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Lake Shyamkhola, Kolkata, India

India, West Bengal, Kolkata

This area to the south of Narendrapur, Kolkata. It consists of villages with dense orchards, a mixture of natural and planted vegetations, open croplands and ponds of different sizes. It also has a large wetland that was created owing to removal of soil from croplands for brickfields.

Submitted by: Debojyoti Mondal
Approved by: Hans-Georg Evers & Friedrich Bitter

GPS: 22.4245243, 88.3893814

Geographical region: Southern Asia
Drainage Basin
River catchment
Water body type: Lake
Water body name: Shyamkhola
Water body part: Pool
Water body course: Headwaters
Water body: tributary of: Pool
Tributary name

Videos above and below water

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Water Chemistry

Water information

Water type: fresh-water
Water color: Clear water
Water transparency: High
Concentration of sediments: Low
Water temperature: 28 °C
Water flow/curent: Slow

Chemical parameters

pH: 7.5
Conductivity
GH: 8 mg/l
dGH
KH
dKH
Dissolved Oxygen

Substrate in nature

Sand: Beige
Pebble/Gravel: Mixed
Stone: None
Stone form
Silt/Mud: Beige
Leaves: Few
Driftwood: Few
Submerged terrestrial vegetation: Yes

Aquatic Biotope

Date of collecting
Collecting area: River bank
Water depth: 0,2m
Air temperature
Sunlight: Full sun

Environment

Environment

Affected by human activity

Affected by human activity

Pollution

Pollution

Moderate

Surrounding area

Shyamkhola is a serene area known for its rich biodiversity and tranquil environment. Shyamkhola is a notable hotspot for birdwatching, with over 189 species recorded, including the Asian Koel, Spotted Dove, and Asian Palm Swift.

The area is enveloped by verdant landscapes and natural vegetation, offering a peaceful retreat from urban life.Being close to the Sundarbans, the world’s largest mangrove forest, Shyamkhola benefits from the unique ecosystem and biodiversity of the region.

The area’s natural beauty and biodiversity make it an ideal spot for eco-tourism, promoting sustainable travel and conservation awareness. Despite its tranquil setting, Shyamkhola is accessible from Kolkata, making it a convenient destination for nature enthusiasts and weekend travelers. Shyamkhola offers a blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and biodiversity, making it a noteworthy destination in West Bengal.

Underwater landscape

Presence of dense green planting. Substrate is small gravels with sand and clay bed. Driftwood, bamboo sticks, stones give it a natural look. Even waste products like earthen pottery present at the bottom which act as a natural shelters for small fishes.

Fish list:

Chanda ranga (Ambassidae)
Trichogaster fasciata (Anabantidae)

Aquatic plant list:

Hygrophila polysperma (Acanthaceae)
Sagittaria subulata (Alismataceae)
Vallisneria nana (Hydrocharitaceae)

Threats to ecology

Here are some key threats to the ecology of the area near Lake Shyamkhola:

Increasing development and construction activities can lead to habitat loss for local flora and fauna.
Dumping of waste and use of chemical fertilizers in nearby areas can contaminate the lake and surrounding land.
Clearing of natural vegetation for agriculture or settlement reduces biodiversity and disrupts ecosystems.
If eco-tourism is not properly managed, it can lead to littering, noise pollution, and degradation of natural habitats.
Rising temperatures and changing rainfall patterns threaten wetland ecosystems and migratory bird patterns.
Local wildlife, especially bird species and aquatic life, are at risk from illegal poaching and unsustainable fishing practices.

Protecting the Shyamkhola region requires conservation efforts, sustainable planning, and community awareness.