WETLAND Primer

Urban Wetlands
Reviving Bangalore’s wetlands

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Contents
Introduction……………………………………………………………………….……………………….................4
What is a wetland?
Why, more than ever, we need urban wetlands today?
Examples of urban wetlands
Getting to know our Wetlands………………………………………………………………………….…………...16
Water quality management
Biodiversity conservation
Bird habitat
Resilience and flood control
Livelihoods
Engaging with our
Wetlands……………………………………………………………………….……………………………...……..37
The legal and institutional framework
Who’s responsible?
Some activities for us to do
Wetland Design and
Health…………………………………………………………………….……………………………………..…...52
Design considerations
Wetland health
Some
Resources………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…58
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Contents

A river is more than the waters
that flow in it , the sediments
transported and the energy
embedded.
Any rivers water flow however,
like say the river Cauvery, is the
sum total of all the rain that falls
in its catchment and is not held
back as soil moisture,
groundwater ,
evapotranspiration tanks or
dams.
Its tributaries are magnificent,
but less appreciated are the vast
network of 'tanks' , artificial
water bodies that dot its
landscape. In a strange way
these tanks hold back the waters
which would otherwise have
reached the river, yet they
create an ecology of their own
becoming natural wetlands. Vishwanath
Srikantaiah
Zenrainman
5
Introduction

• A wetland is an ecosystem saturated with water – either perennially or seasonally.
• Unlike other landforms or water bodies, wetlands tend to have characteristic vegetation, like aquatic
plants (see macrophytes)
• Wetlands are perhaps one of the most biodiverse ecosystems as they are home to birds, fish, reptiles,
amphibians, insects and many plant species as they provide spaces for roosting, nesting and feeding, as
well as refuge during extreme weather conditions.
• Wetlands also form corridor or stepping stone habitats that support the migration of species, including
water birds and marine mammals.
• Wetlands can be freshwater, brackish (partly salty), or saline (very salty).
6
Introduction: What is a wetland?
What is Wetland?

What do you think of when you imagine wetlands?
• Do you imagine mangroves? Or perhaps
the Sunderbans? Or even the
Everglades?
• Think of the Dal Lake in Kashmir. Its
boatmen weave local weeds into
floating mats, or floating weed gardens.
Over the years these gardens have
become robust and are ideal for
growing fruits and vegetables! Farmers
grow everything from cucumber to
turnip, radishes to carrots, melons to
tomatoes and pumpkins!
• In Manipur, phumdis are large iconic
wetlands.
• Can you imagine a wetland in the heart
of your city – in a lake amidst
apartments, offices, roads and parks?
7
Introduction: What do you think when you imagine wetlands?

• A wetland in an urban lake is a part of
the water body that breeds a high
density of aquatic life, and typically
uses up the nutrients in the lake and
enhances the water quality of the
lake. The sewage entry into many
tanks tends to naturally foster
wetlands if nutrient levels are high.
Some lakes have wetlands
incorporated into their design.
• Crucially, wetlands store water and
transform nutrients and like our
kidneys, they filter the water they
hold, because as water moves through
a wetland, they or their roots ‘pick up’
the nutrients, sediments and
pollutants, cleaning the water in the
process.
8
Introduction: Wetlands, the kidneys of our city
Wetlands, the kidneys of our city

Why, more than ever, we need urban wetlands today?
•Our city’s lake and water networks
traditionally helped regulate our
microclimates and local
environmental conditions.
•Over time, these networks have
become encroached, and
increasingly fragmented. In many
parts, entire catchments have been
transformed by the urban spread.
•As a result, we have increased
sewage and wastewater problems.
We have flooding. We are faced
with severe water pollution.
•Urban wetlands can help bring back
the natural flow of things, and help
restore our lakes’ quality and
health.
Introduction: Why do we need Urban wetlands today? 9

Engineered
wetlands can be
either static or
floating.
Static wetlands
tend to be built
at the inlet of
the lake or tank,
as is the case
with Jakkur Lake.
Introduction: Why do we need Urban wetlands today? 10

