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Source – This post on Three new Ramsar sites added has been created based on the article “India adds 3 new Ramsar sites: What are wetlands, why do they matter for the environment?” published in “Indian Express” on 26th August 2024.
Why in News?
India has recently designated three new Ramsar sites. This increases the total number of Ramsar sites in the country to 85. The combined area covered by these sites has now reached an impressive 1,358,068 hectares.
About Nanjarayan Bird Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu
| Aspects | Description |
| About | 1. It is a vast, shallow wetland located in Tamil Nadu. 2. This lake covers an area of 125.865 hectares. 3. The sanctuary is named after King Nanjarayan, who historically restored the lake. |
| River flowing through it | It is located on the banks of the Noyyal River. |
| Significance | It plays a crucial role as a feeding and nesting ground for both resident and migratory birds and serves as an essential water source for local agricultural activities. |
| Biodiversity | This sanctuary is home to a diverse range of species, including 191 bird species, 87 butterfly species, 7 amphibians, 21 reptiles, 11 small mammals, and 77 plant species. |
| Fauna | Pelicans, painted storks, coots, Eurasian coot, spot-billed duck, and numerous herons are commonly found here. |
About Kazhuveli Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu
| Aspects | Description |
| About | 1. It is located on the Coromandel Coast, Tamil Nadu. 2. This shallow brackish lake connects to the Bay of Bengal via the Uppukalli Creek and Edayanthittu Estuary. 3. It covers 5,151.6 hectares and was declared Tamil Nadu’s 16th bird sanctuary in 2021. |
| Ecosystem | It consists of salt marshes, mudflats, and shallow waters. |
| Significance | 1. It helps in flood control and groundwater recharge. 2. The lake serves as a feeding ground for long-distance migratory birds from the cold subarctic regions of Central Asia and Siberia, such as Black-tailed Godwits, Eurasian Curlews, White Storks, Ruffs, and Dunlins. 3. It supports numerous globally endangered species, including the black-headed ibis and greater flamingo. |
| Flora | It includes degraded mangrove patches featuring Avicennia species in the brackish water zones, and extensive reed beds spread over hundreds of acres. |
| Fauna | Spot-billed pelicans, darters, cormorants, herons, egrets, storks, black ibis, spoonbill, flamingo, spot-billed duck, garganey, common pochard, sandpiper, coots, shanks, and terns are found there. |
About Tawa Reservoir, Madhya Pradesh
| Aspects | Description |
| About | 1. Tawa Reservoir is located in Madhya Pradesh. 2. It is located within the Satpura Tiger Reserve, marking the western boundary of Satpura National Park and Bori Wildlife Sanctuary. |
| River flowing through it | It is located at the confluence of the Tawa and Denwa rivers. |
| Significance | 1. It provides irrigation water for surrounding farmlands and supplies drinking water to local communities. 2. It also serves as a major wintering ground for migratory birds. |
About Ramsar Convention
1. About: The Ramsar Convention is an international treaty established in 1971 in Ramsar, Iran.
2. Aim: Promoting the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands globally.
3. Goal: To ensure the wise use of wetlands through local, regional, and national efforts, and international cooperation.
4. Mandate: Member countries commit to designating at least one wetland of international importance (Ramsar site) and to sustainably manage all wetlands within their territory.
5. The Convention also encourages international collaboration, policymaking, and capacity building for effective wetland management.
Read more: Other Newly Added Ramsar sites
UPSC Syllabus: Environment
