Scientific Discourse of Lakes in Nepal

Abstract

Over 5,000 standing water bodies, including those <1 ha and spread in 74 districts of Nepal have been scanned on the topographic sheets (scale of 1:125,000). Majority of these lakes or ponds are either in the high altitudes (above 3,000 m) or in lowland Tarai (below 500 m). In a literature review we found over 163 research studies conducted since the first study of lakes in 1969 in Khumbu region, majority being at the initiative of national academia, their faculties and graduate students. However, a complete inventory of Nepal's lakes is still lacking. Their characteristics and distinction from wetlands are also to be defined as the existing laws and rules do not protect lakes or ponds categorically, rather they are blanketed under wetlands and/or other river like water resources. Research observations have shown that acid depositions are the most likely source of pollution affecting high altitude lakes in the Himalayan regions during spring. Their value as religious sites has also caused anthropogenic alteration in nutrient concentrations and biological assemblages of the lake. Encroachment to the lakes/ponds is rampant to which the natural processes of sedimentation, alien species invasion or any kind of obliteration become supportive. Capacity building, knowledge generation and threat management are vital to protect these natural heritages from untimely demise.

First results on physico-chemical status and bathymetry of lakes in Ramaroshan Wetland, Far-West Nepal

“…https://doi.org/10. 3126/njes.v8i1.34464 In Nepal, approximately 5,385 lakes have been recorded, of which 419 lakes are located in the mid-hills between 500 m to 2,999 m (Bhuju et al, 2013). Ramaroshan Lake Complex Area (RLCA) is an aesthetically, culturally and ecologically important area that is facing several threats mainly caused by anthropogenic activities such as unsustainable grazing, fishing, foraging, and fodder collection.…”

Water Quality Assessment of Begnas and Rupa Lakes, Lesser Himalaya Pokhara, Nepal

“…There are more than 5000 lakes in Nepal having an area of >1 ha and out of them, ten are listed in the list of Ramsar site [11]. The previous studies showed that the wetlands of Nepal are under threat by both natural and anthropogenic interferences and, hence the livelihoods of several wetland dependent communities are directly affected [4]. When sewage and agricultural run-off containing phosphates or other nutrients enter natural water bodies, they cause over nutrition, leading to eutrophication [7].…”

High Altitude Wetlands of Nepal

“…Fragility and sensitiveness are the main characteristics of HAWs and any small change in the water chemistry, either naturally or through anthropogenic disturbances, could lead to large impacts on their ecosystems, directly affecting the flora and fauna in them. Acid deposition during the spring season is a major threat to most of the HAWs in Nepal (Bhuju et al 2012); and the mercury and cadmium in the Gokyo wetlands is thought to result from long range transport by monsoon precipitation originating from industrial areas of lowland parts of the country, including that of India (Sharma et al 2012). Water pollution, mainly from hotels and lodges and religious rituals, also affects water chemistry.…”