Recently, four more wetlands from India have received the Ramsar Convention tag, signifying their global ecological importance.
What is a Ramsar Site?
✅ Definition:
- A Ramsar Site is a wetland of international importance recognized under the Ramsar Convention (1971), an international treaty for the conservation of wetlands.
📜 Significance of Ramsar Status:
- Enhances conservation efforts for biodiversity.
- Promotes sustainable wetland management.
- Ensures international recognition & funding opportunities.
📌 India’s Ramsar Count:
- With these four new additions, India now has 80 Ramsar sites.
New Ramsar Sites Added in India
🦜 1. Sakkarakottai Bird Sanctuary (Tamil Nadu)
🌍 Location: Close to Gulf of Mannar, along the Central Asian Flyway.
🦩 Key Features:
- Important breeding ground for migratory birds from Iran, Afghanistan, and Pakistan.
- Supports waterfowls and resident-migrant bird species.
🦢 2. Therthangal Bird Sanctuary (Tamil Nadu)
🌍 Location: Along the Central Asian Flyway.
🦩 Key Features:
- Breeding & foraging ground for waterbirds.
- Biodiversity hotspot with Painted Storks, Black-headed Ibis,
Spot-billed Pelicans, and Oriental Darters.
- Plays a role in climate regulation, groundwater recharge, and irrigation.
🌊 3. Udhwa Lake (Jharkhand) – First Ramsar Site in the State
🌍 Location: Gangetic Plains Bio-geographic Zone.
🦩 Key Features:
- Named after Saint Uddhava from the Mahabharata.
- Includes two water bodies—Patauran (clean water) & Berhale.
- Jharkhand’s first Ramsar wetland, supporting aquatic biodiversity.
🏔️ 4. Khecheopalri Lake (Sikkim) – A Sacred Wetland
🌍 Location: Demazong Valley, Sikkim.
🦩 Key Features:
- A sacred lake for Buddhists & Hindus, known as a “wish-fulfilling lake”.
- Legends link it to Guru Padmasambhava & Goddess Tara.
- Surrounded by dense forests & rich biodiversity.
Significance of These Additions
🌍 Biodiversity Conservation: Supports endangered and migratory species.
💧 Ecological Balance: Helps in groundwater recharge & climate regulation.
🛡️ Cultural & Religious Importance: Protects sacred and heritage sites.
📈 Boost to Eco-Tourism: Encourages sustainable tourism in the region.