Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Reclamation, in the context of urban development, refers to the process of restoring land from a water body – such as lakes, ponds, wetlands, and rivers – for construction and other urban uses. Driven by increasing population density and land scarcity in urban areas, this practice has become increasingly common, particularly in rapidly growing cities. However, the conversion of these vital ecosystems into built-up areas carries significant environmental implications, disrupting natural hydrological cycles, diminishing biodiversity, and exacerbating urban vulnerabilities to climate change. This answer will explore these implications with relevant examples.
Hydrological Impacts
Water bodies play a crucial role in regulating the hydrological cycle. Reclamation disrupts this cycle in several ways:
- Increased Runoff: Ponds and lakes act as natural sponges, absorbing rainfall and reducing surface runoff. Their removal leads to increased runoff, contributing to urban flooding.
- Groundwater Depletion: Water bodies recharge groundwater aquifers. Reclamation reduces groundwater recharge rates, leading to water scarcity.
- Altered Drainage Patterns: Natural drainage patterns are altered, often leading to waterlogging in some areas and drought in others.
Example: The extensive reclamation of wetlands in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, has been directly linked to the devastating floods of 2015. The loss of natural floodplains reduced the city’s capacity to absorb excess rainfall.
Impacts on Biodiversity
Water bodies are hotspots of biodiversity, supporting a wide range of aquatic and terrestrial species. Reclamation leads to:
- Habitat Loss: The direct loss of aquatic habitats destroys breeding grounds, feeding areas, and shelter for numerous species.
- Fragmentation of Ecosystems: Remaining water bodies become fragmented, isolating populations and reducing genetic diversity.
- Decline in Species Populations: Many species, including migratory birds, fish, and amphibians, suffer population declines due to habitat loss and degradation.
Example: The shrinking of the Bellandur Lake in Bangalore, due to encroachment and sewage dumping, has severely impacted the birdlife and aquatic ecosystem of the area. Reports from 2018 indicated a significant decline in bird species diversity.
Climate Change Implications
Reclamation exacerbates the impacts of climate change:
- Increased Urban Heat Island Effect: Water bodies have a cooling effect. Their removal contributes to the urban heat island effect, increasing temperatures in cities.
- Reduced Carbon Sequestration: Wetlands and other water bodies act as carbon sinks, absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Reclamation reduces carbon sequestration capacity.
- Increased Vulnerability to Extreme Weather Events: The loss of natural buffers, like wetlands, increases vulnerability to floods, droughts, and other extreme weather events.
Example: The reclamation of mangroves along the Mumbai coastline has reduced the city’s natural protection against storm surges and sea-level rise, increasing its vulnerability to coastal flooding.
Legal and Governance Issues
Often, reclamation occurs illegally or with inadequate environmental impact assessments. Weak enforcement of environmental regulations and a lack of integrated urban planning contribute to the problem. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has repeatedly intervened in cases of illegal reclamation, highlighting the need for stricter regulations and enforcement.
Conclusion
The reclamation of water bodies for urban land use presents a serious threat to environmental sustainability. The hydrological disruptions, biodiversity loss, and climate change implications are far-reaching and can have devastating consequences for urban populations. A paradigm shift is needed towards prioritizing the conservation and restoration of urban water bodies, integrating them into urban planning, and enforcing stricter environmental regulations. Sustainable urban development must recognize the intrinsic value of these ecosystems and their vital role in ensuring the resilience of our cities.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.