New Delhi: Wetlands are critical ecosystems which perform a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance, supporting biodiversity, and providing various ecosystem services necessary for the survival of human beings. The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands was established in 1971 and it provides the framework for the conservation and usage of wetlands all over the world. At present, India has 85 Ramsar sites across the country. The total area covered by these sites is 1,358,068 hectares. The sites help to preserve the unique ecosystems that play a vital role in our environmental health and biodiversity.
Famous Ramsar sites in India
Sundarban Wetland
Sundarban Wetland is located within the Sundarbans, the largest mangrove forest in the world. It has hundreds of islands and a maze of rivers, rivulets and creeks. The Indian Sundarban has more than 60 per cent of the country’s total mangrove forest area. The mangrove forests protect the hinterland from storms, cyclones, tidal surges, and the seepage and intrusion of saltwater inland and into waterways. There is also the Sundarban Tiger Reserve which is home to the famous Bengal Tiger. The Site has some rare and globally threatened species like the northern river terrapin (Batagur baska), the endangered Irrawaddy dolphin (Orcaella brevirostris), and the vulnerable fishing cat (Prionailurus viverrinus).
Chilika Lake
Chilika Lake is a brackish water lake and a shallow lagoon with estuarine character spread across the districts of Puri, Khurda and Ganjam in Odisha. It is provided water by 52 rivers and rivulets. There are more than 800 species in and around the lagoon. The list includes a number of rare, threatened and endangered species including the Barakudia limbless skink. In 1971, Chilika Lake was designated the first Indian wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention.
Kolleru Lake
The Kolleru Lake is one of the largest freshwater lakes in the country and forms Asia’s largest shallow freshwater lake. The lake is located between the Godavari and Krishna river deltas in Andhra Pradesh’s Eluru district. It is fed by water from the seasonal Budameru and Tammileru rivulets, and is connected to the Krishna and Godavari irrigation systems by over 67 major and minor irrigation canals. A major tourist attraction, the lake is home to numerous winter migratory birds. In November 2002, it was designated a wetland of international importance under the international Ramsar Convention.
Bhitarkanika Mangroves
It is a mangrove wetland in Odisha, covering an area of 650 km in the Baitarani River and Brahmani River deltas. Till 1952, the Bhitarkanika Mangroves were the properties of the zamindars. In 1975, an area of 672 sq km became the Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary and its core area was declared Bhitarkanika National Park in September 1998. In 2002, it became a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance. Apart from having numerous mangrove species, it is also home to several species of birds.
Vembanad-Kol Wetland
The Vembanad Lake is reportedly the longest lake in India and it is also Kerala’s largest lake. The Vembanad-Kol Wetland is a Ramsar site for the conservation and sustainable utilization of wetlands. Over 2,000 waterfowls call it their home and the place is also an ideal habitat for shrimp. It has the third largest waterfowl population in India. In the Kol area, more than 90 species of resident birds and 50 species of migratory birds are found. It saves the coastal areas of three districts in the state from flood.
Keoladeo National Park
The Keoladeo National Park in Rajasthan hosts thousands of native, resident and migratory birds, especially during the winter season when birds for faraway lands come to the place. Earlier, the region was a duck shooting reserve. Due to the efforts of ornithologist Salim Ali, the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary was established in 1956. On March 10, 1982, the Keoladeo National Park was established. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park became a Ramsar site under the Ramsar Convention in October 1981.
India boasts 85 Ramsar sites, crucial for biodiversity and ecosystem services. This article highlights prominent examples like the Sundarbans mangrove forest, Chilika Lake, and Keoladeo National Park, showcasing their unique flora, fauna, and conservation challenges. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge
