Ecological Assessment of Asan Conservation Reserve (Wetland) in District Dehradun of Uttarakhand

Human avarice is the main root cause of current environmental challenges, which affects every living creature on the earth; thus, it becomes crucial to have a scientific grasp of and in-depth research on different components of a natural resource in order to ensure its sustainable utilization. Uttarakhand has a total of 103882 ha of wetland area, which is 1.94% of the total geographical area. It comprises a total of 118 lakes which are located at high altitudes and cover 231 ha area. The Asan Conservation Reserve is the only Ramsar site in Uttarakhand. The presented study is an attempt to assess the ecological status of Asan Conservation Reserve, a wetland and recently declared Ramsar site in district Dehradun of Uttarakhand. The study has been carried out with the objective of determining the status of different ecological components of the Asan wetland. The study includes both primary and secondary sources of data, such as field and laboratory analysis, questionnaire method and plant biodiversity study. After meticulous analysis, a manuscript was prepared, integrating the results of water quality analysis and social and plant diversity. The study found that all the parameters of water quality were under designated criteria for use. The pH value was recorded from 7.45-8.63 with an average of 8.1. A large spatial variation was found in turbidity, which was between 1.91-7.53, with an average of 4.43 NTU. The spatial variation in alkalinity has been found in the range of 6-8 mg/L, with an average mean of 25 mg/L. The concentration of chloride varied from 79.9-199.9 mg/L. Hardness ranges from 80-128 mg/L. Dissolved oxygen level recorded was 7.9 mg/L; according to CPCB’s designated best use criteria, it is found fit for class D. Average concentration of hydrogen sulphide was 4.75 mg/L, reported from the study site. Industrial processes are a major cause of hydrogen sulphide. Wood pulp, tannin, dye, wood production, etc., are the areas where it is used. Asan river covers a long journey and industrial effluent is discharged into it. These could be the possible source of increased sulphide in the reservoir. Presences of fecal coliform were found, which makes water unfit for direct human consumption. Aquatic and terrestrial weeds are the threat of concern. Growth of invasive weeds, like waterlily, Tora plants, Lantana, etc., were recorded from the study site. Visual observation and recording of plants around the wetland were done during the field study. Socio-economic analysis was conducted to determine the utilization pattern and dependency of people on wetlands. What we got through it is that the Asan wetland is a major source of fodder for livestock and weeds; trees around the reservoir are a source of fodder. Secondly, water is used for irrigation by using an electrical motor. Direct employment generation from the resource is quite low. The survey revealed that the avian population decreased in the last two years. This is further examined by secondary sources and we found that in 2020, the least number of birds visited Asan. However, the study is not able to give an accurate answer to the question of what is the dominant factor that leads to the decline in the population of birds. Identified potential threats gradually deteriorating the quality of Asan are organic debris, alongwith polythene, which causes trouble for the health of water birds, unsustainable tourism, encroachment and increasing human demand and the growth of invasive weeds. Many wetlands in Uttarakhand are facing ignorance. They are small in size, but their ecological significance is invaluable. The distribution of funds should be more strategic. Recognition and development of such wetlands would also lead to the sustainable development of rural villages. State-level efforts are needed on priority basis for conservation of such resources.