P. K. Suresh

Bio: P. K. Suresh is an academic researcher from Indian Institute of Technology Madras. The author has contributed to research in topics: Drainage basin & Population. The author has an hindex of 1, co-authored 1 publications receiving 2 citations.

Migration of Chilika Lake Mouth

Abstract: Chilika lake is the largest lagoon along the east coast of Indian state Odisha, situated between latitude 19° 28′ and 19° 54′ N and longitude 85° 05′ and 85° 38′ E. The place is known for rich biodiversity and is the largest wintering ground of migratory bird and largest population of Irrawaddy dolphin, habited by migratory birds and by a special type of dolphins. The highly productive ecosystem of the lake supports the livelihood for fishermen and also acts as drainage for Mahanadi River Basin. The estuary is very sensitive to the sediment dynamics. The closure of estuary mouth or shifting of Chilika Lake mouths tremendously changes salinity and ecology of the lake system. The east coast of India along this coast is having a net alongshore drift of about 0.7 × 106 m3 annually toward north direction. The inlets of Chilika Lake are under the influence of alongshore sediment transport from the coast. Apart from this, the rivers bring sediments during peak southwest monsoon season. Because of this the inlets are migrating, depending on the season. The details of migration of estuary opening were analyzed using satellite imageries. The analyses of watershed, coastal process, and configuration of estuary are detailed in this paper.

Rapid impact assessment of extremely severe cyclonic storm Fani on morpho-dynamics & ecology of Chilika Lake, Odisha, India

Abstract: This article evaluates the impacts of ‘Fani’, a category four cyclone on the shoreline and ecology of the largest brackish water lagoon of Asia, Chilika, on the East Coast of India. The cyclone forced open two New Tidal Inlets (NTI) along the northern shore of the lagoon’s outer channel leading to erosion of the embankments and spits. The average rate of change due to cyclonic storm ‘Fani’ was – 6.12 m while 66.03% of the total transects registered symbol of erosion along the shoreline of Chilika lagoon. Post Fani the information made available on its impact on Chilika was minimal which made us to look into published news articles, online news channels,past published scientific literature to corroborate the likely impact of such erosion and new tidal inlets on the lake ecosystem. Experts differed on their opinions on how the plankton, fish, seagrass and critically endangered Irrawaddy Dolphin would respond to the salinity changes in the lake aftermath of the cyclone. Some of the impacts of ‘Fani’ on the lake shoreline and ecosystem were imminent, such as the opening of tidal inlets and spot death of three Irrawaddy dolphins; whereas, long-term impacts such as changes in the biomass and composition of plankton communities, fish and bird population in the lake are primarily unknown and warrants further detailed investigation. Nevertheless, the study asserts that cyclone driven shoreline damage can impact lagoon ecosystem by bringing in a rapid change in the salinity field

Uncovering water quality and evaluating vulnerabilities of small-scale fisheries in Chilika Lagoon, India

Abstract: Small-scale fisheries (SSFs) play a strong role in sustaining millions of livelihoods, food security, nutrition, and income globally but the fishers engaged in this sector simultaneously experience high levels of vulnerability and processes of marginalisation. Several factors are attributed to the multidimensional vulnerabilities the small-scale fishers experience, spanning both natural (e.g., natural disasters, ecosystem change) and anthropogenic (e.g., policy change, hydrological interventions, aquaculture) pressures. While there is much literature on various natural and human drivers of vulnerability in small-scale fishery communities, an absence of research connecting vulnerability with water quality is evident. Fisher communities often talk about fish in relation to the health of their aquatic habitats wherein water quality is seen as a key parameter. The link between healthy fish and good quality water has significant implications for strong and viable fishing communities. This paper examines these links further by focusing on the nature of vulnerabilities caused by water quality changes in the small-scale fishery system of Chilika Lagoon in India. We undertake detailed analysis of the invasive shrimp aquaculture activities and hydrological interventions for opening of a lagoon inlet with the Bay of Bengal as two dominant drivers adversely impacting water quality and increasing vulnerabilities of the entire small-scale fisheries social-ecological system. Our analysis suggests that there are strong interconnections between changes in water quality and the levels of vulnerabilities in the SSFs of Chilika Lagoon. Pollutants such as pesticides, and organic compounds accumulate in fish tissues and affect their growth, reproduction, and overall health. This led to declines in fish populations, making it more difficult for fishers to make a living. In addition to direct impacts on fish populations, poor water quality also has indirect effects on the social and economic vulnerability of SSFs. For example, contamination of water sources led to the reduced number of fish species reducing the amount of time fishers can spend on fishing activities. This also affected the marketability of fish products, reduced income and increased poverty. To fully understand the interconnections between water quality and vulnerability in SSFs in Chilika Lagoon, it is important to consider both environmental and social factors, as well as the complex feedback loops between these factors. The study helps in bridging a crucial gap in our understanding of the role of water quality in vulnerability analysis within resource dependent communities. We conclude with key insights on possible coping responses and adaptive capacity necessary for the small-scale fisheries communities to transition toward viability.