Wetlands Management in North Bihar

Wetlands is a generic terms used to denote shallow, stagnant water bodies which are characteristically swampy, marshy and waterlogged. Wetlands are highly productive areas and at the same time some of the most threatened ecosystems. The present study is on the wetlands of North Bihar in India-a region thoughts which the Himalayan rivers flow sluggishly leaving behind silt and sand enriching the soil. In the process these areas have become habitats to several special of flora and fauna-some rare-which provide livelihoods for the population. They also help in pollution control and in maintaining the ecological balance. Based on field work between 1994 and 1996 the book deals with the management of wetlands in North Bihar in the context of a rapidly growing population and its effect on the environment as also the degradation of the fragile ecosystem.

An extremely useful book which provides a wealth of data and material a wealth for researchers and teachers alike.

R B Mandal born on 7.5.1948 in Kharsam Village of Samastipur district, Bihar. He passed M.A. (1968) and Ph.D. (1973) from Patna University. He taught in the Universities of Patna, Bhagalpur and Dar es Salaam (Tanzania) and presented paper in Bristal University (U.K.) in 1994. Since 1973 uptil now Dr Mandal has written and edited more than 20 books, 66 research papers and suprevised more than 20 Ph.D research scholars. His current interest in on aerial photograph and remote sensing. At present he is also editing a bi-annual magazine entitled 'East West Geographer' since 1990. At present Dr Mandal is a University Prof of Geography, Tilka Manjhi University, Bhagalpur.