India Added 3 new Ramsar Sites: Now 85 Ramsar Sites

India has added three new Ramsar sites to its list, bringing the total number of Ramsar sites to 85. The new sites include Nanjarayan Bird Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu, Kazhuveli Bird Sanctuary in Villupuram district, and Tawa Reservoir in Madhya Pradesh.

New Ramsar Site Designations

Three new wetlands added to India's Ramsar site list on August 14, 2024
Total number of Ramsar sites in India now 85, covering 1,358,068 hectares
New sites: Nanjarayan Bird Sanctuary and Kazhuveli Bird Sanctuary (Tamil Nadu), Tawa Reservoir (Madhya Pradesh)
Announcement made by Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav
Reflects government's emphasis on wetland conservation and harmony with nature
Tamil Nadu now has the most Ramsar sites (18), followed by Uttar Pradesh (10)

Nanjarayan Bird Sanctuary

Located in Tiruppur district, Tamil Nadu
Area: 125.865 hectares
Large shallow wetland dependent on rainwater from Nallar drainage
Rich biodiversity: 191 bird species, 87 butterfly species, 7 amphibian species, 21 reptile species, 11 small mammal species, 77 plant species
Important feeding and nesting habitat for resident and migratory birds
Vital for agricultural water supply and groundwater recharge
17th bird sanctuary in Tamil Nadu
Managed collaboratively by the forest department and local community

Kazhuveli Bird Sanctuary

Located in Villupuram district, Tamil Nadu
Area: 5,151.6 hectares
Declared as Tamil Nadu's 16th bird sanctuary in 2021
Brackish shallow lake connected to the Bay of Bengal
One of the largest wetlands in peninsular India
Lies on the Central Asian Flyway, crucial for migratory birds
Important breeding ground for resident bird species and fish
Contains degraded mangrove patches and reed beds
Significant for aquifer recharge

Tawa Reservoir

Located in Narmadapuram district, Madhya Pradesh
Area: 20,050 hectares
Constructed at the confluence of Tawa and Denwa rivers
Total catchment area: 598,290 hectares
Originally built for irrigation, now used for power generation and aquaculture
Located inside Satpura Tiger Reserve, forming the western boundary of Satpura National Park and Bori Wildlife Sanctuary
Important habitat for aquatic flora and fauna, especially birds and wild animals
Hosts rare and endangered species of plants, reptiles, and insects
Significant for local and migratory birds
Largest protected area in Madhya Pradesh

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