Bihar Gets Two New Ramsar Sites: Gokul Jalashay And Udaipur Jheel Recognised

Gokul Jalashay in Buxar and Udaipur Jheel in West Champaran have been recognised as Ramsar sites, making them the latest additions from Bihar to the list of wetlands of international importance. With these two sites, the total number of Ramsar-designated wetlands in the state has risen to five. Gokul Jalashay covers an area of 448 hectares, while Udaipur Jheel spans 319 hectares. The three other Ramsar sites in Bihar are Kabar Jheel (also known as Kabar Taal) in Begusarai, along with the Nagi and Nakti bird sanctuaries in Jamui district. These new additions bring India’s overall tally of Ramsar sites to 93.

Emphasising the importance of the designation, Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav posted on X (formerly Twitter): "Shabash Bihar! India strengthens its commitment to wetland conservation with the addition of two new Ramsar sites from Bihar. This brings the total number of Ramsar sites in the country to 93, covering 1,360,719 hectares. It highlights India's dedication to protecting its rich wetland ecosystems for biodiversity, climate resilience, and sustainable livelihoods. With Prime Minister Modi's leadership, India remains the top country in Asia and ranks third globally in terms of the number of Ramsar sites."

Bihar’s Push For Ramsar Recognition

In 2023, the Bihar State Wetland Authority (BSWA), operating under the state government, took a significant step by recommending four key wetlands for inclusion on the prestigious Ramsar list. These wetlands include Udaipur Jheel, Vikramshila Dolphin Sanctuary in Bhagalpur, Gogabeel Lake in Katihar, and Gokul Jalashay. This move reflects Bihar’s growing commitment to conserving its valuable wetland ecosystems, which play a crucial role in supporting biodiversity, regulating local climates, and sustaining livelihoods. Earlier, in October 2020, Kabar Jheel in Begusarai was designated as India’s 49th Ramsar site, marking the state’s initial entry into this global network of protected wetlands.

Understanding Ramsar Sites

Ramsar sites are wetlands of international importance designated under the Ramsar Convention, a treaty established in 1971 to promote wetland conservation and sustainable use. Named after the city in Iran where the treaty was signed, these sites are globally recognised for their ecological value, including supporting biodiversity and waterfowl. The Convention, one of the oldest environmental agreements, encourages national action and international cooperation to conserve wetlands and use their resources wisely.

A wetland becomes a Ramsar site by meeting specific criteria such as rarity, biodiversity support, or importance for waterfowl. This designation grants the wetland special status and commits the host country to protect its ecological character. Ultimately, Ramsar recognition ensures wetlands are sustainably managed, benefiting both nature and communities over the long term.

India became a party to the Ramsar Convention in 1982 and has since expanded its portfolio of protected wetlands significantly. With each new designation, India strengthens its global standing and reinforces its commitment to preserving wetlands that support biodiversity, enhance climate resilience, and provide essential resources for communities.

FAQs

Q1. What are the two new Ramsar sites in Bihar?
The newly recognised Ramsar sites are Gokul Jalashay and Udaipur Jheel.

Q2. How many Ramsar sites does Bihar have now?
With these additions, Bihar now has five Ramsar sites.

Q3. How many Ramsar sites are there in India?
India currently has 93 Ramsar sites, making it one of the countries with the largest number of wetlands under protection.

Q4. What is the Ramsar Convention?
The Ramsar Convention is an international treaty established in 1971 for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands.

Q5. Why are Ramsar sites important?
Ramsar sites protect wetlands of international significance, ensuring biodiversity conservation, ecological balance, and livelihood security for local communities.