The Centre for Environment Management of Degraded Ecosystems (CEMDE), under the aegis of School of Environmental Studies, Delhi University, New Delhi has been functioning as one of the Centre of Excellence of the Ministry since 1997.
A five-acre barren plot of land belonging to Vidya Bhavan Society in the Udaipur range of Aravallils has been taken up for ecological rehabilitation. Extensive field surveys were carried out in the Sajangarh and Kumbalgarh Wildlife Sanctuaries to identify species to be used in ecological restoration. A total of 10 community types have been identified which include the hill-top grassland containing 35-40 species of grasses. The rehabilitated site would be used to educate the students and create awareness among villages and Panchayat system on the use of restoration technologies for sustainable development.
As a part of ecological restoration of weed infested landscapes in protected areas, two experimental plots of two hectares each were selected in Corbett Tiger Reserve. Both the plots harbour pure stands of Lantana. Thickets of Lantana were removed by cut rootstock method. Based on the observations made by the scientists of the Centre, a new eradication strategy for Lantana has been evolved which involves not only removal of clumps by cut rootstock method and drying the cut clumps by placing the cut rootstock up with aerial portions down and them burning the dried clumps. After eradication of Lantana, ecological restoration work using native plant species particularly grasses is being initiated.
As a part of the development of restoration technology for Iron Ore Mined Out areas, a two-hectare plot of fine ore dump was selected at Bailadilla Iron Ore project of National Mineral Development Corporation. The area has already received 2000 clumps of 15 grass species and saplings of five legumes. A Field Nursery containing native species that form forest community of the adjoining areas has also been developed and these species will be used in the ecological restoration of the habitat. A grassy cover has already been developed on the fine ore dump.
The CEMDE has been working on different aspect of inventorisation of biodiversity, study of community patterns and ecosystem dynamics in Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve (GNBR), which harbours one of the biologically richest rainforests in the world. As a part of long-term monitoring programme on Ecosystem Dynamics, studies were undertaken to assess the impact of December 26, 2004 Tsunamis. The studies have indicated: (i) near total loss of mangrove forest ecosystems in GNBR; (ii) major loss (75-80%) of littoral rainforest; (iii) serious threat of extinction to endemic fauna-including Giant Robber Grab (Birgus lattro) and Nicobar Megapode (Megapodius nicobariensis) due to habitat loss; and (iv) major threat to regeneration of littoral and coastal forests due to abundance of invasive species in some areas. The megapode Island Sanctuary has been completely submerged and lost. Further studies have been initiated to understand the recolonization and establishment phases of these ecosystems and these are expected to provide insights for better management strategies for the Biosphere Reserve. Based on the request of Andaman and Nicobar Administration, the scientists are also located fresh water resources at Chowra Islland and developed a cost effective surface water body that can hold 4 lakh litres of rainwater which would meet the drinking water requirement of the inhabitants of the Island.
The Centre has also taken up the development of appropriate technology package for the prevention/control of landslide and restoration of landslips.
A five-acre barren plot of land belonging to Vidya Bhavan Society in the Udaipur range of Aravallils has been taken up for ecological rehabilitation. Extensive field surveys were carried out in the Sajangarh and Kumbalgarh Wildlife Sanctuaries to identify species to be used in ecological restoration. A total of 10 community types have been identified which include the hill-top grassland containing 35-40 species of grasses. The rehabilitated site would be used to educate the students and create awareness among villages and Panchayat system on the use of restoration technologies for sustainable development.
As a part of ecological restoration of weed infested landscapes in protected areas, two experimental plots of two hectares each were selected in Corbett Tiger Reserve. Both the plots harbour pure stands of Lantana. Thickets of Lantana were removed by cut rootstock method. Based on the observations made by the scientists of the Centre, a new eradication strategy for Lantana has been evolved which involves not only removal of clumps by cut rootstock method and drying the cut clumps by placing the cut rootstock up with aerial portions down and them burning the dried clumps. After eradication of Lantana, ecological restoration work using native plant species particularly grasses is being initiated.
As a part of the development of restoration technology for Iron Ore Mined Out areas, a two-hectare plot of fine ore dump was selected at Bailadilla Iron Ore project of National Mineral Development Corporation. The area has already received 2000 clumps of 15 grass species and saplings of five legumes. A Field Nursery containing native species that form forest community of the adjoining areas has also been developed and these species will be used in the ecological restoration of the habitat. A grassy cover has already been developed on the fine ore dump.
The CEMDE has been working on different aspect of inventorisation of biodiversity, study of community patterns and ecosystem dynamics in Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve (GNBR), which harbours one of the biologically richest rainforests in the world. As a part of long-term monitoring programme on Ecosystem Dynamics, studies were undertaken to assess the impact of December 26, 2004 Tsunamis. The studies have indicated: (i) near total loss of mangrove forest ecosystems in GNBR; (ii) major loss (75-80%) of littoral rainforest; (iii) serious threat of extinction to endemic fauna-including Giant Robber Grab (Birgus lattro) and Nicobar Megapode (Megapodius nicobariensis) due to habitat loss; and (iv) major threat to regeneration of littoral and coastal forests due to abundance of invasive species in some areas. The megapode Island Sanctuary has been completely submerged and lost. Further studies have been initiated to understand the recolonization and establishment phases of these ecosystems and these are expected to provide insights for better management strategies for the Biosphere Reserve. Based on the request of Andaman and Nicobar Administration, the scientists are also located fresh water resources at Chowra Islland and developed a cost effective surface water body that can hold 4 lakh litres of rainwater which would meet the drinking water requirement of the inhabitants of the Island.
The Centre has also taken up the development of appropriate technology package for the prevention/control of landslide and restoration of landslips.
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