Patna: Bihar marked a historic milestone on World Wetlands Day 2026 as the state received special certificates for three new Ramsar sites, further strengthening its recognition on the global conservation map.
Three New Ramsar Sites Recognized in Bihar
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) awarded the certificates to S. Chandrashekhar, Member Secretary of the State Wetlands Authority, in New Delhi on Monday. With these additions, Bihar now has six Ramsar sites in total.
World Wetlands Day, observed annually on 2 February, commemorates the 1971 Ramsar Convention held in Ramsar, Iran. This year’s global theme, “Wetlands and Traditional Knowledge: Celebrating Cultural Heritage,” emphasizes the role of indigenous and local communities in conserving and managing wetlands for centuries, highlighting wetlands as living cultural landscapes with ecological, spiritual, historical, and economic significance.
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Bihar’s Growing Global Conservation Footprint
Bihar’s first Ramsar site, Kanwar Tal in Begusarai, is Asia’s largest freshwater oxbow lake and serves as a sanctuary for over 220 bird species. Additionally, the Nagi and Nakti Bird Sanctuary in Jamui, added to the Ramsar list in 2024, has emerged as an important hub for migratory birds and eco-tourism.
National Recognition Through Three New Wetlands
In 2025, Gokul Reservoir (Buxar), Udaypur Lake (West Champaran), and Gogabil (Katihar) were included in the Ramsar site list. With these additions, India now has 98 Ramsar sites, and Bihar accounts for six. These oxbow lakes act as natural buffers for the Ganga and Gandak rivers, helping in flood control and biodiversity conservation.
Understanding the Importance of Wetlands
Wetlands are areas permanently or seasonally saturated with water, such as marshes, swamps, lakes, and riverbanks. Often called the “kidneys of the earth,” wetlands play a critical role in purifying water, controlling floods, and supporting biodiversity. In Bihar, a total of 4,316 wetlands larger than 2.25 hectares have been verified.
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