Biodiversity Values
Flora
The Ropar wetland area supports about 19 species of trees, 13 species of shrubs and grasses and about 15 species of aquatic plants. Important taxa are Acacia, Dalbergia, Delonix, Salix, Syzygium, Zizyphus, Utricularia, Ipomoea, Cyprus, Typha,Phragmites.
Fauna
Ropar wetland is an important habitat for a number of species including 9 species of mammals, 154 species of birds, 35 species of fishes, 9 species of arthropods, 11 rotifers species, 9 crustaceans species and 10 protozoans species. Some important species of snakes and amphibians also inhabit this wetland. Smooth Indian otter, sambar and hog deer are also found in this wetland.
Social & Cultural Values
Ropar area has its distinct place in the district since Anglo - Sikh relations and territories were defined by an agreement between Maharaja Ranjit Singh and Lord William Bentinck in October, 1831 under the shade of an old ficus tree on the bank of Sutlej. The area is deeply associated with the socio - economic development of the State and adjoining regions. The strategic location of Ropar headworks and its link with important towns attract large number of visitors daily. Having tremendous recreational value, a number of bird watchers and nature lovers visit the area. A tourist complex located inside the wetland offers necessary facilities. Since this wetland is an important source of fisheries, it is significant from the economic point of view for the State.
Threats
Ropar wetland is facing severe problems of siltation from the adjoining barren and soft hills which need immediate treatment and greening. The hills being prone to continuous and extensive erosion will lead to shrinkage of wetland area.
Outside interference with the resident and migratory birds, illegal fishing and poaching of wildlife may put many species in danger.
Increasing industrialisation is posing a big problem to the ecological status of Ropar wetland. Fertilizer plant at Nangal and, Thermal Power Plant at Ropar are mainly responsible for water quality degradation of this ecosystem. Inflow of chemical pollutants like agrochemical residues run off, industrial effluents and sewage from some towns in the upper reaches like Nangal, Naya Nangal, Anandpur Sahib, Kiratpur Sahib, need assessment and control measures.
Invasion and growth of weeds into the wetland area is also a cause of concern.
Conservation Measures
Ever since the recognition of Ropar wetland as a Wetland of National Importance by the Ministry of Environment & Forests, Govt.of India (MoEF, GOI), the Punjab State Council for Science & Technology has initiated efforts to take up conservation programmes involving various State departments. Proposals for this purpose were formulated and submitted to the MoEF, during 1993-94. Some activities, have been undertaken by the Council and district administration on their own. The district administration constructed an Information Centre - cum - Watch Tower during 1992 for generating mass awareness and promoting public participation in the wetland conservation programme.
A holistic management plan is required after further surveys and research, so that maximum benefits can be had from the resource without threatening the survival of the ecosystem.
