Udaipur & Phalodi Sites Get Ramsar Tag from Vajirao & Reddy Institute

UDAIPUR & PHALODI SITES GET RAMSAR TAG

• On the eve of World Environment Day (June 5, 2025), Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change announced that Khichan in Phalodi and Menar in Udaipur have been designated as new Ramsar sites.
• This addition brings India's total tally of Ramsar sites to 91.

• Ramsar Convention:
  • An intergovernmental treaty signed in 1971 in Ramsar, Iran.
  • Encourages the protection and conservation of wetlands worldwide by designating them as "Wetlands of International Importance" (Ramsar Sites).
• Definition of Wetlands (as per Ramsar Convention):
  • It is an area of marsh, fen, peatland or water, whether natural or artificial, permanent or temporary, with water that is static or flowing, fresh, brackish or salt, including areas of marine water the depth of which at low tide does not exceed 6 metres."
• Significance of Wetlands:
  • Vital for human survival and among the world’s most productive environments.
  • "Cradles of biological diversity" supporting countless plant and animal species.
  • Provide numerous "ecosystem services" such as freshwater supply, food, building materials, biodiversity, flood control, groundwater recharge, and climate change mitigation.
• Criteria for Identification: Currently, there are 9 criteria for identifying Wetlands of International Importance, including:
  • Sites containing representative, rare, or unique wetland types.
  • Sites of international importance for conserving biological diversity.
  • Specific criteria based on waterbirds, fish, etc.

• Location: Udaipur district, Rajasthan.
• Description: A freshwater monsoon wetland complex formed by three ponds:
  • Braham talab
  • Dhand talab
  • Kheroda talab
  • Also includes agricultural land that connects Dhand and Kheroda talabs, which floods during monsoon.
• Biodiversity:
  • Provides habitat for 110 species of waterbirds, of which 67 are migratory.
  • Notable bird species: Critically endangered white-rumped vulture and long-billed vulture.
  • Over 70 plant species are found.
  • Mango trees around Braham talab host a large colony of Indian flying foxes.
• Conservation Model: Recognized as one of the best examples of community-led conservation in Rajasthan. Residents of Menar village play a key role in conserving wildlife by preventing poaching or fishing.

• Location: Phalodi district, northern Thar Desert, Rajasthan.
• Description: Comprises two main water bodies:
  • Ratri nadi (river)
  • Vijaysagar talab (pond)
  • Also includes riparian habitat and scrub land.
• Ecosystem: A desert ecosystem supporting drought-resistant plant species.
• Biodiversity:
  • Provides habitat for over 150 species of birds.
  • Especially recognized for hosting large wintering flocks of migratory demoiselle cranes, with over 22,000 individuals each year.
• Community Involvement: Residents of the adjacent village work to reduce threats to the cranes' survival, such as mortalities from power line collisions and stray dog attacks.
• Tourism/Research: The site attracts bird-watchers, tourists, students, and scientists due to the large seasonal gathering of cranes.

• Increased Ramsar Tally: India's total number of Ramsar sites has now increased to 91.
• Commitment to Conservation: This addition shows India's commitment to environmental conservation, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighting that these strides are "powered by public participation."
• Recognition of Local Efforts: The designation acknowledges the crucial role played by local communities in conserving these wetlands, particularly in Menar and Khichan.
• Boost for Rajasthan: These new sites bring international recognition to Rajasthan's wetlands, potentially boosting tourism and conservation efforts in the state.