Introduction

  • India's Ramsar sites count rises to 103 with the addition of Sukhna Wetland (Chandigarh) and Sauj Jheel (Uttar Pradesh) as Wetlands of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention.

Sukhna Wetland (Chandigarh)

  • Location: Situated at the foothills of the Outer Himalayas (Shivalik Hills) in Chandigarh.
  • Type: Peri-urban reservoir that regulates water and sediment flows.
  • Ecological Significance:
  • Supports diverse habitats: open water, littoral vegetation, scrub, and forests.
  • Important feeding, breeding, roosting, and wintering ground for migratory waterbirds along the Central Asian Flyway.
  • Key Species:
  • Vulnerable: Common Pochard
  • Endangered: Pallas's Fish Eagle, Black Pond Turtle
  • Conservation Challenges: Sedimentation, soil erosion, invasive species. Requires catchment conservation and invasive species management.

Sauj Jheel (Uttar Pradesh)

  • Location: Shallow lake surrounded by agricultural fields in the Ganga River floodplain, near Saman Bird Sanctuary (another Ramsar Site).
  • Ecological Significance:
  • Part of an interconnected wetland network.
  • Regularly supports over 30,000 waterbirds.
  • Provides nesting, breeding, and feeding habitats.
  • Key Species:
  • Vulnerable: Sarus Crane, Greater Spotted Eagle
  • Wetland vegetation: Sacred Lotus, Wild Sugarcane.
  • Conservation Status: Recognized as an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA) by BirdLife International.
  • Conservation Measures: Seasonal fishing restrictions, limits on fine-mesh fishing nets, regulated cattle access.

Ramsar Criteria for Designation

A wetland qualifies if it meets at least one of the nine criteria:

  1. Unique Wetland Ecosystems: Rare or unique example of a natural or near-natural wetland type.
  2. Threatened Species: Supports vulnerable, endangered, or critically endangered species.
  3. Biodiversity Conservation: Supports significant biological diversity.
  4. Critical Life-Cycle Stages: Essential habitats during breeding, migration, etc.
  5. Waterbird Population: Regularly supports at least 20,000 waterbirds.
  6. One Per Cent Population Criterion: Regularly supports at least 1% of the population of a waterbird species or subspecies.
  7. Fish Diversity: Supports significant indigenous fish diversity or spawning/nursery/migration habitats.
  8. Other Wetland-Dependent Species: Supports important populations of other wetland-dependent animals.

(Note: The article lists 9 criteria, but only 8 are explicitly mentioned; the ninth is likely related to fish or other taxa.)

Background: Ramsar Convention

  • Adopted: 1971 in Ramsar, Iran.
  • Objective: Promote wetland conservation and wise use of wetlands.
  • India's Membership: Joined on February 1, 1982.
  • Ramsar Sites in India: Now 103.

Significance for India

  • International recognition of India's wetland conservation efforts.
  • Enhances protection and sustainable management of wetlands.
  • Supports biodiversity, especially migratory birds.
  • Aligns with SDGs and Ramsar Convention obligations.

Related Legal/Policy Framework

  • Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017.
  • Environment Protection Act, 1986.
  • National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Eco-systems (NPCA).

Conclusion

The addition of Sukhna and Sauj Jheel underscores the importance of wetland ecosystems and India's commitment to global conservation goals. Effective management is crucial to address threats and preserve these vital habitats.