Bihar Expands Wetland Conservation Efforts Amid Growing Climate Challenges

Patna: Bihar is intensifying efforts to conserve and develop its wetlands, recognising their crucial role in biodiversity preservation, climate change mitigation, and local livelihoods. A high-level review meeting chaired by Dr Prem Kumar, Bihar’s environment, forest and climate change minister, was held at Patna to discuss ongoing and future conservation initiatives.

Among the key developments, Bihar now has three designated Ramsar sites: Kabar Tal in Begusarai, listed in 2020, and the Nagi and Nakti bird sanctuaries in Jamui, added in 2024. A proposal to designate three additional wetlands—Udaipur Lake (Bettiah), Gogabeel (Purnia), and Gokul Jalashay (Bhojpur)—as Ramsar sites has been submitted to the central government. Ramsar status enhances financial support for conservation while creating employment opportunities for local communities.

As part of the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017, a health report card for 216 major wetlands across Bihar has been prepared. Conservation and development work on these wetlands is being carried out under state and central government schemes.

To promote community engagement, 680 ‘wetland friends’ have been identified to aid in conservation and awareness efforts, with plans for state-level training programmes. Additionally, Bihar is set to establish a State Wetland Research and Training Centre, further strengthening scientific and policy initiatives in wetland management.

In a major funding boost, the government has approved an Integrated Management Plan for Gokul Reservoir, allocating Rs 32.48 crore for development by 2027-28. Other financial allocations include Rs 28.65 crore for Baraila Lake (Vaishali), Rs 10.23 crore for Gogabeel (Katihar), and Rs 22.36 crore for Kabar Tal (Begusarai). A mobile app is also being developed for real-time monitoring of Bihar’s 4,500 wetlands.

The environment minister reiterated Bihar’s commitment to wetland conservation, emphasising its importance for climate resilience and livelihood security, particularly in agriculture and fisheries. The state government has also pledged to promote eco-tourism as part of its broader environmental agenda.

During the government’s ongoing Pragati Yatra, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar stressed the need for enhanced wetland conservation and development efforts. To increase public engagement, the environment department plans to hold environmental dialogues and community discussions at key wetlands such as Gogabeel, Gokul Reservoir, Kabar Tal, and Baraila Lake.