wetland, increased due
sh molarity during summer season.

Inititives
 Initiatives for conservation and management of  Construction of Silt retention Chamber
the wetland:  Fisheries conservation
 Environment awareness generation  Plantation at the catchment area (10 ha)
 Soil conservation  Solid waste management
 Fencing with cemented poles  Cleaning of drains
 Raising medicinal herbs/plants
 Construction of Check Dam
CHANDERTAL-WETLAND

Climate
The region of Chandertal is characterized by the oxygen de ciency, low atmospheric
pressure, intense sun radiations, excessive coldness, aridity and revitalizing climate. The
average snowfall recorded is 75cm. The winters are extremely cold with mercury dipping
down 37°C to 40°C making it one of the coldest regions of the country.

Geology
The geology of the catchment area of this lake is unique as the Kunzum Range possess a
distinct sedimentary as well as fossilised structure of the rocks dating back to the period of
uplift of the Himalayas.

Social & Cultural Values

The social and cultural values assigned with this wetland include religious importance,
tourism importance social relations with the wetland, etc. There is no permanent human
settlement in the catchment area of wetland. However, from July to September, the
migratory grazers erect temporary shelters. There are no commercial units in the vicinity of
wetland. Since the whole area is devoid of vegetation and human settlement, hence no area
in the vicinity of lake is used for agriculture.

Flora and Fauna

The Chandertal weland and its catchment area falls in the Alpine zone that is characterized by the absence of
trees. The herbaceous growth is remarkable for its variety. The importnt species are Potentila, Ranunculus,
Acquilegia, Primula, Aconitum, Aster, Asteraglus, Bistorta af nis, Delphinium, Geranium, Oxyria, Polygonium,
Ranunculus, Rosularia, Stellaria and Thymus species belonging to family Ranunculaceae, Poaceae, Asteraceae,
Polygonaceae, Rosaceae, Gentianaceae, Geraniaceae, Polygonaceae, Caryophyllaceae and Lamiaceae etc. The
common grasses frequently encountered are Poa and Agropyron. These grasses have rich nutritive value. The
faunal species like Marmot (Marmota bobak) Snow leopard ( Panthera), Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes ) Wild Chukar (
Alectors Chukar ), Goat (Capara ibex), Blue Sheep (Pseudois nayaur), Snow Cock (Tetrogallus spp), Black
Winged Stilt ( Himantopus himantopus), Brahminy Duck ( Tadorna feruginia), Golden Eagle (Aquila
chrysaetos).
 CHANDERTAL-WETLAND

Introduction
Chandertal is one of the high altitude wetland snow fall and mercury dips down to 37°C - 40°C.
located in the cold desert part of Western Himalayas during winter season. Chandertal area is covered by
at an height of 4337 mts above mean sea level.The glacial type of soil which is not fully matured. The
wetland is situated in Chandertal Wild Life catchment area of this wetland is formed by the
Sanctuary. The total area of sanctuary is 38.56 kunzam range which is covered with snow for most
Square km.( 3856 Ha) and Protected Area is - part of the year. Area is free from any human activity
61.50 Square Km.(6150 Ha) With Eco Sensitive in the immediate vicinity. Approximate 65% of the
Zone. The geographical location of the lake is catchment area is a degraded land due to glacial
Latitude- 3228'30" N and Longitude-77 37'E. The action. Remaining of 35% of the area is covered by
total wetland area is about 1.53 Square kms and herbs and grasses which undergoes seasonal grazing
circumference of the Lake is 4 kms. Chandertal by migratory graziers. In veiw of uniqie Features &
catchment is an area of meadows, rugged rocks, Ecological importance of the Chandertal Wetland
snow and scree. The Chandertal area falls in the has been declared as RAMSAR SITE in year
rain-shadow areas of Himalayas. The monsoon 2005.
hardly penetrates and reaches the valley in the form
of misty drizzles. Precipitation occurs in the form of
CHANDERTAL-WETLAND

Problems/ Threats
 Soil erosion due to glaciers.  Conservation and protection of native grass species
 Maintains of Pastures. like Poa and Agropyron
 Solid waste management in the area.  Sensitization of tourists on littering and waste
 The tourist in ux in the wetland. management through IEC material.
 Check Walls in staggered Manner with crate wire to  Income generation activities for camping site
check the soil erosion. development outside the catchment of the wetland.
 Development of Pasture to stop gully formation.

