Wetlands of Uttarakhand | Uttarakhand State PSC (UKPSC): Preparation - UKPSC (Uttarakhand) PDF Download

 Page 1


Wetlands of Uttarakhand
Wetlands are areas where water covers the soil, or is present either at or near
the surface of the soil all year or for varying periods of time during the year,
including during the growing season.Water saturation (hydrology) largely
determines how the soil develops and the types of plant and animal
communities living in and on the soil. Wetlands may support both aquatic
and terrestrial species. The prolonged presence of water creates conditions
that favor the growth of specially adapted plants (hydrophytes) and promote
the development of characteristic wetland (hydric) soils. While wetlands and
deepwaters cover only about 6% of the earth’s surface, they provide habitats
for as much as 20% of the planet’s life-forms. Wetlands of Uttarakhand are
categorized as Inland or non-tidal wetlands. These wetlands are threatened by
increasing developmental activities, negetive impacts of tourism, tremendous
grazing pressure and degradation of their catchment areas. Here we have
given a brief description of wetlands of Uttarakhand.
BEDNI KUND- This tarn is set in the famous Bedni bugyal (alpine
meadow) and is the site of the fi rst stage for the famous Nanda Devi Raj Jat
yatra. A large number of buffaloes and scrub cattle, as well as, sheep and
goats are grazed here during the monsoon. Yar-tsa-gombu (Cordyceps
sinensis) collection is a recent and growing phenomenon here.
ROOP KUND-. Roop Kund is presently the second stage of the Raj Jat
yatra, and hence, thousands of pilgrims visit this lake. It is also a well known
destination for trekkers, and Yar-tsagombu collectors pass this area en route
to the next valley, over the Jiura Galli Pass. One of the unique and interesting
mystry about Roop Kund is existence of hundreds of year oldhuman remains
in it. A recent genetic study has established that out of 38 remains under
study 24 belong to Indians and rest are of Youropean orgin mainly that of
meditarranean origin.
HUM KUND- This lake is the third stage of the Raj Jat yatra, before the
pilgrims descend to Suttol village. This lake is a well known, though less
frequented (because of diffi culty) trekkers’ destination. Religious rites are
performed at the small shrine and this is also the site of some Yartsa-gombu
collection.
Page 2


Wetlands of Uttarakhand
Wetlands are areas where water covers the soil, or is present either at or near
the surface of the soil all year or for varying periods of time during the year,
including during the growing season.Water saturation (hydrology) largely
determines how the soil develops and the types of plant and animal
communities living in and on the soil. Wetlands may support both aquatic
and terrestrial species. The prolonged presence of water creates conditions
that favor the growth of specially adapted plants (hydrophytes) and promote
the development of characteristic wetland (hydric) soils. While wetlands and
deepwaters cover only about 6% of the earth’s surface, they provide habitats
for as much as 20% of the planet’s life-forms. Wetlands of Uttarakhand are
categorized as Inland or non-tidal wetlands. These wetlands are threatened by
increasing developmental activities, negetive impacts of tourism, tremendous
grazing pressure and degradation of their catchment areas. Here we have
given a brief description of wetlands of Uttarakhand.
BEDNI KUND- This tarn is set in the famous Bedni bugyal (alpine
meadow) and is the site of the fi rst stage for the famous Nanda Devi Raj Jat
yatra. A large number of buffaloes and scrub cattle, as well as, sheep and
goats are grazed here during the monsoon. Yar-tsa-gombu (Cordyceps
sinensis) collection is a recent and growing phenomenon here.
ROOP KUND-. Roop Kund is presently the second stage of the Raj Jat
yatra, and hence, thousands of pilgrims visit this lake. It is also a well known
destination for trekkers, and Yar-tsagombu collectors pass this area en route
to the next valley, over the Jiura Galli Pass. One of the unique and interesting
mystry about Roop Kund is existence of hundreds of year oldhuman remains
in it. A recent genetic study has established that out of 38 remains under
study 24 belong to Indians and rest are of Youropean orgin mainly that of
meditarranean origin.
HUM KUND- This lake is the third stage of the Raj Jat yatra, before the
pilgrims descend to Suttol village. This lake is a well known, though less
frequented (because of diffi culty) trekkers’ destination. Religious rites are
performed at the small shrine and this is also the site of some Yartsa-gombu
collection.
