LETTER FROM THE SECRETARY
At the outset I would like to send my warm greetings to all the members of the Association on completion of 25 of its purposeful exisistance. In the life of totally self financing Association like IAAB, the Silver Jubilee (1981 to 2006) is a momentous occasion and great milestone. Associations are created around a personality or for the sake of availing aid often coming from International/National funding agencies. On this background, we have shown that a totally self financed and independent Association can survive and substantially contribute to the scientific advancement. Nevertheless, at this turning point it is time we look back and be proud of our achievements and at the same time introspect on our strengths and weaknesses and charter future course of action. I may finally say that people come and go, what remains is the organization and lofty principles, which it stands for. It is the quality, strength and interest members take in its functioning, that makes a difference for an Association.
I. Brief history :
IAAB was established as a registered Association in 1981 and it was vision of Prof. M.Babu Rao and Dr.E.V.Muley, founder president and Secretary respectively, then working at newly established Freshwater Biological Station (FBS), Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) at Hyderabad, that shaped initial phase of IAAB. It was also the period during which Dr. E.V.Muley and Dr. M.S.Kodarkar visited Austria and United Kingdom and had great opportunity of visiting world’s premier and successful Associations like Freshwater Biological Association (FBA), Windermere, United Kingdom, that helped further in developing vision of IAAB. It was also the time we came across some of the greatest limnologists of the world. However, with both the founder Secretary and President who joined Ministry of Environment & Forests (MOEF) and A.P. Agricultural University respectively, the Association passed through a difficult time. The revival was marked by valuable guidance and involvement of stalwarts like late Prof. D.V.Rama Sarma (Andhra University, Waltair), late Dr.A.V.S. Murty (CMFRI, Cochin), and Dr.A.D.Diwan (presently ADG, ICAR, New Delhi) and many others who guided rejuvenation of the Association marked by revival of the Journal and fresh enrolment drive. From this point, there was no looking back and today with about 600 life members from most parts of India we are a force to recon with. In all these years we have successfully executed actions in teaching, research and extension fields which were included in the issues of the Hydrospheres. Our publication – Methodology for Water Analysis – already in the 2nd Edition has encouraged members to initiate research with minimum lab facilities all over the country. Similarly the the third publication – Conservation of Lakes – supported ‘Save the lake campaigns’ , a civil society initiative for protection of lake ecosystems nationwide. Our publications in general have helped in improving standards of teaching and research in Indian Universities and colleges. We have helped innumerable members in improving their career prospects through publication of their papers in the Journal of Aquatic Biology. Today, it is one of the premiere Journal widely referred all over the world.
IAAB has active interaction with National and International GOs and NGOs. I am happy to inform you that IAAB is actively supporting efforts of Ministry of Environment & Forests (MOEF) in the organization of World Lake Conference (WLC) in 2007. The Association is given status of driver agency by India Water Partnership (GWP) and Global Water Partnership (GWP) in the thematic network on ‘Lake water quality management. We have developed vision for protection and conservation of urban lakes in South Asia, established ‘South Asia Network of Lakes and Reservoirs (SASNET-L & R) and developed and implemented the concept of Sarovar Samvardhini (Conservation and management Societies for lakes). We are actively collaborating with activities of International Lake Environment Committee (ILEC) Foundation of Japan. Dr.M.S.Kodarkar, Secretary, IAAB, has been elected as a member of Scientific Committee (SciCom) of ILEC for a period of three years. We have an active collaboration with Capacity Building Network for Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) (CAPNET); Freshwater Biological Association (FBA),, United Kingdom (UK); Edison Wetland Association, New Jersey, USA; Hyderabad Urban Development Authority (HUDA) and a number of voluntary organizations working for protection of Ecology and environment. Here I would like to add that it is guidance and encouragement of Dr. M.A.Chitale, an International expert on water sector and a recipient of Stockholm water prize, that helped IAAB in shaping its national and International out-reach and collaboration. His joining of IAAB as a Life member. We consider a matter of great privilege.
