Planning for Pond Restoration: Adopting a Pond Habitat Approach
Planning for Pond Restoration: Adopting a Pond Habitat Approach
Content
1. Context…………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 01
2. Project Design……………………………………………………………………………………………….. 02
3. Existing Approach: Catchment Treatment………………………………………………………… 02
4. Pond Habitat Approach………………………………………………………………………………….. 03
5. Pond Restoration Plan……………………………………………………………………………………. 03
6. Impact of Process of Preparation of Pond Habitat Plan………………………………………. 08
7. Annexure 1 List of local Fish Species………………………………………………………………… 10
1. Context[1]
Analysis of metrological data for the past century for the districts of Dhar, Jhabua and Alirajpur pointed out three critical features that have a direct impact on the conduct of small pond[2] fisheries in the region: delay in setting of monsoon; frequency of weather anomalies[3]; and increase in temperature.
Onset of monsoon is a determining factor for introducing fish seed in ponds. Delayed monsoon implies delayed introduction of fish seed reducing the period for growth of fish leading to an overall fall in production. The fishers anticipating low production tend to increase the density of fish stock increasing competition that further impedes growth and has an adverse impact on productivity.
Low reliability of rainfall for the region is borne out by significant variations in standard deviation of rainfall from the mean on hundred year metrological data. Further, the number of years of weather anomaly has been high for Dhar and Jhabua (41 and 45 out of 100) that make rainfall prediction even more difficult for the fishers. Much recent data from 1990 onwards has indicated reduction in number of wet days without much change in average rainfall indicating increase in number of high rainfall days. The net impact of variability on fisheries is the need for adequate storage capacity of water that allows productive fisheries for most part of the year. Shift in monsoon and increase in number of high rainfall days has increased the risk of flooding leading to loss of fish seed from the ponds.
The average mean temperature mapped for the two districts clearly indicate warming in the two districts as the average temperature for both summers and winters is increasing along with increase in mean temperatures for the day and night for both the seasons. Warmer climatic regimes has direct impact on fisheries, namely, decrease in fish spawning, decrease in species diversity with fish suited for warmer temperatures surviving more than other, retardation in growth of fish not suited for warmer regimes, and increase in risk of fish mortality.
Given the nature and extent of climate variability and its direct impact on the ability of the fishers to conduct fisheries the project titled Building Adaptive Capacities of Small Inland Fishers for Climate Resilience and Livelihood Security, Madhya Pradesh, India was designed to cover 60 pond in the three districts to develop model of adaptive capacities that can then be replicated in the region.
2. Project Design
The overall aim of the project is to make the inland fisheries climate resilient[4] and adaptive to changing climatic conditions. The intent is to develop and field test the adaptive strategies to create models that could be replicated and up scaled through government policies and programmes. The key adaptive strategies identified by the project aimed at:
| Preventing Risk: | (a) | Modification of pond design and pond surrounds for larger and longer water retention as well as arresting loss of fish seed due to flooding |
| (b) | Work in the pond surrounds for temperature control measures | |
| Transferring Risk: | Weather based insurance that is able to absorb losses from climate change | |
| Terminating Risk: | Changing fish species by introducing alternative technological options |
In addition the project also had a component of Environment and Social Management Plan (ESMP) that cut across all project activities and it is expected that the project will adhere to the principles of ecology and human rights in its implementation.
3. Existing Approach: Catchment Treatment
The existing approach of the Department of Fisheries is focused on making maximum use of water in the ponds. It does not include working in the catchment area of the pond to enhance the productivity of the pond for fisheries. Catchment treatment of the pond, if it happens at all, is based on treatment of catchment which primarily comprise of a mixture of biotic and physical works that aim to trap and reduce the silt load coming to the pond. The choice of vegetative species for catchment treatment is primarily for its soil binding capacity. Often this leads to promotion of limited number of species at the cost of vegetative diversity of the pond surround.