Inititives
 Initiatives for conservation and management of Chandertal wetland
 Check Walls in staggered Manner with crate wire to check the soil erosion.
 Development of Pasture to stop gully formation.
 Conservation and protection of native grass species like Poa and Agropyron
 Sensitization of tourists on littering and waste management through IEC material.
 Income generation activities for camping site development outside the catchment of the wetland.
 KHAJJIAR-WETLAND

Introduction
Khajjiar wetland is a part of the Ravi basin, located surface runoff water during rainy season. It is
in the north-east of Dalhousie town, Chamba district presumed that wetland is fed by perennial natural
of Himachal Pradesh. Khajjiar is situated at an sources of ground water in the center, maintains its
altitude of 1900 mts. above mean sea level. Water water level. The scenic beauty of the area earned
body is in the center of gently rolling meadows Khajjiar the name of the Mini-Switzerland. The
covered with lush green grass. Beautiful glade is Geographical location of Khajjiar wetland is
surrounded by a thick cover of deodar forest. A few Latitude 32° and 32'N Longitude 76° 4'E. The
streamlets enter the water-body crossing through area of the water body is about 4500 Sq. Mts. The
the saucer shaped glade and feeding the discharge total Catchment area of Khajjiar wetland is 6
into the wetland mainly from the rainwater and Square Km.
snow melt water. It receives a high volume of

Climate
The area receives rain during monsoon and snow/rain during the winter season. Rains peaks in July, averaging
350 cm in the month and snow is maximum during the month of January. Temperature in Khajjiar area varies
from sub zero in the winter to 32 during summer. Wind of 6-11kms/hour speed can be generally felt in the area,
occasionally rising to about 30kms per hour.
KHAJJIAR-WETLAND

Geology
Khajjiar is situated on the western extremity of Dhaludhar range of the Western Himalayas. Area is mainly comprised
of Silurian rocks chie y slates, schist and conglomerate. These rocks are underlined by granite, gneiss and quartzite.
The strata is conventionally known as Dalhousie Granite forming part of Dhauldhar Granite.

Social & Cultural Values

The Khajjiar wetland named often the Khajji Nag. The Temple dedicated to Khajji Nag is located in the glade of
khajjiar wetland. For the local people this wetland holds sacredness and shay believe that it is unfaithomable.The large
number of people reriding in the vicinity of due wetland depend on it for livelihood, very mainly involved in tourism
activities like horse ridding to clue victoria, hotelier occupation . The live stocks of the nearby khajjiyar also depend
upon the wetland for gazing purpose.The sheep, cows, mules are the main gcaries animals of the glace.

Flora and Fauna

The oristic composition of the Kalatop-Khajjiar area varies from Chil Pine ( Pinus roxburghii) with a mixture of Ban
Oak in the lower zone to pure Deodar in the middle reaches which culminates in to mixed of Deodar, Fir and Spruce
with some pasture towards Dainkund area. Some of the medicinal plants like Patish, Barian, Chora, Shafoo, Rasount,
Juhi, Asmani booti, Karu, Kaur, Salam misri, Kuth, Barhmi,Banfasha Ashwagandha. The portion of the
lake is infested by weeds and has become marshy and swampy due to deposition of silt and other bio-mass from its
catchment area. The weed species like Typha ,Thalia geniculata,Cyperus robust, Echinodorus trialatus, Polygonum
hydropiparside Maralles gundripolia ,Pespalum rapens, Potan Hydrocotyle ranunculoides
The forest around the area abounds in wildlife. At higher elevation near the snow line one may nd the Leopard,
Himalayan fox, Black Bear, Stripped Hyena, Goral, Barking Deer, Hanuman Languor, Rhesus Monkey, Flying squirrel
etc
Birds like Black Eagle, Cinereous Vulture, Himalayan Griffon, Egyptian Vulture, Lammergeier, Himalyan Monal, Kalij
Pheasant, Koklass, Wedge-tailed Green Pigeon, Oriental Turtle Dove, Plum headed Parakeet, slaty headed
Parakeet, Eurasian Cuckoo, Asian Barred Owlet, Large tailed Nightjar, House Swift, Great Barbet, Scaly bellied
Woodpeckers, Grey-headed Woodpeckers, Himalayan Woodpecker, Red-rumped swallow, Black bulbul, Variegated
Laughing thrush, Streaked Laughing thrush, Rufous Sibia, Dark-sided Flycatcher, Common Chiffchaff, Greenish
Warbler, Golden spectacled Warbler, Plumbeuous Water Redstart, Spotted Fork tail, Grey Bushchat, White-capped
Water Redstart, Blue-capped Rock Thrush, Chestnut-bellied Rock Thrush, White-collared Blackbird, Grey-winged
Blackbird, Mistle Thrush, Great Tit, Green-backed Tit, Spot-winged Tit, Black throated Tit, White-cheeked Nuthatch,
Bar-tailed Treecreeper, House Sparrow, Russet Sparrow, Black-and-yellow Grosbeak, Yellow Breasted Green nch,
Rock Bunting, Crested Bunting .
KHAJJIAR-WETLAND

