Source: PIB
Context: India added two new Ramsar sites in Bihar—Gokul Jalashay and Udaipur Jheel— raising the national tally to 93 wetlands of international importance, consolidating India’s top position in Asia.
About Two New Ramsar Sites in Bihar:
- Gokul Jalashay (Buxar, 448 ha):
- An oxbow lake on the southern edge of the Ganga.
- Acts as a flood buffer for nearby villages.
- Home to 50+ bird species.
- Supports fishing, farming, irrigation; villagers conduct community-led cleaning rituals annually.
- Udaipur Jheel (West Champaran, 319 ha):
- An oxbow lake surrounding a village.
- 280+ plant species, including Alysicarpus roxburghianus (endemic herb).
- Important wintering ground for ~35 migratory birds, incl. vulnerable Common Pochard.
About Ramsar Sites:
- What it is?
- Wetland sites of international importance under the Ramsar Convention (1971), promoting conservation and sustainable use.
- Origin: Signed in Ramsar, Iran (1971); came into force in 1975 under UNESCO.
- Aim: Protect wetlands as critical ecosystems for biodiversity, water security, flood control, and livelihoods.
- Key Features:
- Provides framework for national action + international cooperation.
- Identifies wetlands vital for rare ecosystems, migratory birds, endangered species, fisheries, and hydrological balance.
India and Ramsar Sites:
- Current total (Sept 2025): 93 wetlands across 13.6 lakh hectares.
- Growth: 26 (2012) → 93 (2025), with 51 sites added since 2020.
- Global Standing:
- India: 3rd in the world (after UK – 176, Mexico – 144).
- Asia: 1st in number of Ramsar sites.
- Bihar: Now has 5 Ramsar sites (with the new additions).
