Table of Contents
1.
Introduction 2.
India’s New Ramsar Sites 3.
India’s Global Standing 4.
Ramsar Site Criteria 5.
Spotlight on New Sites o
Khecheopalri
Lake (Sikkim) o
Udhwa
Lake (Jharkhand) o
Sakkarakottai
Bird Sanctuary (Tamil Nadu) o
Therthangal
Bird Sanctuary (Tamil Nadu) 6.
Importance of Wetlands 7.
About the Ramsar Convention 8.
Montreux Record 9.
Conclusion
|
India Adds Four New Wetlands to Ramsar List Ahead of World Wetlands Day 2025
As the world prepares to
celebrate World Wetlands Day on 2nd
February, India has taken a significant step in wetland conservation
by adding four new wetlands to the prestigious Ramsar
Sites list under the Ramsar Convention.
This brings the total number of globally recognized wetlands in India to 89,
solidifying the country’s position as a leader in wetland conservation.
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Ramsar Sites in India |
India’s
New Ramsar Sites
The newly designated
wetlands include:
1. Sakkarakottai Bird Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu.
2. Therthangal Bird Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu.
3. Khecheopalri Wetland in Sikkim.
4. Udhwa Lake in Jharkhand.
With these additions, Tamil
Nadu now leads the country with 20 Ramsar sites,
followed by Uttar Pradesh with 10. Notably, Sikkim and Jharkhand have
earned their first-ever Ramsar sites, marking a milestone in their conservation
efforts.
India’s
Global Standing in Wetland Conservation
India now ranks third
globally in terms of Ramsar sites, trailing only the United
Kingdom (176) and Mexico (144).
Additionally, India boasts the highest number of Ramsar sites in
Asia, showcasing its commitment to preserving these vital ecosystems.
Over the past decade, India has added 47 new Ramsar sites,
with a significant surge in the last three years.
What
Makes a Wetland a Ramsar Site?
The Ramsar Convention
designates wetlands based on specific criteria, including:
·
Representing rare
or unique wetland types.
·
Supporting endangered
species or threatened ecological communities.
·
Serving
as critical habitats for migratory birds and fish
populations.
·
Maintaining biodiversity and
acting as a refuge during adverse conditions.
Spotlight
on the New Ramsar Sites
1.
Khecheopalri Lake (Sikkim)
·
Location:
Near Khecheopalri village in West Sikkim.
·
Significance: Known as “Sho Dzo Sho” (Oh Lady, Sit Here),
this sacred lake is revered by both Buddhists and Hindus.
It is believed to be a wish-fulfilling lake and
drains water from the Ramam watershed.
2.
Udhwa Lake Bird Sanctuary (Jharkhand)
·
Location:
Sahibganj district, on the floodplain of the Ganga River.
·
Significance: Comprising two interconnected water bodies, Patauda and Berhale,
this sanctuary is recognized as an Important Bird Area (IBA) and
plays a crucial role in avian habitat conservation.
3.
Sakkarakottai Bird Sanctuary (Tamil Nadu)
·
Location:
Ramanathapuram district.
·
Significance: An irrigation tank recharged by the
northeast monsoon, it lies along the Central Asian Flyway and
serves as a breeding ground for species like the Spot-billed
Pelican and Grey Heron.
4.
Therthangal Bird Sanctuary (Tamil Nadu)
·
Location:
Ramanathapuram district.
·
Significance: A vital habitat for waterbirds such as the White-breasted
Kingfisher and Brahminy Kite, this
sanctuary supports both breeding and foraging activities.
Why
Are Wetlands Important?
Wetlands are transitional
zones between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, offering
numerous ecological benefits:
·
Water Source: They recharge groundwater and absorb rainwater.
·
Flood Control: Wetlands act as natural sponges, reducing flood risks.
·
Water Purification: They filter pollutants like phosphorus and nitrogen from
agricultural runoff.
·
Biodiversity Hotspots: Wetlands provide habitats for endangered
species and serve as breeding grounds for migratory birds.
State-wise Distribution of Ramsar Sites in India
Rank |
State/UT |
Number of
Ramsar Sites |
1 |
Tamil Nadu |
20 |
2 |
Uttar Pradesh |
10 |
3 |
Odisha |
6 |
4 |
Punjab |
6 |
5 |
Jammu & Kashmir (UT) |
5 |
6 |
Madhya Pradesh |
5 |
7 |
Gujarat |
4 |
8 |
Karnataka |
4 |
9 |
Bihar |
3 |
10 |
Kerala |
3 |
11 |
Himachal Pradesh |
3 |
12 |
Maharashtra |
3 |
13 |
West Bengal |
2 |
14 |
Rajasthan |
2 |
15 |
Ladakh (UT) |
2 |
16 |
Haryana |
2 |
17 |
Andhra Pradesh |
1 |
18 |
Manipur |
1 |
19 |
Assam |
1 |
20 |
Mizoram |
1 |
21 |
Uttarakhand |
1 |
22 |
Tripura |
1 |
23 |
Goa |
1 |
24 |
Sikkim |
1 |
25 |
Jharkhand |
1 |
Total Ramsar Sites in India |
89 |
About
the Ramsar Convention
The Ramsar
Convention, signed in 1971 in Ramsar, Iran,
is an international treaty focused on the conservation and
sustainable use of wetlands. Its three pillars include:
1. Promoting the wise use of
all wetlands.
2. Designating wetlands of international
importance.
3. Encouraging international
cooperation on transboundary wetlands.
India's Oldest Ramsar Sites 🌊
Rank |
Ramsar
Site |
Year of
Designation |
1 |
Chilika Lake |
1981 |
2 |
Keoladeo Ghana National Park |
1981 |
Montreux
Record: A Watchlist for Threatened Wetlands
The Montreux
Record tracks Ramsar sites facing ecological threats. Currently,
two Indian wetlands are on this list:
·
Keoladeo National Park, Rajasthan (added in 1990).
·
Loktak Lake,
Manipur (added in 1993).
Conclusion
The addition of these four
wetlands to the Ramsar list underscores India’s dedication to preserving its
natural heritage. As we approach World Wetlands Day 2025,
it’s a reminder of the critical role wetlands play in maintaining ecological
balance and supporting biodiversity. Let’s celebrate these unsung
heroes of the environment and work towards their sustainable
conservation.
Also Read: Climate Change is Reshaping the World's Geography by 2030
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