RAMSAR SITES.

There are 75 ramsar sites in India.

The oldest ramsar site in India is chilika lake ,which is situated in odisha.

RAMSAR is the city in IRAN.

RAMSAR sites are wetland (waterbody) which are protected under Ramsar convention act 1971.

The highest numbers of ramsar sites in India is located in Uttar Pradesh ,which earlier name is United provinces.

Earlier there are only 49 ramsar sites in India but at time of 75th anniversary of our Independence there are 75 Ramsar sites.

Chilika Lake, Odisha: Located in the state of Odisha, Chilika Lake is the largest brackish water lagoon in India and the second-largest in the world. It provides a crucial habitat for millions of migratory birds, including flamingos, herons, and pelicans, and supports a variety of fish and dolphin species.

Keoladeo National Park, Rajasthan: Formerly known as Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, Keoladeo National Park in Rajasthan is a renowned avifauna habitat and Ramsar site. It is home to more than 360 bird species, including the Siberian crane, which migrates from its breeding grounds in Russia to spend winters in this wetland.

Sundarbans National Park, West Bengal: The Indian part of the Sundarbans, shared with Bangladesh, is a Ramsar site and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This mangrove forest is a vital habitat for the Royal Bengal tiger, estuarine crocodile, and numerous bird species. It serves as a natural barrier against cyclones and tidal surges.

Bhoj Wetland, Madhya Pradesh: Located near Bhopal, the Bhoj Wetland comprises two lakes—Upper Lake and Lower Lake—and the surrounding catchment area. It supports a diverse range of flora and fauna, including several threatened species. The site also holds cultural significance due to the presence of ancient temple ruins.

Loktak Lake, Manipur: Loktak Lake in Manipur is the largest freshwater lake in Northeast India and serves as a crucial habitat for several endemic plant and animal species. The lake's unique floating phumdis (vegetation mats) are home to the endangered Manipur brow-antlered deer, known locally as the Sangai.

These Ramsar sites in India represent a small fraction of the country's diverse wetland ecosystems. They play a vital role in conserving biodiversity, supporting migratory species, regulating water resources, and providing livelihoods for local communities. The Indian government, along with various conservation organizations, is actively involved in protecting and managing these sites to ensure their long-term sustainability.

Ritik Raj

DSJ/FYIPJ/2022/50