II. Membership :
| NEW PATRONS OF IAAB |
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| Prof. Vasant Rao, Rtd. Professor of Botany, Osmania University, Hyderabad | Dr. Thomas Ballatore, ILEC, Shiga, Japan |
| Prof. Vasant Rao is one of the founder members of IAAB and guided its development all these years. He is Internationally acclaimed Mycologist and a plant pathologist and has published a number of papers in national and International journals. Widely traveled all over the world visiting major research centers in Netherlands, United Kingdom, Mauritius and Sri Lanka, Dr Vasat Rao is on the editorial advisory board of Journal of Aquatic Biology. As a senior member we look at him for further guidance and advice for future development of IAAB as a strong platform for decisive action in the water sector. | Dr. Thomas Ballatore is a lead researcher working with International Lake Environment Committee (ILEC) Foundation, Shiga, Japan. He is an expert on lake management and is one of the editors of path breaking Global Environment Facility (GEF) and World Bank funded report for lake basin managers and stakeholders titled ‘Managing lakes and their basins for sustainable use’. His joining of the Association as a patron will be beginning of Indian Association’s transformation in to an International Association. He is also teaching environmental science at University level. |
Total Life membership at the end of 2006 stands at 550 that includes about 1/3rd women members, from 14 states and one union territory. This includes 5 patrons (Plese see List of IAAB Members). Number-wise Maharashtra stands first to be closely followed by Andhra Pradesh. We are making good progress in states like Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and West Bengal. Other states like Jammu & Kashmir, Rajasthan, New Delhi, U.P., M.P., Orissa, Karnataka, Gujarat, Jharkhand and Kerala our progress is rather slow. Unfortunately, we do not have a singe member in states like Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Hariyana, Bihar, and Utteranchal. So is the case with the North-Eastern states and Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep.
I would like to appeal to the members to propagate IAAB by undertaking enrollment drive to make the Association a strong scientific body with presence all over the country. We hope some day IAAB will become an International Association of Aquatic Biologists.
For details of membership please refer the part on Indian Association of Aquatic Biologists (IAAB) in this Newsletter.
III. Publications :
A. 3 – IAAB publications on CD-ROM : We are happy to inform you that following publications of IAAB are available on CD-ROM and can be purchased at a very reasonable cost of Rs. 100/- by writing to the Secretary, IAAB, Hyderabad :
1. Methodology for water analysis.
2. Taxonomic notes on the Rotifers from India.
3. Fin fishes valuable as aquarium fish off Visakhapatnam, East Coast of India.
B. New editions of IAAB Publications : The 3rd edition of Methodology for water analysis (Rs. 200/-) and second edition of Conservation of lakes (Rs. 200/-) is already published. The Life members will get 40% discount on these publications.
C. In 2006 we are planning two new publications ; 1. Applied Aquatic Biology and 2. Lonar lake – An ecological wonder.
D. Compendia of select research papers published in the J. Aqua. Biol. based on themes like Ecosystems, water quality, toxicology and IWRM will also be published in 2007.
An appeal for prospective authors:
IAAB members can submit proposals for publication of book(s) in areas related with aquatic biology running up to 100 printed pages. Apart from authorship and five gratis copies, a block grant of Rs. 2,500 will be sanctioned to the first author on final approval of the manuscript by the Publication Advisory Committee (PAC). If necessary, PAC will edit the manuscript suitably.
The publication-ready manuscript should be in MS word (One hard and a soft copy on CD). Original bills worth Rs. 2,500.00 towards preparation of manuscript, original copies of photographs and line drawings should also be submitted along with the manuscript. The association encourages multi-author, inter-disciplinary publications in aquatic biology in particular and water sector in general. The members can also suggest additions/ modifications/ revisions to existing publications and if such material is incorporated as per approval of PAC, names of such contributors will be included as authors in the succeeding edition of a publications.
Publication advisory committee (PAC) :
Prof. M. Babu Rao, President, IAAB, Hyderabad
Dr. M.S.Kodarkar, Secretary, IAAB, Hyderabad
Further, as sale of publications is one of the important sources of income of the Association, we would request the members to recommend the publications of IAAB to their institutional libraries (Please see the order form in this newsletter). I may also remind the members that they are entitled to 40% discount on publications when buying for personal use.
III. Collaboration :
Since its inception the Association is collaborating with institutions of Higher Education in organizing National and International Seminars/Symposia/Workshops. Coinciding with these events we have also conducted our General Body meetings. Kindly note that Association being a self financed entity, we can not commit any financial assistance, nevertheless, we will help Institutions in developing themes and preparation of applications for funding agencies. Team of IAAB members will also help in scheduling and conducting the proceedings of the programme. The Association will also help in publishing presented papers in J. Aqua. Biol. as per editorial policy of the Journal. If financed, we can also bring out a special issue of the Journal for this purpose. We will be looking forward to your proposals in this regards.
