Bengaluru, January 31: The total value of wetland eco system in Karnataka is Rs. 7.32 lakh crore! This is according to a recent study by the Indian Institute of Science. This value is both ecological as well as economical, says the survey.
The report titled ‘Accounting of Ecosystem Services of Wetlands in Karnataka’ states that the ecological value of water bodies in Bengaluru ranges from Rs 10,000 to Rs 55 lakh per hectare per day, depending upon the water body and its utilisation.
Prof T. V. Ramachandra, from the Centre of Ecological Sciences – who is also the co-author of the study – that the values have been assessed based on the services provided, the protection it has and its utilisation.
“It is important for the government to understand the value of the ecosystem while accounting the budget,” Prof Ramachandra added.
The focus of the study was to understand the worth of wetlands through the accounting of provisioning, regulating and cultural service.
In case of the water bodies, the study cited two lakes – Rachenahalli and Varthur lakes – spread across 42.09 hectares and 220 hectares respectively.
The report stated that the total value of the ecosystem services provided by Rachenahalli lake is Rs 10,435 hectares per day and that of Varthur lake is Rs 55, 54,000 hectares per day.
According to Prof Ramachandra, wetlands also play a crucial role in the food chain.
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