Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
poaching is also perceived in the area. Resource
extraction in the form of fi shing is another threat
for aquatic birds since reservoir is being used for
fi sh culture. It directly/indirectly imposes an
adverse impact on birds.
The conservation efforts of Himachal Pradesh
Forest Department (HPFD) are worth appreciat-
ing. In 1986, the entire reservoir was declared as
a wildlife sanctuary by the HPFD. A manage-
ment plan has been developed for the sustain-
ability, conservation and management of birds of
Pong Dam Bird Sanctuary. The HPFD has under-
taken plantation work in the peripheral area of
the reservoir. The island of Ransar has been
developed for nature conservation education.
However, the use of this island may be avoided
for any human activities as it is the safe breeding
site for thousands of river terns, which is a near-
threatened avian species. Every year, during the
last week of January, with the support of various
govt./non-govt. organizations, birdwatchers and
ornithologists, HPFD organizes the aquatic bird
census programme. It is not only useful to col-
lect the yearly data on bird diversity but also
helpful to monitor wetland-related threats in
addition to creating awareness among local peo-
ple. In the last it can be concluded that Pong
Dam is one of the most important wetland habi-
tats in the country. To understand the impact of
climate change on bird migration, the Pong Dam
may act as suitable fi eld site for such studies. All
necessary measures should be adopted to con-
serve and sustain the avian diversity of this
wetland.
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Acknowledgements
We are grateful to Dr. K. Venkataraman,
Director, ZSI, Kolkata, for his kind encouragement and
Offi cer-in-Charge, HARC, ZSI, Solan, for extending
departmental facilities. Kind support and active coopera-
tion at various levels from staff, ZSI, Solan, and Forest
Department of Himachal Pradesh is also gratefully
acknowledged.
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