• Every day, 8 to 15 MLD of treated
wastewater from the STP passes
through the wetland and into the
lake.
• It has a 7 acre wetland towards
its inlet
• This wetland consists of a reed
bed followed by an algal pond
and a bund that separates it from
the main body of the lake.
• A mix of treated wastewater from
the adjoining STP and storm
water (usually with some sewage
mixed in it) enters the wetland.
The wetland is separated from
the main portion of the lake by a
stone bund.
Jakkur Lake
Introduction: Jakkur lake
STP inlet
Wetland map
Jakkur lake map
11

• It has a 100 KLD STP abutting the lake and treated
wastewater flows into the lake through the
naturally existing wetland.
• There is a plan to construct a polishing pond and
reed bed for the water to pass through before it
enters the lake
Introduction: Soulkere
Saulkere map
12
Soul Kere
Wetland of soul kere
Wetland

Hebbagodi Lake, Electronic City
• There are 400 floating wetlands in the lake placed near
the shore line and at the outlets.
• This lake even entered the record books for the largest
floating island post rejuvenation.
• Everyday, around 3MLD of raw sewage enters it, with
some upstream bioremediation
Introduction: Hebbagodi Lake 13

Puttenahalli Lake, JP Nagar
• Earlier, one-third of its area was been earmarked for a
constructed wetland. This was difficult to maintain
and then around 70 floating wetlands were introduced
at the inlet and in the lake.
• Colleges like BMS work with lake groups to measure its
lake quality, and for other environmental and social
initiatives.
• In Puttenahalli Lake or Hebbagodi Lake, we find
floating wetlands, placed across the lake, from the
inlets to the outlets.
Introduction: Puttenahalli Lake 14

Functions of our wetlands
15
Functions of wetlands such as water quality management, a space for biodiversity, bird habitat,
resilience and flood control and its livelihoods

Functions of Wetland: Introduction
Many of Bangalore’s rejuvenated
lakes have wetlands attached to
them.
Wetlands help
1. manage our lakes’ water
quality;
2. are a space for biodiversity
conservation;
3. and provide resilience
against disasters, such as the
breakdown of the upstream
sewage treatment plant or
floods.
4. are a source for livelihoods;
Let’s look at each function in
the following section.
Introduction
16

Water Quality Management
• Bangalore’s lakes are full of nitrates,
phosphates, heavy metals and the like.
• Wetlands use a process called phytoremediation
to maintain the lake’s water quality.
• Phytoremediation uses plants to remove, degrade
or contain the contamination present in soil,
sludge, sediments, surface water or groundwater.
Functions of Wetland: Water quality management 17

A Space for Biodiversity Conservation
Wetlands are considered the most biologically
diverse of all ecosystems. They are home to a
wide range of aquatic plants, as well as bird,
fish, insects, amphibians and reptiles!
There is immense environmental and social
value in biodiversity. Wetlands with a healthy
biodiversity provide essential services from
providing and purifying water, acting as
spawning and nursery grounds for fish,
providing a refuge for animals in times of
drought and providing recreational and cultural
benefits.
Following the principles of phytoremediation,
and using constructed wetlands we can treat
the water in our lakes.
Here are some common macrophytes, or
aquatic plants.
Here’s also a detailed list of aquatic plants.
Functions of Wetland: A space for biodiversity 18

Types of Macrophytes, or aquatic plants
b. Cyperus Grass
a. Chinese Umbrella c. Canna
Functions of Wetland: Types of macrophytes or aquatic plants 19

d. Water Hyacinth-
• When not controlled, Water
Hyacinth can quickly grow and
cover entire ponds and lakes. It
then affects water flow, blocks
sunlight and can provide a
breeding place for mosquitoes
and other disease-carrying
insects in stagnating water in
shallow areas.
• But, Water Hyacinth roots also
absorb important pollutants like
lead, mercury, and strontium,
and carcinogenic organic
compounds.
• Water hyacinth plants are also
used to make furniture,
handbags, mats and rope.

e. Typha-
• Typha grows densely
and is known to purify
water by absorbing
nutrients in it.
• Typha’s root system is
very good for
stabilising the wet
banks of rivers and
lakes.
• Many use Typha leaves
to weave baskets, and
it is also sometimes
used as a natural
thermal insulation in
homes.

