Remodeling Paradise

Eco Tourism plan of Thol Bird Sanctuary, Mehsana district By DAC & I-CON JV (Surat, Ahmedabad & Delhi)

STUDY OF THOL SANCTUARY

Introduction to Thol Lake

Thol lake the untouched and unexplored paradise lies about 35 kilometres away from Ahmedabad city and it falls under the Mehsana District. This huge bird sanctuary covers about 7 square kilometres of area. It came into existence to serve as irrigation tank in 1912 when the Maharajas of Baroda ruled parts of this district. Surrounding agricultural fields are irrigated by connecting water canals. Currently, when the water in the lake recedes, the make up water is fed by the Narmada canal passing near the lake. The sanctuary is covered with lush green tree cover in certain patches, small marshes at the edges, and some scrub forest on the side of the high embankments. The lake in the center of the sanctuary is the main attraction and its advantageous because it is very large but the water is not too deep, which allows the birds to be closely observed. Thor is an excellent spot for avid bird watchers because it houses a great diversity of birds such as the Great White Pelicans, Flamingos, variety of waterfowl including Mallards, Greylag geese, Sarus as well as flycatchers are prominently found in the sanctuary from October end till January end. The southern side of lake is lined with a kuccha path which runs parallel to the edge of the lake where vehicles are allowed to enter inside. It also has a higher bund on the same edge which is solely a walkway over-looking the expanse of the waterscape.

Location & Access

Towards Sanand

1.6 km from the main road

Towards Ahmedabad

Located about 35 kilometres from Ahmedabad is thol lake. A thin kaccha road winds from the main road to take one into the bird sanctuary. The entire area is about 7 square kilometres and is enveloped by agro fields and small villages like Thor, Bhimasan and Jetlaj.

1 - Entrance to the site 2 - Existing huge green covers 3 - Part of lake which is 7-8 feet deep 4 - Seasonal marshy lands 5 - ONGC wells 6 - Agro lands surrounding the lake

Potential Biodiversity Ecosystem

The Thol Eco system and its Life Supporting Characteristics Sunlight, water, earth Aquatic plants Micro organisms feeding on aquatic plants Fishes feeding on micro organisms Birds feeding on aquatic plants, micro organisms, and fishes

Thol has a large population of resident birds such as cormorants, egrets, heron, ibis, kingfisher, spoonbill and such. As the winter sets in migratory birds in large quantities come by from far off regions. Since the lake is shallow in some portions, a large number of wading birds that fish in shallow water are also found here. Animals like the Blue Bull, Black Buck, Deer, White deer & Albino Black Buck sometime are seen here.

Commonly observed Bird Species at Thol

WaterFowls & Water Birds ::
Spot-billed Duck Comb Duck Lesser Whistling Duck Common Coot Cotton Pygmy Goose Little Grebe Ruddy Shelduck Garganey Gadwall Greylag Goose Bar-headed Goose Northern Shoveler Northern Pintail Common Pochard Tufted Pochard Ferruginous Pochard Eurasian Wigeon Common Teal Mallard Pheasant-tailed jacana White-breasted Waterhen Purple Swamp hen Common Moorhen Oriental Darter Indian Shaag Great Cormorant Little Cormorant Eurasian Spoonbill Oriental White Ibis Glossy Ibis Black Ibis Little Egret Great Egret Intermediate Egret Little Green Egret Cattle Egret Pond Heron Black-crown Night Heron Grey Heron Purple Heron

Storks ::
Painted Stork Woolly-necked Stork Asian Openbill White Stork

Cranes ::
Common Crane Sarus Crane Demoiselle Crane

Waders ::
Common Sandpiper Marsh Sandpiper Wood Sandpiper Green Sandpiper Little Stint Temminck's Stint Kentish Plover Little Ringed Plover Greater Sandplover Common Greenshank Spotted Redshank Common Redshank Curlew Sandpiper Dunlin Ruff Black-tailed Godwit Eurasian Curlew Pied Avocet

Terns ::
River Tern Whiskered Tern Gull-billed Tern Little Tern

Gulls ::
Brown-headed Gull Black-headed Gull Heuglin's Gull

Woodland Birds ::
Booted Warbler Blyth's Reed Warbler Oriental ReedWarbler Clamorous ReedWarbler Common Chiffchaff Plain Leaf-Warbler Sulphur-bellied Warbler Lesser Whitethroat Orphean Warbler

