World Wetland Day 2025: 4 New Ramsar Sites Announced in India

1. On February 2, 2025, the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) held World Wetlands Day 2025 celebrations at Parvati Arga Bird Sanctuary, a Ramsar Site in Gonda, Uttar Pradesh.
2. This year's theme, “Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future,” highlights the urgent need for global conservation action.
3. India celebrated the day by designating 4 new Ramsar sites:

1. Udhwa Lake (Jharkhand's 1st Ramsar site)
2. Theerthangal and Sakkarakottai (Tamil Nadu)
3. Khecheopalri (Sikkim's 1st Ramsar site)

What Are Wetlands?

1. Wetlands are areas of land covered by water (either stagnant or flowing), such as marshes, lakes, bogs, and swamps, which may be permanent or seasonal.
2. Ecological Importance of Wetlands:
   1. Biodiversity hotbeds supporting a wide range of species, including birds, fish, and plants
   2. Water conservation through groundwater recharge and flood regulation
   3. Climate change mitigation by acting as carbon sinks
   4. Economic benefits through fisheries and local economies

The Ramsar Convention:

1. The Ramsar Convention, signed on February 2, 1971, in Ramsar, Iran, is an international agreement focused on the sustainable use and conservation of wetlands globally.
2. On the same day, World Wetlands Day is now celebrated annually to raise awareness about wetland conservation.

Wetlands in India:

1. India became a signatory to the Ramsar Convention in 1982.
2. There are 89 Ramsar sites, with Tamil Nadu hosting the highest number (20 sites), followed by Uttar Pradesh (10 sites).
3. A recent bird census in Punjab (2023-24) showed a significant decline in migratory bird populations across the province's wetlands, with the Kanjli Wetland experiencing a 49.49% drop in bird numbers, from 1,190 birds in 2021-22 to just 600 in 2023-24.

Punjab's 6 major wetlands include:

1. Harike Wetlands (North India's largest Ramsar site, home to Siberian cranes and bar-headed geese)
2. Kanjli Wetlands (Supports migratory birds, fish, and turtles)
3. Ropar Wetlands (Located along the Sutlej River, providing habitat for various bird species and aquatic life)
4. Nangal Wetlands (Annual habitat for over 40,000 migratory birds)
5. Beas Conservation Reserve (Home to Indus River dolphins, turtles, and migratory birds)
6. Ranjit Sagar Wetlands (Supports otters and migratory birds)

Threats to Wetlands and Suggested Conservation Measures:

Threat	Conservation Measures
Industrial Pollution	Strict regulations on waste disposal from factories
Illegal Sand Mining	Implement measures to prevent illegal mining activities
Agricultural Runoff	Reduce pesticide and fertilizer runoff; protect water quality
Climate Change	Conduct awareness campaigns on climate impacts and wetlands conservation

Amrit Dharohar Initiative:

1. Launched in June 2023, the Amrit Dharohar initiative seeks to enhance the conservation value of Ramsar Sites in India.
2. This program, designed for 3 years, is a joint effort involving various ministries, State Wetland Authorities, and other stakeholders. It focuses on:
   1. Conservation of species and habitats
   2. Promoting nature tourism
   3. Supporting livelihoods linked to wetlands
   4. Advancing wetlands as carbon sinks
3. The initiative aims to ensure sustainable management of wetlands while benefiting local communities and the environment.

 

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