Ramsar Treasures of India
Exploring Ramsar Sites: Wetlands of Global Significance
In this article, we delve into the captivating world of Ramsar Sites—those remarkable wetlands that transcend borders and ecosystems. From serene lakes to lush marshes, these sites are more than picturesque landscapes; they are vital hubs of life and resilience.
India, with its rich biodiversity and diverse ecosystems, boasts 80 Ramsar Sites, making it the leader in South Asia. These wetlands, designated as Wetlands of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention, play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance, supporting wildlife, and providing essential services to both nature and humanity. Let’s explore these remarkable sites across various states:
What Are Ramsar Sites?
Definition:
Ramsar sites are wetlands designated as international treasures under the Ramsar Convention. These areas meet stringent criteria and play a critical role in maintaining our planet’s health.
Criteria for Designation:
We unravel the four essential criteria that elevate a wetland to Ramsar status. From unique biodiversity to migratory bird routes, each criterion tells a story of ecological significance.
Why Ramsar Sites Matter
Biodiversity Guardians:
Ramsar sites harbor diverse flora and fauna, safeguarding genetic resources for future generations.
Climate Resilience:
Wetlands act as natural buffers against climate change, absorbing carbon and mitigating floods.
Human Connection:
These sites provide livelihoods, recreation, and cultural heritage for local communities.
Key Points about Ramsar Sites:
Importance:
Ramsar sites play a crucial role in conserving biodiversity, supporting migratory bird populations, maintaining water quality, and providing ecosystem services. They are vital for both wildlife and human communities.
Designation Process:
Countries that are parties to the Ramsar Convention nominate specific wetlands within their territories for inclusion in the Ramsar List. These nominations undergo rigorous scientific assessment before receiving official recognition.
Criteria for Designation:
Criterion 1:
A site must be a representative, rare, or unique example of a natural or near-natural wetland type.
Criterion 2:
It should support vulnerable, endangered, or critically endangered species or threatened ecological communities.
Criterion 3:
The wetland must play a significant role in the life cycle of migratory species.
Criterion 4:
It should be of outstanding value for maintaining the health of the planet.
Global Network:
As of January 2024, there are 80 Ramsar sites in India alone, and many more worldwide. These sites vary in size, type (such as lakes, rivers, marshes, and coastal areas), and ecological significance.
1. Chilika Lake, Odisha:
- Location: Odisha, on the east coast of India.
- Significance: The brackish water lagoon is a haven for migratory birds, including flamingos and pelicans. It also supports local fishing communities.
2. Keoladeo National Park, Rajasthan:
- Location: Bharatpur, Rajasthan.
- Ecological Marvel: Once a duck-hunting ground for maharajas, this park now hosts over 370 bird species, including the endangered Siberian crane.
3. Loktak Lake, Manipur:
- Location: Manipur, in northeastern India.
- Floating Islands: Loktak is famous for its phumdis—floating islands made of vegetation. It’s home to the endangered Sangai deer.
4. Sundarbans Wetland, West Bengal:
- Location: The largest delta in the world, shared by India and Bangladesh.
- Mangrove Forests: Sundarbans is home to the elusive Bengal tiger and numerous other wildlife species. It acts as a natural buffer against cyclones.
5. Wular Lake, Jammu & Kashmir:
- Location: The largest freshwater lake in India, nestled in the Kashmir Valley.
- Biodiversity Hotspot: Wular supports fish breeding, migratory birds, and local livelihoods.
6. Point Calimere Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu:
- Location: Nagapattinam district, Tamil Nadu.
- Avian Paradise: Point Calimere hosts thousands of migratory birds, including the greater flamingo.
7. Tsomoriri Lake, Ladakh:
- Location: High-altitude lake in Ladakh.
- Pristine Beauty: Surrounded by snow-capped peaks, Tsomoriri is a critical breeding ground for migratory birds.
8. Sultanpur National Park, Haryana:
- Location: Near Delhi, in Haryana.
