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      Documentation of Riparian Biodiversity of an Urban River Stretch - A Citizen's Initiative

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            Abstract

            Rivers in urban areas are facing multidimensional threats ranging from untreated sewage discharge, garbage and debris dumping, developmental projects to illegal encroachment on banks. Still few river stretches in urban areas harbor rich riparian biodiversity. Such areas need protection to avoid further degradation. These river stretches serve as ideal river ecosystem adding to ecological value of the area. The present study deals with documentation of riparian biodiversity of river stretch in Pune, Maharashtra. This area is a confluence zone of Mula and Ram rivers. River undergoes ecological processes during her flow and flood regimes. This adds to making the region not only rich in biodiversity but acts like a sponge for flooding water, temperature control, ground water recharge and creating green lungs for local region. Ecological processes include formation of an island, braiding of channel, rocky outcrops, riffles and pools etc. All this together create specific habitats for diverse species. This river stretch is part of flood plain area and has presence of live springs. The objective of the study was to document the floral and avian biodiversity of the riparian area with help of public participation with a view of protecting this area. During the study we have recorded about 70 floral species and 60 avian species at this riparian zone. The riverbank harbours a thick patch of typical riparian vegetation comprising of Pongamia pinnata, Syzygium cumini, Syzygium heyneanum, Salix tetrasperma and Ficus racemosa. Regular monitoring and observations at the river stretch are being carried out by a group of active citizens who are members of Jeevitnadi Living River Foundation. This vigilance, year round monitoring and documentation is helping in protecting the river stretch. Some major threats and stresses faced by this serene riparian forest are sewage discharge, debris dumping, encroachment and developmental projects. Point and non-point sources of pollution include release of untreated sewage from Sewage Treatment Plant situated at confluence, discharge of sewage and waste dumping by slum dwellers situated along Ram River.

            Content

            Author and article information

            Journal
            Journal of Ecological Society
            2278-0823
            1 April 2021
            : 32-33
            : 1
            : 42-49
            Affiliations
            [1 ] Founder director of Jeevitnadi
            [2 ] Founder member and director of Jeevitnadi
            [3 ] Core team member of the Jeevitnadi
            Article
            10.54081/JES.027/05
            7e3fa8b9-91e0-4b76-b33f-49c945d48402
            The Authors

            Published under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International ( CC BY 4.0). Users are allowed to share (copy and redistribute the material in any medium or format) and adapt (remix, transform, and build upon the material for any purpose, even commercially), as long as the authors and the publisher are explicitly identified and properly acknowledged as the original source.

            History

            All data generated or analysed during this study are included in this published article (and its supplementary information files).
            Ecology
            Riparian Biodiversity,Urban river biodiversity,Pune

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