India Adds Two New Ramsar Wetlands

Why in News?

India has added Siliserh Lake (Rajasthan) and Kopra Jalashay (Chhattisgarh) to the list of Ramsar Sites — wetlands recognised as being of global ecological importance under the Ramsar Convention.

Background 

Wetlands are among the most productive ecosystems on earth, serving crucial ecological and socio-economic functions such as water purification, groundwater recharge, flood moderation, carbon storage, and habitat support for biodiversity. Globally, wetlands are under threat from urbanisation, pollution, climate change, and unsustainable land use.

The Ramsar Convention (1971) — formally the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance especially as Waterfowl Habitat — was adopted in Ramsar, Iran, to promote the conservation and wise use of wetlands. India, recognizing the ecological and cultural importance of its wetlands, became a signatory to the convention in 1982.

What are Ramsar Sites?

Ramsar Sites are wetlands identified under the Ramsar Convention as being of international importance owing to their ecological, biodiversity, hydrological, or cultural values. Both natural and human-made wetlands can qualify, provided they meet criteria such as:

• Supporting vulnerable, endangered, or critically endangered species
• Being representative or unique wetland types
• Supporting significant numbers of waterbirds
• Providing vital ecosystem services

Designation as a Ramsar Site encourages signatory countries to adopt “wise use” — sustainable utilisation that maintains the wetland’s ecological character.

Ramsar Sites in India

As of 2025, India has 75 Ramsar Sites spread across diverse ecosystems — from high-altitude lakes in the Himalayas to mangroves in the Sundarbans and coastal lagoons in the south.
With the inclusion of Siliserh Lake and Kopra Jalashay, the total count of Indian Ramsar Sites stands at 75, reflecting the country’s commitment to wetland conservation.

About the Newly Designated Ramsar Sites

1. Siliserh Lake

• Location: Alwar district, Rajasthan
• Type: Human-made freshwater lake
• Ecological Setting:
  • Within the buffer zone of Sariska Tiger Reserve
  • Situated in a semi-arid landscape, where natural water sources are limited

Historical Background:

• Constructed in 1845 by Maharaja Vinay Singh
• Originally built to supply drinking water to Alwar city

Ecological Importance:

• Serves as a critical source of water in a water-scarce region
• Supports groundwater recharge, local livelihoods, and biodiversity

Fauna:

• Vulnerable: River Tern
• Endangered / Threatened: Tiger, Black Stork (Ciconia nigra)

2. Kopra Jalashay

• Location: Near Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh
• Type: Reservoir (man-made wetland)
• Hydrological Setting: Upper catchments of the Mahanadi River

Ecological Importance:

• Enhances river basin connectivity and supports wetland-dependent species
• Provides feeding and nesting habitat for migratory and resident birds

Fauna:

• Vulnerable: Greater Spotted Eagle (Aquila clanga)
• Endangered: Egyptian Vulture (Neophron percnopterus)

Significance of Ramsar Designation

• International Recognition: Acknowledges the global ecological value of these wetlands
• Conservation Commitment: Reinforces India’s obligations under the Ramsar Convention
• Funding & Technical Access: Opens doors for conservation support and capacity building
• Sustainable Use: Encourages practices that balance ecological needs with human use
• Biodiversity Protection: Safeguards habitats for threatened and migratory species

India and the Ramsar Convention

• Adoption: 1971 at Ramsar, Iran
• India’s Accession: 1 February 1982
• Core Objective: Promote the wise use — sustainable management — of wetlands
• With 75 designated sites, India ranks among countries with a large portfolio of protected wetlands, showcasing ecological diversity from Himalayan lakes to coastal marshes.