- Birdwatcher’s Delight: Sultanpur is a bird sanctuary with over 250 bird species, including the sarus crane.
9. Deepor Beel, Assam:
- Location: Guwahati, Assam.
- Urban Wetland: Deepor Beel is an important stopover for migratory birds along the Brahmaputra River.
10. East Kolkata Wetlands, West Bengal:
- Location: Near Kolkata, West Bengal.
- Waste Recycling: These wetlands act as natural sewage treatment plants, recycling Kolkata’s waste.
11. Ashtamudi Wetland, Kerala:
- Location: Ashtamudi Lake in Kollam district, Kerala.
- Backwater Beauty: Ashtamudi is a picturesque estuarine system with intricate channels and lush mangroves. It supports diverse aquatic life and traditional fishing communities.
12. Bhitarkanika Mangroves, Odisha:
- Location: Odisha’s Kendrapara district.
- Mangrove Wonderland: Bhitarkanika is home to saltwater crocodiles, spotted deer, and a rich mangrove ecosystem. It’s a vital breeding ground for several species.
13. Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary, Gujarat:
- Location: Ahmedabad district, Gujarat.
- Avian Abode: Nalsarovar is a seasonal lake that attracts thousands of migratory birds during winter. Flamingos, pelicans, and herons thrive here.
14. Kolleru Lake, Andhra Pradesh:
- Location: Andhra Pradesh.
- Bird Paradise: Kolleru Lake is a Ramsar Site teeming with resident and migratory birds. It’s a lifeline for local communities.
15. Surinsar-Mansar Lakes, Jammu & Kashmir:
- Location: Jammu region.
- Twin Lakes: Surinsar and Mansar are interconnected lakes surrounded by forests. They hold cultural and religious significance.
16. Wadhvana Wetland, Gujarat:
- Location: Surendranagar district, Gujarat.
- Flamingo Haven: Wadhvana hosts large flocks of flamingos, making it a birdwatcher’s delight.
17. Sarsai Nawar Jheel, Uttar Pradesh:
- Location: Etawah district, Uttar Pradesh.
- Wetland Oasis: Sarsai Nawar Jheel provides refuge to migratory birds and acts as a natural water reservoir.
18. Ropar Wetland, Punjab:
- Location: Rupnagar district, Punjab.
- Man-Made Reservoir: Ropar Wetland, created by the Bhakra Dam, supports diverse bird species and fish.
19. Hokera Wetland, Jammu & Kashmir:
- Location: Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir.
- High-Altitude Gem: Hokera is a high-altitude wetland surrounded by snow-capped peaks.
20. Vembanad Kol Wetland, Kerala:
- Location: Vembanad Lake, Kerala.
- Backwaters and Beyond: Vembanad is India’s longest lake, nurturing aquatic life and providing livelihoods.
21. Bhoj Wetlands, Madhya Pradesh:
- Location: Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh.
- Historical Connection: The Bhoj Wetlands surround the ancient Bhojeshwar Temple and are fed by the Betwa River. They are home to diverse bird species.
22. Parvati Agra Bird Sanctuary, Uttar Pradesh:
- Location: Agra, Uttar Pradesh.
- Avifauna Haven: Parvati Agra is a sanctuary for migratory birds, especially during the winter months.
23. Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary, Uttar Pradesh:
- Location: Unnao district, Uttar Pradesh.
- Feathered Visitors: Nawabganj hosts a variety of waterfowl, including ducks, geese, and waders.
24. Sambhar Lake, Rajasthan:
- Location: Jaipur district, Rajasthan.
- Saltwater Lake: Sambhar is India’s largest inland salt lake. It supports flamingos, gulls, and other waterbirds.
25. Sandi Bird Sanctuary, Uttar Pradesh:
- Location: Hardoi district, Uttar Pradesh.
- Wetland Oasis: Sandi is a seasonal wetland that attracts migratory birds, providing a serene escape for birdwatchers.
26. Rudrasagar Lake, Tripura:
- Location: Udaipur, Tripura.
