WETLAND IN SOCIO-ECONOMIC AND GEOGRAPHICAL CONTEXTS: A STUDY OF HARIKE, ROPAR AND NANGAL WETLANDS

Abstract

Wetland ecosystem is regarded as one of most productive system of the earth surface due to its inclusive nature to supports a variety of flora and fauna. There are a number of functions and services provided by the wetland ecosystem which includes purification of water, protection from floods, groundwater replenishment, woods for fuel and commercial uses, fish resources, recreational and social services. Therefore, the study is an attempt to evaluate the socio-economic significance of wetland area and their relation with the livelihood activities of local people in Harike, Ropar and Nangal wetlands of Punjab. The economic value of the wetland products and services have been calculated from direct use value which employed different methods. The study also focused on the threat perceptions related to impact of human developmental activities inside the wetland boundaries. The people participation for the conservation and management of the wetland area has also been studied through their willingness to pay for such actions. The data desirable for the present study are collected from both secondary and primary sources. The secondary data for the study has been collected from published and unpublished resources such as from Department of Forest and Wildlife Preservation (Punjab), Department of Forest and Wildlife preservation (Firozpur), Department of Forest and Wildlife Preservation (Ropar), Harike Sanctuary Office, Punjab State for Science and Technology (PSCST), ENVIS, articles, research papers, newspapers, books and other internet resources. The Primary data has been collected through interview schedule of the iv people of selected villages/towns falling within one kilometre buffer zone around the Harike, Ropar and Nangal wetlands. The collected data are analysed by using statistical methods like descriptive statistics, regression and probit model. The study came up with suitable recommendations for conservation of wetland.