The Impact of Land Use on the Surface and Groundwater Quality of Ghataprabha Subbasin

Human activities have modified the environment for thousands of years. Land use and agriculture play a vital role in sustaining the health, nourishment and economy of the world’s population. At the same time, some land use practices can degrade the quality of our soils, waterways, air and other natural resources. Ghataprabha river is one of the major and important river in Kolhapur (Maharashtra) and Belgaum (Karnataka) districts, which has undergone tremendous changes over the last 15–20 years. Therefore, it is essential to know the impact of land use on water quality (both on surface and groundwater). In the present study an attempt is made to monitor the surface and groundwater water quality parameters to determine the impact of land use on the surface and groundwater quality of Ghataprabha Subbasin. Water sampling was done both in the surface water of river and the groundwater sources near the river. The water samples were analyzed for pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), electrical conductivity (EC), dissolved oxygen (DO), sulphates, chloride, bicarbonates, nitrates, phosphates, fluoride, sodium, potassium using the standard methods recommended in the manuals (APHA, 2005). Land uses in the area significantly affected the concentration of EC, TDS, sulphates, potassium and sodium while pH, dissolved oxygen, chloride, bicarbonates, nitrates, phosphates did not significantly fluctuate with land use changes in the area. To minimize the destruction of hydro-systems and the degradation of their water quality due to land use, multidisciplinary studies are required at the design stage of the project, and an integrated water resources management approach where all users should take an active role in the conservation of Ghataprabha  River catchment in order to avoid further degradation of the catchment through different land uses. Keywords: River Ghataprabha, physicochemical parameters, land use changes, pollutio

A Case Study of Water Quality Index of the Bellary Nala, Belgaum, Karnataka, India

Streams which are in many areas serving the basic needs of water, plays a significant role in shaping the environmental and ecological balance of the region through which it flows. Despite of all these versatile contributory roles, knowingly or unknowingly are being used as a dumping site for disposal of municipal and industrial waste waters with intention that streams will take care of these wastes. The main goal of this study was to characterize the combined industrial and municipal wastewater of Bellary Nala in terms of physico-chemical parameters. For this purpose, 10 sampling stations were selected. Parameters analyzed onsite included temperature, pH, turbidity, DO, BOD. Etc. All the collected samples were analyzed as per methods listed in the Standard Methods (APHA, 2005). The Bellary Nala was found significantly contaminated with pollutants and their concentrations were significantly higher as compared to General standards for discharge of Environmental Pollutants: Effluents. The study related to the assessment of water quality parameters of Bellary Nala was carried out to evaluate the various water quality parameters and to calculate water quality index. Keywords: Bellary Nala, physicochemical parameters, pollution, water quality index

FairWild certification: An approach for linking biodiversity conservation with sustainable livelihoods in the northern Western Ghats, India

Biodiversity conservation is a key global sustainability issue. Land use change due to expansion of agriculture, tourism, and development projects is contributing to loss of habitat and species at an alarming rate. Moreover, indiscriminate logging of forests for immediate monetary need is further degrading forests and habitats. This is particularly true for biodiversity areas and ecosystems in the forest landscapes of northern Western Ghats - a global biodiversity hotspot. The situation is exacerbated by a sparse protected area network, the predominantly community ownership of large tracts of biodiversity rich forests, a lack of awareness on the importance of biodiversity in human well-being, and low economic returns from sustainable utilization of biodiversity. Sacred groves - traditionally managed old growth forest fragments that exist in good numbers across the region – offer some hope for the conservation of threatened plants and animals. Yet these areas are facing the consequences of the loss of faith in tradition among the local community. There is thus a growing threat to the ecological integrity of landscape, together with a need to develop a strategy that fulfils monetary expectations of local communities whilst ensuring conservation of key biodiversity areas. With this in mind, AERF implemented the international FairWild certification scheme for the sustainable collection of non-timber forest products from community managed forests in the North Western Ghats. FairWild articulates stringent protocols and requirements with respect to biodiversity conservation, sustainable harvesting methods, monetary benefits to resource owners, ownership of and access to target resources, and the equitable sharing of benefits. Terminalia bellirica and Terminalia chebula were the selected target species based on established demand for their fruits in traditional medicines in India and abroad, the potential for sustainable harvesting, the opportunity for improving economic returns, and the associated conservation benefits. AERF conducted a resource assessment of the trees, cost-benefit analyses and a social feasibility study to understand the potential of this certification scheme. Twenty-five villages were selected for a resource assessment of T. bellirica, while the assessment of T. chebula was carried out in four villages from Sangameshwar and Bhimashankar. Selecting collectors and conducting trainings to build their capacity in sustainable collection and processing of fruits were necessary parts of compliance for FairWild certification. Successful implementation of FairWild certification has provided direct economic benefits to 100 households while protecting up to 600 large trees of Terminalia bellirica and nearly 1,000 old trees of Terminalia chebula in the North Western Ghats