- Royal Legacy: Rudrasagar is surrounded by the Neermahal Palace, a stunning water palace built by the Tripura kings.
27. Saman Bird Sanctuary, Uttar Pradesh:
- Location: Mainpuri district, Uttar Pradesh.
- Avian Diversity: Saman is known for its rich birdlife, including painted storks and black-necked storks.
28. Thol Lake Wildlife Sanctuary, Gujarat:
- Location: Mehsana district, Gujarat.
- Birdwatcher’s Paradise: Thol Lake is a haven for migratory birds, especially during the winter season.
29. Harike Wetlands, Punjab:
- Location: Ferozepur district, Punjab.
- Confluence of Rivers: Harike is where the Beas and Sutlej rivers meet, creating a unique wetland ecosystem.
30. Upper Ganga River, Uttar Pradesh:
- Location: The stretch of the Ganges River from Bijnor to Narora.
- Riverine Ecosystem: The Upper Ganga supports diverse aquatic life and is culturally significant.
31. Bakhira Wildlife Sanctuary, Uttar Pradesh:
- Location: Sant Kabir Nagar district, Uttar Pradesh.
- Avian Diversity: Bakhira is home to various bird species, including migratory ducks and waders.
32. Khijadia Wildlife Sanctuary, Gujarat:
- Location: Jamnagar district, Gujarat.
- Salt Pans and Wetlands: Khijadia is a unique blend of freshwater lakes, salt pans, and mangroves. It supports flamingos, herons, and other waterbirds.
33. Nandur Madhameshwar, Maharashtra:
- Location: Nashik district, Maharashtra.
- Birdwatcher’s Paradise: Nandur Madhameshwar attracts bird enthusiasts with its diverse avifauna.
34. Sakhya Sagar, Madhya Pradesh:
- Location: Guna district, Madhya Pradesh.
- Reservoir and Wetland: Sakhya Sagar is an artificial lake that provides habitat for waterfowl.
35. Pala Wetlands, Mizoram:
- Location: Aizawl district, Mizoram.
- Highland Wetland: Pala supports unique flora and fauna in the hilly terrain.
36. Doñana National Park, Spain (Shared with Spain):
- Location: Andalusia, Spain.
- Transboundary Treasure: Doñana is a Ramsar Site shared between Spain and India. It’s a vital stopover for migratory birds.
37. Keshopur-Miani Community Reserve, Punjab:
- Location: Gurdaspur district, Punjab.
- Community Conservation: Keshopur-Miani involves local communities in wetland management.
38. Sunderban Wetland, West Bengal (Shared with Bangladesh):
- Location: The largest mangrove forest in the world, shared by India and Bangladesh.
- Royal Bengal Tigers: Sunderban is famous for its tigers and unique mangrove ecosystem.
39. Beas Conservation Reserve, Punjab:
- Location: Beas River, Punjab.
- Riverine Biodiversity: Beas Reserve protects riverine habitats and associated wildlife.
40. Upper Ganga River, Uttar Pradesh (Shared with Nepal):
- Location: The Ganges River, shared between India and Nepal.
- Transboundary Flow: The Upper Ganga sustains riverine biodiversity and cultural heritage.
41. Bhoj Wetlands, Madhya Pradesh:
- Location: Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh.
- Historical Connection: The Bhoj Wetlands surround the ancient Bhojeshwar Temple and are fed by the Betwa River. They are home to diverse bird species.
42. Parvati Agra Bird Sanctuary, Uttar Pradesh:
- Location: Agra, Uttar Pradesh.
- Avifauna Haven: Parvati Agra is a sanctuary for migratory birds, especially during the winter months.
43. Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary, Uttar Pradesh:
- Location: Unnao district, Uttar Pradesh.
- Feathered Visitors: Nawabganj hosts a variety of waterfowl, including ducks, geese, and waders.
44. Sambhar Lake, Rajasthan:
- Location: Jaipur district, Rajasthan.
