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