NEWS

ENVIS Centre & Energy and Wetlands Research Group of the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) prepared a proposal for the declaration of Aghanashini estuary as a Ramsar wetland site of international importance.

ABOUT AGHANASHINI

• In central Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka
• Originates in the Western Ghats
• Flows westward towards Arabian Sea
• Major part of its course flows through the forested gorges and valleys
• Landforms not only accommodate diverse ecosystem functions and human activities
• Mediate flood and erosion risks that are expected to increase with climate change
• No dams and no notable industrial establishments or major townships along its banks
• May be considered one of the most pristine along the west coast
• Has high productivity – because of organic materials carried from the forests in the catchment area of the Western Ghats and deposits the same in the estuary
• Debris becomes an important base for food chains operating
• Rich mangrove vegetation of the estuary
  • plays a significant role in nutrient supply for the diverse faunal community
  • provide shelter for birds and act as nurseries for many species of fishes and prawns
• Rich bird community (over 120 species)associated contributes to the nutrient cycling through their potash and nitrogen rich castings
• Constant churning and circulation of waters due to flow of fresh water from one side and the tidal influx from the Arabian Sea oxygenates the water and circulates the nutrients
• Protection would help migratory species during their annual cycle of movement
• Contains representative, rare, or unique example of natural or near natural wetland type supports diverse biota including human livelihood
• Dependence on the ecosystem for natural resources apart from aiding as filters, shoreline protection, diverse habitats (mudflats, sand flats, etc) and diverse micro and macro biota

NOTE : India has 46 ramsar site locations but none of them is in Karnataka.