- Saltwater Lake: Sambhar is India’s largest inland salt lake. It supports flamingos, gulls, and other waterbirds.
45. Sandi Bird Sanctuary, Uttar Pradesh:
- Location: Hardoi district, Uttar Pradesh.
- Wetland Oasis: Sandi is a seasonal wetland that attracts migratory birds, providing a serene escape for birdwatchers.
46. Rudrasagar Lake, Tripura:
- Location: Udaipur, Tripura.
- Royal Legacy: Rudrasagar is surrounded by the Neermahal Palace, a stunning water palace built by the Tripura kings.
47. Saman Bird Sanctuary, Uttar Pradesh:
- Location: Mainpuri district, Uttar Pradesh.
- Avian Diversity: Saman is known for its rich birdlife, including painted storks and black-necked storks.
48. Thol Lake Wildlife Sanctuary, Gujarat:
- Location: Mehsana district, Gujarat.
- Birdwatcher’s Paradise: Thol Lake is a haven for migratory birds, especially during the winter season.
49. Harike Wetlands, Punjab:
- Location: Ferozepur district, Punjab.
- Confluence of Rivers: Harike is where the Beas and Sutlej rivers meet, creating a unique wetland ecosystem.
50. Upper Ganga River, Uttar Pradesh (Shared with Nepal):
- Location: The Ganges River, shared between India and Nepal.
- Transboundary Flow: The Upper Ganga sustains riverine biodiversity and cultural heritage.
51. Chandertal (Chandra Taal), Himachal Pradesh:
- Location: Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh.
- High-Altitude Gem: Chandertal, also known as the “Moon Lake,” sits at an elevation of about 14,000 feet. It’s surrounded by snow-capped peaks and is a favorite among trekkers and nature enthusiasts.
52. Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary, Gujarat:
- Location: Ahmedabad district, Gujarat.
- Avian Paradise: Nalsarovar is a seasonal lake that transforms into a birdwatcher’s paradise during the winter months. Flamingos, pelicans, and herons flock here.
53. Surinsar-Mansar Lakes, Jammu & Kashmir:
- Location: Jammu region.
- Twin Lakes: Surinsar and Mansar are interconnected lakes surrounded by forests. They hold cultural and religious significance.
54. Wadhvana Wetland, Gujarat:
- Location: Surendranagar district, Gujarat.
- Flamingo Haven: Wadhvana hosts large flocks of flamingos, making it a birdwatcher’s delight.
55. Sarsai Nawar Jheel, Uttar Pradesh:
- Location: Etawah district, Uttar Pradesh.
- Wetland Oasis: Sarsai Nawar Jheel provides refuge to migratory birds and acts as a natural water reservoir.
56. Sasthamkotta Lake, Kerala:
- Location: Kollam district, Kerala.
- Freshwater Beauty: Sasthamkotta is Kerala’s largest freshwater lake. It supports aquatic life and is surrounded by lush greenery.
57. Beas Conservation Reserve, Punjab:
- Location: Beas River, Punjab.
- Riverine Biodiversity: Beas Reserve protects riverine habitats and associated wildlife.
58. Wular Lake, Jammu & Kashmir:
- Location: The largest freshwater lake in India, nestled in the Kashmir Valley.
- Biodiversity Hotspot: Wular supports fish breeding, migratory birds, and local livelihoods.
59. Sultanpur National Park, Haryana:
- Location: Near Delhi, in Haryana.
- Birdwatcher’s Delight: Sultanpur is a bird sanctuary with over 250 bird species, including the sarus crane.
60. Deepor Beel, Assam:
- Location: Guwahati, Assam.
- Urban Wetland: Deepor Beel is an important stopover for migratory birds along the Brahmaputra River.
61. Chitrangudi Bird Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu:
- Location: Ramanathapuram district, Tamil Nadu.
- Avian Diversity: Chitrangudi is a haven for migratory birds, especially during the winter season.
