India added Siliserh Lake in Rajasthan and Kopra reservoir in Chhattisgarh to the List of Wetlands of International Importance (the “Ramsar List”).
Siliserh Lake
- Location: Paitpur, Alwar District, Rajasthan.
- It is in semi-arid zone and falls in the buffer region of Sariska tiger reserve.
- It is a human-made wetland, created in 1845 AD by Maharaja Vinay Singh by creating a bund across the tributary of River Ruparel.
- Biodiversity: Egyptian Vulture, Black Stork, Tiger, Indian Pangolin, Leopard and Sambar.
Kopra Jalashay
- Location: Bilaspur District, Chhattisgarh.
- It is a reservoir located in the upper catchments of the River Mahanadi.
- Its extensive open water area features shallow nutrient-rich backwaters.
- Biodiversity: Bar-headed goose, Egyptian vulture, River tern, Greater Spotted Eagle.
- Threats: Siltation, invasive non-native species, and intensive agriculture in the surrounding landscape.
About Ramsar List
- Genesis: Established under the Convention on Wetlands (adopted in Ramsar, Iran, in 1971), it is the world’s largest network of protected areas.
- Almost 90% of UN member states including India have acceded to become “Contracting Parties” to the Convention.
- About: Wetlands included in the List acquire a new status at the national level and are recognized by the international community as being of significant value for humanity.
- Criteria: To be designated a "wetland of international importance," a wetland must meet at least one of nine criteria established by the Ramsar Convention.
