GS IAS Logo

< Previous | Contents | Next >

Wetlands (Ramsar Convention)


The convention on wetlands (Ramsar-Iran, 1971) - called the 'Ramsar Convention1 is an intergovernmental treaty that embodies the commitment of its member countries to maintain the ecological character of their wetlands of international importance and to plan for the 'wise-use' or sustainable use.


Any wetland to be declared a wetland of international importance should support vulnerable, endangered or threatened species and attract more than 20.00 water birds.


In India, the scheme on conservation and management of wetlands was initiated in 1987. Over the years, based on the recommendations of National Wetlands Committee 115 wetlands have been identified for conservation under the programme. The main wetlands which have been included in the Ramsar List are given in Table.5.7.


Table 5.7 India-Wetlands included in Ramsan List


SI.No.

Name

Area (Km2)

1.

Ashtamudi Wetland, Kerala (19 08/02)

614

2.

Bhitarkanika Mangroves, Odisha (19/08/02)

650

3.

Bhnj Wetland, Madhya Pradesh (19/08/02)

32

4.

Chandeital Wetland, Himachal Pradesh (08/11/05)

49

5.

Chilika Lake, Odisha (01/10,81)

1165

6.

Deeper Beel, Assam (19/08/02)

40

7.

East Calcutta Wetlands, West Bengal (19/08/02)

125

8.

Harike Lake, Punjab (23/03/90)

41

9.

Hokera Wetland, Jammu and Kashmir (08/11/05)

13.75

10.

Kanjli, Punjab (22/01/02)

1.83

11.

Keoladeo National Park, Rajasthan (01/10/81)

28.73

12.

Kolleru Lake, Andhra Pradesh (19/08/02)

901

13.

Loktak Lake, Manipur (23/03/90)

266

14.

Point Calimere Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu (19/08/02)

385

15.

Pong Dam Lake, Himachal Pradesh (19/08/02)

156.62

16.

Renuka Wetland, Himachal Pradesh (08/11/05)

2

17.

Ropar, Punjab (22/01/02)

13.65

18.

Rudrasagar Lake, Tripura (08/11/05)

2.4

19.

Sambhar Lake, Rajasthan (23/03/90)

240

20.

Sasthamkotta Lake, Kerala (19/08/02)

3.73

21.

Surinsar —Mansar Lakes, Jammu and Kashmir (08/T1/05)

3.5

22.

Tsomoriri, Jammu and Kashmir (19/08/02)

120

23.

Upper Ganga River (Brijghat to Narora Stretch), Uttar Pradesh (08/11/05)

265.9

24.

Vembanad-Kol Wetland, Kerala (19/08/02)

1512.5

25.

Wular Lake, Jammu and Kashmir (23/03/90)

189