The document discusses the ecological restoration of the Munderikkadavu wetland ecosystem in Kerala, highlighting the negative impacts of human activities such as pollution, deforestation, and urbanization on its biodiversity. It outlines the importance of wetlands and proposes landscape modifications as a method for restoring the ecological balance. The study emphasizes the need for effective management and conservation strategies to protect this vital ecosystem.

1. 2014
Deepak T C
1100100196
10/30/2014
Ecological Restoration of Munderikkadavu Wetland Ecosystem
Through Landscape Modification
Guided By:
Ms. Prashanti Rao
Assistant Professor of Architecture

2. Restoration of Ecological Balance in Munderikkadavu Wetland Ecosystem
Through Landscape Modification
DEEPAK T C1
Date: 30 Oct. 2014
ABSTRACT
Wetlands are called as “the Kidneys of the Landscape”. (CST, n.d.). Munderikkadavu is
one of the important wetlands in the district of Kannur, Kerala. And is highly enriched with
species diversities of birds, fishes, dragonflies, crabs etc. This paper intends to look upon the
human interventions in the Wetland of Munderikkadavu; which has adversely affected the
ecological balance of the ecosystem and then focuses upon the methods to mitigate the
impacts of these activities. Secondly, it focuses upon the restoration of the lost ecological
balance through the modification of landscape features as a tool for the restoration.
KEY WORDS
Ecological Restoration, Wetland, Ecosystem, Threats, Landscape modification, Ramsar
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1. Wetland Ecosystems
To understand the dynamisms of a Wetland Ecosystem it is essential to understand its
extent or potential. The land area which are occasionally covered or saturated with water,
where water level does not exceed 6m even at low tide is called as a wetland. The climate and
configuration influences the water flow into and out of the site and the hydrological cycle
determines the salinity of water. These factors plays a major role in the determination of the
flora and fauna that can survive in the wetland ecosystem. (Ramsar Convention, 1971).
In case of net productivity, salt water wetlands are most productive ecosystems,
followed by freshwater wetlands and then tropical rain forest. Wetlands also add an indirect
value to the local economy based on the wetland based recreations, such as fishing, sailing,
bird-watching, etc. It provides an environmental services such as water quality improvement,
protection from flooding and storm damage, erosion control, water supply and ground water
recharge. Alongside there are aesthetic, educational and scientific values. (Matthews, 2013).
In India there are a total of 27,403 wetlands in which 23,444 are inland wetlands and
remaining are coastal. 18.5% of national land area is covered with wetlands. In Southern
India are mostly manmade wetlands and are called as Yaris. (CPREEC, n.d.). In Kerala there
1
1100100196, B-Arch Student at School of Planning and Architecture

3. are 4354 wetlands, out of them 3 falls in Ramsar list. And in the district of Kannur 3.63% of
geographic land area is covered with wetlands [Figure 1]. (SACA & KSRSEC, 2012).
Fig.1 Wetlands in Kannur District Courtesy: National Wetland Atlas: Kerala

4. 1.2. Ramsar Convention, 1971
For the protection of the wetlands, in the year of 1971 at Ramsar, Iran a convention was
conducted. The Convention’s mission is “the conservation and wise use of all wetlands
through local and national actions and international cooperation, as a contribution towards
achieving sustainable development throughout the world”. (Ramsar, n.d.)
The main principles followed by the conventions are:
- Work towards the wise use of all wetlands
- Find out the suitable wetlands and make the list of Wetlands of International
Importance (the “Ramsar List”) and their proper governance.
- International co-operation for the wellness of wetlands.
There are a total of around 2000 Ramsar sites all around the world. (Ramsar, 2014).
[Figure 2]. Out of them 19 are there in India and 3 in Kerala. 6% of the earth’s land area is
covered with wetlands.
2. NEED AND RELEVANCE
2.1. Munderikkadavu and its Importance
Munderikkadavu Wetland is the fourth proposed bird sanctuary in the State of Kerala
after Kadalundi, Thattekad and Kumarakom. (Nair, 2013). It is about 12 kilometres away
Fig.2 Ramsar Site Distribution around the World Courtesy: NASA, 2014

