Relevance for UPSC (Paper – GS-3 / Subject – Environment & Biodiversity)

In November 2025, Gogabeel Lake, located in Katihar district of Bihar, was officially declared India’s 94th Ramsar Site under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. This ox-bow lake, shaped by the meandering Ganga and Mahananda rivers, is Bihar’s first wetland to receive this global recognition.

Originally recognised as a Community Reserve by the state government, Gogabeel Lake is known for its rich biodiversity, especially migratory birds, and serves as a natural flood buffer and groundwater recharge zone for surrounding villages. The declaration as a Ramsar site provides it international importance and ensures better conservation, management, and funding support.

Why This Matters

• Gogabeel Lake enhances India’s network of protected wetlands, which now spans nearly 13.6 lakh hectares.
  
• It strengthens ecosystem services such as flood mitigation, water purification, and livelihood support for local communities.
  
• The move aligns with the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017, which promote integrated management of ecologically sensitive wetlands.
  
• It also supports national and global goals like Sustainable Development Goal 15 (Life on Land) and India’s commitments under the Convention on Biological Diversity.
  

Ramsar Convention

• Adopted in 1971 in Ramsar, Iran, and enforced in 1975, it is an international treaty for the conservation and wise use of wetlands.
  
• Aims to promote sustainable use through national actions and international cooperation.
  
• India became a member in 1982 and has since designated 94 sites as wetlands of international importance.
  

Significance for Bihar and India

• Bihar: Gogabeel’s recognition boosts eco-tourism, encourages community participation, and improves wetland governance.
  
• India: It reflects India’s proactive approach to environmental diplomacy and reinforces its position as one of the countries with the largest number of Ramsar sites in Asia.
  

Key Terms and Definitions

• Wetland: An area where water covers the soil or is present near the surface — such as marshes, lakes, mangroves, and floodplains — providing vital ecological services.
  
• Ox-bow Lake: A U-shaped water body formed when a river meander gets cut off from the main channel, creating an isolated lake.
  
• Ramsar Site: A wetland designated under the Ramsar Convention as being of international importance for its biodiversity, especially for waterfowl habitat.
  
• Community Reserve: A category under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 that allows local community participation in conservation and sustainable resource use.
  
• Wise Use Principle: A core Ramsar concept promoting the maintenance of a wetland’s ecological character through sustainable human activity.
  

One-line wrap:
Gogabeel Lake’s inclusion as India’s 94th Ramsar site highlights the growing synergy between local stewardship and global environmental commitment.

UPSC Prelims Question:
Which of the following statements are correct regarding the Ramsar Convention and Gogabeel Lake?

1. The Ramsar Convention aims at the conservation and wise use of wetlands through national and international cooperation.
   
2. Gogabeel Lake, located in Bihar, is India’s 94th Ramsar site and an ox-bow lake.
   

The Ramsar Convention was adopted in 1971 and came into force in 1975.
Select the correct answer:
A) 1 and 2 only B) 1 and 3 only 

C) 2 and 3 only D) 1, 2 and 3