Ameenpur is a small lake in the Sangareddy district of Telangana, India, on the outskirts of the city of Hyderabad. Because of the vast number of migrating birds that thrive there, the Ministry of Environment designated Ameenpur as a Biodiversity Heritage Site in November 2016 under the Biological Diversity Act 2002. It is the first body of water in India to be designated as a Biodiversity Heritage Site, as well as the first biodiversity site to be approved in an urban area. This article will explain to you about Ameenpur Lake, the First Biodiversity Heritage Site which will be helpful in preparing the Environment syllabus for the UPSC Civil service exam.

Ameenpur Lake

Biodiversity Heritage Site

What is a Biodiversity Heritage Site?

• Biodiversity Heritage Site is a region with great biodiversity that are unique, environmentally fragile ecosystems - terrestrial, coastal, inland and marine waters.
• Any one or more of the following components make up biodiversity:
• Species richness includes both wild and domesticated species, as well as intra-specific categories.
• High endemism, rare, endemic, and imperiled species, keystone species, evolutionarily important species, wild forebears of domestic/cultivated species or land races or their variants,
• The predominance of biological components indicated by fossil beds that had cultural or aesthetic value in the past.
• Important for the preservation of cultural diversity; an area with significant cultural, ethical, or aesthetic characteristics.
• The State Government, in cooperation with local bodies, may designate sites of biological importance as Biodiversity Heritage Sites under Section 37 of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.

Ameenpur Lake - Features

• Ameenpur Lake is a man-made lake that was reportedly built more than 300 years ago by a courtier, Abdul Qadir Amin Khan of Patancheru, during the reign of Ibrahim Qutb Shah (1550–1580 AD).
• It was constructed to water his gardens. The garden is no longer present, but the lake is still there.
• The lake is bordered by undulating terrain with rocky outcrops and granite formations that are flanked by factories, villages, and contemporary apartments in the midst of an urban sprawl.
• Ameenpur used to occupy more than 300 acres (1.2 km2), but owing to encroachment, it now only covers 93 acres (0.38 km2).
• The lake has been divided into two sections, Pedda Ameenpur and Chinna Cheruvu.
• The lake had 186 species at the time of the last count (in 2016), up from 171 in 2015.

Ameenpur Lake - Wildlife

• The lake is teeming with wildlife, including bar-headed geese, cormorants, ruddy shelducks, and grey herons.
• The checkered keelback snake snatches fish and buffaloes from the deep end.
• Egrets, herons, cormorants, kingfishers, and river terns are among the many local and migratory species that flock to the lake, making it a popular destination.
• In 2017, the lake was home to eight mammal species, 166 birds, 45 herpetofauna (12 amphibians and 34 reptiles), nine fish species, and 143 invertebrates (26 aquatic beetles, 41 butterflies, 18 odonates, 25 arachnids, and 33 other invertebrates).
• Flamingoes are the most common birds found here.
• The Oriental Darter, Pallid Harrier, Black-tailed Godwit, Painted Stork, River Tern, and Black-headed Ibis are among the six species categorized as threatened on the IUCN Red List.
• The Greater Spotted Eagle classified as vulnerable, and the Egyptian Vulture classified as endangered are found here.

Threatened Oriental Darter

Ameenpur Lake - Threats

• The lake, which covers 93 acres, is less than a third of its original 300-acre extent due to development projects.
• On one side of the lake, a new cinder block brick kiln has appeared.
• Satellite photographs show effluents from a chemical factory complex on the lake's western shore being discharged.
• Due to the reduction in the food chain of birds such as fish and insects caused by industrial pollutants released into the lake, fewer birds visit.
• The water is green making it unfit for drinking purposes.
• The number of bird species appears to have decreased, there are fewer trees now, and the lake has a bad odour.

