Gogabeel Lake Declared India’s 94th Ramsar Site | 04 Nov 2025

Why in News?

India has added Gogabeel Lake in Katihar district, Bihar, to the list of Ramsar sites, officially becoming the 94th Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention (1971). The recognition underscores India’s growing leadership in wetland conservation and its commitment to sustainable ecological management.

Key Points

• Gogabeel Lake is an oxbow lake situated between the Ganga and Mahananda rivers in Katihar district, Bihar.
• It is Bihar’s first community reserve and functions as a floodplain wetland, naturally linking with both rivers during the monsoon.
• Gogabeel is now Bihar’s sixth Ramsar site, joining others such as Gokul Jalashay and Udaipur Jheel among others.
  • Ecological Importance:
  • Serves as a major habitat for migratory birds and a breeding ground for aquatic species.
  • Supports rich biodiversity, including aquatic flora, fish, and wetland-dependent species.
  • Plays a key role in flood mitigation, groundwater recharge, and climate regulation in the Gangetic plains.
• India’s Global Standing:
  • With 94 Ramsar sites, India ranks third globally after the United Kingdom (176) and Mexico (144) and first in Asia.
  • Over 67 new wetlands have been added in the last 11 years, covering more than 13.6 lakh hectares of protected wetland area.