Despite being home to numerous wetlands, Bihar only has one Ramsar site – Kawar Lake in Begusarai. The site was recognised as Ramsar Site in August 2020.
- Kawar Lake, also known as Gokhur lake, is suffering from a severe water shortage due to inadequate monsoon rainfall this year.
- The process of silt accumulation in the lake is a growing concern, as it steadily decreases the depth of the water body.
- Deforestation in the surrounding areas, the dominance of affluent farmers, ongoing disputes over agricultural land, and silt buildup are the major impediments to the conservation of Kawar Lake.
Wetlands In Bihar: A Snapshot
- According to a survey conducted by the Indian Space Research Organisation in 2006-07, Bihar has 403,209 hectares of wetlands. This figure represents roughly 4.4 per cent of Bihar’s total geographical area. This survey found 4,416 separate wetlands.
- Throughout the past one and a half years, Bihar State Wetland Authority has convened two significant meetings. The authority falls under the jurisdiction of the state’s Environment, Forest & Climate Change Department.
- In a meeting held in January 2022, the authority approved a proposal to nominate five of Bihar’s wetlands for Ramsar status. The wetlands shortlisted were:
- Kusheshwar Asthan in Darbhanga district
- Barela in Vaishali district
- Goga Bil in Katihar district
- The Nagi and Nakti dams in Jamui district
- In a subsequent meeting in July 2023, four additional wetlands were identified for Ramsar nomination. These included:
- Gogabil lake in Katihar district (which was also on the previous list)
- Udaipur lake in West Champaran district
- Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary in Bhagalpur district
- Gokul reservoir in Buxar district
Criteria For Ramsar Sites And The Wetlands Of Bihar
- Ramsar designation is given to wetlands that meet certain criteria.
- The primary criterion for this designation is that the wetlands are rare and natural.
- The secondary criterion is that these wetlands support the life cycles of endangered species, even under harsh conditions.
- Many of Bihar’s wetlands are abundant in natural resources.
- However, whether these wetlands meet all the required criteria is a matter of debate.
- A large number of these wetlands act as sanctuaries for migratory birds.
- The Vikramshila Dolphin Sanctuary, in particular, is a safe haven for endangered dolphins.
- Bihar is often seen as a paradise for migratory birds.
- Nevertheless, the population of these migratory birds appears to be on the decline.
Source: Down To Earth