BHEKKAL TAL- This is also the site where many arrow-heads are to be
found embedded in trees, and are fabled to have rained down here along with
bolts of lightning; perhaps relics of an ancient armed confrontation. This
entire area is used very extensively during the monsoon to graze buffaloes,
and the effects of persistent and intense grazing by this very large ungulate
has very visible impacts on the vegetation here. A very large number of sheep
and goats also pass by here en route to the adjoining alpine meadows adding
to the intensity of grazing. Perhaps because of the wallowing by buffaloes,
this lake is clearly very eutrophic.
BRAHMA TAL- WETLAND TYPE: Tarn ALTITUDE: 3,235 m asl SIZE
CLASS: Small SUB-WATERSHED BASIN: Nandakini DEPTH CLASS:
Deep TROPHIC LEVEL: Eutrophic VEGETATION TYPE: Moist alpine.
There is a small shrine here dedicated to Lord Brahma where religious rites
are performed. Along with the religious rites performed at Brahma Tal, this
area also holds many buffalo camps during the monsoon, while grazing of
sheep and goats is quite intense too. Some Yar-tsa-gombu collection is also
reported from these alpine meadows in spring, just after the snow-melt.
HEMKUND - WETLAND TYPE: Tarn ALTITUDE: 4,204 m asl SIZE
CLASS: Medium SUB-WATERSHED BASIN: Bhiundar gadhAlaknanda
DEPTH CLASS: Medium TROPHIC LEVEL: Oligotrophic VEGETATION
TYPE: Moist alpine. Hem Kund Sahib is a medium-sized tarn that has a
famous and heavily frequented Sikh gurudwara. Despite the large number of
pilgrims that take a holy dip, it remains oligotrophic because of strict rules
for maintaining its cleanliness
SATOPANTH TAL Formed at the intersection of the moraines of a
tributary glacier meeting the Satopanth Glacier at right angles. It is situated in
a Reserve Forest area. It is medium-sized and seems to have dramatically lost
depth quite recently. Such radical changes in glacial and proglacial lakes are
common due to shifting substrate because of the movement of the glaciers.
The water was found to be unusually warm (at 18°C) for any lake at this
altitude.
TARA TAL COMPLEX- includes TARA TAL - I & II TARA TAL - III
WETLAND TYPE: Tarns SIZE CLASS: Small SUB-WATERSHED
BASIN: Saraswati-Alaknanda DEPTH CLASS: Shallow TROPHIC LEVEL:
Oligotrophic VEGETATION TYPE: Dry alpine. Located in the dry cold
desert reaches of the Mana Valley (within the area covered by the Mana Van
Page 3


Wetlands of Uttarakhand
Wetlands are areas where water covers the soil, or is present either at or near
the surface of the soil all year or for varying periods of time during the year,
including during the growing season.Water saturation (hydrology) largely
determines how the soil develops and the types of plant and animal
communities living in and on the soil. Wetlands may support both aquatic
and terrestrial species. The prolonged presence of water creates conditions
that favor the growth of specially adapted plants (hydrophytes) and promote
the development of characteristic wetland (hydric) soils. While wetlands and
deepwaters cover only about 6% of the earth’s surface, they provide habitats
for as much as 20% of the planet’s life-forms. Wetlands of Uttarakhand are
categorized as Inland or non-tidal wetlands. These wetlands are threatened by
increasing developmental activities, negetive impacts of tourism, tremendous
grazing pressure and degradation of their catchment areas. Here we have
given a brief description of wetlands of Uttarakhand.
BEDNI KUND- This tarn is set in the famous Bedni bugyal (alpine
meadow) and is the site of the fi rst stage for the famous Nanda Devi Raj Jat
yatra. A large number of buffaloes and scrub cattle, as well as, sheep and
goats are grazed here during the monsoon. Yar-tsa-gombu (Cordyceps
sinensis) collection is a recent and growing phenomenon here.
ROOP KUND-. Roop Kund is presently the second stage of the Raj Jat
yatra, and hence, thousands of pilgrims visit this lake. It is also a well known
destination for trekkers, and Yar-tsagombu collectors pass this area en route
to the next valley, over the Jiura Galli Pass. One of the unique and interesting
mystry about Roop Kund is existence of hundreds of year oldhuman remains
in it. A recent genetic study has established that out of 38 remains under
study 24 belong to Indians and rest are of Youropean orgin mainly that of
meditarranean origin.