For the villagers the pond is not just a source of water. It is an area that provides grasses for their animals; timber for various household purposes; fruits and roots as food supplements: and leaves, bark, roots, seed or fruit as medicines supplements for a range of medical ailments. Promotion of mono species or a limited range of species, often exotic to the area (prosopis juliflora), compete with indigenous species and have limited functional use for the villagers.
The compulsions of commercial fisheries imply that the pond is stocked with fishes that have demand and value in the market at the cost of taking over the space for other fish species. The net impact is on reducing the fish diversity of the pond.
The project is located in districts that comprise of tribal population (more than 90%). These groups traditionally had been fish hunters. Consequently, their fish eating habits include consumption of all varieties of fish and not just fish that are sold in the market. Preserving fish diversity of ponds will enhance availability of larger variety of fish for consumption by the residents of the area. It will also ensure in situ availability of variety of source of protein for the tribal population, which has been affected with severe protein deficiency.
The catchment treatment approach, in the region,
4. Pond Habitat[5] Approach
The pond habitat approach deviates from the traditional catchment treatment practices in that it takes an ecological view of the water body and defines pond habitat for fresh water fish to comprise of waters and substrate necessary for fish for spawning, breeding, feeding and growth. Within this approach the parameters that are worked upon include the bio-diversity of the aquatic and pond surrounds; preserving fish diversity and increasing abundance of native species; availability of food for fish and other aquatic organisms; and undertaking physical measures that ensures sufficiency of water.
The approach has essentially three features: one, it brings local bio-diversity in to focus, both the vegetative as well as fish diversity; second, it recognizes the knowledge and practices of local population, which is tribal in this case; and third, it is based on the principles of ecological sustainability in that it seeks to generate in situ feed for the fish. The pond habitat approach is thus based on the existing landscape, is driven to restore functionality to enable it to withstand the impacts of climate change, and allows for multiple benefits to optimize availability of eco-services within the habitat.
5. Pond Restoration Plan
The project identified six ponds to pilot the Pond Habitat approach for pond restoration: Jhaba and Bhootiyapura in Dhar; Kharpai and Girala in Alirajpur; and Dudhikheda and Gopalpura at Jhabua. The selection was based on consultation with Dr Santosh Yadav, Field Botanist. Each of these ponds represents different physiological and ecological characteristics. The project aimed to maximize its learning by preparing pond restoration plan in each of these locations. The ensuing paragraphs document the process and plan prepared for three pond sites, namely Jhaba and Bhootiyapura (Dhar) and Gopalpura (Jhabua).
The process of preparation of Pond restoration is based on the following steps:
(a) Pond Profiling and Morphology
(b) Identification of Fish Diversity
(c) Bio Diversity Survey
(d) Assessment of Water Quality
(e) Preparation of Pond Restoration Plan
(a) Pond Profiling and Morphology
Bhootiyapura: The village is located 10 km north of Gandhwani block headquarters. There is one pond in the village located on 74°59’16” E longitude and 22°25′ N latitude. The pond is located on the stream that forms the tributary of Gandrwa River. The area has 48% groundwater development and has an annual rainfall of 868 mm.
The pond is located at a height of 320 m and has been constructed by impounding water across the natural stream by laying down the bund with a height of 8 m and length of 90 m. The top width of the bund is used as a road with a width of 4.5 m. The catchment area of the pond is 78 ha and the available water surface run-off is 81.30 ha m. The surface water run-off is sufficient for the reservoir and it is well supplemented by ground water resource in the form of effluent ground water flow.
Jhaba: The village is located 7 km south west of Bagh block headquarters in Dhar district. There are two ponds in the village referred to as Old and New Pond (Purana and Naya Talab). The project has selected New Pond that is located on 74°44’45” E longitude and 22°21’30” N latitude. Pond is located on a stream that forms tributary to Bagh River. The area has 41% ground water development and is located in a region that receives annual rainfall of 868 mm.
