The Himachal Pradesh State Wetlands Authority (HPSWA) constituted an expert committee to review implementation and effectiveness of activities undertaken under their Wetlands Conservation Programme at major wetlands of the state. Mr Dhruv Verma (Technical Officer – Ecology) and Mr Harsh Ganapathi (Technical Officer – Water Management) represented Wetlands International South Asia in the committee and undertook evaluation mission at Pong Dam, Khajjiar and Rewalsar wetlands during January 07-12, 2022.
Rewalsar in Mandi district is known for its high religious and cultural values
The committee visited these three unique wetlands varied by the scale of multiple values they provide and the pressures thereby. The wetland managers, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of the respective sites showcased various interventions and activities undertaken at the wetlands and catchment scale to restore and manage wetland features. Some of the major interventions in these wetlands are: soil conservation measures, plantation of native flora, eco-tourism, waste management, wildlife monitoring, research and protection. The committee learned about the efforts made by the wetland managers to engage wetland dependent communities in waste management, eco-tourism and alternate livelihoods to ensure wise-use and maintenance of wetlands natural integrity.
Expert Committee members at Pong Dam jetty at Nagrota Surian
On review of wetland management actions and learning stakeholder perceptions on state of wetlands conservation, the committee prepared an evaluation report taking cognizance of results achieved from the interventions and further suggested integrated management actions to secure conservation and wise-use goals.
Nestled within Deodar trees and alpine meadows, the Khajjiar wetland in Chamba received nearly eight to ten lakhs tourists annually.
For more information, contact:
Dhruv Verma at [email protected]/Harsh Ganapathi at [email protected]