Wetland Conservation through Water Quality Assessment and Willingness to Pay (A Case of Baral Danda Lake Complex, Kaski, Nepal)

Abstract

The wetlands located at the periphery of Baral Danda Lake Complex (BDLC), Kaski, Nepal serves plethora of ecological and socio-economic benefits, yet they are subject to increasing natural and anthropogenic disturbances. This study aims in finding situation of wetlands conservation based upon the assessment of water quality index (WQI) of Bach (1980) in three lakes: Gunde, Neureni and Khaste of Lekhnath municipality. The study was carried out for two seasons; dry and rainy from March, 2010 A.D. to July, 2011 A.D. The socioeconomic analysis was done using contingent valuation method (CVM) for estimating willingness to pay (WTP) in lake conservation.

The lakes were found to be critical pollution (II-III) during dry season and severe pollution (III) during rest of the study period for Gunde and Neureni lakes. While Khaste lake accounted to be severe pollution throughout the study period. The indicator tolerant species of organic pollution recorded in three lakes also supported the results of WQI. Significant differences in Dissolved Oxygen (DO), Electrical Conductivity (EC), Free Carbon Dioxide (CO 2 ), Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD iv

5 ), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Orthophosphate (O-PO 4 2- -P) and Total Iron were observed for annual and seasonal data. Whereas, no significant differences were found in pH, temperature, total alkalinity as CaCO 3 , total hardness as CaCO 3 , chloride, ammonia and nitrate in comparison with WHO values and Nepal Drinking Water Guidelines. The lakes were not suitable for recreation purpose due to dense growth of algae and macrophytes. Neureni lake could be suitable for aquaculture than other two lakes and Khaste lake; suitable for irrigation water. All lakes water could be suitable for livestock watering.

Likewise, about 81.60% of respondents emphasized in lakes degradation with time and appealed for conservation. From WTP calculation, it was computed that aggregate WTP per annum to be around NRs. 391, 200 (US$ 4,400). This suggested the individual household WTP per annum to be NRs. 397.56 (US$ 4.47) i.e. NRs. 33/month/household. The maximum amount of WTP by respondents was negatively correlated with age of the respondents, time duration of living in the village and total number of family members. Degrading lake water quality and local people‗s strong willingness in lake conservation thus signified the need of wetlands conservation in BDLC.

Keywords: Water Quality Index, Wetland Conservation, Willingness to Pay