India has officially added two more wetlands to the Ramsar List, bringing the national total to 96 sites. 

• The newly designated wetlands—Siliserh Lake in Rajasthan and Kopra Jalashay in Chhattisgarh—are recognized as “Wetlands of International Importance” under the Ramsar Convention. 

The New Additions

• Siliserh Lake (Rajasthan):
  • Location: Situated in the Alwar district, it lies within the buffer zone of the Sariska Tiger Reserve.
  • Origin: A human-made lake built in 1845 by Maharaja Vinay Singh to supply water to Alwar.
  • Biodiversity: In this semi-arid landscape, the lake is a lifeline for species like the Egyptian Vulture, Indian Pangolin, and Black Stork. 
    • It also serves as a crucial habitat for the River Tern.
• Kopra Jalashay (Chhattisgarh):
  • First for the State: This reservoir in the Bilaspur district is the very first Ramsar site for Chhattisgarh.
  • Hydrology: Located in the upper catchment of the Mahanadi River, it features nutrient-rich backwaters.
  • Birdlife: It is a vital wintering ground for over 60 migratory species, including the Greater Spotted Eagle and Bar-headed Goose.

Why does Ramsar Status Matters?

• The Ramsar Convention (1971), established under the Convention on Wetlands (adopted in Ramsar, Iran) is an international treaty that promotes the “wise use” of wetlands. 
• It is the world’s largest network of protected areas. 
• In India, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change implements this through the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017.
• It ensures these sites are protected from threats like siltation, invasive species, and intensive agriculture, while promoting sustainable eco-tourism.

Exam Hook: Prelims Question

Q. Consider the following statements regarding the recently designated Ramsar sites in India:

1. Kopra Jalashay is the first wetland from Chhattisgarh to be included in the Ramsar List.
2. Siliserh Lake is a natural freshwater lake located in the core area of Sariska Tiger Reserve.
3. The Ramsar Convention is the only global environmental treaty that deals with a particular ecosystem.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

A) 1 and 2 only          B) 2 and 3 only

C) 1 and 3 only         D) 1, 2, and 3

Correct Answer: C (Statement 2 is incorrect; Siliserh is a human-made lake located in the buffer zone, not the core area, of Sariska.)

India continues to lead South Asia in wetland conservation, balancing historical heritage with modern ecological protection.

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