Bihar Gets Two New Ramsar Wetland Sites

Bihar Gets Two New Ramsar Wetland Sites

Why in the News ?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the inclusion of Gokul Jalashay (Buxar) and Udaipur Jheel (West Champaran) as Bihar’s new Ramsar Sites, recognising India’s growing commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable development. The addition strengthens India’s global standing in wetland protection.

Bihar Gets Two New Ramsar Wetland Sites

Conservation Milestone for Bihar:

  • Two new wetlands, Gokul Jalashay and Udaipur Jheel, have been designated as Ramsar Sites, marking Bihar’s growing contribution to India’s ecological heritage.
  • The recognition comes under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, aimed at promoting conservation and wise use of wetland ecosystems.
  • Prime Minister Modi praised this addition as a “proud moment” for India’s environmental stewardship.
  • Union Minister Bhupender Yadav highlighted the ecological significance of these sites through a social media post appreciated by the PM.
  • The sites demonstrate how community participation and policy commitment can coexist in protecting fragile ecosystems.

Ecological and Developmental Importance

  • Wetlands play a crucial role in flood control, groundwater recharge, carbon sequestration, and biodiversity conservation.
  • Gokul Jalashay and Udaipur Jheel provide habitats for migratory birds, aquatic flora, and local fisheries, boosting the regional ecotourism potential.
  • Their inclusion helps maintain hydrological balance in the Gangetic plains, mitigating risks from climate change.
  • Bihar’s new sites add to India’s mission of linking environmental protection with rural livelihoods and sustainable water management.
  • These recognitions align with India’s National Wetlands Conservation Programme and the broader Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

About Ramsar Convention and India’s Wetlands:

●     The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, signed in 1971 in Ramsar, Iran, promotes the conservation and wise use of wetlands globally.

●     India became a signatory in 1982 and currently ranks among the top nations with the highest number of Ramsar Sites.

●     As of 2025, India has 82 Ramsar Sites covering over 1.3 million hectares across various ecological zones.

●     Notable Ramsar Sites include Chilika Lake (Odisha), Loktak Lake (Manipur), and Sundarbans (West Bengal).

●     The convention supports ecological integrity, climate resilience, and community-based conservation—key priorities in India’s environmental policy.