f. Water Cabbage
● Water cabbage, also called
as lettuce is among the
world's most productive
freshwater aquatic plants
and considered an invasive
species.
● Water lettuce is often used
in tropical aquariums to
provide cover for fry and
small fish. It is also helpful
as it outcompetes algae for
nutrients in the water,
thereby preventing massive
algal blooms

h. Alligator weed-
• It is an invasive species which grows both on land and
water.
• Many believe that alligator weed increases milk
production in their livestock.
• As grazing is prohibited in the lake areas, grass cutters
visit the lake everyday and cut the alligator weed which
is then used as fodder.
g. Vetiver
• Perhaps one of the
most commonly
known of wetland
plants grows
perennially.
• Vetiver roots are very
valuable; they are used
to make an essential
oil that has antifungal
properties, they are
used to make rugs and
mats, and even to
repel termites.
• They are also used to
bolster embankments
in areas (like along the
Konkan railway) that
are at risk of landslides
or mudslides.

Bird Habitat
•Many people visit lakes and
their wetlands to birdwatch and
for photography, and by doing
so contribute to the local
biodiversity count, identify new
species or note missing species,
and help in understanding
ecological changes.
•See https://birdcount.in/ebird/
where many birdwatchers
maintain bird records.
•Bird Censuses are carried out in
some lakes, and record the
number of species roosting, The
number of migratory birds
visiting, And the number of
species of birds nesting in the
wetland and around the lake.
Functions of Wetland: Bird Habitat 24

A Spot Billed
Pelican spotted at
one of our lakes.

A Purple Heron flies
home to nest on a
wetland.

A Purple Moorhen
contemplates her day
at the wetland.

While an Indian
Cormorant meditates.

Resilience and Flood Control
• Wetlands can also provide immense water storage benefits. They act as natural sponges, by soaking up
and holding water until it can seep into the ground. Wetland vegetation also slows the water flow and
slowly releases it into nearby streams and lakes. Wetlands also slow down erosion rates.
• Wetland vegetation can help reduce pollutants in case of upstream STP breakdown by sediment trapping
and nutrient removal.
• As a result, they can also help prevent floods, especially during adverse weather events!
Functions of Wetland: Resilience and flood control 29

a. Grasscutters
Wetlands also support and
sustain many livelihoods.
Grass cutters come daily
from nearby villages to cut
grass, alligator weeds and
other reeds which are used
as fodder for livestock.
Grasscutters do not disturb
the local bird habitat.
The vibrant biodiversity of
the wetlands provide
livelihoods. As macrophytes
grow in waste water they
improve the water quality,
and their growth in turn
provides biomass and
roosting spaces for
birds/reptiles. That growth
in turn provides livelihoods -
grass cutting, basket making,
fishing…
Functions of Wetland: Livelihoods
Livelihoods
30

“We see each other ever so
often, at the lake. One day,
we spoke. Every day he
comes with his sickle in the
evening. A little hard of
hearing. The world and his
immediate family seems to
have done him wrong or so
he says. He works quietly
for 3 hours. There are
many people walking
around. No one talks to
him”.
Grasscutter
and I
Functions of Wetland: Livelihoods 31

This is the alligator
weed . It grows in
shallow water, and
one type of this plant
(Alternanthera
sessilis) is for human
consumption, the
other is used as
fodder.
The nutrients in the
wetland coming from
sewage leave a faint
disagreeable odour
but they help this
plant grow vigorously.
It takes four trips, but
at the end of the day,
our friend heads home
with a heavy load.

b. Fishermen-
Fishermen get
contracts to fish at
the lake from the
Fisheries Department
and fish collected
from the
wetland/lake are
sold. In some lakes
fishermen are
involved in cleaning
wetlands and
removing unwanted
or overgrown weeds

c. Gardeners-
Gardeners are normally
employed by the local lake group
or the government to maintain
the lake. They are responsible
for landscaping, garbage
removal and regular cleaning of
the lake, the wetland, the inlets,
outlets and drains. They
compost reeds and weeds not
taken by grasscutters.
Many of the wetlands reeds can
be used for fodder, for insulation
(reeds like Typha and Cyprus),
for compost and for local
craftwork. Janastu is an NGO
working to build local livelihoods
using reeds and regularly
conduct workshops.

