(12th World Lake Conference Taal 2007, p. 127)
Ansupa lake, a very old fresh water lake, a famous wetland of Orissa, is situated near the coast of river Mahanadi of Orissa. The biodiversity character of lake is due to different types of aquatic fauna & flora. The main resources of the lake is fishery. There are about twenty five thousand people live in four panchayats around the lake. They are mostly fishermen. They depend mainly on fishery of the lake for their livelihood & use lake water for irrigation and domestic purposes. Due to environmental degradation like siltation, eutorphication, weed infestation and water pollution, the productivity of the lake has considerably decreased. That has adversely affected the livelihood of the people.
Results of detailed socio-economic and socio-cultural study was undertaken through RRA and PRA techniques. The results revealed very interesting information relating to lake use pattem, income generation activities, socio-cultural issues, and their perception of the lake environment: various methods of fishing etc. These data helped to mobilize them to participate in the integrated management plan now being executed by the State Govemment of Orissa. Self-Help Groups (SHGs) have been formed. They have been educated and mobilized to actively participate in every step of implementation of the integrated sustainable conservation plan of the lake. Trainings are being imparted for altemate income generation activities particular rly for women (SC/ST & also for other people). They are now actively participating in the conservation programme to conserve the lake with wise use concept and participate in common property resource management to improve their living standard. After the lake is renovated during 2-3 years time, the entire lake management would be handed over to the local villagers for maintenance. This would be a very good model of implementing a lake conservation plan with community mobilization and participation very successfully.
