ETR 99, Energy & Wetlands Research Group, CES, IISc 2015 1 Ramachandra T V, Durga Madhab Mahapatra, Subash Chandran M D, Sincy V, Asulabha K S, Rao, G R, Vishnu D. Mukri, Akhil C A., 2015.Rejuvenation and Sustainable Management of Gokarna Temple Pond - Kotiteertha, ENVIS Technical Report 99, CES, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012 REJUVENATION & SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT OF GOKARNA TEMPLE POND - KOTITEERTHA EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: Kotiteertha or temple pond with daily sacraments constitute the vital ecosystem linking the culture with the society in India. The sharp increase of devotees performing rituals within and around the temple premises in the last decade, and lack of regular maintenance of temple pond has led to the eutrophication. Disposal of ritual constituents’ rich in organic matters beyond the bioremediation potential has led to the enrichment of nutrients, evident from the enhanced primary productivity with rampant growth and spread of macrophytes and filamentous algae. This has posed serious threat to the sustenance of pond ecosystem. In this context, ecological investigations were carried out the Gokarna temple pond - Kotiteertha, located at Gokarna village, Kumta taluk, Uttara Kannada district, Karnataka in response to the requests from progressive youth of Gokarna temple town. The investigation included the assessment of physical and chemical parameters with the biotic components (spread and distribution of aquatic plants and algae). The results reveal of higher nutrient levels, signifying more cultural pressure due to (i) disposal of organic materials (flowers, rice balls, linseed, banana, curd, ghee, etc.) after performing rituals, (ii) bathing of large number of devotees, (iii) washing of cloth with detergents, (iv) disposal of solid waste and (iv) washing of utensils, etc. The algal diversity analyses show the proliferation of filamentous cyanophycean members and minimal suspended algae. Higher biomass growth, productivity and spread of aquatic plants Vallisneria spiralis, Nymphae nouchali, followed by Certophyllum demersum and Blyxa species highlight of nutrient enrichment. The overgrowth of such species triggers internal nutrient loading leading to further enrichment and subsequent deterioration of water quality. Therefore following action plans are recommended to regain the sanctity of the pond and to ensure pristine water in the surrounding wells. Pollution Indicator Cause Solutions 1. Profuse growth of macrophytes Nutrient (Carbon and Nitrogen) enrichment due to (i) The disposal of pooja materials (including rice balls – pinda, flowers, Restrictions on the disposal of organic matter (flowers, rice balls – pinda, grains, etc.) after rituals of pithru karma. Alternate arrangements for disposal of
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ETR 99, Energy & Wetlands Research Group, CES, IISc 2015
1 Ramachandra T V, Durga Madhab Mahapatra, Subash Chandran M D, Sincy V, Asulabha K S, Rao, G R, Vishnu D. Mukri, Akhil C A., 2015.Rejuvenation
and Sustainable Management of Gokarna Temple Pond - Kotiteertha, ENVIS Technical Report 99, CES, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012
REJUVENATION & SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT OF
GOKARNA TEMPLE POND - KOTITEERTHA
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
Kotiteertha or temple pond with daily sacraments constitute the vital ecosystem linking the
culture with the society in India. The sharp increase of devotees performing rituals within and
around the temple premises in the last decade, and lack of regular maintenance of temple pond
has led to the eutrophication. Disposal of ritual constituents’ rich in organic matters beyond the
bioremediation potential has led to the enrichment of nutrients, evident from the enhanced
primary productivity with rampant growth and spread of macrophytes and filamentous algae.
This has posed serious threat to the sustenance of pond ecosystem. In this context, ecological
investigations were carried out the Gokarna temple pond - Kotiteertha, located at Gokarna
village, Kumta taluk, Uttara Kannada district, Karnataka in response to the requests from
progressive youth of Gokarna temple town. The investigation included the assessment of
physical and chemical parameters with the biotic components (spread and distribution of
aquatic plants and algae). The results reveal of higher nutrient levels, signifying more cultural
pressure due to (i) disposal of organic materials (flowers, rice balls, linseed, banana, curd, ghee,
etc.) after performing rituals, (ii) bathing of large number of devotees, (iii) washing of cloth
with detergents, (iv) disposal of solid waste and (iv) washing of utensils, etc. The algal
diversity analyses show the proliferation of filamentous cyanophycean members and minimal
suspended algae. Higher biomass growth, productivity and spread of aquatic plants Vallisneria
spiralis, Nymphae nouchali, followed by Certophyllum demersum and Blyxa species highlight
of nutrient enrichment. The overgrowth of such species triggers internal nutrient loading
leading to further enrichment and subsequent deterioration of water quality. Therefore
following action plans are recommended to regain the sanctity of the pond and to ensure
pristine water in the surrounding wells.