5. from district H.Q., 7.5 sq. km of land is spread across Munderi and neighbouring panchayats,
forms the catchment of the Kattampally River.
The Munderikadavu wetland [Figure 3], is a destination for more than 100 rare species
of birds. According to bird-watchers, around one lakh birds including 60 migratory bird
species visit this wetland every year. Eurasian wigeon, black-headed bunting and red-headed
bunting are some of the regular visitors. 12 endangered species of eagles are seen only in
these wetlands. Bombay Natural History Society and the Birdlife International has identified
the site as one of the 24 Important Bird Areas (IBA) in the state. (Nair, 2013)
2.2. BIODIVERSITY OF MUNDERIKKADAVU
Munderikkadavu wetland ecosystem is very rich in biodiversity. It consists of around
150 species of birds, 45 species of spiders, 34 species of dragonflies, 82 species of butterflies,
68 species of mammals, 150 species of plants, and 16 species of fishes. (Joseph, 2012). Some
of them are
Fishes: Etroplus suratensis, Catla catla, Kowala coval, Solea elongate,Puntius ticto, Arius
sp, Scylla serrate, Charybdis cruciate
Prawns: Macrobrachium idella, Macrobrachium rosenbergei, Pennacus indicus,
Metapenaeus monoceros, Pennaens indicus, Pennaeus monodon
Clams: Meretrix casta, Villorita cyprinodies, Crassostrea gryphoides, Paphia malabarica,
Katalysia opima
Fig.3 Munderikkadavu Wetland Courtesy: www.k4kannur.blogspot.in

6. Plants: Nymphea nouchali, Nymphoides hydrophylla, Nymphoides indica, Premna
serratifolia, Wedalia trilobata, Cyperus distans, Cyperus castaneus, Hygrophila schulli,
Merremia vitifolia, Mimosa pudica, Morinda citrifolia, Sida acuta, Urena lobata (Karakkatt,
n.d.)
Birds: Anas querquedula, Aythya nyroca, Tadorna ferruginea, Anas penelope, Egretta
garzetta, Ardea alba, Ardeola grayii, Ardea cinerea, Anastomus oscitans, Platalea
leucorodia, Himantopus himantopus, Spilornis cheela, Aquila heliacal. (Prabhakaran &
Karakkatt, 2013)
2.3. Threats Faced
The whole catchment is 7.4 sq.km. And for the purpose of study 4.3 sq. km of the land
as shown in Fig.5, have been analysed. Even though the Munderikkadavu Wetland is a
Government protected area, it is facing a lot of threats due to human interventions, such as:
Pollution
Deforestation
Illegal Construction Activities
Hydrologic Activities
Urbanisation
2.3.1. POLLUTION
Any mean of action which contaminates the natural existence of air, water, land etc. is
called pollution. (Merriam-Webster, n.d.). Munderikkadavu wetland faces all the three type
water, soil as well as air pollution.
2.3.1.1. Water Pollution
The life of a wetland ecosystem is totally depended on the quality and salinity of water
present. So the pollution of water makes the entire wetland ecosystem in trouble. The
contaminated water suits the reproduction and spreading of the mosquitoes, insect and other
harmful microbes. Water is mainly contaminated by dumping of wastes and washing of
vehicles which spills the oil into water. When oil comes in contact with water, oxidation
takes place and water soluble compounds are formed, which may harm the aquatic life. It also
decreases the oxygen content in water and makes the aquatic life difficult. (EPAOERS, n.d.)
2.3.1.2. Land Pollution
Any activity that damages the surface of earth and soil is called land pollution. Land
pollution leads to the deterioration of the land formation of barren lands.it reduces the green
cover which adversely affects the microclimate of the region. It reduces the quality of the
soil. And it damages of the habitats of many living organisms, like earthworms, centipede,
etc. The lose habitat will lead them to find a new one or get extinct on the fight for survival.
(Future Conserve Energy, n.d.).

7. 2.3.1.3. Noise Pollution
Contaminating the air with unwanted sound is called noise pollution. Social events,
transportation and construction activities are the main sources of noise pollution. During the
social events like marriages, campaigns, sports events, etc. people will put the songs and
dance till midnights, or use the microphones at a higher decibels. Sound from the vehicles
and nearby construction sites makes a lot of noise. (Future Conserve Energy, n.d.)
So much of noise can cause hearing problems, and it makes the communication
difficult, and it gives a high impact over the animals and birds. (Future Conserve Energy,
n.d.). They becomes disoriented. It can cause hormone imbalance, chronic stress, panic and
escape behaviour, abandonment of offspring, increase in loudness of inter species
communication. (Ghosh, 2011)
2.3.2. ILLEGAL CONSTRUCTION
The construction activities pollutes the surrounding in many ways, air pollution, noise
pollution, along with that it discharges waste to the nearby water body. The chemicals used
for the construction and maintenance purpose also gets mixed with surrounding land and
water. For the construction purpose there a boundary had been kept around.
For the construction purpose the lands of the preserved area was levelled with soil
filling. The canal running along the site was covered. It reduced the area of preserved land.
Other than this for construction many trees were cut, that also had adversely affected the
climate of the region.
2.3.3. DEFORESTATION
Cutting of trees as well as demolition of green is called as deforestation. Deforestation
is done mainly for the purpose of housing and urbanization, timber etc. It affects the nature
by the means of loss of species, carbon emission, water cycle, soil erosion, and life quality.
Trees are the habitat for many species like birds, insects, etc. so that the cutting of trees will
lead them to search for a new habitat. Trees absorb the greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide,
and helps to keep a very cool microclimate. Trees helps in the grounding of water, as in turn
cutting of trees will lead to the decrease in ground water level. The roots of the trees holds the
soil from erosion. As a whole cutting of trees indirectly reduces the life quality. (Szalay,
2013)
2.3.4. HYDROLOGICAL ACTIVITIES
Activities which change the natural hydrological cycle like construction of a dam, will
adversely affect the ecosystem. It stops the natural flow of water. It restricts the migration of
aquatic organisms, which may be a necessity for their reproduction. It changes the
temperature, chemical composition, dissolved oxygen and other physical properties of the
water. It has affected the living organisms like fishes, amphibians, etc. which leads an
aquatic life. (Rivers, n.d.)