d. Urban
Livelihoods-
Urban wetlands can
also support urban
livelihoods. People
can use the reeds
harvested from the
wetlands to
produce beautiful
not so common
products in Urban
area.
This is a photo of
basket weaving
from wetland
reeds, organised by
MAPSAS.
For more details
about the reed
making workshops
https://www.decca
nherald.com/city/k
eeping-lake-alive-w
eaving-678511.html

Janastu is another NGO
that also works with
communities to improve
their livelihoods using
wetland reeds. For more
details about Janastu
http://biometrust.blogspot
.com/2018/05/products-m
ade-with-typha-and-other.
html

Engaging with our Wetlands
37
One set of people want the plants removed, so that there can be water and fish and perhaps boats. The
other set wants plants and fodder and biodiversity. The third set is indifferent, apathetic and curses the
government. How do we work together?
What we can do, and how.

The legal and institutional framework
• The 1971 Ramsar Convention formalised wetlands as protected areas. Since then wetland protection has
gained significance both nationally and locally.
• In India the 1986 Lakshman Rao Committee emphasised and recommended wetlands protection, for
Bangalore’s lake/tank ecosystem.
• In 2010, The Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF), which has the primary responsibility of
managing lake ecosystem, notified The Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2010.
• These rules ensure better conservation, management and prevent degradation of existing wetlands in
India. The rules prohibit the conversion of wetland, waste dumping and discharging untreated effluents
into wetlands and regulate the withdrawal of water, recreational activity, dredging and construction of
permanent structure within 50m of the wetland.
Engaging with our Wetlands 38

Karnataka specific laws
• The Karnataka Lake Conservation and Development Authority Act, 2014 is there to
• to protect, conserve, reclaim, regenerate and restore lakes to facilitate recharge of depleting ground
water by promoting integrated approach with the assistance of concerned Government departments,
local and other authorities;
• to exercise regulatory control over all the lakes within the jurisdiction of all the Municipal Corporations
and Bangalore Development Authority including prevention and removal of encroachment of lake area
and its natural drainage system.
• to prepare a plan for integrated development of lakes and to improve and also to create habitat of
wetland for aquatic biodiversity, water birds and aquatic plants controlling pollution of lakes from
sewage and other industrial effluents.
• to encourage participation of communities and voluntary agencies and to launch public awareness
programmes for conservation, preservation and protection of lakes.
• The KLCDA has now been replaced by the KTCDA.
• Other laws on wetlands can be found here.

Integrating wetlands into planning
• Wetlands, in combination with waste-water treatment plants, are a good way of reviving the tanks in the
city. The example of Jakkur lake is a possible starting points for an integrated approach to manage water
in the city with wetlands playing an important role.
• Here waste-water treated to secondary standards are then allowed in to the wetlands which remove
nitrates and reduce Total Suspended Solids, thus allowing for it to fill the water body. In turn , the lakes
allow for fishing and recharge the surrounding aquifers.
• Remedied waste-water from the city can be further treated in the wetlands and used for agricultural
purpose.
• Integrating wetlands into the master plan and the urban fabric of cities is the need of the hour and that
would be water wisdom.

Who’s responsible?
•Wetlands are maintained by multiple stakeholders from the local residents. living around the lake, to the
grass cutters, fishermen and gardeners who derive their livelihood from the lake, to researchers and
academics to study this local ecosystem, to the government and local authorities!
•Grouping to be done with respect to the way one identifies the expectations of every stakeholder in
order to group them
•Working together helps effectively maintain our wetlands.
41

Laws, institutions and stakeholders
• The lake and wetland community consists of the residents who live around the lake, people who work in
the lake and who derive livelihoods from it to its patrons, who use it for various purposes.
• Management frameworks need to address the diverse expectations of each group (and its stakeholders)
and to harness individual interests so that the larger purpose of the wetland is preserved, while
addressing individual needs.
• Maintaining the wetland is critical to ensuring the harmonious use and purpose of the wetland,
particularly to avoid tradeoffs between them.
• MoUs help define objectives, roles, responsibilities and obligations of each stakeholder and other terms
like schedules, activities etc.
• Dialogue between stakeholders is key!