Pollution Indicator Cause Solutions
1. Profuse growth of
macrophytes
Nutrient (Carbon and
Nitrogen) enrichment due to
(i) The disposal of pooja
materials (including rice
balls – pinda, flowers,
Restrictions on the disposal of
organic matter (flowers, rice balls –
pinda, grains, etc.) after rituals of
pithru karma. Alternate
arrangements for disposal of
ETR 99, Energy & Wetlands Research Group, CES, IISc 2015
2 Ramachandra T V, Durga Madhab Mahapatra, Subash Chandran M D, Sincy V, Asulabha K S, Rao, G R, Vishnu D. Mukri, Akhil C A., 2015.Rejuvenation
and Sustainable Management of Gokarna Temple Pond - Kotiteertha, ENVIS Technical Report 99, CES, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012
ghee, linseed, etc.) after
performing rituals of
paying homages to
departed souls in a family
(ii) Enrichment of nutrients
(Phosphorous) – due to
Bathing (soap, etc.)
(iii) washing of cloth with
detergents – introduces
phosphorous into the
ponds, which help in algal
growth
(iv) non-maintenance of the
pond
(v) Transport of silt and
seasonal water flow into
the pond
(vi) Maintaining minimum
water flow to the pond and
also maintaining
organic wastes (flower, rice balls)
and an arrangements to transfer to
goshala (cattleshed). This could
provide nourishment and also
serving to milking cattle could be
the best option of offering to the
lord.
As this pond is also used in the
temple, restrictions on the use of
pond for bathing by the community
visiting the temple. Appropriate
signage to this effect, would help in
controlling the pollutants entering
the pond.
Only the head priest performing
pooja to the deities at Gokarna be
allowed to take bath (without
synthetic soap)
Ban on washing of cloth and
utensils in the pond
(i) Regular partial removal of water
plants (kalé) twice a year: at
least before (a) Ganesha /
vinayaka Chaturthi (b)
Shivaratri – water plants to be
removed by uprooting (about
60% - not complete removal)
(ii) Removal of silt once in two
years on Mahalaya amavasya
(newmoon day)
Management of watershed – arrest
deforestation.
Planting of natives species in the
catchment /watershed.
This could be implemented by
introducing the mandatory plant
native sapling by the devotees
performing rituals (with a nominal
ETR 99, Energy & Wetlands Research Group, CES, IISc 2015
3 Ramachandra T V, Durga Madhab Mahapatra, Subash Chandran M D, Sincy V, Asulabha K S, Rao, G R, Vishnu D. Mukri, Akhil C A., 2015.Rejuvenation
and Sustainable Management of Gokarna Temple Pond - Kotiteertha, ENVIS Technical Report 99, CES, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012
groundwater table in the
region.
fee to cover the sapling cost)
Celebration of the World
Environment Day on June 5th,
every year through large scale
afforestation programme involving
NSS volunteers, devotees visiting
the temple (on June 5th), students
(from nearby schools and
gurukula) and local NGO’s
2. Presence of bad
odour
Enrichment of nutrients
especially carbon and
nitrogen.
Carbon and nitrogen gets into
the pond with the prevailing
practice of the disposal of
pooja materials (flower,
banana, linseed, grains, curd,
milk, ghee, cloth, etc.) and
rice balls (pinda).
Due to bioremediation,
organisms in the pond uses
the organic inputs. However,
the excess quantity over
threshold creates pollution of
the water body, evident from
bad odour, excess growth of
algae and water plants
(macrophytes).
Restrictions on the disposal of
organic matter (flowers, rice balls –
pinda, grains, etc.). Alternate
arrangements for disposal of
organic wastes (flower, rice balls)
and an arrangements to transfer to
goshala (cattleshed). This could
provide nourishment and also
serving to milking cattle could be
the best option of offering to the
lord.
Implement bio-manipulation
(Labeo rohita and Catla catla–
surface phytoplankton feeders,
Rohu – Column zooplankton
feeder, Gambusia and Guppies –
larvivorous fishes for mosquito
control,
bottom dwellers – common carp,
scavenging fish – Labeo
fimbriatus).
3. Algal bloom (i) Organic and inorganic
inputs
(ii) Lack of aeration
(iii) Inadequate predators –
organisms that feed on
algae , such as fishes, etc.
