Bihar Celebrates with Two New Ramsar Wetlands: Bringing India’s Total to 93!

New Delhi: India has added two new wetlands to its Ramsar list, raising the total to 93. The new sites, Gokul Jalashay in Buxar and Udaipur Jheel in West Champaran, cover 448 and 319 hectares, respectively, according to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

Wetlands are essential for many reasons. They support biodiversity, help maintain ecological balance, and provide crucial services like water filtration and flood control. The Ramsar Convention, established in 1971, aims to protect these vital ecosystems globally.

Since 1981, India has designated 85 wetland sites as Ramsar sites, with the most significant additions occurring in 2022, when 19 sites were added. Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav emphasized India’s commitment to these ecosystems in a recent tweet, highlighting the importance of these sites for biodiversity and climate resilience.

In a broader context, India ranks first in Asia and third globally for the number of Ramsar sites. This achievement underscores the country’s dedication to environmental conservation. The Indian Constitution mandates the protection of the environment, and this principle shapes various national policies, including the National Biodiversity Strategy.

Notably, Ramsar sites are vital for migratory birds, serving as crucial resting points during their long journeys. Their preservation is key to maintaining healthy bird populations, which are often indicators of environmental health.

In recent years, social media has shown strong support for wetland conservation. Reactions online often celebrate new Ramsar designations and highlight the importance of protecting these habitats for future generations.

In conclusion, the addition of Gokul Jalashay and Udaipur Jheel to the Ramsar list not only enhances India’s environmental efforts but also reflects a broader trend towards recognizing the importance of wetlands in ecological balance and biodiversity. For more detailed information on the Ramsar Convention, you can visit the official Ramsar website.

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MOEFCC, WETLANDS CONSERVATION, BHUPENDER YADAV, MIGRATORY BIRDS, RAMSAR SITES, TWO WETLANDS FROM BIHAR TAKE INDIAN RAMSAR SITES TO 93