Problems/ Threats
 Wetland ecosystem has been disrupted in recent size and extent. As a result, some of the old open
years due to a combination of natural and man water area has been reclaimed, by the
made factors. . Heavy siltation and deposition of vegetation.
peat has made the water-body too shallow which  Fish population and occasional congregation of
impeded the movement of Phragmites island. migratory birds have also been affected over the
Humic acid has reduced the visibility . Besides past several years.
other peripheral veget ations have also  During the last two decades, area has witnessed
encroached into the open water area. an unprecedented increase in the tourist in ux.
 Heavy siltation and deposition of organic Inevitably, this has led to mushrooming of tuck
matter on the periphery of the wetland shops in the area. Tourism is generating a large
 The vegetation around the lake acts as a sieve for quantum of waste. This waste is being dumped in
the runoff material. A substantial amount of the downstream of the water body. It has been
domestic animals excreta the water-body. observed that no waste management measures
Deposited excreta in this sieve, provide nutrition are being practiced in the area
to substantially increase the vegetation both in

Inititives
 Soil Conservation works to check the soil erosion  Development Pony trails.
 Manual Desilting of wetland  Sensatisation of local people and tourists about
 .Chech dam constructions the Solid Waste management
PONG DAM-WETLAND

Climate
The climate of the region is sub-tropical. The summer season extends from mid-March to mid July and the monsoon
season is from early July to mid-September. Winters are mild, starting in early December and lasting till mid-March.
The temperatures range from a maximum 47°C in summer to a low of 3.5°C in winter. The rainfall is generally heavy
and continuous from July to September.

Geology
Geomorphologically the wetland is located in a typical with little meandering. Mud ats exposed during the
inter mountain valley lled with thick pile of uvial lean period constitute the broad belt all along the
deposits. From the central portion of the waterbody, waterbody. There is a Clear cut distinction between
uvial terraces can be easily demarcated .In fact,the the physiographical & uvial feature on the northern
place named Tarrace is an example of old terrace of and southern side of the water body. Streamlets joining
the river Beas which drained the valley from south- the water body in the southern side are ephemeral in
eastern side. Sediments constituting the valley ll nature and locally called choes. The soils by & large
ranges that from boulders to sand grains. Streams that are alluvial & sandy loam in texture obtained from the
joins the water body from the northern side are weathering of sand stones & conglomerates.
straight and some of them are structurally controlled

