Experts suggest detailed hydrological study of Ansupa Lake

To know the water balance of Ansupa lake, a fresh water lake on the banks of river Mahanadi in Cuttack district, the experts have suggested a detail hydrological monitoring of the lake.

This is expected to help in the development of the watershed model for wetland and will assist in understanding and evaluating the present condition of the lake.

Besides, it will also help in evaluation of the future management options, says Mike Willey, Roosvelt professor of Eco System Management (ESM), University of Michigaon, US.

Though Ansupa is the largest sweet water lake in Orissa, it was on the verge of extinction.

Willey, who met the chief secretary Ajit Kumar Tripathy recently, has recommended that one unit for automated measurement of water level, water temperature and conductivity need to be installed near the outlet weir on the lake side.

Similarly, micro weather monitoring stations should be set up to collect wind speed, relative humidity, wind temperature for evaporation estimate.

Appreciating the community participation in the Integrated Management Plan (IMP), Willey has pointed out that it is a good model for restoring the eco system in a wet land like Ansupa. While water quality monitoring should continue, efforts should be made to prepare complete bio-logical inventory.

For fiscal sustainability of the watershed committees, he emphasised on finding ways for continuance for availing financial assistance. Open the membership of such committees to outsiders may be explored as one of the options to develop wetland.