Geospatial Assessment of Dam-Induced Hydrological Prosperity and Eco-Hydrological Health in Hastinapur Wildlife Sanctuary, India

The impact of dams on the hydrological conditions and ecological functions of wetlands has not been extensively researched. Rivers and wetlands are crucial environmental components connected to both natural and human ecosystems, making it essential to study eco-hydrological planning and its implications for human well-being. This study examines the impact of the Bijnor barrage on the hydrological prosperity and eco-hydrological alterations in Hastinapur Wildlife Sanctuary (HWS) from 1983 to 2023. The research utilizes the Indicator of Hydrological Alteration (IHA) to assess eco-hydrological thresholds, failure rates, impact magnitudes, and eco-hydrological deficits and surpluses in the river section and adjacent wetlands. The findings reveal that the percentage of very high hydrological prosperity increased to 43.703% in 2023 from 31.431% in 1983, and this is due to the disappearance of major portions of very low and low zones of hydrological prosperity. However, the total area of wetlands decreased by 62.55% and 38.12% during the pre- and post-monsoon periods, respectively. This decline corresponds with a rising failure rate of ecological optima, leading to increased eco-hydrological deficits and indicating heightened ecological distress, which could adversely affect natural and human well-being. Hydrological prosperity maps demonstrate a significant reduction in water-rich areas, with zones of "very high" and "high" prosperity in 1983 being replaced by "moderate" to "very low" zones by 2023. This trend aligns with global observations of declining wetland hydrology due to anthropogenic influences. These changes underscore the critical need for hydrological prosperity-driven ecosystem-based adaptation strategies to enhance wetland resilience and reverse negative trends. Future research should focus on quantifying the impacts of these strategies and developing tailored solutions to sustain hydrological prosperity in HWS.