Conclusion

The biodiversity tag has the potential to conserve lakes that are otherwise fast disappearing owing to urbanization's effects. This categorization has assisted in the prevention of encroachment and waste dumping. If this lake can be saved, it will serve as an example for other lakes throughout the country.

FAQs

MCQs

1. Where is Ameenpur Lake located?

A) Rajasthan
B) Telangana
C) Andhra Pradesh
D) Kerala

2. What is the primary reason for Ameenpur Lake being declared a Biodiversity Heritage Site?

A) Its historical significance
B) Its unique biodiversity
C) Its commercial potential
D) Its religious importance

3. What steps are taken to protect Ameenpur Lake?

A) Limiting human activity
B) Increasing tourism
C) Introducing hunting programs
D) Establishing community parks

4. Which species of birds are significant to Ameenpur Lake’s ecosystem?

A) Sparrows
B) Migratory birds
C) Eagles
D) Penguins

5. Which of the following is a benefit of declaring more wetlands as Biodiversity Heritage Sites?

A) Increased tourism
B) Preservation of endangered species
C) Decreased environmental awareness
D) Economic growth

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1: Discuss the ecological significance of wetlands like Ameenpur Lake in India.

Answer: Wetlands like Ameenpur Lake play a vital role in maintaining the ecological balance by providing habitats for diverse species, especially migratory birds and aquatic life. They act as natural water filters, improving water quality by trapping pollutants and regulating the water cycle. Wetlands also help in flood control by absorbing excess water during heavy rains. As critical biodiversity hotspots, they contribute to conservation efforts and are essential in mitigating the impacts of climate change. The protection of such wetlands ensures the survival of many species and contributes to the overall health of the environment.

Q2: What are the benefits of declaring Ameenpur Lake as a Biodiversity Heritage Site?

Answer: Declaring Ameenpur Lake as a Biodiversity Heritage Site offers several benefits:

• Conservation of Biodiversity: It ensures the protection of unique species found in the lake, including migratory birds and aquatic life, contributing to biodiversity conservation.
• Environmental Education: The status helps raise awareness about the importance of wetland ecosystems and the need for their conservation among the local population and beyond.
• Legal Protection: It provides legal protection against encroachments, pollution, and other forms of environmental degradation, ensuring the long-term preservation of the site.

These benefits reinforce the role of wetlands as critical environmental resources and help in their sustainable management.

Q3: How does the Ameenpur Lake contribute to the local community?

Answer: Ameenpur Lake contributes significantly to the local community in several ways:

• Livelihoods: The lake supports local fishermen and other livelihoods related to aquatic resources.
• Ecotourism: With its unique biodiversity, the lake offers opportunities for ecotourism, which can generate income for the community while promoting conservation.
• Environmental Education: The lake serves as an educational hub for local schools, researchers, and environmental enthusiasts, raising awareness about the importance of wetland ecosystems.

By balancing conservation with community engagement, the lake becomes a sustainable resource for local people while ensuring ecological protection.

Previous Year Questions on Ameenpur Lake

1. UPSC CSE Prelims 2021:

Question: Ameenpur Lake in Telangana was recently declared as which of the following?

A) Wetland of National Importance
B) Biosphere Reserve
C) Biodiversity Heritage Site
D) Protected Forest Area

Answer: (C)

Explanation: Ameenpur Lake was declared the first Biodiversity Heritage Site in Telangana due to its rich biodiversity and ecological importance.

2. UPSC CSE Mains 2019 (GS Paper 3):

Question: "Explain the role of wetlands in biodiversity conservation and their importance for local communities."

Answer: Wetlands play a critical role in biodiversity conservation by providing habitats for numerous species, including migratory birds and aquatic life. They contribute to environmental health by acting as natural filters, absorbing pollutants, and regulating the water cycle. For local communities, wetlands offer resources for livelihoods, such as fishing, agriculture, and ecotourism. Additionally, wetlands provide flood control, prevent soil erosion, and improve water quality, thus sustaining local ecosystems and human populations alike.