Hyderabad’s lakes are getting a new lease on life thanks to the efforts of the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA). Following the grand Bathukamma celebration at a newly rejuvenated lake, HYDRAA announced its success in restoring six city lakes and plans for 14 more. While the physical transformation is commendable, environmental experts are emphasizing a crucial next step: actively restoring biodiversity to these revitalized ecosystems.
Those dedicated to documenting and preserving biodiversity are urging authorities to take proactive measures to ensure these lakes become thriving havens for wildlife. Botanists and other specialists have put forward a vital list of native tree species that can provide essential food and shelter for birds, butterflies, and countless other beings.
Beyond just birds, a healthy lake ecosystem supports a wide array of life, including butterflies, dragonflies, and terrapins. Professor Chemela Srinivas of Osmania University stresses the necessity of a scientific approach to ecosystem restoration, particularly the introduction of native species. Without this focused effort, exotic species could proliferate and disrupt the delicate natural balance.
Birders, who recently published the second report of the Hyderabad Bird Atlas, highlighted significant challenges faced by the city’s water bodies. These include widespread plastic pollution and waste dumping, severe choking by invasive water hyacinth, and habitat degradation caused by walking tracks that increase human disturbance.
Key Challenges Identified by Birders:
- Plastic pollution and indiscriminate waste dumping.
- Encroachment and habitat fragmentation due to construction near water bodies.
- Proliferation of invasive species like water hyacinth, leading to a decline in aquatic diversity and unfavorable conditions for many water birds.
Best Practices for Maintaining Thriving Urban Lakes:
The Hyderabad Birding Pals, Deccan Birders, and WWF-India, who are developing the Hyderabad Bird Atlas, have put forth several recommendations to bolster bird populations and overall lake health:
- Avoid concreting lake slopes or surrounding urban areas; instead, utilize natural stone for stability and aesthetic appeal.
- Establish and maintain natural belts of native vegetation between walking tracks, buildings, and the water’s edge.
- Implement improved waste management systems and provide adequate waste disposal infrastructure to prevent pollution.
- Actively manage and control invasive species such as water hyacinth and morning glory.
- Restore natural habitat features by planting native aquatic plants and riparian vegetation.
- Create small islands or floating platforms within lakes to serve as safe nesting and roosting sites for birds.
- Continuously monitor and improve water quality.
- Engage local communities in conservation and maintenance efforts.
Native Trees That Attract Birds and Wildlife
Dr. L. Rasingam, Scientist-E at the Botanical Survey of India, Deccan Regional Centre, recommends the following native tree species for their role in attracting diverse wildlife and restoring biodiversity:
- Syzygium cumini (Jamun)
- Mangifera indica (Mango)
- Phyllanthus embelica (Amla)
- Ficus sapp (Fig)
- Ziziphus mauritiana (Indian Plum)
- Bombax ceiba (Silk Cotton)
- Thespesia populnea (Indian Tulip)
- Limonia acidissima (Wood Apple)
- Prosopis cineraria (Jammi Chettu)
For aquatic green cover, Farida Tampal, State Director of WWF-India Hyderabad Office, emphasizes the importance of promoting native wetland plant species like Cyperus (Tunga Gaddi) or Typha (Jammu gaddi or Enugajamu), noting that nearly 110 such aquatic species exist. She also points out that trees like Jamun, Acacia (Babul or Nall Tumma), and Bamboo thrive near water bodies, though caution is advised against planting large trees directly on lake bunds to prevent structural damage. Most Hyderabad lakes currently suffer from a lack of native aquatic vegetation, dominated instead by invasive species like water hyacinth and duckweed.
Sriram Reddy, a core member of Hyderabad Birding Pals, highlights that the presence of diverse flowers and fruits near water bodies is crucial for attracting birds, and a vibrant avian population is a strong indicator of a healthy lake. He suggests that Ficus, Jamun, Neem, Tamarind, Silk Cotton, and Palash are excellent choices for maximizing bird diversity.
He also provided a list of specific trees known to attract particular bird species:
- Peepal / Sacred Fig (Ficus religiosa): Attracts Barbets, Bulbuls, Parakeets, and Mynas.
- Banyan (Ficus benghalensis): Favored by Hornbills, Green Pigeons, Mynas, and Barbets.
- Indian Gooseberry (Phyllanthus emblica, Amla): A magnet for Bulbuls, Barbets, and Parakeets.
- Jamun (Syzygium cumini): Draws Barbets, Hornbills, Bulbuls, and Parakeets.
- Neem (Azadirachta indica) flowers: Popular with Sunbirds.
By implementing these expert-backed measures, Hyderabad’s revitalized lakes can truly flourish, becoming vibrant hubs of biodiversity and contributing to a greener, more harmonious urban environment.