Patna: Bihar’s Department of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has prepared health cards for 233 wetlands as part of an effort to strengthen conservation and climate resilience. The health cards contain data on bird populations, aquatic life, water quality and oxygen levels, offering a benchmark for protecting wetlands under threat.
Currently, Bihar has 4,526 wetlands larger than 2.25 hectares. Land verification has been completed for 4,316 of these wetlands, providing a near-comprehensive overview of their ecological condition. The health cards assign grades to wetlands, with ‘A Plus’ indicating excellent health and lower grades signalling the need for restoration or management.
To further support conservation, the department has launched the Wetland Mitra initiative. Local residents are enlisted to identify wetlands, maintain cleanliness, prevent illegal hunting of migratory birds and promote eco-tourism.
Wetlands, areas where water remains for extended periods, play a critical role in water purification, soil moisture retention, flood control and climate regulation. Officials say that the health card system will be vital in planning targeted interventions to protect these ecosystems.