Restrictions on the disposal of
organic matter (flowers, rice balls –
pinda, grains, etc.).
Introduce ducks (at least four pairs
to begin with) , which will aid in
aeration and control of water
plants, algae, etc..
Implement bio-manipulation
(Labeo rohita and Catla catla–
surface phytoplankton feeders,
Rohu – Column zooplankton
feeder, Gambusia and Guppies –
larvivorous fishes for mosquito
control,
bottom dwellers – common carp,
ETR 99, Energy & Wetlands Research Group, CES, IISc 2015
4 Ramachandra T V, Durga Madhab Mahapatra, Subash Chandran M D, Sincy V, Asulabha K S, Rao, G R, Vishnu D. Mukri, Akhil C A., 2015.Rejuvenation
and Sustainable Management of Gokarna Temple Pond - Kotiteertha, ENVIS Technical Report 99, CES, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012
scavenging fish – Labeo
fimbriatus).
4. Health problems (of
people using water),
turbidity in water
and bad odour.
Presence of Escherichia coli
- indicates faecal
contamination. This may be
due to leakages from the
nearby septic tanks (toilets) /
community drains or use of
pond after defecation.
Plug cracks and other defects in the
pond embankments.
Restriction on the use of pond by
all except the temple head priest
who performs rituals at the temple.
5. Un-aesthetic waste
litters
Disposal of solid waste and
plastic. No provision to
dispose the waste at
designated site with proper
bins (collection containers)
Awareness among general public
to dispose solid waste at the
designated sites / locations.
Provision of colour bins (to dispose
wastes separately)
Regular collection, treatment and
disposal of organic fractions of
solid wastes by the municipality
Ban on the use of plastic in
Gokarna –Temple town. Penalty to
shop-keepers roadside hawkers
selling plastic pouches or providing
provisions in plastic pouchesetc.
6. Irrational littering,
dumping of debris,
pollution of holy
pond.
Lack of personal and
community hygiene.
Lack of awareness among the
public about cleanliness or
SWACHHATA
Environmental education among
all.
Deployment of NSS volunteers and
Local NGO’s in raising the
awareness among the public
7. Silt deposition in the
pond and
accumulation of
heavy metals (in the
silt).
Idol submersion during
festival (Ganesha, etc.).
Environment friendly Ganesha
festival celebration in the temple or
use of silver Ganesha / Pancha hola
idols and worhip at home.
Complete ban on immersion of
idols (painted, plaster of paris
idols, etc.) in the pond.
8. Dumps of large
quantity of rice balls
and ritual materials
in the shallow region
of the pond.
Lack of awareness among
priests and also lack of
suitable alternate
arrangements
Awareness among priests about the
need for environment friendly
option of disposal of organic
materials of the ritual (as
contaminating the pond water
would also contaminate the nearby
groundwater sources – bore well,
open wells, etc.).
Alternate sustainable option for the
ETR 99, Energy & Wetlands Research Group, CES, IISc 2015
5 Ramachandra T V, Durga Madhab Mahapatra, Subash Chandran M D, Sincy V, Asulabha K S, Rao, G R, Vishnu D. Mukri, Akhil C A., 2015.Rejuvenation
and Sustainable Management of Gokarna Temple Pond - Kotiteertha, ENVIS Technical Report 99, CES, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012
disposal of organic materials (rice
balls, flowers, etc.) and transfer to
the temple cattle shed / Goshala.
9. Pollution of water
body
Lack of ‘sense of belonging’
among the local residents
No management or poor
management by the
municipality / Panchayath.
Environmental awareness among
the local residents about the need
to protect water bodies (at least
keeping the next generation in
mind)
Regular water quality monitoring
by involving school and college
students (co-ordinated by the
regional centre of the Karnataka
State Pollution Control Board)
Setting up eco-clubs in the
education institutions (as per the
provisions available with the
Karnataka State Pollution Control
Board) in the local education
institutions (schools and colleges)
Provision of wetlands at the entry
of the pond (which will remove the
contaminants entering the pond)
during run-off
Regular maintenance of the pond
(through cost effective ecological
methods) involving local NGO’s,
NSS volunteers, students from
schools and colleges - Mandatory
Shramdhan for removal of silt as
well as partial removal of water
plants (kalé)
Regular partial removal of water
plants (kalé) twice a year: at
least before (a) Ganesha /
vinayaka Chaturthi (b)
Shivaratri – water plants to be
removed by uprooting (about
60% - not complete removal)
Removal of silt once in two
years on Mahalaya amavasya
(new moon day).
