INDIA ADDS THREE MORE RAMSAR WETLANDS

Why in the news?

India’s total Ramsar sites now reach 85, with new additions in Tamil Nadu and Madhya Pradesh, enhancing conservation efforts and boosting international visibility and tourism potential.

About three New Ramsar Wetlands Added in India:

  • The Indian Environment Ministry has announced the addition of three new Ramsar wetland sites.
  • The newly designated sites are Nanjarayan and Kazhuveli bird sanctuaries in Tamil Nadu and Tawa reservoir in Madhya Pradesh.
  • This addition increases India’s total number of Ramsar sites to 85, covering 1,358,068 hectares.

Historical and Current Context:

  • India, a signatory to the Ramsar Convention since 1982, had 26 Ramsar sites from 1982 to 2013.
  • From 2014 to 2024, 59 additional wetlands were added to the Ramsar list.
  • Tamil Nadu has the highest number of Ramsar sites (18), followed by Uttar Pradesh.
INDIA ADDS THREE MORE RAMSAR WETLANDSsource:scribd
About Nanjarayan Bird Sanctuary:

Location: Nanjarayan Lake, northeastern Uthukuli Taluk, Tiruppur District, Tamil Nadu; 10 km north of Tiruppur city.

Size: 125.865 hectares; falls under Sarkar Periyapalayam and Neruperichal villages.

  • Historical Significance: Named after King Nanjarayan who restored it centuries ago.
  • Biodiversity: Hosts 191 bird species, 87 butterflies, 7 amphibians, 21 reptiles, 11 small mammals, and 77 plants.
  • Functions: Provides feeding and nesting for birds, crucial for migratory birds, supports agriculture, and aids groundwater recharge.
  • Conservation: Designated as Tamil Nadu’s 17th bird sanctuary; managed collaboratively by the forest department and local community.

About Kazhuveli Bird Sanctuary:

  • Location: Villupuram district, Tamil Nadu, on the Coromandel Coast, north of Pondicherry.
  • Established: Declared as the 16th bird sanctuary in Tamil Nadu in 2021.
  • Area: Covers 5151.6 hectares.
  • Water Features: Includes estuarine brackish water, Uppukalli creek, and Kazhuveli basin with fresh water.
  • Significance: Key stopover for migratory birds, breeding ground for resident species, and fish; major recharge source for aquifers.
  • Flora: Contains degraded mangrove patches (Avicennia species) and extensive reed beds (Typha angustata).

About the Tawa reservoir:

  • Location: Constructed at the confluence of Tawa and Denwa rivers; near Itarsi town, Madhya Pradesh.
  • Tributaries: Major tributaries include Malani, Sonbhadra, and Nagdwari.
  • River Origin: Tawa River originates from Mahadeo hills, Chhindwara; flows through Betul and joins Narmada in Narmadapuram.
  • Uses: Primarily for irrigation; also used for power generation and aquaculture.
  • Dimensions: Total submergence area of 20,050 hectares; catchment area of 598,290 hectares.
  • Administration: Under Forest Department, district Narmadapuram; part of Satpura Tiger Reserve.
  • Ecological Importance: Habitat for rare/endangered species, local and migratory birds; largest protected area in Madhya Pradesh.
  • Unique Features: Notable for ecological, archaeological, historical, and forestry aspects.