Harike Wetlands

Biodiversity Values

Flora
Amongst phytoplankton, the Bacillariophyceae has been reported to be represented by about 10 species, all of which exhibit a maximum population density during September - October.

An extensive growth of Typha elephantina and Phragmites karka is observed along the margins of the lake, in surrounding low lying areas, as well as in the upstream Mand area. Of the free floating plants, Azolla, the nitrogen fixing fern, occurs in patches of open water. Amongst the tall grasses Saccharum spontaneum and S.bengalenses are the most common along the higher ground in the wetland area and on the slopes and margins of surrounding bunds and dykes. Tamarix diocia is the sole woody plant truly adapted to an aquatic habitat found in the lake area; the rest of the trees are upland species.

Fauna
Harike is a refuge for a large number of resident and migratory birds. Over 20,000 ducks have been recorded here during the peak migratory season. The wigeon, common teal, pintail, shoveller and brahminy ducks are commonly seen during the winter. The lake is particularly famous for diving ducks, such as the crested pochard, common pochard and tufted ducks which occur in very large numbers. A total of 167 bird species were recorded during 1980-85 period; 40 species were long distance migrants which pass through or winter at Harike lake. Apart from avifauna, some 7 species of turtle and 26 species of fish have been recorded. The mammals found at Harike include the smooth Indian otter, the jungle cat, jackal, Indian wild boar and the common mongoose.

Threats
The major causes of wetland loss and degradation include;
Large scale utilization of both surface and ground waters for irrigation;
The expansion of intensive agriculture resulting in encroachments on the wetland habitat;
Drainage of agricultural chemicals into the waters;
Discharge of untreated waste from catchment towns into the rivers which feed the wetland, and consequent weed spread;
Deforestation of the lower Shivaliks, causing soil erosion and siltation.
Conservation Measures
A number of State agencies like the Forest and Wildlife Department, Irrigation Department, Soil Conservation Department, Punjab Pollution Control Board, Punjab Energy Development Agency and various research institutes are actively involved in conservation activities related to wetlands. However these agencies often act in isolation and a coordinated conservation and management action plan is lacking. Major activities include: education and awareness for public; survey and mapping using remote sensing; fencing of vulnerable areas; and management of water hyacinth menace.

The Indian Army (Western Command, Vajra Corps.) in the year 2000, along with other agencies launched and completed a major project to clear water hyacinth, which was almost choking the lake. The Army demonstrated the effective use of innovative mechanical system of weed removal. A management plan for Harike and Kanjli wetlands has been drawn up by the Punjab State Council for Science and Technology.