Strategies for managing the Rihand River riparian ecosystem deteriorating under rapid industrialization

Abstract

The area has undergone tremendous deforestation, dam construction, industrialization, and open-cast coal mining. Industrial and associated anthropogenic forces have degraded riparian vegetation, soils, nutrients, and topography. Field and garden experiments reveal the extent of increased water runoff soil erosion, and nutrient loss and decreased water infiltration and biomass production in this ecosystem. Restoration of native vegetation is recommended through protection against grazing, scraping, herbage removal, and diversion and treatment of effluents. Ageratum and Lantana, among the natives, conserve 92 and 94% soil, 68 and 76% water, 95 and 92% nitrogen, and 97% phosphorus, respectively. -from Authors