THREE NEW SITES ADDED IN RAMSAR LIST

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Context

• India has recently added three new Ramsar Wetland sites, bringing the total to 85 across the country.
• The newly designated sites include Nanjarayan Bird Sanctuary and Kazhuveli Bird Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu, and the Tawa Reservoir in Madhya Pradesh.

Existing 82 RAMSAR SITES

New Ramsar Site Additions

Tamil Nadu's New Additions

Nanjarayan Bird Sanctuary:

• Spanning 125.865 hectares, this sanctuary is located in Uthukuli Taluk, Tiruppur District.
• It is about 10 km north of Tiruppur city and supports a diverse range of species including 191 bird species, 87 butterfly species, 7 amphibians, 21 reptiles, 11 small mammals, and 77 plant species.
• The sanctuary is essential for both resident and migratory birds, providing crucial feeding and nesting grounds and serving as a vital water source for local agriculture.

Kazhuveli Bird Sanctuary:

• Covering 5,151.6 hectares, this sanctuary was designated as Tamil Nadu's 16th bird sanctuary in 2021.
• Located on the Coromandel Coast in Villupuram District, it is one of the largest wetlands in peninsular India.
• It connects to the Bay of Bengal via the Uppukalli Creek and Edayanthittu Estuary.
• The sanctuary supports diverse water features and serves as a critical stopover for migratory birds along the Central Asian Flyway. It is also a significant breeding ground for resident species and fish.

Madhya Pradesh's New Addition

Tawa Reservoir:

• Located at the confluence of the Tawa and Denwa rivers near Itarsi, this reservoir covers 20,050 hectares.
• It is primarily used for irrigation, power generation, and aquaculture.
• It lies within the Satpura Tiger Reserve and supports a wide range of aquatic flora and fauna, including many rare and endangered species.
• The reservoir is a crucial habitat for local and migratory birds and is notable for its ecological, archaeological, historical, and forestry significance.

Wetlands in India

Diversity and Protection

• India is home to a rich variety of wetlands, many of which hold cultural and religious significance. These wetlands are protected under national laws such as the Indian Forest Act (1927), the Forest (Conservation) Act (1980), and the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act (1972).
• As of August 14, 2024, India has expanded its Ramsar Sites network to 85, the largest number in South Asia.

Recent Additions

Between 2014 and 2024, India added 59 new Ramsar sites. Recent additions include:

• Ankasamudra Bird Conservation Reserve
• Aghanashini Estuary
• Magadi Kere Conservation Reserve in Karnataka
• Karaivetti Bird Sanctuary
• Longwood Shola Reserve Forest in Tamil Nadu
• Nagi and Nakti bird sanctuaries in Bihar

India has 1,307 wetlands, with 113 recognized for their ecological importance. 85 of these are Ramsar sites, highlighting their international significance. Wetlands serve as critical stopover sites for migratory birds along the Central Asian Flyway, providing essential resting and refueling points.

Recent Developments in Wetland Conservation

Initiatives and Programs

• Wetlands of India Portal: Launched on October 2, 2021, by the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC), this portal offers detailed information on India's wetlands, including data repositories and capacity-building materials.
• National Wetland Decadal Change Atlas: Prepared by the Space Applications Centre (SAC), this atlas tracks changes in wetlands over the past decade.
• Centre for Wetland Conservation and Management (CWCM): Established on World Wetland Day 2021, the CWCM addresses research needs and knowledge gaps in wetland conservation.
• Wetlands Rejuvenation Programme: Initiated by MoEFCC in 2020, this program aims to rejuvenate over 500 wetlands across India through baseline information development, rapid assessments, stakeholder engagement, and management planning.
• Integration with River Basin Management: The Namami Gange program integrates wetland conservation with river basin management, serving as a model framework for the country.
• National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems: Established in 2013, this plan combines the National Wetlands Conservation Programme and the National Lake Conservation Plan to protect vital aquatic ecosystems.
• Amrit Dharohar Scheme: Launched with the Union Budget 2023-24, this scheme aims to optimize wetland utilization over the next three years, enhancing biodiversity, increasing carbon stock, boosting eco-tourism, and generating local income.
• National Wildlife Action Plan (2017-2031): Emphasizes the conservation of inland aquatic ecosystems, including wetlands, and advocates for a national wetlands mission.

Conclusion

• Wetlands are essential for managing the impacts of floods, droughts, and cyclones by capturing excess rainfall and releasing water during dry periods.
• They are vital for maintaining ecosystem health and minimizing disaster impacts on habitats and species.
• The Government of India is committed to integrating wetland values into developmental planning and ensuring these vital ecosystems are preserved for future generations through various conservation efforts.

READ ALL ABOUT RAMSAR CONVENTION: https://www.iasgyan.in/blogs/ramsar-convention

SOURCE: TOI