Two Bihar wetlands join global list of Ramsar sites

NEW DELHI: Two more wetlands - both in Bihar - have been included in the global list of Ramsar Convention sites and categorised as wetlands of international importance. It brings the total number of such sites in India to 93, continuing the country's top position in Asia and third in the world after the UK (176) and Mexico (144) in terms of total number of Ramsar sites .

The additions are Gokul Jalashay in Buxar district and Udaipur Jheel in West Champaran district, bringing the total number of such wetlands to five in Bihar.

Environment minister Bhupender Yadav said the additions underscored India's resolve to safeguard its rich wetland ecosystems for biodiversity, climate resilience, and sustainable livelihoods.

Gokul Jalashay is an oxbow lake located on the southern edge of Ganga. During flooding events, the wetland acts as a buffer for nearby villages. Over 50 bird species are found at the site and its surroundings. Local communities rely on the wetland for fishing, farming and irrigation.

Udaipur Jheel is also an oxbow lake which surrounds a village. Over 280 plant species are found in the wetland, including Alysicarpus Roxburghianus, a perennial herb endemic to India. The wetland is an important wintering ground for around 35 migratory bird species.