Ramsar Convention and Wetlands
Wetlands are the ecosystems infused with aquatic, semiaquatic as well as terrestrial characteristics. They are influenced to varying degrees by both terrestrial and aquatic habitats. They differ widely in character due to local and regional differences in climate, soils, topography, hydrology, water chemistry, vegetation and other factors. Depth and duration of inundation, a key defining force, can differ greatly between types of wetlands and can vary from year to year within a single wetland type
As per the definition adopted at Ramsar Convention Ramsar, Iran, 1971) “Wetlands are areas 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 six meters”. Wetlands due to their biological, ecological, socio-cultural, and economic values form an important component of the environment. They are among the world’s most productive ecosystems and provide habitat and support a diverse range of biodiversity.
The Ramsar Convention: on Wetlands is one of the oldest intergovernmental treaties that symbolizes the commitments of its member countries to maintain the ecological character of their Wetlands of international importance and. to plan for the “wise use”, or sustainable use, of all of the wetlands in their territories. The convention was signed on February 2; 1971 in a place called Ramsar Iran, Since, then, February 2” is celebrated as “World Wetlands Day”. It marks the date of signing of the convention on wetlands. There are several criterion for Identifying Wetlands of international Importance, based on these wetland are classified as Marine and coastal wetlands, Inland wetlands, and man-made wetlands.
Wetlands of Punjab
Punjab has been left with less than 1% of the area under wetlands. About 30 wetlands, most of which are of natural origin were reported to occur in the State although some have already lost their wetland characteristics. Therefore, in order to ensure sustainable development, one of the key propositions is to prioritize conservation of wetlands and their scientific restoration by systematically understanding the mechanisms involved in the evolution and degradation of wetland ecology.
Punjab has 12 natural wetlands and 8 manmade wetlands. Out of these, 3 have been declared as Ramsar sites (Harike, Kanjli and Ropar) and 2 declared as National wetlands (Ranjit Sagar and Nangal). These wetlands provide habitat to diverse flora and fauna including some rare and globally threatened bird species. These wetlands have emerged as fine waterfowl habitats with Harike wetland also been declared an IBA (important bird area) site for BNHS. These wetlands attract thousands of migratory birds from various parts of the world during winters.
Punjab has also bestowed status of ‘Wildlife Sanctuaries’ to Harike and Nangal under Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Due to changes in land-use patterns over the timein the catchments of wetlands and changing environmental pressures, there is a visible impact on the number of birds visiting these wetlands. A lot of effort is being put in to ensure wetland conservation and management in Punjab. The major wetlands are worth a visit by nature lovers, birdwatchers, tourists, holiday makers, picnic goers, and wildlife enthusiasts, Recently three new entrants added to the Ramsar list are Keshopur-Miani community reserve, Beas conservation reserve and Nangal wildlife sanctuary.
1) Harike Wetland (Ramsar Site)
The Harike wetland is one of the largest freshwater wetlands in Northern India and is spreads into the three districts of Ferozepur, Kapurthala and Tatan Taran in the State of Punjab. It came into existence in 1952 with the construction of barrage at confluence of Sutlej & Beas rivers in Punjab. It was declared wetland of National importance in 1987 & was included as a Ramsar site no. 462 in 1990. The Govt. of Punjab had also declared Harike wetland as a wildlife sanctuary in 1982. This is a Man-made, riverine, lacustrine wetland. The total wetland area under land use is 29600 ha. Harike wetland is an important habitat for the water fowls migrating from across the international frontiers. It supports about 360 species of avifauna. It serves as a wintering site for more than 20,000 water fowls. It is IBA (Important Bird Area) site of BNHS. The wetland also supports about 50 indigenous species of of fishes, 7 species of turtles, 4 species of snakes, 6 taxa of amphibians, 189 taxa of invertebrates and 38 taxa of plants.
2) Kanjli Wetland (Ramsar Site)
Kanjli wetland came into existence with the construction of head regulator in the rivulet Kali Bein (Holy Bein) in 1970 and is 4 Km from the city of Kapurthala. Kanji wetland was designated as a wetland of National Importance in 1988 & Ramsar Site (No. 1160) in February 2002. It is spread over 12 villages, covering an area of 183 ha. Itis a man-made fresh water riverine system. Kali Bein (Holy Bein) on which Kanjli wetland is located ultimately joins Harike wetland downstream after covering a distance of about 20 kms. The total area under land use is 5150.0 ha under various categories. The Kanjli wetland attracts a large number of resident sq km area of welland under water. The conservation and migratory birds. About 90 species of birds have measures were initiated in 1998. It may be categorized as been reported. Some common migratory birds of a man-made freshwater riverine and lacustrine wetland. Kanjli wetland include various species of waterfowl, white eyed pochard, wigeon, tufted pochard, common teal, large whistling teal, pintail, mallard, shoveller etc. About 35 fish species such as Catla catla, Channa maruifus, C.stnatus, Cirrhinus mrigala, etc are found. This wetland is also important for many species of plants which are ecologically significant such as Insectivoraus plant Utriculana sp, pollutant managers, Phragmites sp, Typha etc. are noteworthy species found in this wetland.
