What is Buffer Zone

The Aravalli range is one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world. Many lakes are sustained by the streams generated from the Aravalli range. In the last few years, hill systems are facing changes affecting the catchment of water bodies. Many waterbodies that were earlier able to provide water in peak summers are now dried up before the summer. The study aims to analyse land use land cover change in the Aravalli range on Sambhar Lake. Sambhar Lake is the largest inland saltwater lake in India and was selected as a “Ramsar Site.” A catchment area of the lake is delineated, and micro-watersheds are selected for detailed analysis. A primary survey is done to know the impacts and causes of changes in the lake. The study indicates significant green cover changes in three seasons over the years. Because of the loss in green cover, the soil is losing its moisture, affecting the cropping pattern and agriculture production in the area. Factors causing the drying of the lake are affecting its ecosystem and the number of birds coming to it.