KMDA report on Rabindra Sarovar Lake's rich biodiversity

Kolkata: Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority (KMDA) is preparing a detailed project report (DPR) to conserve the rich biodiversity of the Rabindra Sarovar Lake in south Kolkata.

A butterfly park, a nature interpretation centre , naming of the variety of trees on the bank of the Lake and concerted efforts in maintaining the

water quality of the sprawling waterbody will be prioritised.

Altogether, 379 species of animals have been found in the survey of the fauna and this has been classified into 15 categories.

The highest number has been bagged by the birds with 107 varieties being found. The number of butterflies are also reasonably rich with 57 types while 29 variety of ants have been found. The number of fishes in Rabindra Sarobar that has often been the talking point of the visitors is also on the higher side with 40 species being found.

"There are a handful species among the fauna that feature in the IUCN Red List of Nearly Threatened but we are very serious about conserving the rich biodiversity. We will be conducting programme on awareness and education from time to time involving school students and common people, " a senior KMDA official said.

The urban biodiversity report comprising the flora and fauna in and around the waterbody was officially released in the last month by state Urban Development minister Firhad Hakim.

The study has been conducted by a team from various state and Central agencies with A.K. Sanyal of the West Bengal Biodiversity Board being the chairman of the team. We are preparing the DPR on the basis of recommendations by the team and will submit it

before the eastern bench of National Green Tribunal in due course.

The NGT has imposed ban on littering in or around the lake, bathing in its water, using excessive bright lights around it, washing clothes or utensils, emitting sounds that disturb the birds in the area and entering the lake premises with any kind of plastic bag is forbidden.

It may be mentioned that the team has found 131 variety of trees and 34 types of terrestrial macrofungi in and around the waterbody. " We have already started putting boards with names of the trees along with a short description of them," the official added.

KMDA is also giving special emphasis on desilting of the Lake to improve the water quality of the waterbody. ' We will start work soon after the monsoon season which will contribute in keeping the water quality to its best and at the same tome conservation of the species living in the water," he maintained.