Flora and Fauna

The right bank of the Beas has meager forests in small Deer wild boar. Common Monkey , Jackal, Leopard ,
pockets whereas on the left bank from Dehra to Jungle Cat, Mongoose ,Pangolin, Bats,snake,
Terrace, there are linear strips of scrub forest. There butter ies etc. The wetland attracts more than 220
are several tree species which produce edible fruit for species of migratory & resident birds & is an important
the birds. There is also some submerged aquatic wintering area for a large number of black headed
vegetation in the wetland but pronounced seasonal Gulls Brahminy ducks Bar headed geese, Shovlers,
changes in water level & shore line does not support Plovers, Grebes, Cormorants, Darters, Herons,
extensive areas of emergent vegetation. Main tree Moorhes Egrets, storks, Bar-headed Geese, Ruddy
species of the tract having attraction for the bird are. Shelduck, Pintails, Coots, Pochards, Gulls, Grebes,
Acacia,Jamun, Shisham, Mango , Mulberry, Ficus, Cormorants, Mallards etc. A large variety of sh such
Kachnar, Amla & Prunus Apart from these tree as Mahaseer, Katla , Minor carps, Rohoo, Singhara etc
species a variety of shrubs grasses & climbers are are found in the Pong dam and its tributaries. A total
also found in these forests. The wildlife species found of 27 sh species belonging to 5 families have been
in Pongdam wetland are Nilgai, Sambhar Barking recorded .
 PONG DAM-WETLAND
Pong wetland, now called as
Maharan a Prat ap Sagar
situated in the Kangra District
of Himachal Pradesh, is one of
the largest man- made
wetland of the Northern India
formed by the construction of
Pong Dam during 1974 across
the Beas River. The wetland
located in district Kangra of
Himachal Pradesh State with
Himalayas in the background
and Shivalik foothills in the
forefront.

Introduction
This wetland is the rst major wetland which potentially Conservation and Management of wetlands programme
offers a transitory resting reserve for the migratory in 1994 by the Ministry of Environment, Forest &
birds coming from the Trans Himalayan zone in the Climate Change, Govt. of India .
winter season when the wetlands in the Europe and Pong wetland earned the distinction of being selected as
North and Central Asia become frozen due to onset of an international RAMSAR site in year 2002.This is rst
winters. Flocks of waterfowls that breed in these areas wetland of the state to have been given the global arm of
in summer undertake migration to Pong to spend winter protection. The Pong dam reservoir extends between
in more congenial climatic conditions every year during latitudes31°49' to 32°14' N and longitudes 75°53'
the winter season from October to March. The total to76°17' E. Dhauladhar Mountains are feeder of water
catchments area of 12562 Sq.km. extends in Kangra, supply to Pong Lake. Below Pong dam, a barrage was
Mandi and Kullu Districts. The area of water body constructed during 1985-86 at Sathana. From this
varies from 125 sq Km at minimum water level at 1280 barrage, Sahanahar canal originates. The total distance
ft in summer season to about 220 Sq Km at the of Pong to Barrage is about 4 Km. This barrage
maximum water level of 1390 Feet in rainy season and constitutes a shallow water body enclosing about 3 Sq
also leaving behind the maximum draw down area of Km .The area, is a heaven for a variety of migratory
about 80 sq Km. This sanctuary was indenti ed under birds speci c to marshy conditions.
PONG DAM-WETLAND

Population Of Common Waterfowl Of Pong Dam Wetlands

Bird Numbers Species
>10000 Bar-headed Goose, Pintail, Coot, Large Cormorant, Common Teal
>5000 Eurasian Wigeon, Tufted Duck, Common Pochard
>1000 Mallard, Shoveller, Little Cormorant
>500 Gadwall, Spot-billed Duck, Indian River Tern, Brown-headed Gull, Temminck's Stint

Problems/ Threats
 To conserve and to restore the habitats for migratory & resident
species of birds of the area.
 To conserve the indigenous sh species and make the shery
sustainable livelihood for the local shermen.
 check the Soil erosion.
To
 To propagate the organic farming in the peripheral of the
wetland.
 To harmonize the relation between shermen & wildlife and
farmer & wildlife by sensitizing them to the values of the wetland wildlife.
 To check the deforestation activities in the area.

Inititives
 Watershed Management such as construction of check dams, check walls, bioengineering works in the
catchment to reduce the silt load in the wetland.
 Habitat improvement to attract the more number of migratory and local species of birds.
 Income generation activities for local people like horticulture, agriculture, bee-keeping, sericulture, shery in
ponds, diary farming Tourism etc.
 Scienti c Studies to improve water quality, aquatic life, biodiversity conservation.
 Socio-Economic study of the area.
 Trainings to the action plan implementing members and other stake holders.
 RENUKA-WETLAND