The New Pond of Jhaba is located at height of 280 m. The pond is constructed by impounding water from the stream by making a bund with height of 9 m and length of 100 m. The top width of the bund is 2 m. The catchment area of the pond is 75 ha and the available surface water run-off has been estimated at 78.17 ha m which is sufficient for the reservoir. Further the ground water in the form of effluent ground water flow supplements which are observed in perennial streams in the lime stone terrain.
Gopalpura: Located 4 km north of Jhabua district headquarters, the pond is located at 74°57’26” E longitude and 22°78′ N latitude which forms the basin of tributary of Anas River. The area receives 849 mm annual rainfall and ground water development is 59%.
The reservoir of the pond is made by constructing a 9 m high bund with a length of 100 m and top width of 3 m. Pond is located at a height of 320 m. The catchment area of the pond is 250 ha and the available surface water run-off is 254.7 ha m which is sufficient for the reservoir and is well supplemented by ground water during lean periods of drought as it is in safe zone.
Pond morphology is based on the geological and geo-morphology characteristics of the pond as reported by the geo-hydrologist in their ground truth report for each pond. The morphological characteristics of the ponds are given in Table 1.
| Table 1 Pond Morphological Characteristics of Pond | |||
| Pond | Geology | Lineaments | Geo morphology |
| Bhootiyapura | Limestone (lameta) Greenish medium to fine grained sheared rocks | Present | Slope is steep forming a valley. The valley has teak forest on both sides of the tank in the form of hillocks creating a soup bowl like formation |
| Jhaba | Lime stone (Bagh) White light blue fossil soft rock | Nil | Moderate slope with stony waste land with gorges-valley and krost topography of lime stone |
| Gopalpura | Deccan trap Basaltic rocks Grayish highly parperitic weathered rocks | Nil | Gentle slope with small valley with low lying area |
Geo-hydrological assessment indicated that the ponds are located at sites that support sufficiency in surface water that can be supplemented with ground water resources during lean periods. The land use near the ponds in case of all the three ponds comprise of forest or existing of degraded land. In case of Gopalpura agriculture was being conducted in the command. Yet all the that the ponds were perennial and the PRA exercises conducted with the villagers reconfirmed that these ponds have never been dry, even during times of drought.
(b) Identification of Fish Diversity
The identification of fish in ponds was conducted through PRA exercise especially with persons in the village who were more intensively involved in catching fish from the ponds. The identification led to listing of fish species with names as given by the villagers. In the absence of photograph it is difficult to identify them with the scientific names with their family and genus, a process that is underway as each of these fish are caught and photographed. A complete list of fish, with their local name is given in Annexure 1.
An important fact that came to light in the identification and listing of available fish species is that each of the three ponds had different list of fish. This may have been due to their location and due to the difference in their habitat. Second, in the absence of identification of fish it is difficult to develop action for their regeneration or for increasing their abundance through simulated hatchery techniques as is done in case of commercial fisheries. Third, and most important is that each of these species of fish are captured and eaten by the tribal population. A very small number and amount of these fish reach the local market, where again the buyers are tribals.
(c) Bio Diversity Survey
Bio diversity survey has been conducted for the pond sites. These surveys were conducted over different seasons so that the entre diversity is identified and documented. The methodology of conducting the survey entailed presence of expert, Field Botanist and knowledgeable persons from the village. The group would move in the vicinity of the pond and each of the plant was identified by the expert. The villagers would inform of the name that they give to the plant and a discussion would take place on its spread, abundance and uses. The process has led to identification of 154 species at Bhootiyapura, 58 at Jhaba and 67 at Gopalpura. These species include trees, bushes, grasses, creepers and runners that are within the immediate vicinity of the pond (approx 50 m from the shore line/full tank level).
