Environmental Perspectives of Pond Ecosystems: Global Issues, Services and Indian Scenarios

Abstract

Ponds are an integral component of the hydrological system; and perform diverse roles in the biosphere. Studies on pond ecosystems are, however, often neglected, probably, due to their little size. There is no doubt that little things perform many important activities in our lives. The literature survey on pond environment studies shows very little investigative works in India; and there is no review publication on pond environment reports. In Europe, pond conservation initiative has, however, resulted in many studies on the subject. In Indian perspectives, when there is a dearth of studies on ponds, it is futile to say that there is any concrete institutional initiative on pond conservation. The 2010-2011 report of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) shows that there are only 60 CPCB pond water quality monitoring stations in the country. In these scenarios, an attempt has been made in this manuscript to compile the reports on pond environment in India. The problems faced by ponds in India, mostly from pollution and encroachment, have been discussed in the text. Based on outcomes of different pond reports, some suggestions have been discussed in the end of the manuscript for an effective pond conservation initiative, and their sustainable management in India.