Wetlands in India

Wetlands in India

Wetlands in India are vital ecosystems where water plays a significant role in shaping the surrounding environment, supporting various plant and animal species. These areas form where the water table is near the surface or where land is submerged. Wetlands are described as transitional zones between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.

Here's a compilation of Indian wetlands along with their respective year of identification:

Andhra Pradesh

• Kolleru (1987)

Assam

• Deepar Beel (1994)

• Urpad Beel (2006)

• Sone Beel (2008)

Bihar

• Kabar (1988)

• Barilla (2004)

• Kusheshwar Asthan (2004)

Gujarat

• Nalsarovar (1988)

• Great Rann of Kachh (2004)

• Thol Bird Sanctuary (2004)

• Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary (2004)

• Little Rann of Kachh (2004)

• Pariej (2004)

• Wadhwana (2004)

• Nanikakrad (2004)

Haryana

• Sultanpur (2004)

• Bhindawas (2004)

Himachal Pradesh

• Renuka (1988)

• Pong Dam (1994)

• Chandratal (1997)

• Rewalsar (2004)

• Khajjiar (2006)

Jammu & Kashmir

• Wullar (1987)

• Tso Morari (2002)

• Tisgul Tso & Chisul Marshes (2002)

• Hokersar (2002)

• Mansar-Surinsar (2002)

• Ranjitsagar (2004)

• Pangong Tsar (2002)

• Gharana (2008)

• Hygam (2008)

• Mirgund (2008)

• Shalbugh (2008)

• Chushul & Hanley (2008)

Jharkhand

• Udhwa (2005)

• Tilaiya Dam (2006)

Karnataka

• Magadhi (2004)

• Gudavi Bird Sanctuary (2004)

• Bonal (2004)

• Hidkal & Ghataprabha (2004)

• Heggeri (2006)

• Ranganthittu (2006)

• K.G. Koppa wetland (2006)

Kerala

• Ashtamudi (1987)

• Sasthamkotta (1988)

• Kottuli (2005)

• Kadulandi (2005)

• Vembnad Kol (2005)

Madhya Pradesh

• Barna (2004)

• Yashwant Sagar (2004)

• Wetland of Ken River (2004)

• National Chambal Sanctuary (2004)

• Ghatigaon (2004)

• Ratapani (2004)

• Denwa Tawa wetland (2004)

• Kanha Tiger Reserve (2004)

• Pench Tiger Reserve (2004)

• Sakhyasagar (2004)

• Dihaila (2004)

• Govindsagar (2005)

• Sirpur (2008)

Maharashtra

• Ujni (1987)

• Jayakawadi (2006)

• Nalganga wetland (2006)

Manipur

• Loktak (1987)

Meghalaya

• Umiam lake (2008)

Mizoram

• Tamdil (2004)

• Palak (2004)

Odisha

• Chilika (1987)

• Kuanria wetland (2006)

• Kanjia wetland (2006)

• Daha wetland (2006)

• Anusupa (2008)

Punjab

• Harike (1987)

• Ropar (1992)

• Kanjli (1988)

• Nangal (2008)

Rajasthan

• Sambhar (1987)

Sikkim

• Khechuperi Holy Lake (2006)

• Tamze Wetland (2006)

• Tembao Wetland Complex (2006)

• Phendang Wetland Complex (2006)

• Gurudokmar Wetland (2006)

• Tsomgo wetland (2006)

Tamil Nadu

• Point Calimere (2003)

• Kaliveli (2004)

• Pallaikarni (2004)

Tripura

• Rudrasagar (1998)

• Gumti reservoir (2008)

Uttar Pradesh

• Nawabganj (2004)

• Sandi (2004)

• Lakh Bahoshi (2004)

• Samaspur (2004)

• Alwara Wetland (2006)

• Semarai Lake (2006)

• Nagaria lake (2006)

• Keetham Lake (2006)

• Shekha wetland (2006)

• Saman Bird Sanctuary (2006)

• Sarsai Nawar (2006)

• Patna Bird Sanctuary (2008)

• Chandotal (2008)

• Taal Bhaghel (2008)

• Taal Gambhirvan & Taal Salona (2008)

• Aadi jal Jeev Jheel (2008)

Uttarakhand

• Ban Ganga Jhilmil Tal (2004)

• Asan (2008)

West Bengal

• East Kolkata Wetland (2002)

• Sunderbans (2003)

• Ahiron Beel (2004)

• Rasik Beel (2004)

• Santragachi (2005)

• Patlakhawa-Rasomati (2008)

Chandigarh (UT)

• Sukhna (2006)

Puducherry (UT)

• Ousteri lake (2008)

Types of Wetlands in India

Wetlands in India can be categorized into various types based on their characteristics:

Coastal Wetlands These are found along coastlines and include areas like beaches, mangroves, and coral reefs. Mangrove wetlands in protected tropical coastal regions are notable examples.

Shallow Lakes and Ponds These are areas with limited water flow and semi-permanent water presence. Examples include vernal ponds, spring pools, salt lakes, and volcanic crater lakes.

Marshes: Marshes are characterized by non-woody vegetation adapted to moist soil conditions. They can be tidal or non-tidal in nature.

Swamps: Swamps are dominated by trees and shrubs, often supported by surface water sources. They can be found in both saltwater and freshwater floodplains.

Bogs: Bogs are wet peat soils found in natural depressions, primarily receiving water from rainfall.

Estuaries: Estuaries are diverse habitats where rivers meet the sea, featuring salt marshes, tidal mudflats, and deltas.

Total Number of Wetlands in India

As of the recent addition of 11 wetlands under the Ramsar Convention, India now has a total of 75 Ramsar Sites, covering an area of 13,26,677 hectares.

Classification of Wetlands in India

Wetlands are broadly classified into two categories:

Inland Wetlands These encompass bodies of water that are frequently submerged due to poor drainage. Examples include marshes, ponds, lakes, fens, rivers, and floodplains.

Coastal Wetlands Coastal wetlands encompass all wetlands within coastal watersheds, where tidal streams flow into oceans or inland seas. Examples include salt marshes, freshwater marshes, seagrass beds, mangrove swamps, and forested swamps.

Importance of Wetlands in India

Wetlands play a crucial role in various aspects of the environment and human life:

• They support a diverse range of species and provide essential habitats.

• Wetlands act as water sources, particularly for agriculture and drinking water.

• They serve as buffers against floods, storms, and sea-level rise.

• Wetlands contribute to industries such as fishing, tourism, and recreation.

• They help purify water by filtering pollutants.

• Wetlands can store carbon and mitigate climate change.

• Many wetlands are crucial for migratory birds and biodiversity conservation.

• They provide resources like fish, plants, and minerals.

• Wetlands offer opportunities for education, research, and cultural heritage.

• They aid in stabilizing shorelines and preventing erosion.

Threats to Wetlands in India

Several challenges jeopardize the health and longevity of wetlands:

• Urbanization leads to wetland destruction and development.

• Agricultural expansion alters wetland hydrology.

• Pollution, including industrial waste, threatens wetland ecosystems.

• Climate change affects wetlands through rising sea levels and extreme weather.

• Dredging and draining disrupt wetland ecosystems.

• Introduced species can outcompete native plants and animals.

• Over-extraction of groundwater leads to stalinization.

• Wetlands are sensitive to alteration and need conservation efforts.

Conclusion

Indian wetlands play a vital role in the environment, supporting diverse species and providing valuable services to communities. The need for conservation and sustainable management is crucial to ensure the continued health and functionality of these essential ecosystems.

 

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