IN NEWS : 

Two wetlands from Bihar get Ramsar tag

Analysis:

1. Two wetlands from Bihar—Gokul Jalashay in Buxar district (448 hectares) and Udaipur Jheel in West Champaran district (319 hectares)—have been designated as Ramsar sites, recognising them as wetlands of international importance.
2. The announcement was made by Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav, highlighting India’s strengthened commitment to wetland conservation.
3. With the addition of these two wetlands, India’s total Ramsar sites increased to 93, covering an area of 13,60,719 hectares at the time of announcement.
4. The designation underscores the role of wetlands in supporting biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, and sustainable livelihoods.
5. Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the development, describing it as a proud moment for India’s environmental stewardship and appreciating the people of Bihar for their active role in conservation.
6. The addition of the Bihar wetlands was announced alongside India’s growing recognition in global conservation frameworks, reflecting a broader national emphasis on ecosystem preservation, protection, and restoration.

Static Background:

• Ramsar Sites are wetlands of international importance designated under the Ramsar Convention, adopted in 1971.
• The Convention is headquartered in Gland, Switzerland, and provides a framework for conservation and wise use of wetlands.
• India is a contracting party to the Ramsar Convention and has been steadily increasing its network of protected wetlands in recent years.

Updated - 27 September 2025; 07:35 PM IST | News Source: Hindustan Times