HUM KUND- This lake is the third stage of the Raj Jat yatra, before the
pilgrims descend to Suttol village. This lake is a well known, though less
frequented (because of diffi culty) trekkers’ destination. Religious rites are
performed at the small shrine and this is also the site of some Yartsa-gombu
collection.
BHEKKAL TAL- This is also the site where many arrow-heads are to be
found embedded in trees, and are fabled to have rained down here along with
bolts of lightning; perhaps relics of an ancient armed confrontation. This
entire area is used very extensively during the monsoon to graze buffaloes,
and the effects of persistent and intense grazing by this very large ungulate
has very visible impacts on the vegetation here. A very large number of sheep
and goats also pass by here en route to the adjoining alpine meadows adding
to the intensity of grazing. Perhaps because of the wallowing by buffaloes,
this lake is clearly very eutrophic.
BRAHMA TAL- WETLAND TYPE: Tarn ALTITUDE: 3,235 m asl SIZE
CLASS: Small SUB-WATERSHED BASIN: Nandakini DEPTH CLASS:
Deep TROPHIC LEVEL: Eutrophic VEGETATION TYPE: Moist alpine.
There is a small shrine here dedicated to Lord Brahma where religious rites
are performed. Along with the religious rites performed at Brahma Tal, this
area also holds many buffalo camps during the monsoon, while grazing of
sheep and goats is quite intense too. Some Yar-tsa-gombu collection is also
reported from these alpine meadows in spring, just after the snow-melt.
HEMKUND - WETLAND TYPE: Tarn ALTITUDE: 4,204 m asl SIZE
CLASS: Medium SUB-WATERSHED BASIN: Bhiundar gadhAlaknanda
DEPTH CLASS: Medium TROPHIC LEVEL: Oligotrophic VEGETATION
TYPE: Moist alpine. Hem Kund Sahib is a medium-sized tarn that has a
famous and heavily frequented Sikh gurudwara. Despite the large number of
pilgrims that take a holy dip, it remains oligotrophic because of strict rules
for maintaining its cleanliness
SATOPANTH TAL Formed at the intersection of the moraines of a
tributary glacier meeting the Satopanth Glacier at right angles. It is situated in
a Reserve Forest area. It is medium-sized and seems to have dramatically lost
depth quite recently. Such radical changes in glacial and proglacial lakes are
common due to shifting substrate because of the movement of the glaciers.
The water was found to be unusually warm (at 18°C) for any lake at this
altitude.
TARA TAL COMPLEX- includes TARA TAL - I & II TARA TAL - III
WETLAND TYPE: Tarns SIZE CLASS: Small SUB-WATERSHED
BASIN: Saraswati-Alaknanda DEPTH CLASS: Shallow TROPHIC LEVEL:
Oligotrophic VEGETATION TYPE: Dry alpine. Located in the dry cold
desert reaches of the Mana Valley (within the area covered by the Mana Van
Panchayat), the three paternoster lakes of the Tara Tal Complex overfl ow to
combine their fl ow with the ice-melt of the Tara Glacier, before they join the
Saraswati.
CHORABARI TAL- Chorabari Tal is a proglacial lake that is located
within the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary. It lies just a couple of kilometres
above the Kedarnath shrine, in the push-moraine of the Chorabari Glacier. In
its shallow parts, it holds some submerged aquatic vegetation. The Wadia
Institute for Himalayan Geology has a newly established research station
here, where they monitor glacial retreat, fl ow regimes and weather
parameters.
BASUKI TAL- Basuki Tal is a beautiful, medium-sized tarn located in the
Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary and the only one where the survey team
sighted a solitary water-bird. Basuki Tal is the source of the river Basuki
Ganga.
DODHI TAL- This is a series of three paternoster lakes in a spectacular
setting within the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary.The highest and largest of
these lakes is also called Dodhi Tal.
BHARADHSAR- Situated in the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary, Bharadhsar
is an attractive, high and very deep tarn. It is bounded on one side by a rock
cliff. There is a small shrine here where religious rites are performed by a few
villagers who live much lower in the watershed.
KANASAR- Situated in the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary, Kanasar is one of
the most spectacular and large high altitude lakes in Uttarakhand. It is a
classic tarn, that is also very deep at its head-end, hence the various hues of
blue in its oligotrophic waters.
MALDARU TAL- Situated in the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary, Maldaru
Tal is a spectacular, large tarn in a high setting. It has substantial glacial mass
still receding from it. Supra-moraine and large boulders formed from glacial
till make a very impressive setting.
