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Context:
India has designated two new wetlands in Bihar Gokul Jalashay (Buxar) and Udaipur Jheel (West Champaran) as Ramsar sites, raising the national tally to 93 wetlands of international importance. With this, India retains its top position in Asia for the number of Ramsar sites.
Key Highlights:
Gokul Jalashay (Buxar, 448 ha):
- Oxbow lake on the southern edge of the Ganga River.
- Acts as a flood buffer for nearby villages.
- Habitat for 50+ bird species.
- Supports fishing, irrigation, farming.
- Unique feature: community-led cleaning rituals by villagers every year.
Udaipur Jheel (West Champaran, 319 ha):
- Oxbow lake encircling a village.
- Rich in biodiversity: 280+ plant species, including endemic Alysicarpus roxburghianus.
- Important wintering ground for 35+ migratory birds, incl. vulnerable Common Pochard.
About Ramsar Sites
- Wetlands of international importance under the Ramsar Convention (1971).
- Objective: Promote conservation and sustainable use of wetlands.
- Origin: Signed in Ramsar, Iran (1971); came into force in 1975 under UNESCO.
- Functions:
- Protects wetlands crucial for biodiversity, migratory birds, endangered species, flood control, water security, fisheries, and livelihoods.
- Provides a framework for national action and international cooperation.
India’s Ramsar Sites – Current Status (Sept 2025)
- Total Sites: 93 (covering 13.6 lakh hectares).
- Growth: 26 (2012) → 93 (2025). Notably, 51 sites added since 2020.
- Global Standing:
- India: 3rd largest number of Ramsar sites (after UK – 176, Mexico – 144).
- Asia: Rank 1.
- Bihar: Now has 5 Ramsar sites after the latest additions.