Who can engage with a wetland?
•Anyone can engage with their lake’s wetland, and roles and responsibilities for protecting the ecosystem
are spread across stakeholders.
•A good management framework allows different groups to work in consonance.
Citizens
Labs,
colleges,
schools, labs
and NGOs
People with
lake
dependent
livelihoods
Lake
Administrativ
e authorities
Lake groups
and local
residents
43

Some roles: Citizens and local communities
•Organising and mobilizing resources, whether human, financial or institutional and bringing everyone
together
•Implementing or executing activities associated with wetland maintenance and other developmental
activities
•Getting permissions/approvals from government institutions for various activities
•Engaging community members/volunteers/artists/craftsmen in various activities
•Creating awareness on the importance of wetlands
44

Roles: Local Communities, Institutions and
Organisations
•Grasscutters cut grass, alligator weeds and other reeds which are used as fodder for their livestock
•Fishermen, apart from fishing, also cut weeds, and may also remove plants or macrophytes along the
periphery of the lake water body.
•Gardeners are responsible for the cleanliness of the lake and its environs. They remove garbage such
plastic, paper, bottles, glass etc. and regularly clean the lake and its surroundings. They also cut and
compost weeds and grass.
•Research and Educational institutions have played significant roles in the design of wetlands. They have
brought technical inputs where required and also play a role as labs for water testing.
•Government and administrative authorities provide approvals/permissions, and regulate activities.
•Civil society organisations also help mobilize financial, technical, community support and introduce
ecological perspectives.
•The private sector can support these initiatives financially
45

Wetland Monitoring Activities
46

All our lakes are alive and the
health of the lake and its
ecosystem is closely linked it’s
water quality
As citizens we need to be alert to
changes in the lake - a simple
activity like walking around the lake
can give us visual cues to the lake’s
health. For example, are the plants
thriving? Is there a smell? Can I see
fish in the lake? And what about
birds? Is the lake water changing?
Is there an unexpected source of
water coming in? Could it be
sewage?
We use a range of water quality
parameters to measure lake water
quality , such as BOD, COD, PH, TDS
etc. Regular tests can be done
using the FFEM kit.
Wetland monitoring Activities 47

We monitor the health of the wetland and
the lake so we can take appropriate
measures when the water quality drops, and
so we can communicate any issues with
stakeholders upstream or downstream.
Anyone can monitor – from lake groups, to
lake administrative bodies like BBMP/BDA, or
local colleges, schools, labs.
Sample, test and monitor (from the inlet,
outlet and the centre for the lake) the water
quality once or twice a month. Testing
parameters.
You could do this in-situ using a test kit, or at
a lab, or even conduct a visual check (check
for a smell, or frothing, or discolouration of
the water)
Record your results in a log book or on an
online platform. To share, you could write up
a report for the public lake dashboard.

Activities
•We need to regularly monitor, clean and maintain our wetlands
•Trim, remove dead plants and remove floating macrophytes – this improves the nutrient intake of
wetlands and reduces nitrate and phosphate levels in the lake.
•Use aerators, which increase the levels of dissolved oxygen (DO) levels in the lake
•We afforest in and around the catchment area, this helps the lake retain water and provides flood control
measures.
49
Wetland monitoring Activities

Cleaning the wetland and lake
• Daily:
• We need to remove garbage such as paper or plastic floating in the wetland.
• Aerators can be used daily to increase levels of dissolved oxygen (DO) in the water.
• Monthly:
• Inspect and remove unnecessary plants and other debris and clear the pipes or water pathways of
soil, garbage or other detritus.
• Trim overgrown reeds, inspect for algal blooms.
• Remove floating macrophytes, and keep 5-6 ft of alligator weed/water hyacinth around the
shoreline
• Quarterly
• Clean the silt traps.
• Regularly
• Ensure the catchment has enough trees to avoid soil erosion.
• Here’s a list of activities that need to be undertaken.

Wetland Design and Health
51
Slides below has been drafted based on the visual and physical observations. It does not contain technical
details of wetland health and design. These are by no means definite, but only a reference document.

