India Adds Three New Wetlands to Its Ramsar List

August 16, 2024

India added three new wetlands to its Ramsar Sites list, making a total of 85. These new sites are the Nanjarayan Bird Sanctuary and Kazhuveli Bird Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu, and Tawa Reservoir in Madhya Pradesh. This shows India’s commitment to protecting important natural areas.

What Are Ramsar Sites?

Ramsar Sites are special wetlands recognized internationally for their importance, especially for water birds. These sites are protected under an agreement called the Ramsar Convention, which was signed in Ramsar, Iran, in 1971. The goal is to protect wetlands that are vital for the environment.

India’s Role

India joined the Ramsar Convention in 1981 and has been adding more sites since then. By 2024, India’s Ramsar Sites cover around 1,358,068 hectares.

What Are Wetlands?

Wetlands include areas like lakes, rivers, swamps, marshes, and coastal regions. However, in India, some water bodies like man-made reservoirs and paddy fields are not considered Ramsar Sites.

Why Are Wetlands Important?

Wetlands are essential because they provide freshwater, help control floods, fight climate change, and support a wide range of wildlife. They are especially important for water birds that rely on these areas for nesting and feeding.

Threats to Wetlands

Wetlands are at risk from things like urban development and overuse. When wetlands are damaged, the benefits they provide and the wildlife that depends on them are in danger.

Details on the New Ramsar Sites

Nanjarayan Bird Sanctuary: Located in Tamil Nadu, this 125.865-hectare lake is home to over 191 bird species and helps replenish groundwater.

Kazhuveli Bird Sanctuary: Covering 5,151.6 hectares in Tamil Nadu, this brackish water area is a resting place for migratory birds and contributes to underground water storage.

Tawa Reservoir: Spanning 20,050 hectares in Madhya Pradesh, this reservoir supports farming, power generation, fish farming, and is important for many endangered species.

Ramsar Sites Across India

Tamil Nadu has the most Ramsar Sites in India with 18, followed by Uttar Pradesh with 10. This shows how wetlands are spread across different parts of India, each with its own importance.

More About Ramsar Sites

Ramsar Sites are wetlands recognized worldwide under the Ramsar Convention of 1971 because of their ecological value. There are over 2,400 Ramsar Sites globally, covering more than 2.5 million square kilometers. The name “Ramsar” comes from the city in Iran where the agreement was signed. Even though wetlands only make up about 6% of the Earth’s surface, they support 40% of all plant and animal species. These sites play a key role in protecting biodiversity and absorbing carbon from the atmosphere.

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