Bihar’s Gokul Jalashaya and Udaipur Jheel Get Ramsar Tag

Two wetlands from Bihar — Gokul Jalashaya (Buxar) and Udaipur Jheel (West Champaran) — have been designated as Ramsar Sites, wetlands of international importance under the Ramsar Convention. With this, India’s tally has risen to 93 Ramsar Sites, covering an area of 13,60,719 hectares.

Bihar’s Growing List of Ramsar Sites

• 2025 – Gokul Jalashaya and Udaipur Jheel added.
• 2024 – Nagi and Nakti Bird Sanctuaries included.
• 2023 – Kanwar Jheel (Begusarai) recognised.

This highlights Bihar’s increasing importance in wetland conservation and biodiversity protection.

About the Ramsar Convention

• Established in 1971, the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands is an international treaty that provides a framework for conservation and wise use of wetlands.
• Named after the Iranian city of Ramsar, its secretariat is headquartered in Gland, Switzerland.

Importance of Wetlands

• Ecological balance: Wetlands support rich biodiversity and sustain critical habitats.
• Disaster mitigation: Act as natural buffers, storing excess water during floods and releasing it in dry periods, thereby reducing risks of floods, droughts, and cyclones.
• Ecosystem services: Provide water purification, groundwater recharge, climate regulation, and livelihoods for local communities.

(Source: (PIB)