● What is the area required to treat wastewater?
a. The area of a wetland depends on the influent water quality and expected treatment.
b. For example to treat 1 MLD raw sewage with BOD: 60-80mg/L to anticipated outflow quality of 10
mg/L of BOD. The area required is 4.2 acres.
(http://wgbis.ces.iisc.ernet.in/energy/water/paper/ETR124/ETR124.pdf, page 9)
c. In Jakkur the wetland is 7 acres and was designed to treat 10MLD of secondary treated water
● How do you calculate the amount of inflow into a wetland?
a. In most lakes in bangalore, the rainwater inflow and wastewater inflow needs to be considered
when designing the wetland.
b. The quantity of rainwater inflow depends on the catchment area, the catchment area is the area
where the rain water falls and flows into the lake.
c. The quantity of sewage inflow can be estimated based on the population in the catchment area.
Wetland Design and Health: Design consideration 52

● How do you calculate the
amount of inflow into a
wetland?
a. An easier way to calculate
the inflow is to calculate
the flow in the streams
coming into the wetland.
One method that can be
used is the float method, a
floating object is used to
measure its velocity as it
floats down the channel.
b. A detailed video of the
process can be found
online using this link

● How do you account for the fluctuations in sewage inflow?
a. Using the above method will give us the flow rate, but it is important to calculate the total water discharge
per day based on the peak flow and non peak flow. We assume peak flow for 8 hours during the day and
non peak flow (approximately 1/10th peak flow) for 16 hours during the day.
● What should the depth of the wetland be?
a. Constructed wetlands are usually less than 1m deep, it can be upto 1-1.2m and even goes up to 1.5m in
Bellandur. See here page 5 and 21
● What should the slope of the wetland be?
a. Ideally a gentle slope!
● What are the different types of constructed wetlands?
a. Free- Water Surface Constructed Wetland imitates the naturally occurring processes of a natural wetland.
Water flows above ground and is exposed to direct sunlight. When water slowly flows through the
wetland heavy sediments settle down, and nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus are taken up by
wetland plant species and other microorganisms. See here.
b. Algal ponds are algae based lagoons that treat wastewater leaving the wetland by natural oxidative
processes. See here.

• What plant species are recommended for wetlands?
a. We recommend using native non invasive plant species, for more information on different plant species
please refer the following document: See here for a more comprehensive list.
• Do you need to seal the bottom of a wetland?
a. Ideally constructed wetlands should be sealed using a layer of clay.
• What does the term “minimum retention time” mean?
a. Retention time is the average time water remains in wetland HRT (d) = volume (m3) / inflow (m3/d). A
retention time of 3 to 5 days is recommended for untreated water. See here, page 22 and here
• What else should we consider when designing a wetland?
a. The flow in the wetland- Inlets and outlets should be designed to create the longest path for water to
flow through the wetland.
b. The flow into the wetland-The inlet into the wetland can also be designed such that water travels
through the longest path, so it passes through reeds before it enters the wetland
c. Silt traps before the inlet
d. Sampling point at outlet to test water quality
e. Flow meters
f. Design such that water flows by gravity
g. Ensure the wetland is accessible for maintenance, such that desilting and trimming of plant species is
not hindered. eg build floating bridges and wooden decks

Wetland Health
Wetland’s health plays a major role in the ecological system. It is difficult to assess the health of a wetland due
to the various different functions it plays especially in an urban context. However,
● Wetland health or condition can be noticed by-
○ the wetland’s physical/chemical attributes (its parts)- the amalgamation of soil, water, its
flora/fauna and its surrounding activities
○ Its function (what it’s doing).
Wetland Design and Health: Health 56

a. Soil condition-Wetland soil is considered healthy when its colour is dark brown to black due to its
presence of mineral or organic matter. Wetland soil generally have lower densities, higher porosity, greater
water holding capacity, lower nutrient availability than mineral soils
b. Water quality- Water quality is at best when there is no pungent smell, no formation of froth, no dark
green/black coloured water.
c. Flora/Fauna- A healthy wetland has an abundance of biodiversity.
d. Livelihood- The livelihoods supported by the wetland reflects the economic dependency of the people
living in the surrounding areas on these lakes. The economic dependency is always higher in case of a
healthy wetland.
e. Nutrient content- When the nutrient content is high in a wetland only certain species survive and multiply
and there is an observed lack of biodiversity. In order to have less nutrients, one should ensure there is no
direct sewage flow into the wetland and no agricultural run off into the wetland.
Physical and chemical indicators of Wetland HEALTH

