Foreword
A man-made lake in the hilly areas like that of Meghalaya has its own ecological implications. Conversely, the.ecological conditions of such a lake in the hilly areas may also be threatened by human interference. A serious concern about the growing encroachment and pollution of such a lake e.g., the Barapani Lake in Meghalaya, is being expressed. The Central Board undertook an environmental impact evaluation study on the basis of on-the-spot investigation of the Barapani Lake in the year 1982. This report presents the findings on the problem of the encroachment, silting and pollution of the Barapani Lake as well as the recommendations for its conservation.

On behalf of the Central Board, Dr. R.N. Bhattacharya carried out this study in collaboration with the Assam State Pollution Control Board, In the preparation of the report visual presentations have been freely used as they project a clearer picture of the situation as compared to the detailed description in words.