8. 3. OBJECTIVES
1. Explore the different types of wetland ecosystems.
2. To study more about the riverfront ecosystems, their inhabitants and the problems
faced by Munderikkadavu wetland ecosystem due to human interventions.
3. To know the role of landscape architecture in developing the Munderikkadavu wetland
ecosystem.
4. SCOPE and LIMITATIONS
The study is restricted to case specific, as on Munderikkadavu wetland ecosystem. So it
does not deal with any other places or other ecosystems. And the case is focused on the
distractions caused by human interventions and how it can be tolerated through landscape
modifications. And the solution part is mainly the development and beautification of the area
with landscape as a tool. For the case, primary and secondary studies were done. It is an
effort to make the site to get its importance make it fall in the Ramsar list. Has to give equal
importance to each member of biodiversity and try to protect them.
5. METHODOLOGY
The whole project was divided into four parts as, (i) Site analysis, (ii) Identifying the
problems, (iii) Finding out solutions for the problems and (iv) Proposing landscape
modification as a mechanism for the restoration of ecosystem. The site analysis was done as a
primary study as well as secondary. The primary study is comprised of the physical analysis
of the site and a survey about the site. As a part of physical analysis, will analyse, the existing
features, on site and off site, soil condition, water condition, identifying existing flora and
fauna. On survey part will analyse the thoughts and views of people about the site, how it was
when they saw it first time, what changes they feel now, how they want to change it now. In
secondary analysis will collect the data about the historical importance of the site, its
ecological importance, how the site was before, what were the flora and fauna found, etc.
And then will compare the data of past and present to identify how much the impacts of
human intervention has affected the ecosystem.
As a continuation to the site analysis next step is identifying the problems faced. For
that the whole area of site is divided into three four parts and analysed. Spotted the deceased
areas and noted the problems faced. Then analysed each problems and its impacts in a
detailed manner. Problems and its immediate effect were identified from the primary studies
and its future impact was analysed from the secondary studies.After noting down the
problems, next is to find out the solutions for them. For this referred literatures by
experienced people on the topic. Then formulated a way to implement it on the site.
As a solution for all the problems and to recover the lost ecological balance proposed
landscape modification as a solution. Then did the literature studies on how it can be done,
and what are the methods and patterns to be followed. And formulate a better way for its
practical implementation on the specified site.

9. As a conclusion analysed whether the study was relevant for the present human life, whether
the study has given a final result, and then has to find out other than this what else it could be.
6. FACING THE CHALLENGES
The Munderikkadavu Wetland Ecosystem faces threats from the human interventions.
Pollution, encroachment, deforestation and changes in the hydrological cycle are the major
threats in the site. To make the strategies to face the threats the whole site [Figure 4] was
divided into different zones as shown in Figure 5.
6.1. Zone 1
Zone 1 faces the threats of water pollution, air pollution and noise pollution. Water
pollution by the dumping of wastes, air pollution and noise pollution by the vehicles passing
through the bridges across the zones.
Water is polluted by dumping the waste into the water body from the bridge [Figure 6].
We can’t do anything physically to stop this activity completely, since it entirely depends on
the mental perception of the people of the space. So by making the place just below the
bridge, more beautiful or dynamic in function will change the perception of the people. It will
Fig.4 The site Courtesy: Google Earth
Fig.5 The Site Zoning Courtesy: Google Earth