Flycatchers ::
Red-breasted Flycatcher White-browed Fantail Spotted Flycatcher Asian Paradise Flycatcher Black-naped Monarch Asian Brown Flycatcher Tickell's Blue flycatcher Black Redstart Paddyfield Pipit Olive-backed Pipit Richard's Pipit Tree Pipit Yellow Wagtail White Wagtail Grey Wagtail Citrine Wagtail Black-winged Stilt Yellow-wattled Lapwing White-tailed Lapwing Red-wattled Lapwing Sociable Lapwing Small Minivet Indian Robin Magpie Robin Common Stonechat Brown Rock Chat Isabelline Wheatear Pied Bushchat Bluethroat Oriental White-eye Common Rosefinch Scaly-breasted Munia Red Avadavat Indian Silverbill Black-headed Munia Baya Weaver Black-breasted Weaver House Sparrow Chestnut Shouldered Petronia Eurasian Golden Oriole Jungle Babbler Large Grey Babbler Common Babbler Yellow Eyed Babbler

Pied Cuckoo Common-hawk Cuckoo Eurasian Cuckoo

Observed Habitat types

Deep open water habitat: with depth of water more than 3 feet without any
emergent aquatic vegetation. This kind of habitat supports sub mergent vegetation and attracts diving birds as well as Pelicans.

Emergent aquatic vegetation: with variable depths of water and dense growth
of aquatic vegetation. This type of habitat is suitable for herons, egrets etc.

Shallow open water habitat: with depth of water less than 2 to 3 feet without
any emergent aquatic vegetation. This kind of habitat attracts surface feeding birds as well as Flamingoes, Spoonbill and some herons.

Muddy habitat: formed in shallow zone of the lake after water recedes in the area.
The soil remains wet and muddy with small puddles in patches. This kind of habitat is mainly used by waders.

Island habitat: areas on the lake periphery which remain above water for most of
the year. The vegetation is dominated by grasses, herbs and sparse scrubs like Prosopis. This kind of habitat is suitable for migratory cranes.

Woodland habitat: areas with woody vegetation surrounding the lake. Such
areas are breeding/ nesting grounds for many resident species like herons, egrets etc. Moreover, trees are useful as perching, roosting and resting sites for many species.

Swamps and wastelands in surrounding areas: such areas are

submerged during rains characterised by grasslands and scanty to dense patches of scrubby vegetation. This kind of habitat is suitable for cranes, storks and other terrestrial birds.

Issues found on site

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Un-defined edges Lack of public facilities No viewing point/ sit-out spaces Unchecked access all around the site Plastic pollution - this poses a huge threat to the top soil, water, aquatic animals and its ecology.

Issues found on site

1.

Untapped growth of gando baval prosopis julifora, a species that degrades the land and soil. Vehicular nuisance - currently the vehicles are allowed all around the lake disrupting the silence essential for the bird ecosystem. Signage system

2.

3.

Issues found on site

1.

Slope stabilization required along the embankment. Transition points are ill planned currently. Street furniture like sit outs, dustbins, signages are missing.

2.

Summarizing Issues
The specific ecosystem that has evolved here is capable of providing the varied habitats required for the large variety of resident and migrant birds. However, the life support system is under threat from external biotic pressures, especially those caused by human intervention. A few of the glaring issues found are:

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

Land pollution (plastic bags, bottles being dumped on peripheries) Unplanned construction on the fringes Lack of maintenance and repair No signage and public facilities Uncontrolled growth of prosopis julifora (gando baval) Unchecked Cattle grazing causes growth of prosopis julifora Vehicular annoyance on the peripheral roads Surrounding agricultural activities may lead to eutrophication (contamination of water by pesticides/fertilisers) Lack of public awareness and decorum

10. No defined boundary and deteriorated edges

CASE STUDIES & LEARNINGS

Case Study: Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary, Ahmedabad

Nal sarovar- and the wetlands around it were declared a bird sanctuary in 1969. Spread over 120 sq. kms., the lake and the extensive reed beds and marshes are an ideal habitat for the aquatic plants and animals. The lake attracts a large variety of birds like plovers, sandpipers, stints, pelicans, flamingoes, ducks, demoiselle cranes and common cranes. Activities planned at Nal Sarovar 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. Tented facility Sun-set Traditional local dance Traditional dinner Film show on environment Camp-fire Star gazing Night-stay Sun-rise Guided boat-ride with binoculars Bird-watching, visit to interpretation centre Morning tea Snake-show

Local people are employed in these activities

Case Study: Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, Rajasthan

Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary (Keoladeo Ghana National Park) is one of the finest man made natural reserve in the world that offers protection to faunal species as well.
Nesting indigenous water-birds as well as migratory water birds and waterside birds, this sanctuary is also inhabited by Sambar, Chital, Nilgai and Boar.