62. Karikili Bird Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu:
- Location: Nagapattinam district, Tamil Nadu.
- Coastal Wetland: Karikili provides a vital habitat for waterbirds and supports local livelihoods.
63. Pichavaram Mangrove, Tamil Nadu:
- Location: Cuddalore district, Tamil Nadu.
- Mangrove Wonderland: Pichavaram is known for its intricate network of mangrove forests and water channels.
64. Pallikaranai Marsh Reserve Forest, Tamil Nadu:
- Location: Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
- Urban Wetland: Pallikaranai is a crucial wetland amidst the bustling city, supporting diverse birdlife.
65. Tso Kar Wetland Complex, Ladakh:
- Location: High-altitude wetland in Ladakh.
- Unique Ecosystem: Tso Kar is home to migratory birds and rare wildlife adapted to extreme conditions.
66. Sirpur Wetland, Madhya Pradesh:
- Location: Sirpur, Madhya Pradesh.
- Historical and Ecological Significance: Sirpur’s wetlands are intertwined with ancient archaeological sites, making it a fascinating blend of culture and nature.
67. Nanda Lake, Goa:
- Location: North Goa district, Goa.
- Scenic Beauty: Nanda Lake is surrounded by lush greenery and is a serene retreat for nature lovers.
68. Satkosia Gorge, Odisha:
- Location: Angul district, Odisha.
- River Canyon and Forests: Satkosia Gorge is where the Mahanadi River carves through hills, creating a unique landscape.
69. Thane Creek, Maharashtra:
- Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra.
- Mangroves and Mudflats: Thane Creek is a vital habitat for migratory birds and plays a role in flood control.
70. Hygam Wetland Conservation Reserve, Jammu & Kashmir:
- Location: Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir.
- Birdwatcher’s Paradise: Hygam Wetland is a serene spot for birdwatching and appreciating nature’s beauty.
71. Kanjli Wetland, Punjab:
- Location: Kapurthala district, Punjab.
- Birdwatcher’s Retreat: Kanjli is a serene wetland that attracts migratory birds, providing a peaceful escape for nature enthusiasts.
72. Loktak Lake, Manipur:
- Location: Manipur, in northeastern India.
- Floating Islands: Loktak is famous for its phumdis—floating islands made of vegetation. It’s home to the endangered Sangai deer.
73. Nandur Madhameshwar, Maharashtra:
- Location: Nashik district, Maharashtra.
- Birdwatcher’s Paradise: Nandur Madhameshwar attracts bird enthusiasts with its diverse avifauna.
74. Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary, Uttar Pradesh:
- Location: Unnao district, Uttar Pradesh.
- Feathered Visitors: Nawabganj hosts a variety of waterfowl, including ducks, geese, and waders.
75. Parvati Agra Bird Sanctuary, Uttar Pradesh:
- Location: Agra, Uttar Pradesh.
- Avifauna Haven: Parvati Agra is a sanctuary for migratory birds, especially during the winter months.
76. Pichavaram Mangrove, Tamil Nadu:
- Location: Cuddalore district, Tamil Nadu.
- Mangrove Wonderland: Pichavaram is known for its intricate network of mangrove forests and water channels.
77. Point Calimere Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu:
- Location: Nagapattinam district, Tamil Nadu.
- Avian Paradise: Point Calimere hosts thousands of migratory birds, including the greater flamingo.
78. Renuka Lake, Himachal Pradesh:
- Location: Sirmaur district, Himachal Pradesh.
- Sacred and Scenic: Renuka Lake is associated with Hindu mythology and is surrounded by lush forests.
79. Sultanpur National Park, Haryana:
- Location: Near Delhi, in Haryana.
- Birdwatcher’s Delight: Sultanpur is a bird sanctuary with over 250 bird species, including the sarus crane.
80. Tsomoriri Lake, Ladakh:
- Location: High-altitude lake in Ladakh.
- Pristine Beauty: Surrounded by snow-capped peaks, Tsomoriri is a critical breeding ground for migratory birds.
