Nagi and Nakti Bird Sanctuaries Recognised as Ramsar Sites

• 08 Jun 2024

Source: DTE

Why in News?

Recently, on World Environment Day, the Nagi and Nakti Bird Sanctuaries in Bihar have been recognised as wetlands of international importance under the Ramsar Convention. 

• This brings the total number of such wetlands in India to 82. 

What are the Key Characteristics of Nagi and Nakti Bird Sanctuaries?

• Geographical Setting: 
• Both the bird sanctuaries are built on human-made wetlands primarily developed for irrigation through the construction of the Nakti Dam.
  • Both sanctuaries were designated as Bird Sanctuaries in 1984 due to their importance as wintering habitats for migratory species.
    • The catchment area features dry deciduous forests surrounded by hills.
• Flora and Fauna: 
  • These wetlands provide habitats for over 150 species of birds, mammals, fish, aquatic plants, reptiles, and amphibians. 
  • They host globally threatened species such as the endangered Indian elephant and the vulnerable native catfish.
  • According to the Asiatic Waterbird Census 2023, the Nakti Bird Sanctuary reported 7,844 birds, the highest in the survey, followed by the Nagi Bird Sanctuary with 6,938 birds.

Note:

• The Kanwar Lake in Bihar's Begusarai district was designated as the state’s first Ramsar Site in 2020.

What is the Ramsar Convention?

• The Ramsar Convention is an international treaty signed in 1971 in Ramsar, Iran, under the auspices of UNESCO, aimed at conserving wetlands of international importance. 
  • In India, it came into force on 1st February 1982, under which wetlands of international importance are declared as Ramsar sites.
• Montreux Record is a register of wetland sites of International Importance where changes in ecological character have occurred, are occurring, or are likely to occur as a result of technological developments, pollution or other human interference. 
  • It is maintained as part of the Ramsar List.

Note

• World Wetlands Day is celebrated every year on the 2nd February across the globe.
• India’s Initiatives for Ramsar Sites:

• Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017.

• National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems (NPCA)

• Amrit Dharohar Capacity Building Scheme

• National Wetland Conservation Programme (NWCP): It was launched in 1985, to tackle threats to vulnerable wetland ecosystems and enhance their conservation. 

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)

Prelims:

Q. Consider the following pairs: (2022)

 Wetland/Lake              Location

1. Hokera Wetland   :      Punjab
2. Renuka Wetland    :    Himachal Pradesh
3. Rudrasagar Lake    :   Tripura
4. Sasthamkotta Lake  :  Tamil Nadu

How many pairs given above are correctly matched?

(a) Only one pair 

(b) Only two pairs

(c) Only three pairs 

(d) All four pairs

Ans: (b)

Q. Consider the following pairs: (2014)

       Wetlands                      Confluence of rivers

1. Harike Wetlands :   Confluence of Beas and Satluj/Sutlej
2. Keoladeo Ghana :  Confluence of Banas National Park and Chambal
3. Kolleru Lake :         Confluence of Musi and Krishna

Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?

(a) 1 only 

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only 

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans: (a)