A. Hydrology- Wetlands primarily receive water from three sources: precipitation, surface flow, and
groundwater. The relative proportion of these, influence the plant communities in wetland and the
types of soil formed.
B. Topography- topography of a healthy wetland enhances water holding capacity and groundwater
recharge, reduces soil erosion and purifies water.
C. Its function-
Wetlands play different functions like flood control, soil erosion, absorption of pollutants and excess
nutrients, hence purifying the water. It also provides critical habitat for many plants and animals,
including some threatened and endangered species.
Other factors that influences Wetland HEALTH

● Soils in healthy wetlands
contain bacteria that remove
excess nitrogen by process
called denitrification which
helps in restoring the water
quality.
● The nutrients from the water
gets absorbed by plants and
fish.
● These plants are consumed by
animals (like cows, horses etc)
and the fishes are consumed
by bird retaining the balance
of nutrients in water.
Nutrient
distribution

• Biodiversity of constructed wetlands for wastewater treatment
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0925857411001807 -
• (PDF) Waste Water Treatment using Water Hyacinth. Available from:
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/323278568_Waste_Water_Treatment_using_Water_Hyacinth
• Native, Invasive and Other Plant- Related Definitions
https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/ct/technical/ecoscience/invasive/?cid=nrcs142p2_011124
• Wetlands Operation and Maintenance Guide
https://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/environment/stormwater/docsmaintenanceguides/wetlands-operation
-maintenance-guide.pdf
• Integrated Wetlands Ecosystem: Sustainable Model to Mitigate Water Crisis in Bangalore
http://wgbis.ces.iisc.ernet.in/biodiversity/pubs/ETR/ETR76/sec9.html
• Using Mangrove trees in Eutrophic Inland Waters by M.B.Krishna
http://wgbis.ces.iisc.ernet.in/energy/water/proceed/proceedings_text/section3/paper3/section3paper3.htm
• Wetlands: Treasure of Bangalore[Abused, Polluted, Encroached & Vanishing]
http://wgbis.ces.iisc.ernet.in/energy/water/paper/ETR101/content.html#8
• Contact information of Water Quality testing labs and other vendors:
http://groundwaters.in/contacts
61
References 61

• https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2015-10/documents/constructed-wetlands-handbook.pdf
• http://wgbis.ces.iisc.ernet.in/energy/water/paper/ETR124/ETR124.pdf
• https://m.jagranjosh.com/current-affairs/wetlands-in-india-significance-threats-conservation-1466144262-1
• https://www.indiawaterportal.org/articles/indian-wetlands-under-threat
• http://wgbis.ces.iisc.ernet.in/energy/water/paper/wetlandmanagement_gis/wetlandmanagement_gis.pdf
• http://wgbis.ces.iisc.ernet.in/energy/water/paper/Jakkur/594-601%20P.%20Sudarshan%20D52.pdf
• http://web.utk.edu/~ctmelear/ossabaw/PattersonStanfordSutton/wetlandL1.html
• http://fwf.ag.utk.edu/mgray/wfs560/Harden.pdf
• https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2018-10/documents/nutrient-criteria-manual-wetlands.pdf
• http://cas.umt.edu/watershedclinic/links/clarkfork/wetlands/wetlandhealth.htm
References: Wetland design and health
References for Wetland design and health
62

Some Useful Contacts
•Friends of Lakes Bangalore
•One Bengaluru for Lakes
•MAPSAS
•Jalaposhan
•Puttenahalli Neighbourhood Lake Improvement Trust
•Kaikrondahalli Kere
•Kaikrondahalli Kere Lower Ambalipura Kere
•Kasavanahalli Lake
•Soul Kere
Get in touch with Biome
Environmental Trust at
water@biome-solutions.com
With thanks to
M B Krishna, Sasibhushan, Dr S
Subramanya, Dinesh and Gopi from
Janastu;
BV Satish, Chief Engineer, Lakes
department, BBMP, Seema Garg, CEO,
KLCDA
MAPSAS, Dr Annapurna Kamath and
Jalaposhan, Green Army, the Forest
Department (Punati Sridhar PCCF, Vasant
Reddy DCF, Ravindra FCO, PNLIT and the
CSR wing of Biocon
This document is published under a CC BY-NC-SA
2.5 IN license.

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