Assessment of hydrologic functional and water budget of Keoladeo National Park watershed.

Abstract

Keoladeo National Park (KNP) is situated in the plains of Bharatpur (27°7'6"N - 27°12'2"N and 77°29'5"E - 77°33'9" E), Rajasthan, India. It is considered to be the last remaining grassland- wetland complex in the Yamuna floodplains in this region. The wetland Protected Area CPA), located in the semi-arid tract of India is largely dependent on the erratic and short duration of the precipitation time. To enhance the wet characteristics of the protected area, additional water supply provisioning has historically been made from other large water harvesting structures within its watershed. However, due to the development of intense agriculture in the watershed and increased or incessant harvesting of surface water flow in the river systems and catchment combined together, the protected area is facing an acute water problem gradually decreasing the wet regime of its wetlands, this is also further diminishing its functional values. In case of KNP, as it is located in semi-arid region and fed by ephemeral rivers, the affects of water crisis are acute as well as immediate in the Park. Further, the wetlands of KNP perform several important hydrological functions like groundwater recharge that have value not only for sustaining the ecology of the region but also for the surrounding villagers in the area in providing water for irrigation. These functions and values of the national park need to be highlighted. The present study is an assessment of the current situation of hydrological regime of KNP and the watershed. Objectives The main goals of the study are: • to ascertain water budget of the Keoladeo National Park, • to identify hydrological functions of the Keoladeo National Park wetland based on Hydrogeomorphic approach, • to assess the functional value of the wetland and its role in maintaining water table and contributing to quality and quality of groundwater in areas adjacent to the Keoladeo National Park • to know the impact of the hydrological regime on the biodiversity of the Keoladeo National Park