10. change the perception but not the habit, so the bridge design should be modified in such a
way that it does not allow anyone to dump the waste from top to the waterbody.
To reduce the noise pollution, mud walls has to be implemented on both sides of the
bridge which will absorb and scatter the noise. This will reduce the impact of the noise over
the lives over there. The bridge design should be modified in such a way that it can be
implemented both the changes.
To reduce the air pollution due to the vehicles, find out the amount of polluting gases
ejected by vehicles, and list out the plants that can compensate or absorb these gases and use
them. Plant them as much as possible near the source of pollution, roads. This plants will help
us to keep the air always fresh.
And moreover to these, government and traffic department implement strict laws, on
the PUC checking, and speed control of the vehicles over the region, and restrict the
maximum speed of vehicle to 40 km/hr.
6.2. Zone 2
This zone is rich in vegetation. The threat faced is the cutting of the trees [Figure 7].
People are cutting the trees for the construction purposes, for timber, for the firewood, etc. So
the number of trees in this area has considerably reduced in the last few decades. And it has
adversely affected the microclimate prevailing over the region. The temperature has arose in
a considerable manner irrespective of the presence of a wetland and a river.
Fig.6 Dumping of Waste from Bridge Courtesy: Site study
Fig.7 Cutting of Trees Courtesy : Site Study

11. To face it we have to find out the trees which have been cut and what its role in the
nature is. Each plant cut has to be compensated with planting three new trees. While listing
out the plants, it has to be keep in mind that the plant can survive in the climatic and soil
conditions prevailing and it supports the birds for nesting.
Grow mangroves that helps in the purification of water in the wetland. And also it adds
an aesthetic value to the scene.
6.3. Zone 3
Zone 3 is infected with the encroachment of land and land filling. Around every
preserved area government had put a boundary for the construction activities. But here on the
name of personal belonging the people are trespassing this border line and constructing their
houses. And they are not ready to hand over the land to government, because of a rapid hike
in the land value in the recent times. When they are questioned they replies as we were not
aware of it. They are filling the wetland areas with soil and using for construction, this is
gradually reducing the area of wetland.
To face this the border line for the construction activities, the preserved wetland area
should be clearly marked with a green belt boundary line. This will block the people from the
encroachment of wetland area. And make the people aware of the importance of this wetland
and its preservation. The government should implement strict laws against the trespassers.
6.4. Zone 4
The Zone 4 is also facing the threat of water pollution, but mainly because of the
washing of the vehicles, and the spilled oil [Figure 8]. To connect the both sides of the
wetland a mud road have been constructed, but now the people are utilising it as a comfort
area to park and wash the vehicles. While washing the oil from the vehicles get spilled over
there and later get washed to the water body. This oils creates a layer over the body and
prevents the gas exchange and make the aquatic life in trouble. And moreover this pathway
has blocked the free flow of water or it has divided the wetland into two parts.
Fig.8 Oil Spilled over Water Courtesy : Site Visit

12. To face this challenge, have to grow the aquatic plants which can consume the spilled oil.
That will purify the water body. And to prevent the same action in future, a thick greenery
has to be provided on both sides of this pathway, which blocks the direct access to the water
body. It can prevent the washing of vehicles over here. And there should some changes made
on this pathway which will allow the free flow of water across it.
6.5. Zone 5
The zone five is comprising the whole wetland and the area surrounding it. As one of
the problem faced by the nearby people is the salt water in their wells. Actually this problem
was created by us only. In the name of the purpose of irrigation a check dam was constructed
across the river [Figure 9]. It became a failure as it could not serve the purpose. And when
the dam opens the salt water starts to flow back and the fresh water wetland has become a salt
water wetland now. And this salt water pierce into soil and comes to the nearby wells
making the well water non-potable.
To face this problem a green belt has to be given around the wetland body which can
absorb the salt or which can purify this salty water piercing into soil. Or the plants which can
avoid the piercing of this salt water into the wells.
7. CONCLUSION
The Munderikkadavu Wetland Ecosystem is a salt water wetland ecosystem in Kannur
district of Kerala. The government has proposed the site as a bird sanctuary. As all other
preserved areas, it also faces threats from the human interventions.
All these studies, landscape modifications and laws will go in vain until and unless the
perception of the people about the wetland does not change. Since all the treats are manmade,
only man can control or avoid these threats. For that the people should be aware of the
importance of the Munderikkadavu Wetland Ecosystem, and need of its preservation.
The site should be well designed and design should be eco-friendly. Landscape
modification and beautification can change the mentality of the people towards the site.
Giving a walkway around, giving sitting poles for the birds, spots for bird watching a bird
Fig.9 Kattampally Check Dam Courtesy : Salin Kunnath @ www.panoramio.com

13. research centre, a pathway depicting importance of the sites and living species over there on
the sides can help the people to know more about the site. And the better governance of the
site will make it to fall in the Ramsar List in a near future.
As a part of further study on the topic, it can be studied about the different species of
shrubs, trees, and mangroves that can grow in and around a salt water wetland. Can study
about the different species of birds and other organisms and their lifestyle. Can study about
the different landscape patters to be implemented. Can study and formulate different rules
and regulations to be implemented.
8. REFERENCES
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