75 Ramsar Sites in 75th Year of Independence

• 13 Aug 2022

India added 11 more wetlands to the list of Ramsar sites to make total 75 Ramsar sites in the country in the 75th year of Independence.

• The 11 new sites include: Four (4) sites in Tamil Nadu, Three (3) in Odisha, Two (2) in Jammu & Kashmir and One (1) each in Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra.
• India is one of the Contracting Parties to Ramsar Convention, signed in Ramsar, Iran, in 1971. India signed it on 1^st Feb 1982. During 1982 to 2013, a total of 26 sites were added to the list of Ramsar sites, however, during 2014 to 2022, the country has added 49 new wetlands to the list of Ramsar sites.
• During this year itself (2022) a total of 28 sites have been declared as Ramsar sites.
• Based on the date of designation mentioned on Ramsar Certificate, the number is 19 for this year (2022) and 14 for previous year (2021).
• Tamil Nadu has maximum no. of Ramsar sites (14 nos), followed by UP which has 10 nos. of Ramsar sites.

A Brief on the new Ramsar Sites

Tampara Lake (Odisha)

• Tampara Lake is among the most prominent freshwater lakes in the State of Odisha situated in Ganjam district.
• The depression on the ground gradually filled with rainwater from catchment flow and was called “Tamp” by the British and subsequently termed “Tampra” by the locals.
• The wetland is an important habitat for vulnerable species such as Cyprinus carpio, common pochard (Aythya ferina), and river tern (Sterna aurantia).

Hirakud Reservoir (Odisha)

• Hirakud Reservoir, the largest earthen dam in Odisha started operating in 1957.
• The reservoir to support a range of floral and faunal species, including several of high conservation significance. Out of the known 54 species of fish from the reservoir, one has been classed as being endangered, six near threatened and 21 fish species of economic importance.
• Over 130 bird species have been recorded at this site, out of which 20 species are of high conservation significance.
• The wetland also provides important hydrological services by moderating floods in the Mahanadi delta, the ecological and socio-economic hub of the east coast of India.

Ansupa Lake (Odisha)

• Ansupa Lake is the largest freshwater lake of Odisha situated in Banki sub-division of Cuttack district. The wetland is an oxbow lake formed by River Mahanadi.
• The wetland is home to at least 194 species of birds, 61 species of fishes and 26 species of mammals in addition to 244 species of macrophytes.
• The wetland provides a safe habitat to at least three threatened bird species- Rynchops albicollis (EN), Sterna acuticauda (EN) and Sterna aurantia (VU) and three threatened fish species- Clarias magur (Clariidae) (EN), Cyprinus carpio (Cyprinidae) (VU) and Wallago attu (VU).

Yashwant Sagar (Madhya Pradesh)

• Yashwant Sagar is one of the two Important Bird Areas (IBA) in the Indore region as well as one of the most important birding sites in Malwa region of Madhya Pradesh.
• Yashwant Sagar is considered to be a stronghold of the vulnerable Sarus Crane in central India.

Chitrangudi Bird Sanctuary (Tamil Nadu)

• Chitrangudi Bird Sanctuary, locally known as "Chitrangudi Kanmoli" is located in Ramanathapuram district in Tamil Nadu.
• The wetland is a protected area since 1989 and declared as Bird Sanctuary, coming under the jurisdiction of Tamil Nadu Forest Department, Ramanathapuram division.
• Chitrangudi Bird Sanctuary is an ideal habitat for winter migratory birds. Around 50 birds belonging to 30 families have been reported from the site.

Suchindram Theroor Wetland Complex (Tamil Nadu)

• Suchindrum Theroor Wetland complex is part of the Suchindrum-Theroor Manakudi Conservation Reserve.
• It is declared an Important Bird Area and lies at the southern tip of the Central Asian flyway of migratory birds.
• Theroor tank is a man-made, inland Tank and is perennial.

Vaduvur Bird Sanctuary (Tamil Nadu)

• Vaduvur bird sanctuary is a large human-made irrigation tank and shelter for migratory birds.
• Indian Pond Heron Ardeola grayii occurred in most of the surveyed tanks.

Kanjirankulam Bird Sanctuary (Tamil Nadu)

• Kanjirankulam Bird Sanctuary is a Protected Area near Mudukulathur Ramanathapuram District, Tamil Nadu.
• It is notable as a nesting site for several migratory heron species that roost in the prominent growth of babul trees there.
• The site qualifies as an IBA as the threatened Spot-billed Pelican Pelecanus philippensis breeds here.
  
• They act as breeding, nesting, roosting, foraging, and stopover sites for the birds.
• The wetland supports IUCN RedList vulnerable avian species like Sterna aurantia (River Tern).

Thane Creek (Maharashtra)

• There are several sources of fresh water to the creek, of which Ulhas River is the largest, followed by many drainage channels from various suburban areas of Mumbai, Navi Mumbai & Thane.
• It has been declared as Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary.
• Thane creek is fringed by mangroves on both banks & comprises around 20% of the total Indian mangrove species.
• The mangrove forest acts as a natural shelter belt & protects the land from cyclones, tidal surges, seawater seepage & intrusions.
• The mangrove serves as a nursery for several fishes & sustains the local fishery.
• The area is an important part of the wetland complex of the Central Asian Flyway of the birds and has been categorized as an Important Bird Area (IBA).

Hygam Wetland Conservation Reserve (Jammu and Kashmir)

• Hygam Wetland falls within the River Jhelum basin and plays a significant role as a flood absorption basin, biodiversity conservation site, eco-tourism site, and livelihood security for the local communities.
• The wetland is located in the Baramulla district.
• It serves as an abode to many residents and migratory bird species.
• It is also recognized as an Important Bird Area (IBA).

Shallbugh Wetland Conservation Reserve (Jammu and Kashmir)

• Shallabug Wetland Conservation Reserve is located in the District Srinagar, UT of J&K.
• It serves as an abode to more than four lakh resident and migratory birds of at least 21 species. Shallabugh Wetland plays a major role in the natural control, amelioration or prevention of flooding.
• Shallabugh Wetland provides plethora of ecosystem services, these include fish and fiber, water supply, water purification, climate regulation, flood regulation, recreational opportunities.
• The wetland serves as an important breeding ground for many species of waterbirds.