Patna: Bihar has achieved a major milestone in wetland conservation, with two of its waterbodies receiving international recognition under the Ramsar Convention. The Gokul Reservoir, spread across 448 hectares in Buxar, and Udaipur Lake, covering 319 hectares in West Champaran, were designated Ramsar sites on Friday.
With their inclusion, India now has 93 Ramsar sites, encompassing 1,360,719 hectares of wetlands that play a vital role in biodiversity, flood control, and local economies.
The Gokul Reservoir, shaped by the flood dynamics of the Ganges, transforms seasonally from marshland and agricultural fields in summer to an expanded waterbody post-monsoon. It provides a natural flood buffer for surrounding villages and sustains more than 50 bird species. Local communities rely on it for fishing, farming, and irrigation, while an annual festival sees villagers clean the reservoir to preserve its ecological health.
Udaipur Lake, designated Ramsar Site No. 2577, is an oxbow lake bordered by the dense forests of the Udaipur Wildlife Sanctuary. It hosts more than 280 plant species and serves as a wintering ground for around 35 migratory bird species, including the endangered Common Pochard. The lake also supports traditional livelihoods and maintains ecological balance in the region.
Officials said the recognition highlights Bihar’s growing importance in wetland protection and reinforces India’s commitment to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands.
