Two New Wetlands Earn Ramsar Tag, Taking India’s Count To 96

IN NEWS : Two New Wetlands Earn Ramsar Tag, Taking India’s Count To 96

Analysis:

1. India has added two new wetlands—Siliserh Lake in Rajasthan and Kopra Jalashay in Chhattisgarh—to the list of Ramsar sites, taking the country’s total to 96 wetlands of international importance.
2. The addition further strengthens India’s position among the leading nations globally in terms of Ramsar-designated wetlands.
3. Siliserh Lake, located in Alwar district, Rajasthan, is a historic, man-made lake constructed in 1845 to supply water to Alwar city and is situated near the Aravalli hills and Sariska Tiger Reserve.
4. The lake supports resident and migratory birds and plays an important role in regional biodiversity as well as local water security.
5. Kopra Jalashay, located in Bilaspur district, has become Chhattisgarh’s first Ramsar site, highlighting the ecological value of managed and man-made freshwater wetlands.
6. Kopra Jalashay supports migratory birds, fish populations, and livelihoods linked to fishing and agriculture, and contributes to regional water management.
7. India’s expanding Ramsar footprint reflects growing policy recognition of wetlands as critical ecosystems for biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, and sustainable livelihoods.

Static Background:

• The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands is an international treaty adopted in 1971 for the conservation and wise use of wetlands.
• India became a signatory to the Ramsar Convention in 1982.
• A wetland must satisfy at least one of nine Ramsar criteria, such as supporting threatened species, large congregations of waterbirds, or key ecological functions.
• Once designated, countries commit to maintaining the ecological character of the site while allowing sustainable and community-oriented use.
• Wetlands play a vital role in flood regulation, groundwater recharge, carbon storage, fisheries, and habitat provision.

Updated - 19 December 2025; 04:13 PM | News Source: Outlook Traveller