Activities planned at Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Organized tour packages by Rajasthan Wildlife, Designated on foot forest trails, Cycle rickshaw trails by trained locales, Traditional meals, Night-stay, Sun-rise, Guided boat-ride, Bird-watching, visit to interpretation centre, Visit to Sariska National Park

Local people are employed in these activities

Case Study: Hongkong Wetlands

Hong Kong Wetland Park is a conservation, education and tourism spot, located at the northern part of Tin Shui Wai, in Yuen Long. It comprises of a large information/ visitor centre, Wetland Interactive World, and a 60-hectare (150acre) of Wetland Reserve. The Wetland Interactive World has themed exhibition galleries, a theatre, a souvenir shop, an indoor swamp adventure area and a resource centre.

Key Learnings
1. Birds are sensitive to noise and movement, therefore, human interface with nature should be regulated
2. Generate economic activity for the locales, thereby, involving the local community to become custodians or guardians of the property 3. Unlike Nalsarovar or Bharatpur, Thol lake is relatively of a smaller scale, therefore, activities like group boating should be discouraged, instead other sensitive attractions should be created 4. Generate awareness through educative campaigns at schools & nature forums to cause tourist interest 5. Develop public utilities, interpretation and information center, curio etc. of world class nature to attract national & international tourists, 6. Develop guided and timed trails for the bird lovers, 7. Regulate guidelines for any kind of construction activity/ high tension lines in the surrounding buffer zone to maintain the eco system of the place.

PROPOSAL

THE CONCEPT
The urban stress in the city has greatly increased over the last few years. Thol lake is one of the few ecological reserves near the city. It is imperative to save and promote this environmentally significant place that harbours a rich bio diversity.
The idea is to develop eco tourism with a sensitive approach to planning that will conserve, preserve, protect and enhance the macro environment. The proposal will provide sustainable design solutions to significantly improve its micro environment and the existing flora and fauna. The effort is to introduce activities and spaces which do not sacrifice the environment or natural agricultural practices in the name of tourism. But instead, involve these components to create a sustainable project & livelihood.

Concept of Eco-Tourism

ENVIRONMENT
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Study of flora & fauna Bird Migration Pattern Understanding the Ecosystem Address Environmental Threats Watershed Analysis of the Catchment 6. Construction activity in the buffer zone 7. Impact of discharges in the subbasin 8. Carrying capacity of the sanctuary 9. Measures to Preserve, Conserve 10. & Protect the Environment

ECONOMIC BENEFITS
1. Identification of projects to enhance the natural experience of the Bird Sanctuary Bird Museum/ Observatory or any other information system Paid for local travel system like horse carts or cycle rickshaws Experiential nature trails Regulated bird trails

Responsible Travel to Natural Areas

That Conserves the environment

2. 3.

4. 5.

And improves the well being of local people SOCIAL BENEFITS

Identification of the various actors to involve in Community Based Tourism Awareness program/ campaign regarding the natural heritage Training programs for the locales to manage the tourism Conservation measures to save the existing habitat, nesting and feedings grounds of the birds & Eco sensitive planning can attract experiential tourism for local & international bird watchers & nature lovers

Broad Zoning & Approach

To preserve the Bird life support system, it is imperative that the sanctuary is not accessed throughout its all edges. Zones of restricted human interface have been identified therefore. Character of each of these zones shall be regulated and treated differently to allow experience of different kind.

Medium Intervention Zone & its Character

Entrance Plaza & Promenade 1. Two entry points one on the North and the other on the West. This will discontinue the thorough movement around the lake and yet offer discrete visual experience from both the nodes. Vehicular traffic shall be restricted at the plaza. It will have parking facility, ticketing, information center with curio shop, a resting place, eat out joint etc. A ride by horse carts or bullock carts shall connect the 2 entry points taking the visitors through the wooded landscapes on the periphery of the lake edges. Bicycles on rent may be available for the same.