3) Ropar Wetland (Ramsar Site)
Ropar lake came into existence after construction of barrage al Satluj River near Ropar city in 1887. It was declared as wetland of National importance in 1996. Consequently, in 2002, this wetland was declared as Ramsar site (no. 1161) in February 2002. The wetland is important habitat for Pangolin, Sambar & Hog deer, scaly ant eater, Python etc. it is home for some threatened species in the Shivalik foothills. It is also an important staging ground for migratory waterfowl. The reservoir formed with the construction of barrage over river Satluj serves in recharging ground water and is an important source of water for distant areas through Sirhind and Bist Doab canals. It helps in protection from floods and also in improvement of water quality.
Wetland of National Importance
1. Ranjitsagar
Ranjit Sagar located on river Ravi about 24 km upstream of Madhopur Headworks in Gurdaspur district is a manmade, riverine and lacustrine wetland with fresh water ecology. Ranjit Sagar is an interstate wetland spreading over in three states f Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kshmir. Govt. of India included Ranjit Sagar under national wetland conservation programme. It is spread over an area of 87.60 sq km. The wetland supports many kinds of fish species such as Tor putitora (Mahseer), Labeo rohita, Puntius ticto, P. sarana, P. sophore, Catla catla, Cirrhinus mrigala, Wallago attu, Colisa fasciatus, Ambasis nama, Channa punctatus, C. marulius, Notopterus notopterus, Ctenopharyngodan ideila, Hypophthmichthys molitrix, Heteropneutes fossilis, Garra gotyla, Aorichthys seenghala, etc. it also provides habitat and feeding facilities to the local wildlife and migratory fauna. This area used to be the home of Sarus cranes, Damsel cranes, Neelgai, Barking deer etc. The birds reported at this wetland include cormorants, king-fishers, large egret, spotbill duck, pintail, bar headed goose, tufted duck, and many other ducks.
2) Nangal Wetland
The Nangal dam has been constructed across the river Satluj, about 13 kilometres downstream of Bhakhra dam and it forms a 6-kilometres long artificial lake popularly called Nangal Lake. This reservoir is used as a backup in case Bhakra dam fluctuates due to heavy rain by storing water of the Satluj river. Nangal Wetland has been declared as a Wildlife Sanctuary in August 10, 2009. It was notified as protected forests by Punjab Government in 1964 and spreads over an area of 289.69 ha covering six villages of Tehsil Anandpur Sahib. The influx of birds, both local and migratory, in this border area of Punjab and Himachal Pradesh has been on the rise for the past many years. Besides the resident birds, including the red jungle fowl, large Indian parakeet, Indian cuckoo, bank myna, wood shrike, yellow-eyed babbler and the crested bunting, one can watch a large number of birds from far-off hills roosting and feeding in the area. This sanctuary is an important habitat for some, threatened species like the scaly anteater and python. Nangal Lake is an important source of fresh water for Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan, and provide habitat for migratory and resident birds, insects, reptiles, amphibians and water plants. It is worth visiting place for nature lovers, environmentalists, bird watchers, scientists and general public for educational and recreational purposes.
Wetlands of State Importance
1) Jastarwal Wetland
Jastarwal wetland is situated in the Block Harcha Chhina near Ajnala Township in the District Amritsar, and is spread over an area of 103 acres. This is a low-lying site near village Jastarwal. Mostly spread over the abandoned course of the river, the wetland is important for lotus cultivation point of view and is an important groundwater recharging system during monsoon.
2) Kahnuwan Chhamb Wetland
Kahnuwan Chhamb wetland is situated in District Gurdaspur and is spread over an area of 1000 acres. Kahnuwan Chhamb is comparatively low lying and falls in the area of several villages Kahnuwan wetland is a peatland wetland. Kahnuwan Chhamb is situated in the Bari Doab area between the Beas and Ravi rivers and presents the general features of Punjab plains. Earlier the Chhamb was spread over an area of 6916 acres. However, major part of this Chhamb has been reclaimed for agriculture.
3) Keshopur Miani/Chhamb Wetland
Keshopur Chhamb is located in district Gurdaspur and the area of Keshopur Chhamb falls under Bari Doab area between the Beas and Ravi rivers and presents the ordinary features of Punjab plains. The area of Keshopur Chhamb is comparatively low lying. Earlier the Chhamb was spread over an area of 692 ha. However, major part of this Chhamb has been reclaimed for agriculture. M
Other Identified Wetands In Punjab
There are 8 wetlands of smaller importance covering an area of 30.22 sq km and distributed over the districts of Amritsar, Mansa, Hoshiarpur, Kapurthala, Patiala, Sangrur and Ferozepur.