Page 4


Wetlands of Uttarakhand
Wetlands are areas where water covers the soil, or is present either at or near
the surface of the soil all year or for varying periods of time during the year,
including during the growing season.Water saturation (hydrology) largely
determines how the soil develops and the types of plant and animal
communities living in and on the soil. Wetlands may support both aquatic
and terrestrial species. The prolonged presence of water creates conditions
that favor the growth of specially adapted plants (hydrophytes) and promote
the development of characteristic wetland (hydric) soils. While wetlands and
deepwaters cover only about 6% of the earth’s surface, they provide habitats
for as much as 20% of the planet’s life-forms. Wetlands of Uttarakhand are
categorized as Inland or non-tidal wetlands. These wetlands are threatened by
increasing developmental activities, negetive impacts of tourism, tremendous
grazing pressure and degradation of their catchment areas. Here we have
given a brief description of wetlands of Uttarakhand.
BEDNI KUND- This tarn is set in the famous Bedni bugyal (alpine
meadow) and is the site of the fi rst stage for the famous Nanda Devi Raj Jat
yatra. A large number of buffaloes and scrub cattle, as well as, sheep and
goats are grazed here during the monsoon. Yar-tsa-gombu (Cordyceps
sinensis) collection is a recent and growing phenomenon here.
ROOP KUND-. Roop Kund is presently the second stage of the Raj Jat
yatra, and hence, thousands of pilgrims visit this lake. It is also a well known
destination for trekkers, and Yar-tsagombu collectors pass this area en route
to the next valley, over the Jiura Galli Pass. One of the unique and interesting
mystry about Roop Kund is existence of hundreds of year oldhuman remains
in it. A recent genetic study has established that out of 38 remains under
study 24 belong to Indians and rest are of Youropean orgin mainly that of
meditarranean origin.
HUM KUND- This lake is the third stage of the Raj Jat yatra, before the
pilgrims descend to Suttol village. This lake is a well known, though less
frequented (because of diffi culty) trekkers’ destination. Religious rites are
performed at the small shrine and this is also the site of some Yartsa-gombu
collection.
BHEKKAL TAL- This is also the site where many arrow-heads are to be
found embedded in trees, and are fabled to have rained down here along with
bolts of lightning; perhaps relics of an ancient armed confrontation. This
entire area is used very extensively during the monsoon to graze buffaloes,
and the effects of persistent and intense grazing by this very large ungulate
has very visible impacts on the vegetation here. A very large number of sheep
and goats also pass by here en route to the adjoining alpine meadows adding
to the intensity of grazing. Perhaps because of the wallowing by buffaloes,
this lake is clearly very eutrophic.
BRAHMA TAL- WETLAND TYPE: Tarn ALTITUDE: 3,235 m asl SIZE
CLASS: Small SUB-WATERSHED BASIN: Nandakini DEPTH CLASS:
Deep TROPHIC LEVEL: Eutrophic VEGETATION TYPE: Moist alpine.
There is a small shrine here dedicated to Lord Brahma where religious rites
are performed. Along with the religious rites performed at Brahma Tal, this
area also holds many buffalo camps during the monsoon, while grazing of
sheep and goats is quite intense too. Some Yar-tsa-gombu collection is also
reported from these alpine meadows in spring, just after the snow-melt.
HEMKUND - WETLAND TYPE: Tarn ALTITUDE: 4,204 m asl SIZE
CLASS: Medium SUB-WATERSHED BASIN: Bhiundar gadhAlaknanda
DEPTH CLASS: Medium TROPHIC LEVEL: Oligotrophic VEGETATION
TYPE: Moist alpine. Hem Kund Sahib is a medium-sized tarn that has a
famous and heavily frequented Sikh gurudwara. Despite the large number of
pilgrims that take a holy dip, it remains oligotrophic because of strict rules
for maintaining its cleanliness
SATOPANTH TAL Formed at the intersection of the moraines of a
tributary glacier meeting the Satopanth Glacier at right angles. It is situated in
a Reserve Forest area. It is medium-sized and seems to have dramatically lost
depth quite recently. Such radical changes in glacial and proglacial lakes are
common due to shifting substrate because of the movement of the glaciers.
The water was found to be unusually warm (at 18°C) for any lake at this
altitude.