Following is the summary of our collaborations/IAAB participation major events/activities in 2006 :
| 1 | National seminar on Management of Urban Lakes - 2005 | 1 & 2nd December 2005 80 delegates from all over the country and Netherlands | Hyderabad Unrban Development Authority (HUDA), Hyderabad. |
| 2 | DST sponsored National Conference on Wetland Biodiversity | 2 & 3rd February 200 100 participants from Collegs, Universities, GOs and NGOs | P.G. Department of Zoology, St. Aloysius College, Elthuruth, Thissure, Kerala |
| 3 | | 27 & 28th February 2006 120 participants from University and Colleges | |
| 4 | Training Programme on Water quality management of lakes and reservoirs | 25-26th April 2006 Engineers from all over India | National Water Academy (NWA), Khadakwasla, Pune - Maharashtra |
| 5 | | 2 &3rd June 2006 Secretary was invited for meeting by ILEC | International Lake Environment Committee (ILEC), Japan |
| 6 | Membership, Organizing Committee, World Lake Conference (WLC) - 2007 | Nominated the Secretary as a member by MOEF, New Delhi | Ministry of Enviroment & Forests (MOEF), CGO Complex, Lodi Road, New Delhi |
Since its inception the Association is collaborating with institutions of Higher Education in organizing National and International Seminars/Symposia/Workshops. Coinciding with these events we have also conducted our General Body meetings. Kindly note that Association being a self financed entity, we can not commit any financial assistance, nevertheless, we will help Institutions in developing themes and preparation of applications for funding agencies. Team of IAAB members will also help in scheduling and conducting the proceedings of the programme. The Association will also help in publishing presented papers in J. Aqua. Biol. as per editorial policy of the Journal. If financed, we can also bring out a special issue of the Journal for this purpose. We will be looking forward to your proposals in this regards.
Following is the summary of our collaborations/IAAB participation major events/activities in 2006 :
| 1 | National seminar on Management of Urban Lakes - 2005 | 1 & 2nd December 2005 80 delegates from all over the country and Netherlands | Hyderabad Unrban Development Authority (HUDA), Hyderabad. |
| 2 | DST sponsored National Conference on Wetland Biodiversity | 2 & 3rd February 200 100 participants from Collegs, Universities, GOs and NGOs | P.G. Department of Zoology, St. Aloysius College, Elthuruth, Thissure, Kerala |
| 3 | | 27 & 28th February 2006 120 participants from University and Colleges | |
| 4 | Training Programme on Water quality management of lakes and reservoirs | 25-26th April 2006 Engineers from all over India | National Water Academy (NWA), Khadakwasla, Pune - Maharashtra |
| 5 | | 2 &3rd June 2006 Secretary was invited for meeting by ILEC | International Lake Environment Committee (ILEC), Japan |
| 6 | Membership, Organizing Committee, World Lake Conference (WLC) - 2007 | Nominated the Secretary as a member by MOEF, New Delhi | Ministry of Enviroment & Forests (MOEF), CGO Complex, Lodi Road, New Delhi |
We will be looking forwards to proposals of collaboration from the members.
| UGC Sponsored National workshop on ‘Water quality assessment, Implications in Potability, Productivity and Pollution control’ Aurangabad College for Women, Navkhanda, Aurangabad, Maharashtra |
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| Inaugural session : (L to R) Mohn. Umar (Principal), Dr. Mazhar (Secretary, Maulana Azad College, A’bad), Mr. D.M.Muglikar (Dy. Commissioner, Admn, A’bad), Dr. M.A.Chitale (RWP-SA), Prof. M. Babu Rao (President, IAAB) and Dr. Vidya Pradhan (Convenor) |
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| Field Work programme on Salim Ali Lake, Aurangabad, Maharashtra. |
IV. CHAPTERS OF THE ASSOCIATION :
IAAB chapters are required to organize an annual General Body Meeting (GBM) to review the functioning of the chapter and to plan programmes in succeeding year. The GBM of Aurangabad chapter was organized on 15th November 2006 in the Deptt.of Zoology, Br. B.A. Marathwada University, Aurangabad. The programme was inaugurated by Prof. Kottapalle, Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor of BAMU. He informed the gathering about forth coming Golden Jubilee celebrations of the University and appealed to all the academicians to make the same a success. He expressed his gratitude towards Prof. R. Nagabhushanam for his contribution in the development of the Department.