10. Littering and spitting Lack of cultural ethos Ensure cultural heritage through
awareness programmes
‘HERITAGE TOWN’ status
ETR 99, Energy & Wetlands Research Group, CES, IISc 2015
6 Ramachandra T V, Durga Madhab Mahapatra, Subash Chandran M D, Sincy V, Asulabha K S, Rao, G R, Vishnu D. Mukri, Akhil C A., 2015.Rejuvenation
and Sustainable Management of Gokarna Temple Pond - Kotiteertha, ENVIS Technical Report 99, CES, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012
considering the cultural heritage of
the region.
Keywords: temple pond, water quality, algae, macrophytes, rituals, primary productivity
1. INTRODUCTION
Wetlands (ponds, lakes, tanks, etc.) constitute the most productive ecosystems with a wide
array of goods and services. These ecosystems serve as life support systems; serve as habitat
for a variety of organisms including migratory birds for food and shelter. They aid in
bioremediation and hence aptly known as ‘kidneys of the landscape’. Major services include
flood control, wastewater treatment, arresting sediment load, drinking water, protein
production, and more importantly recharging of aquifers apart from aiding as sinks and climate
stabilizers. The wetlands also function as wild fauna sanctuary, with public access. These
ecosystems are valuable for education and scientific endeavours due to rich biodiversity.
Harvesting of rainwater through wetlands (ponds, constructed tanks and lakes) is being
practiced in India since the time immemorial. These man-made ponds have been used as an
alternate source of drinking water and have been employed for domestic and irrigation
purposes (Arya et al., 2011; Gupta et al, 2011; Mahapatra et al., 2011a; Mehta, 2013;
Ramachandra, 2001; Ramachandra and Rajinikanth, 2005). Temple ponds also referred as
kunds/pushkarni/tirtha are created in enclosures of the temple premises to meet the water
requirement for rituals in the temple. Efforts to maintain the sanctity of these water bodies were
in practice by regular maintenance and also by restricting the use of water for anthropogenic
purposes (such as community bathing, washing of cloth, etc.). These ponds in the temple
vicinity serves myriads of benefits (groundwater recharge, providing uncontaminated water for
rituals, etc.) while maintaining a good microclimate in the locality. These ponds not only act as
perennial source of water for temple rituals but also maintains a good water balance in the
region (Arya et al, 2011) and conserve the aesthetics of the locality. Sacred forests (with native
flora) in the watershed of historic temple ponds ensures water availability during all seasons.
Earlier studies in Uttara Kannada and Shimoga districts highlight that forests and water are
intrinsically intertwined as forested watersheds have significantly helpful in infiltration of rainfall. The
nature of vegetation in the catchment plays vital role in the ground water recharge, runoff and soil
moisture conditions, soil erosion and soil quality (Ramachandra et al., 2012; Ray et al., 2014).
ETR 99, Energy & Wetlands Research Group, CES, IISc 2015
7 Ramachandra T V, Durga Madhab Mahapatra, Subash Chandran M D, Sincy V, Asulabha K S, Rao, G R, Vishnu D. Mukri, Akhil C A., 2015.Rejuvenation
and Sustainable Management of Gokarna Temple Pond - Kotiteertha, ENVIS Technical Report 99, CES, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012
Historically, the overall forest disturbance in the Western Ghats increased in spatial extent as well as in
intensity, during the post World war era, with the emphasis on industrialization and economic
development. Forest based industries coupled with large scale hydroelectric projects and conversions of
forest land for agriculture have contributed significantly in the decline of primeval forests.
Land use and land cover changes with the unplanned developmental activities in the district
coupled with growing demand of land for agriculture and horticulture in the district have
further accelerated deforestation. Decline in native forest cover in the watersheds of rivers,
lakes and ponds has resulted in the conversion of perennial to seasonal water bodies. This
necessitates measures to safeguard the water resources within the auspices of holy places and
temples (Mahananda et al, 2010). As the water from these water bodies are meant to be used
for rituals, there are ample chances to revive the water quality through community’s active
participation in rejuvenation as well as regular maintenance and management.
Gokarna in Uttara Kannada, being one of the pious destination (for pilgrims from various parts
of the country) for performing rituals and pay homage to the departed soul/s. These rituals are
performed (rituals of pithru karma - Pitrupurusha shraddh) throughout the year closer to the