Introduction
Renuka wetland is in the Sirmaur district of Himachal sleeping women. Renuka was killed by her own son, the
Pradesh in India and it is 672 m above the sea level. legendary Parsu Ram, in obedience to the orders of his
Renuka is oblong shaped wetland anked by two father-the sage Jamadagni. After the deed was done,
p a r a l l e l s t e e p h i l l s r u n n i n g e a s t - we s t . T h e lake Renuka was formed surrounded by stepped elds
geographical location of Renuka wetland is Latitude: of golden corn. Today the myth is brought to the fore
35°58'N to 37°08' N and Longitude77°26'34 to when, each year in November, a fair is held to celebrate
77°28'21 E. The total wildlife sanctuary area is the immortality of Renuka and her son. The key-notes
402.80 ha. The Renuka lake is surrounded by lush of the colourful fair are the festivity and devotional
green forests supporting a variety of animal and bird exuberance. It lasts for a week in which cultural
life. Renuka lake is not only an idyllic holiday resort programmes and folk dances are organised for the
but also revered Pilgrim centre. Renuke wetland is entertainment of visitors. Several idols of Parsu Ram,
connected by road and lies in Sirmour district. It is 123 believed to be the incarnation of Lord Vishnu and other
km from Parwanoo, 60 km from Paonta Sahib amd 37 local deities, placed in decorated palanquins, are
km from Nahan. With an area 20 ha Renuka lake is the carried by an impressive procession to Parsu Ram Tal.
largest natural lake in Himachal. It is shaped like a Renuka wetland is a perennial water body fed by 21
RENUKA-WETLAND

seasonal streams which are vigorous formations of the area are possibly
particularly during the monsoon conduit to discharge groundwater to
season. the wetland. In view of its rich
Internal springs of the lake are the biodiversity and uniqueness of the
p e r e n n i a l s o u r c e o f w a t e r. area. The Renuka wetland was
Underground network of channels in declared as a RAMSAR SITE in the
the Limestone and Dolomite year 2005.

Climate
The climate of the area is of sub-tropical monsoonic type. The average precipitation
at Renuka wetland is 150-199.9 cm per annum average maximum temperature is
32°C. Winter is mild in low-lying areas, whereas it snows on high mountain ranges.
Springs are warm and sunny. Rainy season is the wettest part of the year and
characterized by high humidity. summers are prickly hot during monsoon months

Geology
The catchment rocks of Renuka are dark carbonaceous shales and slates, closely
inter bedded with thin slaty quartzite belonging to Infra Krol Group. The slaty
quartzite, or clay slates are frequently calcareous and consists of quartz, carbonate,
sericite and pyrite and in some cases chlorite. The green-gray calcareous shale and
argillaceous limestone with variable gradation are of Krol A Group. The purple red
shales with intercalation of green-shales and thin dolomitic cherty limestone belong
to Krol B Group. The well bedded grayish white limestone with shale represents
Krol C. The rock formation belongs to neo Proterozoic Proterozoic age. The soil
composition of the region also show a heterogeneous mixture of carbonate rocks,
sandstones, shales, siltstone in various proportion. The soil cover is thin due to
weathering-limited conditions.

Flora and Fauna

Wetland possesses rich bio-diversity having more than forest comprises of Chhal, Sain, Bahera, Harar,
440 faunal species from protozoa to mammal. The Kachnar,Tun, Shisham and Amaltas etc. Natural Sal
wetland is covered with vegetation of sub-tropical forest exists in the northern side of the wetland.
RENUKA-WETLAND
Although Renuka catchment is a small area of ve tortoise. Wetland is gradually becoming the habitat for
hundreds hectares, yet it harbors a large variety of many species of local and migratory birds. Major
wild life like Ghoral, Kakkar, Chital, Hare, Porcupine, resident bird groups found in the area are pheasants,
Black Bear, Monkey and Languor etc. Wetland also partridges, parrots, jungle fowl and magpie etc.
possesses a good variety of aquatic life like shes and

Problems/ Threats
 Soil erosion and siltation  Monkey menace
 Religious practices/ land tenurial issues  Garbage and littering
 Destruction of the catchment  Lack of co-ordination between stake holders and
 Anthropogenic pressures line departments
 Fish feeding

Inititives
 Soil conservation works  Awareness campaigns
 Construction of Check dam to check the soil.  Plantation activities
 Preparation of silt retention chamber  Garbage Management .
 Mannual desilting
NOTIFICATONS
Government of Himachal Pradesh
Department of Environment, Science & Technology
No. STE-E(3)-10/2017-Pt-I Dated: 07-11-2017
In pursuance of the noti cation of Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017 by Ministry of
Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Government of India, dated 26-09-2017, the Governor, Himachal
Pradesh is pleased to constitute Himachal Pradesh State Wetlands Authority (HPSWA) under the
Conservation and Management of Wetlands as de ned in Rule 5 sub rule (1) of the Wetlands (Conservation
and Management) Rules, 2017 as under:

1.The State Government hereby constitutes the State Wetlands Authority with the following
members, namely:-
1 Minister In-charge of the Department of Environment, Science and Technology - Chairperson;
2 Chief Secretary to the Govt. of H.P. Vice Chairperson;
3 Additional Chief Secretary, Environment, Science and Technology, Govt. of H.P. Member ex-of cio;
4 Secretary in-charge of the Department of Forest Member ex-of cio;
5 Secretary in-charge of the Department of Urban Development Member ex-of cio;
6 Secretary in-charge of the Department of Rural Development Member ex-of cio;
7 Secretary in-charge of the Department of Fisheries Member ex-of cio;
8 Secretary in-charge of the Department of Irrigation and Public Health Member ex-of cio;
9 Secretary in-charge of the Department of Tourism Member ex-of cio;
10 Secretary in-charge of the Department of Revenue Member ex-of cio;
11 In-charge, State Remote Sensing Centre - Member ex-of cio;
12 Principal Chief Conservator Forests (HoFF) - Member ex-of cio;
13 Chief Wildlife Warden - Member ex-of cio;
14 Member Secretary, State Biodiversity Board - Member ex-of cio;
15 Member Secretary, State Pollution Control Board - Member ex-of cio;
Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests of the Regional Of ce of Ministry of Environment, Forests and
16
Climate Change - Member ex-of cio;
Five non-of cial members to be nominated in due course in eld of Ecology, Landscape, Fisheries, Hydrology and
17
Socio-Economics;
Five non-of cial members to be nominated in due course in eld of Ecology, Landscape, Fisheries, Hydrology and
18
Socio-Economics;
2) The H.P. State Wetlands Authority shall exercise the powers and functions as de ned in the noti cation No.
GSR 1203(E) of the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, Government of India, New Delhi.
3) The H.P. State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (HIMCOSTE), shall provide all necessary
support and act as nodal Department and Secretariat to the Authority.
4) As per Rule 5 Sub Rule (6) of Wetland (Conservation and Management) Rules 2017, the Authority shall,
within ninety days of these rules, shall constitute:
A technical committee to review brief documents management plants and advise on any technical matter referred by the
a
Wetland Authority;
A grievance committee consisting of four members to provide a mechanism for hearing and forwarding the grievances
b
raised by public to the Authority;
5) The Committees referred to in sub-rule (6) shall meet at least once in every quarter to perform their
functions.
6) The Authority shall meet at least thrice in a year.
7) The term of non-of cial members of the Authority nominated by State Government, shall be for a period not
exceeding three years.
The of ce of the Himachal Pradesh Council for Science, Technology & Environment (HIMCOSTE), Vigyan
Bhawan, Bemloe, Shimla-1 would function as the Secretariat of the Himachal Pradesh State Wetlands Authority
for Conservation and Management of the Wetlands of the State.

Endst. No. same as above By order

Chief Secretary
Dated: 07-11-2017 to the Government of Himachal Pradesh
Copy is forwarded to the following for information:-
1 The Secretary to the Governor, Himachal Pradesh, Shimla-2;
2 The Senior Private Secretary, Chief Minister, Shimla-2;
3 The Senior Private Secretary, Minister-in-charge of the Department of Environment, Science & Technology, Shimla-2;
4 All Administrative Secretaries to the Government of H.P;
5 All Members of the Wetlands Authority;
6 The Vice-Chancellor, H.P University, Shimla-5;
7 All Heads of Department in H.P;
The Additional Secretary, Govt. of India, Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Indira Paryavaran Bhawan, Jor
8
Bag, New Deljhi, 110003;
9 The Accountant General, H.P, Shimla-3;
The Advisor, National River Conservation Directorate, Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Antodaya Bhawan,
10
CGO Complex, Lodhi Road, New Delhi-110510;
11 The Secretary, H.P Vidhan Sabha, Shimla-4;
12 The Controller, Printing & Stationery, H.P for publication in the Rajpatra.