TARA TAL COMPLEX- includes TARA TAL - I & II TARA TAL - III
WETLAND TYPE: Tarns SIZE CLASS: Small SUB-WATERSHED
BASIN: Saraswati-Alaknanda DEPTH CLASS: Shallow TROPHIC LEVEL:
Oligotrophic VEGETATION TYPE: Dry alpine. Located in the dry cold
desert reaches of the Mana Valley (within the area covered by the Mana Van
Panchayat), the three paternoster lakes of the Tara Tal Complex overfl ow to
combine their fl ow with the ice-melt of the Tara Glacier, before they join the
Saraswati.
CHORABARI TAL- Chorabari Tal is a proglacial lake that is located
within the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary. It lies just a couple of kilometres
above the Kedarnath shrine, in the push-moraine of the Chorabari Glacier. In
its shallow parts, it holds some submerged aquatic vegetation. The Wadia
Institute for Himalayan Geology has a newly established research station
here, where they monitor glacial retreat, fl ow regimes and weather
parameters.
BASUKI TAL- Basuki Tal is a beautiful, medium-sized tarn located in the
Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary and the only one where the survey team
sighted a solitary water-bird. Basuki Tal is the source of the river Basuki
Ganga.
DODHI TAL- This is a series of three paternoster lakes in a spectacular
setting within the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary.The highest and largest of
these lakes is also called Dodhi Tal.
BHARADHSAR- Situated in the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary, Bharadhsar
is an attractive, high and very deep tarn. It is bounded on one side by a rock
cliff. There is a small shrine here where religious rites are performed by a few
villagers who live much lower in the watershed.
KANASAR- Situated in the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary, Kanasar is one of
the most spectacular and large high altitude lakes in Uttarakhand. It is a
classic tarn, that is also very deep at its head-end, hence the various hues of
blue in its oligotrophic waters.
MALDARU TAL- Situated in the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary, Maldaru
Tal is a spectacular, large tarn in a high setting. It has substantial glacial mass
still receding from it. Supra-moraine and large boulders formed from glacial
till make a very impressive setting.
Page 5


Wetlands of Uttarakhand
Wetlands are areas where water covers the soil, or is present either at or near
the surface of the soil all year or for varying periods of time during the year,
including during the growing season.Water saturation (hydrology) largely
determines how the soil develops and the types of plant and animal
communities living in and on the soil. Wetlands may support both aquatic
and terrestrial species. The prolonged presence of water creates conditions
that favor the growth of specially adapted plants (hydrophytes) and promote
the development of characteristic wetland (hydric) soils. While wetlands and
deepwaters cover only about 6% of the earth’s surface, they provide habitats
for as much as 20% of the planet’s life-forms. Wetlands of Uttarakhand are
categorized as Inland or non-tidal wetlands. These wetlands are threatened by
increasing developmental activities, negetive impacts of tourism, tremendous
grazing pressure and degradation of their catchment areas. Here we have
given a brief description of wetlands of Uttarakhand.
BEDNI KUND- This tarn is set in the famous Bedni bugyal (alpine
meadow) and is the site of the fi rst stage for the famous Nanda Devi Raj Jat
yatra. A large number of buffaloes and scrub cattle, as well as, sheep and
goats are grazed here during the monsoon. Yar-tsa-gombu (Cordyceps
sinensis) collection is a recent and growing phenomenon here.
ROOP KUND-. Roop Kund is presently the second stage of the Raj Jat
yatra, and hence, thousands of pilgrims visit this lake. It is also a well known
destination for trekkers, and Yar-tsagombu collectors pass this area en route
to the next valley, over the Jiura Galli Pass. One of the unique and interesting
mystry about Roop Kund is existence of hundreds of year oldhuman remains
in it. A recent genetic study has established that out of 38 remains under
study 24 belong to Indians and rest are of Youropean orgin mainly that of
meditarranean origin.
HUM KUND- This lake is the third stage of the Raj Jat yatra, before the
pilgrims descend to Suttol village. This lake is a well known, though less
frequented (because of diffi culty) trekkers’ destination. Religious rites are
performed at the small shrine and this is also the site of some Yartsa-gombu
collection.
BHEKKAL TAL- This is also the site where many arrow-heads are to be
found embedded in trees, and are fabled to have rained down here along with
bolts of lightning; perhaps relics of an ancient armed confrontation. This
entire area is used very extensively during the monsoon to graze buffaloes,
and the effects of persistent and intense grazing by this very large ungulate
has very visible impacts on the vegetation here. A very large number of sheep
and goats also pass by here en route to the adjoining alpine meadows adding
to the intensity of grazing. Perhaps because of the wallowing by buffaloes,
this lake is clearly very eutrophic.
