Recently, Kabartal Wetland (Bihar) and Asan Conservation Reserve (Uttarakhand) have been designated as Ramsar sites, making them Wetlands of International Importance.
Kartal Wetland (Bihar):
Also known as Kanwar Jheel, it covers 2,620 hectares of the Indo-Gangetic plains in the Begusarai district of Bihar.
It acts as a vital flood buffer for the region besides providing livelihood opportunities to local communities.
Significant biodiversity is present, with 165 plant species and 394 animal species recorded, including 221 bird species. It is also a valuable site for fish biodiversity with over 50 species documented.
It is an important stopover along the Central Asian Flyway, with 58 migratory waterbirds using it to rest and refuel.
Five critically endangered species inhabit the site, including three vultures – the red-headed vulture (Sarcogyps calvus), white-rumped vulture (Gyps bengalensis) and Indian vulture (Gyps indicus) – and two waterbirds, the sociable lapwing (Vanellus gregarius) and Baer‘s pochard (Aythya baeri).
Major threats to the Site include water management activities such as drainage, water abstraction, damming and canalization.
Asan Conservation Reserve (Uttarakhand):
ACR is a 444-hectare stretch of the Asan River running down to its confluence with the Yamuna River in the Dehradun district of Uttarakhand.
It is Uttarakhand’s first Ramsar Site.
The damming of the River by the Asan Barrage in 1967 resulted in siltation above the dam wall, which helped to create some of the Site‘s bird-friendly habitats.
These habitats support 330 species of birds including the critically endangered red-headed vulture (Sarcogyps calvus), white-rumped vulture (Gyps bengalensis) and Baer‘s pochard (Aythya baeri).
Other non-avian species present include 49 fish species, one of these being the endangered Putitora mahseer (Tor putitora). Fish use the site for feeding, migration and spawning.
Nandur Madhameshwar bird sanctuary (Maharashtra):
It is a wetland in Niphad tahsil of the Nashik district in Maharashtra.
It was declared Ramsar site in January 2020.
It has been formed by shallow backwaters of Nandur Madhmeshwar dam and is known as Maharashtra’s Bharatpur.
It lies in the 100 sq km Nandur Madhameshwar sanctuary formed in 1986.
It boasts of threatened plants like Indian sandalwood, threatened birds like Indian Spotted Eagle, Eastern Imperial Eagle, Common Pochard, Bristled Grass Bird, Wooly-necked stork, White-rumped vulture, Indian vulture and Egyptian vulture, threatened fish Deolali Minnow and mammal like leopard.
It houses 536 species of aquatic and terrestrial plants, eight mammal species, 265 bird species, 24 fresh water fish species and 41 butterfly species.
It supports migratory birds species by serving as a wintering and stopover site and as breeding site for resident birds.
Ramsar Convention on Wetlands is an intergovernmental treaty adopted in 1971. It came into force for India on 1st February, 1982. Those wetlands which are of international importance are declared as Ramsar sites.
The advantages of being declared Ramsar site are that it will help in conservation and wise use of the wetland, receive national and international cooperation for conservation and management, receive Central funding, boost tourism, generate employment for locals and bring economic benefits for surrounding areas due to increased tourism and create awareness for conservation of other wetlands in the state.
Rajnish
Ramsar Sites in India:
Kartal Wetland (Bihar):
Asan Conservation Reserve (Uttarakhand):
Nandur Madhameshwar bird sanctuary (Maharashtra):
Ramsar Convention on Wetlands is an intergovernmental treaty adopted in 1971. It came into force for India on 1st February, 1982. Those wetlands which are of international importance are declared as Ramsar sites.
The advantages of being declared Ramsar site are that it will help in conservation and wise use of the wetland, receive national and international cooperation for conservation and management, receive Central funding, boost tourism, generate employment for locals and bring economic benefits for surrounding areas due to increased tourism and create awareness for conservation of other wetlands in the state.