Hydrophytes for Livelihood in 'Nayanjuli':Diversity and Threats

Abstract

'Nayanjuli'- the both side rainfed channels excavated during construction of higher elevated roads and railway tracks, creates fabulous conditions for the habitats of a wide array of freshwater wetland bioresources and hydrophytes in particular. Among the aquatic macrophytes, Water chestnut [Trapa natans var. Bispiosa ( Roxb.) Makino], lotus [Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.] and Cattail [Typha angustifolia L.] are very significant for livelihood development in rural economy. Besides, Nymphaea spp., Hygrophila schulli (Buch-Ham) S. M. Alfmeid, Marsilea minuta L., Dryopteris filixmus (L.) Schott, Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott, Ehydra fluctuans Loureiro, Bacopa monnieri (L.) Pennell and Vetiveria zizanioides Nash. Are used as vegetable/ medicinal crops by the ethnic people and sometimes sold in the market. The aquatic macrophytes in the 'Nayanjuli' also play a key role for sustaining the population of indigenous freshwater fishes and other faunal diversity as well. Some anthropogenic activities like paddy cultivation in Nayanjuli and indiscriminate use of pesticides in surrounding agricultural field cause the fast depletion of the habitat with the precious biological resources.