BRAHMA TAL- WETLAND TYPE: Tarn ALTITUDE: 3,235 m asl SIZE
CLASS: Small SUB-WATERSHED BASIN: Nandakini DEPTH CLASS:
Deep TROPHIC LEVEL: Eutrophic VEGETATION TYPE: Moist alpine.
There is a small shrine here dedicated to Lord Brahma where religious rites
are performed. Along with the religious rites performed at Brahma Tal, this
area also holds many buffalo camps during the monsoon, while grazing of
sheep and goats is quite intense too. Some Yar-tsa-gombu collection is also
reported from these alpine meadows in spring, just after the snow-melt.
HEMKUND - WETLAND TYPE: Tarn ALTITUDE: 4,204 m asl SIZE
CLASS: Medium SUB-WATERSHED BASIN: Bhiundar gadhAlaknanda
DEPTH CLASS: Medium TROPHIC LEVEL: Oligotrophic VEGETATION
TYPE: Moist alpine. Hem Kund Sahib is a medium-sized tarn that has a
famous and heavily frequented Sikh gurudwara. Despite the large number of
pilgrims that take a holy dip, it remains oligotrophic because of strict rules
for maintaining its cleanliness
SATOPANTH TAL Formed at the intersection of the moraines of a
tributary glacier meeting the Satopanth Glacier at right angles. It is situated in
a Reserve Forest area. It is medium-sized and seems to have dramatically lost
depth quite recently. Such radical changes in glacial and proglacial lakes are
common due to shifting substrate because of the movement of the glaciers.
The water was found to be unusually warm (at 18°C) for any lake at this
altitude.
TARA TAL COMPLEX- includes TARA TAL - I & II TARA TAL - III
WETLAND TYPE: Tarns SIZE CLASS: Small SUB-WATERSHED
BASIN: Saraswati-Alaknanda DEPTH CLASS: Shallow TROPHIC LEVEL:
Oligotrophic VEGETATION TYPE: Dry alpine. Located in the dry cold
desert reaches of the Mana Valley (within the area covered by the Mana Van
Panchayat), the three paternoster lakes of the Tara Tal Complex overfl ow to
combine their fl ow with the ice-melt of the Tara Glacier, before they join the
Saraswati.
CHORABARI TAL- Chorabari Tal is a proglacial lake that is located
within the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary. It lies just a couple of kilometres
above the Kedarnath shrine, in the push-moraine of the Chorabari Glacier. In
its shallow parts, it holds some submerged aquatic vegetation. The Wadia
Institute for Himalayan Geology has a newly established research station
here, where they monitor glacial retreat, fl ow regimes and weather
parameters.
BASUKI TAL- Basuki Tal is a beautiful, medium-sized tarn located in the
Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary and the only one where the survey team
sighted a solitary water-bird. Basuki Tal is the source of the river Basuki
Ganga.
DODHI TAL- This is a series of three paternoster lakes in a spectacular
setting within the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary.The highest and largest of
these lakes is also called Dodhi Tal.
BHARADHSAR- Situated in the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary, Bharadhsar
is an attractive, high and very deep tarn. It is bounded on one side by a rock
cliff. There is a small shrine here where religious rites are performed by a few
villagers who live much lower in the watershed.
KANASAR- Situated in the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary, Kanasar is one of
the most spectacular and large high altitude lakes in Uttarakhand. It is a
classic tarn, that is also very deep at its head-end, hence the various hues of
blue in its oligotrophic waters.
MALDARU TAL- Situated in the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary, Maldaru
Tal is a spectacular, large tarn in a high setting. It has substantial glacial mass
still receding from it. Supra-moraine and large boulders formed from glacial
till make a very impressive setting.
Issues faced by Wetlands
Wetlands in Uttarakhand facing several issues, depending upon where their
location is. The issues range from global warming led climate change to
human induced pollution, Religious rite, Yartsa-gombu collection, Raj Jat
yatra, destination for trekkers, buffaloes and scrub cattle, as well as, sheep
and goats grazing, temporary camps installed by shepherds, Litter
accumulation by tourists, temporary rock shelters occupied on a relay basis
by visiting sadhus, road-building operations, mountaineering expedition,
Religious and funeral rites at Chhipla Kedar, Puja saamagri and discarded
garments,etc. are the main environmental issues faced by these prinstine
wetlands.