Source: News on Air
Context: India has added four new Ramsar sites, taking the total to 89. Tamil Nadu leads with 20 wetlands, while Sikkim and Jharkhand added their first Ramsar sites, marking a significant step in wetland conservation.
About New Ramsar Site:
| Site Name | State | Features |
| Therthangal Bird Sanctuary | Tamil Nadu | ü Established on December 15, 2010, to conserve avian species and wetland habitats.
ü Covers 29.29 hectares, home to diverse flora like Aponogeton nutans, Hydrilla verticillata, and Tamarindus indica. ü Popular among birdwatchers during the migratory season (October to March). |
| Sakkarakottai Bird Sanctuary | Tamil Nadu | ü Established on April 17, 2012, to protect avifauna and wetland ecosystems.
ü Spreads over 230.490 hectares, hosting flora like Neem, Palmyra Palm, and Gloriosa superba. ü Home to diverse fauna, including Lion-tailed Macaque, Giant Squirrel, and migratory birds. |
| Khecheopalri Wetland | Sikkim | ü Sacred for both Buddhists and Hindus, believed to be a wish-fulfilling lake.
ü Local name: Sho Dzo Sho (‘Oh Lady, Sit Here’). ü Part of the revered Demazong valley and Buddhist pilgrimage circuit. ü Unique feature: Birds prevent leaves from floating on the lake by picking them up. ü Home to diverse bird species like house swifts, fishing eagles, and Brahminy kites. ü Integral to ecotourism and biodiversity conservation efforts in Sikkim. |
| Udhwa Lake | Jharkhand | ü Comprises two large water bodies: Pataura Jheel (155 ha) and Brahma Jamalpur Jheel (410 ha).
ü Notified as a bird sanctuary in 1991 due to its rich avian biodiversity. ü Attracts migratory birds during winter, starting as early as September. ü Located near the sacred Ganga River stream, enhancing its scenic beauty and ecological significance. ü Provides an ideal habitat for nesting, roosting, and survival of resident and migratory birds. |
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