Why in the News?
Environmentalists in Assam have proposed the Rowmari–Donduwa Wetland Complex for designation as a Ramsar Site, citing its exceptional biodiversity and ecological services.
Assam’s Wetland Context:
- Current Scenario: Assam has 3,500+ wetlands (≈1.01 lakh ha), but only Deepor Beel (2002) is a Ramsar Site.
- Conservation Importance: Designating Rowmari–Donduwa would fill a 20-year conservation gap and enhance Assam’s global wetland profile.
- Regional Context: North-East India’s Ramsar Sites- Deepor Beel (Assam), Loktak (Manipur), Rudrasagar (Tripura), Pala (Mizoram).
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About Rowmari–Donduwa Wetland Complex:
- Overview: Situated within the Laokhowa–Burhachapori Wildlife Sanctuary, Nagaon district, Assam, forming part of the Kaziranga–Orang landscape.
- Ecological Role: An interconnected floodplain–marsh system acting as an ecological corridor between Kaziranga and Orang National Parks, supporting wildlife movement and genetic diversity.
- Biodiversity Significance: The 6th Kaziranga Wetland Bird Census (2025) recorded 47,000+ birds of 120 species, exceeding counts from Deepor Beel and Loktak Lake.
- Key Species: Hosts globally threatened birds, Knob-billed Duck, Lesser Adjutant Stork, Black-necked Stork, Ferruginous Pochard, and Common Pochard.
- Ecosystem Services: Provides flood control, groundwater recharge, carbon storage, and supports fisheries and ecotourism-based livelihoods.
- Ramsar Eligibility: Fulfils 8 of 9 Ramsar criteria, qualifying as a Wetland of International Importance.
Back2Basics: Ramsar Convention
- Establishment: Signed on 2 February 1971 in Ramsar, Iran.
- Objective: Provide a framework for conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources.
- Functions:
- Identify and designate wetlands of international importance.
- Promote effective management of wetlands.
- Foster international cooperation for conservation.
- Members: 173 countries (as of 2025).
- India and Ramsar:
- India joined in 1982.
- First Ramsar site: Chilika Lake, Odisha (1981).
- Current total: 93 sites (Sept 2025), covering 13,60,718 hectares.
- Growth: From 26 sites in 2012 to 93 in 2025 (51 added since 2020).
- State-wise: Tamil Nadu has the highest (20), followed by Uttar Pradesh (10).
- About 10% of India’s total wetland area is under Ramsar listing.
- Montreux Record: List of Ramsar sites under threat of ecological change.
- 48 sites globally (2025).
- 2 Indian sites included: Keoladeo National Park (Rajasthan) and Loktak Lake (Manipur).
- World Wetlands Day: Celebrated on February 2nd every year.
- 2025 Theme: “Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future”.
Criteria for Declaration (9 Criteria):
A wetland can be declared a Ramsar site if it meets at least one of these:
- Has unique, rare, or representative wetland types.
- Supports vulnerable, endangered, or endemic species.
- Provides critical habitat for waterfowl, especially during migration.
- Contains significant ecological, botanical, zoological, limnological, or hydrological features.
- Supports biodiversity conservation and scientific research.
- Provides ecosystem services like flood control, groundwater recharge, and water purification.
- Has cultural, spiritual, or recreational importance.
- Ensures sustainable livelihoods for local communities.
- Faces threats requiring international cooperation for conservation.
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| [UPSC 2022] Consider the following pairs:
Wetland/Lake Location
1. Hokera Wetland- Punjab
2. Renuka Wetland- Himachal Pradesh
3. Rudrasagar Lake- Tripura
4. Sasthamkotta Lake- Tamil Nadu
How many pairs given above are correctly matched?
Options: (a) Only one pair (b) Only two pairs* (c) Only three pairs (d) All four pairs |
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