A Julfia Begaum’s scientific contributions

It is evident that cultural eutrophication (i.e. human induced) is an important environmental problem that the city water bodies are now facing. While the literature informs us about the importance and status of the lakes in Coimbatore city, it also highlights the gaps in the information base. So far, no long-term studies as well as research covering different taxonomic groups like amphibians and reptiles associated with the wetlands have been undertaken. It would be appropriate that the ecosystem services and economic benefits of the Coimbatore wetlands are to be evaluated undertaking a comprehensive multi-institutional study. For the wetlands in the city have to be conserved and managed, academicians, policy and decision makers and the citizens should work in unison. The Wetland Rules (2010) and the Tamil Nadu protection of tanks and eviction of encroachment act (2007) should be employed in a manner that the lakes can be sustainably managed. This will involve wider participation from the society, which can be a herculean task to set, but easy once starts moving. Visionary clean governance would help in striking the balance between development and environment and making Coimbatore city a model for sustainable conservation and management of the urban wetlands. 1) Effectively and visibly demarcate the lake boundaries; however, the bunds made for the purpose should be designed in such a way that they are green and stable. Slipping bunds are damaging to the rejuvenating lakes. 2) Bird attracting and native species of trees may be planted along the bunds or in the mounts in the lakes. 3) Control encroachment activities along the lakes, and move out and rehabilitate those who have lived in the encroachments for years. 4) Stop the dumping of garbage and other solid waste into the wetlands. The Municipal Corporation should remove the municipal garbage / solid waste dumped there already. That would assist in rejuvenation of the lake basins. 5) Sanitation facilities detached from the wetlands need to be established for the people who are living in the close by shanties and slums and control public easing themselves on the banks of the wetlands, which is the leading cause for high faecal pathogens in the water. 6) Appoint local watch and ward personal to report violations immediately to the authorities for immediate actions. 7) Involve local NGOs and other academic / research organisations in designing plans for ecological rejuvenation of the lakes. In consultation with the above, a plan for each wetland may be developed, the execution of which could be sponsored by corporate or other agencies perhaps under their respective CSR schemes. 8) Totally ban the release of effluents and sewage into the wetlands. 9) The Municipal Corporation of Coimbatore should take measures at installing the sewage / effluent treatment plants to tackle the sewage/effluent generated by the city. 10) Make the industries responsible to the effluents generated by making it mandatory to pay for the treatment of their effluents. 11) Cleaning of the lakes should be undertaken in a scientific manner after understanding the ecology and characteristics of the individual lakes. 12) The community and the fishers living around the lakes are presently the unofficial guardians of the lakes. These individuals' attempts should be recognised and a collective system should be designed for their role in management of the lakes. 13) Introduction of exotic floral and faunal species should be prohibited.