The programme started with Prof. U.H. Mane, President, IAAB, Aurangabad, extended warm welcome to the guests, life members and well wishers of the Association, after which Dr. M.S.Kodarkar, Secretary, IAAB, Hyderabad, gave a brief summary of IAAB activities. He also outlined collaborative proposals; An International conference on Biological sciences in human welfare, An International workshop on Integrated Lake Basin Management in collaboration with ILEC, Japan and South Asia Workshop on Water quality assessment in collaboration with Global Water Partnership (GWP) with the Deptt. of Zoology during Golden Jubilee of the University.
On this occasion Prof. R. Nagabhushanam and Dr. M.A.Chitale were felicitated for their dedicated service to the cause of aquatic biology and water sector respectively.
Dr. Meena U. Patil, HOD, Deptt.of Zoology briefly out lined achievements of the department, while vote of thanks was proposed by Dr. Zambare, Reader, Deptt.of Zoology. A large number of invitees including Prof. Gajanan Surase, Registrar, BAMU and life members and well wishers of IAAB participated in the programme.
| General Body Meeting of IAAB, Aurangabad chapter (15th November 2006) |
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| The GBM of Aurangabad chapter was held on 15th November 2006 in the Department of Zoology, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, Aurangabad. The meeting was inaugurated by Prof. Kottapalle, Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor of the University. Dr.M.S.Kodarkar, Secretary, IAAB, Hyderabad introducing the Assocation to the dignitaries. From L to R : Dr. M.A.Chitale (RWP-SA), Prof. R. Nagabhushanam (Rtd. Head, Deptt. Of Zoology, BAMU), Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Gajanan Surase (Registrar, BAMU), Dr. Meena Patil (HOD, Zoology) and Prof. U.H.Mane, Director, M.R.L., Ratnagiri & President, Aurangabad Chapter). |
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| Guets, Life members and invitees of GBM |
The Association has two chapters at Aurangabad and Visakhapatnam and we are looking forwards to new proposals for starting such chapters in other places. Members can send proposals for starting a new chapter.
V. IAAB COLLABORATION WITH MARINE RESEARCH LABORATORY (MRL) : Marine Research Laboratory (MRL) of Dr B.A.Marathwada University, Aurangabad, has introduced one year Post-Graduate Diploma in Costal Biodiversity and Resource Management at Ratnagiri, Maharashtra. IAAB is collaborating in the conduct of this programme. Life members of the Association working on Marine Living Resources from centers like Visakhapatnam, Parangipettai, Cochin, Bhaharanpur will be resource persons for this diploma course. For details of this programme, please write to Dr. U.H.Mane, Director, Marine Research Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Dr B.A.Marathwada University, Aurngabad – 431 004 (Maharashtra). Cell : 09823067058.
VI. FELLOWSHIP OF IAAB (FIAAB) :
The Association on persistant demand conferred Fellowships on its life members during Bi-annual General Body (BGM) held in Hyderabad. Though the action was also criticized for its arbitrariness, we thought of making a beginning. Now we have stream lined the process. The basic criteria evolved for Fellowship includes submission of a formal application enclosing detailed biodata. The basic requirements are (1) He/She should be a Life Member of IAAB with good standing, (2) Should have substantial contribution to the field of Aquatic Biology in particular and Ecology and Environment in general and (3) record of active participation in the activities of IAAB. The applications will be finalized by a committee of senior Life members constituted for this purpose. We hope the Fellows of IAAB will help the Association in its further plans and programmes.
In addition to this Association will identify and confer Fellowship on distinguished members of the Society. Such one or two members will be felicitated during BGM with conferring of IAAB Life Time Achievement Fellowship. A Committee of senior life members will be constituted for this purpose prior to BGM.
