Lakhimpur Kheri, Oct 14 A detailed hydro-ecological survey of the Suheli River in the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve has been set in motion to document the changes in its course and flow patterns over the past century and suggest measures for its restoration, Dudhwa field director H Rajamohan said on Wednesday.
A team of scientists from the National Institute of Hydrology (NIH), Roorkee, led by Pradeep Sachan, visited the river on Sunday for an initial assessment ahead of the detailed study, Rajamohan said.
A fund of Rs 86 lakh has been allocated for the survey and study, he said.
Suheli, a river originating in Nepal, flows along the southern side of the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve (DTR) before culminating in the Ghaghra River in the Tikunia area. The river and its associated water systems are integral to the region’s forests, grasslands, wetlands and wildlife habitats.
A few weeks back during the monsoon, the river, heavily infested with ‘jal kumbhi’ (water hyacinth), breached its banks near Banshinagar and damaged the Dudhwa-Gaurifanta road, leading to suspension of road traffic for a couple of days.
The hydro-ecological survey aims at examining both hydrological and ecological aspects of the river.
“The purpose is to prepare a scientific document on how the river witnessed changes in its flow, hydrology, ecology, etc., over the past 100 years, how its pattern evolved and how it may change in the future,” Rajamohan told PTI.
He added, “The survey and study would also help identify measures that can help prevent further deterioration.”
The study would assess whether desilting was advisable and its likely impact on aquatic life.
According to Rajamohan, satellite-based surveys would also form part of the assessment.
Terming it a holistic exercise, Rajamohan said the study would provide a complete health check-up of the river.
He said the findings would be submitted to the Uttar Pradesh government to decide the further course of action.
The survey was conceived more than a year ago amid differing views and legal proceedings over desilting and other interventions, Rajamohan said.
(PTI News)