(d) Assessment of Water Quality
Water Quality assessment of the pond was undertaken by the expert. This involved collection of water sample and determining its quality on the parameters of alkalinity, turbidity, hardness, toxicity, and dissolved oxygen. The aim was to assess whether the water quality will support growth of fish and aquaculture in the pond. The tests supported the conduct of fisheries in the ponds.
(e) Pond Restoration Plan
The structure of the pond restoration plan included the following:
| Challenge | Action |
| Removal of invasive species | Prosopis juliflora, Lantana camara were identified as major invasive plant species. These were to be removed over the next three years in phases. The existing plants on the bunds were to be cut and not allowed to grow and then they will gradually wither away. The new plants were to be physically removed from their roots and not allowed to grow at all. At Gopalpura the cluster of prosopis exist near the pond site in area lying under Forest Department. The department is to be contacted for removal of the species. |
| Loss of natural vegetation | Excessive cattle grazing, encroachment of pond surrounds for agriculture, and constructing a brick kiln near the pond sites were major factors that affected the growth of natural vegetation near the pond. Marking pond for Full Tank Level and marking boundary beyond which agriculture and brick will not be allowed were developed and large group meeting of the village was conducted for its ratification. The brick makers were asked to remove their debris as it posed the threat of adding silt to the pond. |
| Prohibiting use of Drag net for fisheries | As preparation of pond for fish culture drag net is used before the beginning of the season that would take out all the fish from the pond. The aim is to then prepare the pond for stocking of commercial fish. Over a period of time this practices completely destroys the fish diversity of the pond. Prohibiting use of drag net in the ponds so that diversity of fish is maintained. The fisher group has developed a mechanism whereby after the harvest of the commercial fish the pond is left for open access and the villagers are allowed to conduct hunting of fish as is the established practice amongst them. |
| Increasing abundance of grasses in the vicinity of the pond | Vetiver zizanioides (khas); Panicum, Andropogan, Cymbopogan were identified for plantation along the shore line and along the stream that bring water to the pond. The aim is to reduce the silt load through vegetative measures. |
| Increasing tree cove for micro temperature control through plantation of Native fruit bearing trees | The native trees that were identified for plantation near the pond included: custard apple, jack fruit, jamun, mango and guava. |
| Control sedimentation and contaminant flow in to pond | Bio-log stabilization through use of stone, Bio-mats and plantation as follows: [Diagram in original: cross-section of a bank slope showing NATIVE PLANTINGS on the slope, an EROSION CONTROL MAT laid over the slope, and a BIOLOG at the water’s edge, held in place by stakes, with stones along the waterline.] |
| Development of wetland habitat and increasing feed for fish | Planting area near the shoreline with wetland plant species like duckweed, bladderwort, sedges, arrowheads to create a wetland eco system. |
| Documenting traditional knowledge | Continuing dialogue with the fishers group and persons with interest in native trees, plants and grasses. This will reinforce the traditional knowledge and carry forward the approach to other habitats as well. |
6. Impact of Process of Preparation of Pond Habitat Plan
The process for preparation of Pond restoration plan has been done in stages and at different times of the year. The numbers of persons involved at each stage have been different and they have been part of a larger process. Hence it was not possible for the present exercise to assess the increase in knowledge that has taken place amongst this group. Yet the focus was to revisit with the members and observe the interactions and conversations with the villagers to assess the effectiveness of the approach.
(a) Increased knowledge about the bio wealth
Traditional knowledge has often left undocumented and is mostly unavailable to the outside world and even to the villagers. The exercises related to documentation of bio and fish diversity is creating a compendium of bio wealth of individual pond sites. The assimilation of this knowledge is interactive with dialogue between the expert (Field Botanist and Fisheries) and this transaction is beneficial to both. For example, introduction of Vetiver grass in the village led to a discussion on grasses that look similar but have different properties. Each member of the group smelled, felt and keenly observed the grass. The elderly persons recalled the existence of the grass at different places near the village in earlier times.
