Gurgaon's Basai pond, a vital biodiversity hotspot under increasing environmental stress, is grappling with multiple crises. A seven-day independent study conducted from May 16 to 22 identified key ecological stressors: fish deaths, sewage inflow, ritual food offerings, livestock pressure, invasive vegetation, and solid waste accumulation.
Key Findings of the Study
The assessment recorded six fish mortality incidents over five days, including deaths of mangur and rohu fish across different zones of the pond, locally known as a johad. Environmental researcher Gaurav Kumar stated, "Daily disposal of atta balls and puffed rice into the pond as part of religious practices was identified as a major source of nutrient loading. Additionally, sewage overflow during heavy rainfall discharges wastewater into the johad."
Government Intervention Sought
The study's findings have been submitted to the Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB), Municipal Corporation of Gurgaon (MCG), and the deputy commissioner. Complaints have also been filed with the Haryana State Wetland Authority and Haryana Pond Authority, urging action to protect and restore the waterbody. The report recommends immediate steps to stop sewage inflows, improve water quality monitoring, clear waste and invasive vegetation, regulate livestock access, and raise awareness about the ecological impact of food offerings.
Currently, the pond is being de-watered in preparation for the monsoon.
Scientific Baseline for Conservation
Kumar emphasized that the study aimed to document environmental decline and establish a scientific baseline for future conservation. The research involved twice-daily monitoring across three GPS-mapped zones: open-water, livestock interaction, and cultural offering. Parameters such as water temperature, pH, and total dissolved solids were measured, along with biodiversity and human activity.
Fish Mortality and Water Quality
The first fish death was recorded on May 18, when a 2-2.5-foot mangur and a rohu were found dead near the shoreline. Subsequent deaths occurred across all zones, indicating a widespread problem. Water temperatures reached 32.5 degrees Celsius, and pH levels peaked at 9.3, conditions that stress aquatic life, especially in summer.
Degraded Shoreline and Invasive Species
The eastern shoreline, the most degraded section, was littered with plastic waste, thermocol, glass bottles, flowers, polythene, ash, and wooden debris. Additionally, 40-50 buffaloes and cattle enter the pond daily, disturbing sediments and adding organic waste. Invasive congress grass (Parthenium hysterophorus) now covers 70-80% of the pond's perimeter, suppressing native vegetation and causing shoreline degradation.
Official Response
An HSPCB official stated, "The matter will be examined, and a field inspection will be conducted. If any sewage discharge, pollution violation, or environmental concern is found, appropriate action will be taken under the Water Act and other regulations."
Environment activist Vaishali Rana remarked, "After the loss of much of the Basai wetland ecosystem, the village johad has become one of the last remaining open-water habitats. Every ecological stressor—sewage inflow, pollution, invasive species, or habitat disturbance—is now far more significant. What appears to be a small community pond is actually supporting biodiversity that has lost most of its historical habitat. The findings deserve serious attention from conservation and regulatory agencies."
Biodiversity Despite Stress
The study documented 20 bird species, including great cormorants, Indian spot-billed ducks, white-throated kingfishers, greater egrets, pond herons, wire-tailed swallows, green bee-eaters, Asian koels, rose-ringed parakeets, and red-wattled lapwings. Large flocks of great cormorants (up to 35-40 birds) were observed feeding. Native tree species such as peepal, banyan, neem, sheesham, karanj, pilkhan, gular, and ber were also recorded, highlighting the johad's ecological significance.
