Two wetlands in Bihar have recently been added to the list of Ramsar sites, recognizing their international importance. This brings the total number of Ramsar sites in the state to five and the total number of such sites in India to 93.
Gokul Jalashay and Udaipur Jheel Added to Ramsar List
Gokul Jalashay, located in Buxar, and Udaipur Jheel, situated in West Champaran, are the newest additions to the Ramsar list. Gokul Jalashay spans over 448 hectares, while Udaipur Jheel covers 319 hectares. These wetlands join the existing Ramsar sites in Bihar, which include Kabar Jheel (Kabar Taal) in Begusarai, and the Nagi and Nakti bird sanctuaries in the Jamui district.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has praised the inclusion of these two wetlands, calling it "a proud moment for India's environmental stewardship". He also acknowledged the efforts of the people of Bihar in prioritizing environmental conservation. Union Minister Bhupender Yadav highlighted India's commitment to wetland conservation, noting that the 93 Ramsar sites in the country cover 1,360,719 hectares.
Nagi and Nakti Bird Sanctuaries
In June 2024, the Nagi and Nakti Bird Sanctuaries in the Jamui district were recognized as Wetlands of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention. These man-made reservoirs, situated in the Jhajha forest range, were added to the Ramsar list on World Environment Day. The Nagi and Nakti bird sanctuaries are spread across 791 and 333 hectares respectively. Constructed primarily for irrigation purposes through the building of the Nakti Dam, these wetlands and their surrounding areas provide a habitat for over 150 species of birds, mammals, fish, aquatic plants, reptiles, and amphibians. Notably, these species include the endangered Indian elephant and the vulnerable native catfish. The area is a crucial wintering habitat for migratory species, with over 20,000 birds congregating during the winter months, including a large congregation of red-crested pochard.
Kabar Jheel
In October 2020, Kabar Jheel in Begusarai was designated as Bihar's first Ramsar site and the 49th in India.
Other potential Ramsar Sites
In 2023, the Bihar State Wetland Authority (BSWA) had recommended the inclusion of four wetlands to the Ramsar list, including Udaipur Jheel, Vikramshila Dolphin Sanctuary in Bhagalpur, Gogabeel Lake in Katihar and Gokul Jalashay.
Importance of Wetlands
Wetlands play a vital role in sustainable development. They provide habitats for diverse flora and fauna, contribute to climate resilience, and support sustainable livelihoods. Wetlands also act as a major source for carbon sinking, which aligns with the state government's plan to make Bihar carbon neutral by 2040.
Ramsar Convention
The Ramsar Convention, signed in 1971 in Ramsar, Iran, is an international treaty for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands. India became a party to the convention in 1982.
Past Efforts for Ramsar Site Status
In 2023, the Bihar government finalized proposals to send to the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) for five wetlands: Kusheshwar Asthan in Darbhanga, Tal Baraila in Vaishali, Gogabil in Katihar, and the Nagi and Nakati dams in Jamui.
Gogabil Lake
Gogabil Lake in Katihar was declared Bihar's first bird conservation reserve in 2019. The lake is home to nearly 300 species of migratory birds during the monsoon and winter seasons. Gogabil, along with Baghar Beel and Baldia Chaur, was designated as an Important Bird Area (IBA) in 2004. Gogabil is an oxbow lake formed by the Mahananda and Kankahar rivers in the north and the Ganga in the south.
Kusheshwar Asthan Bird Sanctuary
Kusheshwar Asthan Bird Sanctuary in Darbhanga is a protected area known for its large congregations of birds. The sanctuary, established in 1994, encompasses approximately 29.17 square kilometers of waterlogged terrain across 14 villages. It serves as a winter refuge for over 15 endangered migratory species.
