4.5.7. Distinction from Lakes

♤ Although the Ministry of Environment and Forests has not adopted a clear distinction between lakes and

wetlands, the National Lake Conservation Programme (NLCP) considers lakes as standing water bodies which have a minimum water depth of 3 m, generally cover a water spread of more than ten hectares, and have no or very little aquatic vegetation (macrophytes).

♤ These water bodies are used primarily for drinking water supplies, irrigation and/or recreation.

♤ Excessive growth of macrophytes (both submerged and free-floating) generally present in wetland, affects the water quality adversely and interfere with the utilization of the water body.

♤ However, marginal aquatic vegetation (wetlands), particularly comprising of emergent plants and those inhabiting waterlogged soils, is not only desirable but is to be promoted because it checks erosion, serves habitat for wildlife and helps improve water quality.

♤ Wetlands (generally less than 3 m deep over most of their area) are usually rich in nutrients (derived from surroundings and their sediments) and have abundant growth of aquatic macrophytes.

♤ They support high densities and diversity of fauna, particularly birds, fish and macro invertebrates, and therefore, have high value for biodiversity conservation. These shallow lakes are rightfully categorized as wetlands.

♤ lakes are generally less important when compared to wetland from the viewpoint of ecosystem and biodiversity conservation.

4.5.8. Comparison between Lake and Wetlands