When a dead stream springs back to life after 30 years

Subject: Geography

Sec: Mapping

Context:

In the Marayur sandal division of Idukki, a stream that had been dormant for 30 years in a tribal area has been revived thanks to an eco-restoration project led by the Forest Department from 2021 to 2024.

Details:

The area, historically grasslands with flowing streams, had suffered an ecological decline after black wattle (Acacia mearnsii) trees were introduced in 1980, followed by an invasive spread of West Indian Lantana.
The restoration efforts, supported by the United Nations Development Programme and NABARD under CAMPA, involved removing exotic species across 98 hectares to restore natural grasslands.
This initiative allowed the stream, Kammalamkudy Thodu, to flow again, now delivering 6.5 litres of water per minute, even during intense heat.
Additionally, a brushwood check dam has been built to aid wildlife hydration and the rejuvenated grasslands have attracted diverse fauna, highlighting the significant impact of grasslands on water management and ecosystem health.

What is ecological restoration?

Ecosystem restoration involves aiding the recovery of ecosystems that have been degraded or destroyed, while also preserving intact ecosystems.
This process not only enhances biodiversity but also offers numerous benefits such as improved soil fertility, increased timber and fish yields, and greater storage of greenhouse gases.
Restoration methods can vary, from active re-planting to simply reducing human pressures to allow natural recovery.
It’s not always feasible or desirable to return ecosystems to their original state due to modern needs like farmland and infrastructure.
Additionally, ecosystems need to adjust to a changing climate. From now until 2030, restoring 350 million hectares of degraded ecosystems could yield about US$9 trillion in ecosystem services and remove 13 to 26 gigatons of greenhouse gases from the atmosphere.
The financial gains from these efforts are significantly higher than the costs, making restoration far more economical compared to the costs of inaction.

Source: TH