VII. IAAB LOGO :
I am happy to inform you that in response to our appeal in last BGM in Hyderabad, we have received two write-ups on the textual interpretation of IAAB Logo which is the most visible symbol of IAAB. It was designed by Mrs. Daya Astaputre (Hyderabad). We would like to thank the members for the response and their write-ups are printed below :
1. Dr. M. R. Thosar LM : 130 (Institute of Science, Nagpour, Maharashtra) :
“The drop of water represents the entire globe. The Sun symbolizes the eternal source of energy, the waves in the Hydrosphere represent the dynamism of the aquatic Eco system and fish the final outcome of the system, that serves as food to the millions of people globally. “IAAB” in the logo means a body of active and enthusiastic workers in the field, to take care of the aquatic Eco system, to spread the message that unless the aquatic bodies of all types are conserved and preserved properly with least pollution, the fish will not survive. It will die in the scorching heat of the sun and then the Dooms day is not far off. For want of conservation and maintenance the food chain and food web of the water body is disturbed leading to the reduced yield of fish.”
The logo therefore warns us about the possible disaster. Hence, let us conserve the water, keep it as clean as possible and spread this message to all.
2. Major (Dr) Supriya S. Yeragi ( LM : 401) Mumbai, Maharashtra.
As ray of light from supreme power, the SUN, passes through a drop of water, a series of biochemical reactions support the life on the earth. The work accomplished by Indian Association of Aquatic Biologists (IAAB) is like energized drop (Amrut) obtained by lord Shiva (Members) after Amrut manthan (process of teaching, research and extension in the field of Aquatic Biology).
IX. TELUGU TRANSLATION OF WORLD LAKE VISION (WLV) :
The World Lake Vision – A call for Action, a publication resulting from collaborative efforts of UNEP, ILEC and Lake Net, is the result of an in-depth analysis of status of lakes around the world. The 36 page well illustrated book summarizes seven basic principles involved in the sustainable conservation and management of lake ecosystems and we thought it should be translated in to Indian languages so as to make it available for large number of Indians. With this objective in mind the Association undertook the mission of translation of WLV into Telugu. The book is already published and can be obtained free of cost by writing to the Secretary. I would like to take this opportunity of thanking Hyderabad Urban Development Authority (HUDA), Hyderabad, for financing colour photographs in the publication.
I would request members to undertake similar efforts for translation of WLV into other Indian languages. The Association on its part will extend its sponsorship for preparation of ready-to-print document as in the case of IAAB publications. For printing of translated WLV members are free to approach different funding agencies like State Language Commissions, NGOs and organizations in private sector. For details on WLV refer ILEC website : www.ilec.or.jp
X. IAAB REFERENCE BANK :
One of the basic steps in starting a research programme is thorough reference work. Unfortunately lack of availability of literature often results into poor quality of thesis and research papers. To overcome this problem, the concept of Reference Bank was developed by IAAB. We have compiled references subject-wise and the same can be supplied on request to researchers and other interested persons at a nominal postal cost on Floppy/CD. For details please write to : Dr. V.B. Sakhare, Co-ordinator, IAAB Reference Bank, Email : vbsakhre@rediffmail.com / vishfish2000@yahoo.com . Cell : 09822856979
XI. CONGRATULATIONS:
Prof. U.H.Mane (Dr B.A.Marathwada University, Aurangabad) under whose Directorship Marine Research Laboratory (MRL) was established at Ratnagiri. The University has also introduced a P.G. Diploma course in
Costal Biodiversity and Resource Management at Ratnagiri, Maharashtra.
Dr. M.S.Kodarkar, Secretary, IAAB on his election as Scientific Committee member of ILEC, Japan for a period of three years. He ia also a member of organizing committee of World Lake Conference being held in India under the sponsorship of Ministry of Environment and Forests, Govt. of India, New Delhi.
Dr. E.V.Muley, Director, Deptt. of Environment, MOEF, New Delhi. on successful completion of an assignment of UNDP on the subject of Disaster management.
Dr. M.B. Muley on joining Deptt. of Environmental Science, BAMU, as Professor.
Dr. A.N.Kulkarni on successful organization of UGC sponsored National Conference at Science College, Nanded.
Dr. V. Sreekrishna on appointment as Professor & Head, Deptt. Of Biotechnology, Nagarjuna College of Engineering and Technology, Bangalore,
Dr. Meena U. Patil on taking charge as Head, Deptt. Of Zoology, Dr. B.A.Marathwada University, Aurangabad.
Dr. Seema Hashmi on completing Ph.D. in Microbiology from Dr B.A.Marathwada University, Aurangabad.
An appeal : The members can send information about their achievements for publication in the newsletter.