Anthropogenic Activities and Consequential Impacts on Dodital Wetland: a High Altitude Wetland in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand, India

Wetlands are one of the most productive ecosystems of the world have a very special role in regulating climate and are source of major rivers. The High altitude wetlands of Himalaya are most important part of mountain ecosystem. People are benefited directly and indirectly by exploiting the products and services from these wetlands. Dodital wetland is rich in diverse flora, especially medicinal plants, is under pressure due to grazing in surrounding by large number of livestock. In this book the attempts were made to collect scientific data on socio-economic, livestock grazing, tourism, fuelwood and fodder consumption pattern. The threat posing due to these activities on wetland and its surrounding landscape was made to understand. The various anthropogenic activities putting pressure on the carrying capacity of the grazing grounds, vegetation structure, biodiversity and wetland quality which seems critical due to its adverse implications and ecological balance. The activities are integral part of the economy of the people inhabiting in the region so an integrated participatory policy approach and its implementation is recommended.