2. 3.

4.

Medium Intervention Zone & its Character

Route connecting the two Entry Points on the lake periphery

It will have parking facility, ticketing, information center with curio shop, a resting place, eat out joint etc.

Medium Intervention Zone & its Character

Promenade & Observatory Corner 1. Entrance Plaza on the West shall lead into a Promenade walk by the sides of the lake culminating into a Bird Observatory. The Observatory is strategically placed at one of the corners with large opening vista into the lake habitats.

2.

Low Intervention Zone & its Character

Walking Bird Museum The hard stand of promenade will soften into a board walk experience lined with information panels on birds and their ecosystem (a walking bird museum) The walk goes through wooded edges for nature lovers to contemplate

Low Intervention Zone & its Character

1. The entrance plaza on the North is a restricted zone unlike the one in the West which is more public in nature. It shall have strictly guided and timed bird trails. Different Smaller lake forms and lagoon-like spaces may be generated as a part of the Lake ecology to become Eco Parks. Less disturbance by mass intervention provides for the right setting, naturalistic edges and maximum biodiversity. Nature trails and silent walks will cater to the intense nature lovers.

2.

walking trails

Decks (view points)

Community Intervention Zone & its Character

Agro farming (organic only) is incorporated in the scheme of design. This will enable the local community & city dwellers to come forward and cultivate a variety of trees, fruits orchards, medicinal plants and so on thereby, improving the environment, and general well being of the people. Besides this, it will attract a variety of birds, rejuvenate soil, give nature enthusiasts a reason to engross in different varieties of flora, deter people from illegal trespassing, ascertain experiential learning for all.

Schematic Plan of Thol Bird Sanctuary (Pre Monsoon)

Schematic Plan of Thol Bird Sanctuary (Post Monsoon)

Materials & Finishes eco friendly

Eco-Friendly Materials
Use of Exposed Brick, Mud, Terracotta tiles, Bamboo, Natural Stones, Waste material, Tensile Fabric, Muram & Red sand

Pathways / Paved areas

Block Cost Estimate of Thol Bird Sanctuary Development

Sr. No. 1 2 3 Unit Considered Sq. mt. Kms. Total Units 1000 7 Unit Cost (Rs.) 20000 450/sq. mt. Block Cost (Rs. Crores) 2,00,00,000 1,89,00,000

Activities Total Covered Built up area (incl. interior + museum installations and services) Access Road (tar road for access and maintenance, avg. 6m wide) Designed Landscape Intervention Parking Area Pedestrian Plaza from entrance to the Lake edge Entrance Plaza Garden & Lawn (high maintenance)

Sq. mt. Sq. mt. Sq. mt.

4300 3700 8000

750 1100 800

32,25,000 40,70,000 64,00,000

Lake Intervention
Lake front Promenade (Avg. width 10-12m, with pavilion, structures, seats, lighting etc.) Embankment Stabilization along the Promenade Triangular section of 4m. base and 2m. height Low intervention zone(2m. wide path and parallel 10m. wide landscape garden on both sides) Proposed planting clusters and belts(2-3 rows of tree or 30m. wide belt) considering 6 x 6m. grid Boundary planting of buffer belts(3-4 rows of tree or 50m wide belt) considering 5 x 5m. grid Sq. mt. Nos. Nos. Sq. mt. Sq. mt. 2600 6000 7760 8400 5700 350 350 300 250 250 9,10,000 21,00,000 23,28,000 21,00,000 14,25,000 7,00.66,500 Sq. mt. Cum. 6000 5650 1350 90 81,00,000 5,08,500

6 7

Horse or Bullock cart track (murram or rammed earth) Proposed Agro farming boundary (partially raised walk/ embankment etc.) Total Cost

Block Cost Estimate of Rs. 7 Crores (approx.)

Team Members
Madhup Majhumdar Landscape Architect & Conservationist Anal Vaishnav Architect & Urban Planner Dwaipayan Bhattacharya Landscape Architect Mansi Shah Architect & Urban Designer Ankur Chowdhury Architect & Regional Planner Nouman Malik Architect Jaydatt Vaishnav Architect & Urban Planner

DAC & I-CON JV (Surat, Ahmedabad & Delhi)

By