Gokul Jalashay and Udaipur Jheel: Bihar’s New Ramsar Gemsl
Context:
- India continues to strengthen its leadership in wetland conservation in Asia.
- The government has designated two new Ramsar sites in Bihar—Gokul Jalashay and Udaipur Jheel.
- With this, the total number of Ramsar sites in India rises to 93, consolidating India’s top position in Asia.
1. About the Two New Ramsar Sites in Bihar
Gokul Jalashay (Buxar, 448 ha):
- An oxbow lake located on the southern edge of the Ganga.
- Functions as a flood buffer for nearby villages.
- Supports fishing, farming, and irrigation.
- Home to 50+ bird species.
- Villagers conduct annual community-led cleaning rituals to maintain the lake.
Udaipur Jheel (West Champaran, 319 ha):
- An oxbow lake surrounding a village.
- Houses 280+ plant species, including Alysicarpus roxburghianus, a perennial herb endemic to India.
- Serves as an important wintering ground for ~35 migratory birds, including the vulnerable Common Pochard.
2. About Ramsar Sites
Definition:
- Wetlands of international importance designated under the Ramsar Convention (1971).
Origin:
- Signed in Ramsar, Iran, 1971; came into force in 1975 under UNESCO.
Objectives:
- Conserve wetlands as critical ecosystems for biodiversity, water security, flood control, and livelihoods.
- Provide a framework for national action and international cooperation.
- Identify wetlands vital for rare ecosystems, migratory birds, endangered species, fisheries, and hydrological balance.
3. India and Ramsar Sites
- Current total (Sept 2025): 93 wetlands across 13.6 lakh hectares.
- Growth trajectory: From 26 sites in 2012 → 93 sites in 2025, with 51 sites added since 2020.
- Global standing:
- World rank: 3rd (after UK – 176, Mexico – 144)
- Asia rank: 1st in number of Ramsar sites
- Bihar: With the new additions, the state now has 5 Ramsar sites, highlighting its ecological significance.
Conclusion:
- The addition of Gokul Jalashay and Udaipur Jheel reinforces India’s commitment to wetland conservation and sustainable use.
- These sites play a crucial role in supporting biodiversity, livelihoods, and flood management.
- India’s leadership in Asia and global recognition in wetland conservation continues to grow with such initiatives.
Source : PIB
