Much of the developing world and areas of the developed world suffer water vulnerability. Engineering solutions enable technically efficient extraction and diversion of water towards areas of demand but, without rebalancing resource regeneration, can generate multiple adverse ecological and human consequences. The Banas River, Rajasthan (India), has been extensively developed for water diversion, particularly from the Bisalpur Dam from which water is appropriated by powerful urban constituencies dispossessing local people. Coincidentally, abandonment of traditional management, including groundwater recharge practices, is leading to increasingly receding and contaminated groundwater. This creates linked vulnerabilities for rural communities, irrigation schemes, urban users, dependent ecosystems and the multiple ecosystem services that they provide, compounded by climate change and population growth. This paper addresses vulnerabilities created by fragmented policy measures between rural development, urban and irrigation water supply and downstream consequences for people and wildlife. Perpetuating narrowly technocentric approaches to resource exploitation is likely only to compound emerging problems. Alternatively, restoration or innovation of groundwater recharge practices, particularly in the upper catchment, can represent a proven, ecosystem-based approach to resource regeneration with linked beneficial socio-ecological benefits. Hybridising an ecosystem-based approach with engineered methods can simultaneously increase the security of rural livelihoods, piped urban and irrigation supplies, and the vitality of river ecosystems and their services to beneficiaries. A renewed policy focus on local-scale water recharge practices balancing water extraction technologies is consistent with emerging Rajasthani policies, particularly Jal Swavlamban Abhiyan ('water self-reliance mission'). Policy reform emphasising recharge can contribute to water security and yield socio-economic outcomes through a systemic understanding of how the water system functions, and by connecting goals and budgets across multiple, currently fragmented policy areas. The underpinning principles of this necessary paradigm shift are proven and have wider geographic relevance, though context-specific research is required to underpin robust policy and practical implementation.
Smooth–coated otters inhabit several major river systems in southern Asia, and their environmental requirements link them to food and water security issues as the region is so densely populated by humans. The lack of baseline data on their distribution and ecology is another major constraint that the species is facing in India. The present study was stimulated by the rapid decline in the otter’s population in the country and focuses on estimating the conservation status, habitat use pattern, and associated threats in the upper Ganges River Basin (N India). Our findings contribute towards a better understanding of the complex ecological interactions and the design of effective conservation measures. Coupled with the habitat preferences, the study also provides new locations in the species distribution. This paper highlights the gap areas in the conservation of the species and suggests areas that should be prioritized for management.
1. With the increasing human pressure on wildlife and its habitat, particularly in South and Southeast Asia, the population of the smooth-coated otter (Lutrogale perspicillata), a key carnivore of freshwater ecosystems, is rapidly declining. Reliable information on its abundance and other factors affecting its occurrence is lacking from many parts of its range, hindering development of conservation measures.2. In this paper the findings are presented on relative abundance and habitat parameters associated with the occurrence of the smooth-coated otter in the Corbett Tiger Reserve (CTR), India. Information on habitat structure, spraint (faeces) sites, and otter signs (e.g. footprints, spraints), were recorded in each 500 m section of five rivers in different seasons. The search covered 380, 100 m  15 m plots laid along the shoreline of the river banks. The importance of different habitat features influencing habitat selection was assessed using an ordination technique.3. In the CTR, the presence of otters was recorded from the three river systems that were relatively undisturbed and supported potential microhabitats for otters. The relative abundance of otters in the Reserve varied between 0.3 and 0.48 individuals km -1 .4. Occurrence of otters in the region was governed by the presence of habitat features such as rocky and sandy river stretches with gentle bank-slopes, bank-side vegetation serving as escape cover, and slow water current. Relatively narrow rivers with several streams joining the main course and with a large number of fallen dead trees were favoured. 5. The reservoir was an unsuitable habitat for otters owing to its steep bank-slopes (47.38 AE 1.69 ) and deep water (6.99 m AE 30.46 m). Various forms of fishing activities, followed by livestock grazing, removal of sand and boulders from the river and removal of shoreline vegetation adversely affected the presence of otter.6. Restoration of degraded habitats to meet the requirements of otters is the only option for their long-term conservation. Existing critical otter habitats should be identified and brought into the protected area network, and the wetlands and river basins forming otter habitat managed at a landscape level.
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