It was not possible to assess the extent of gain in knowledge that took place with the villagers, but the very fact that the information with them was discussed and documented was empowering. The women members recalled the different uses of different plant species as they were identified and discussed.
(b) Greater and intensive involvement of the people
The main group that was involved in the discussion for the preparation of the pond restoration plan has been the members of the fishers group. However, with the dialogues and conversations with the community venturing in to other domains there has been greater involvement of the members of the community. The Field Botanist Dr Santosh Yadav commented that in the first visit to Gopalpura there were few participants but in the third visit the numbers had increased to more than 25 as people felt value in these conversations.
(c) Negotiation on water use and pond area
Restricting expansion of agriculture in to pond area can only be done through negotiation amongst the stakeholder groups. As the plans were developed and the issue of increased anthropogenic activity in the immediate vicinity of the pond was brought in to discussion local leadership took the initiative to negotiate this with other stakeholders. At the planning stage promises have been made and it needs to be observed whether these are maintained as the plan is implemented in the village.
(d) Identification of major gaps
As the process of pond restoration plan led to the development and finalization of the plan two major gaps emerged for its implementation: One, there are no nurseries that prepare saplings for native species. This is even for species that have become rare and almost extinct from the region. Consequently, even if a species (of tree or plant or grass) is identified as relevant and useful it may not be possible to plant it in the absence of such a nursery. Second, is the case of local fish species. These species spawn in natural habitats and there is no existing mechanism for their hatchery to make their seeds available for increasing their abundance in ponds. Most of the native fish species are migratory in nature. They migrate through local streams and reach different water bodies in the region. With construction of dams (small or big) across streams have put barriers in their migratory pathways as a result of which many villages are losing out on availability of native fish species in their ponds.
(e) Unintended impacts
There have been two unintended impact of the process of preparation of Pond Habitat plan. The documentation of local bio diversity has created a compendium of local grasses that are native to the area. These grasses have been professionally photographed and publication of the same in Hindi and English with local and scientific names with multiple uses of these grasses is being printed. Such a publication was not one of the intended aims of the project or part of the project design.
Discussion on native plants often led to nostalgia with each member trying to recall the ‘good old days’. These conversations would lead towards the identification of what is that ‘we have lost’ as a community. Often these losses identified locally available vegetables that the people have not eaten for years/decades. The spin-off of this discussion was to identify plants in the region so that these could be regenerated in their village. Realizing the advantage of this discussion project has taken forward this process in all the villages of the district so that these villages also pro actively take measures for their regeneration.
Annexure 1 List of Local Fish Species identified in the three ponds by the villagers
| S. No | Name of Fish | |
| 1 | Kanevri | (कनेवरी) |
| 2 | Gurkuch | (गरकुच) |
| 3 | Ginchu | (घिन्चु) |
| 4 | Fudri | (फुदडी) |
| 5 | Fafado | (फफडो) |
| 6 | Karpati | (खरपटी) |
| 7 | Gohali | (गोहली) |
| 8 | Kharsa | (खारसा) |
| 9 | Doklia | (डोकलिया) |
| 10 | Ghevra | (घेवरा) |
| 11 | Muliya | (मूलिया) |
[1]Data for 100 years of the district is available in the Project Report titled Building Adaptive Capacities of Small and Inland Fishers for Climate Resilience and Livelihood Security, Madhya Pradesh, India. The Alirajpur district is carved out of Jhabua and hence the IMD data for Alirajpur is included in Jhabua data
[2]Small pond means less than 10 ha. These ponds come under the domain of Gram Panchayats in Madhya Pradesh.
[3]Weather Anomaly is defined as the situation when rainfall is either less than or greater than 20% of the average
[4]Resilience has been defined as the capacity of a complex system to absorb shocks while still maintaining function and to reorganize following disturbance (Walker et al 2004)
[5]Habitat is an ecological zone in which the organism lives and where it can find food, shelter, protection and mates for reproduction.
