Udhwa Lake | 03 Feb 2025

Why in News? 

The Ramsar Convention has recognized four new wetlands in India, increasing the total number of such designated sites in the country to 89.

Key points 

• New Additions to the Ramsar List: 
  • Sakkarakottai Bird Sanctuary (Tamil Nadu) 
  • Therthangal Bird Sanctuary (Tamil Nadu) 
  • Khecheopalri Wetland (Sikkim) 
  • Udhwa Lake (Jharkhand) 
• State-Wise Distribution: 
  • Tamil Nadu holds the highest number of Ramsar sites in India, with 20 wetlands. 
  • Sikkim and Jharkhand have joined the Ramsar list for the first time with their new designations. 
• India’s Global Ranking: 
  • India has the highest number of Ramsar sites in Asia and ranks third globally: 
    • United Kingdom (176 sites) 
    • Mexico (144 sites) 
    • Over the last decade, India’s Ramsar sites increased from 26 to 89, with 47 sites added in just three years. 
• Significance of Wetlands: 
  • Wetlands are areas covered by water temporarily, seasonally, or permanently. 
  • They provide crucial ecosystem services, including: 
    • Flood control 
    • Water supply 
    • Biodiversity support 
    • Food, fibre, and raw material sources 
• The Udhwa Lake:  
  • Location: 
    • It is located in Sahebganj district of Jharkhand. 
    • It is situated in a small village called Udhwa, which is named after Saint Uddhava, a friend of Lord Krishna in the Mahabharatha. 
    • It is the first Ramsar designated wetland from Jharkhand. 
  • Establishment: 
    • In 1991, the sanctuary was established to safeguard and conserve the diverse bird species found in the region.  
    • Designated as the sole bird sanctuary in Jharkhand, it plays a crucial role in preserving the natural heritage and biodiversity of the area. 
  • Rivers: 
    • The Sanctuary has two water bodies Patauran and Berhale, interconnected by a water channel. Patauran is a comparatively clean water body.