New additions of two wetlands made India joint third with China in terms of having the number of such ‘Ramsar Sites’. Currently, the highest number of such sites is in the UK (175) followed by Mexico (144). The number of Indian sites in the list has increased from 26 to 82 in the last ten years, of which 40 have been added in the last three years.
The wetlands are land areas covered by water, either temporarily/ seasonally or permanently. Such areas play a key role in hydrological cycle and flood control, water supply and providing food, fibre and raw materials.
The Convention was adopted in 1971 in the Iranian city of Ramsar. It provides a framework for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources across its 172-member countries including India.
According to details submitted by India, Nakti bird sanctuary was developed primarily for irrigation through the construction of Nakti dam. In 1984, the wetland was designated as a bird sanctuary, highlighting its importance as a wintering habitat for several migratory species, with over 20,000 birds congregating during winter months. This includes one of the largest congregations of red-crested pochard in the Indo-Gangetic plain.
Nagi bird sanctuary was, on the other hand, created following the damming of the Nagi river, which enabled the gradual formation of water bodies with clear water and aquatic vegetation. Overall, the wetland and its fringes provide habitat for over 75 bird species, 33 fish, and 12 aquatic plants. Notably, the site hosts one of the largest congregations of bar-headed geese in the Indo-Gangetic plain.