Abstract
Ponds are an integral component of the hydrological system; and perform diverse roles in the biosphere. Studies on pond ecosystems are, however, often neglected, probably, due to their little size. There is no doubt that little things perform many important activities in our lives. The literature survey on pond environment studies shows very little investigative works in India; and there is no review publication on pond environment reports. In Europe, pond conservation initiative has, however, resulted in many studies on the subject. In Indian perspectives, when there is a dearth of studies on ponds, it is futile to say that there is any concrete institutional initiative on pond conservation. The 2010-2011 report of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) shows that there are only 60 CPCB pond water quality monitoring stations in the country. In these scenarios, an attempt has been made in this manuscript to compile the reports on pond environment in India. The problems faced by ponds in India, mostly from pollution and encroachment, have been discussed in the text. Based on outcomes of different pond reports, some suggestions have been discussed in the end of the manuscript for an effective pond conservation initiative, and their sustainable management in India.
Highlights
It is misleading to label small water bodies as unimportant and insignificant, because it is our common experience that little things carry more importance in our lives
The results indicated substantial nutrient enrichment and a sharp inclination towards eutrophication
As the Red Data List of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classifies organisms into different categories ranging from not evaluated to extinct58, the pond water bodies can be classified into groups such as not evaluated, data deficient, least concern, near threatened, vulnerable, endangered, critically endangered and extinct based on extent of pollution, degradation and encroachment
Summary
It is misleading to label small water bodies as unimportant and insignificant, because it is our common experience that little things carry more importance in our lives. Ponds and small lakes cover around one third of the area of continental waters which, in biosphere, may be the most important sites for organic carbon sequestration. Climate change induced hydrologic shifts may cause alterations in the patterns of several ecological roles performed by ponds such as – water storage, habitats for plants and animals, water quality (filtration), groundwater recharge, and shifts in cycling of nutrients (biogeochemical cycles).
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
