changeadminIndia added two new Ramsar sites from Bihar, Gokul Jalashay (448 ha) in Buxar district and Udaipur Jheel (319 ha) in West Champaran district.
India’s Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav, informed on a social media post that India has strengthened its commitment to wetlands conservation with the addition of these two new Ramsar Sites. With this addition, the total number of Ramsar Sites in the country has reached 93, spanning 13,60,719 hectares.
The designation of a wetland as a Ramsar site underscores its importance to the ecosystem, raising awareness and encouraging the protection and conservation.
Gokul Jalashay is Ramsar Site number 2576, located on the southern edge of the Ganga River and prone to flooding. During flooding events, the wetland acts as a buffer for nearby villages.
Spread over 448 hectares, over 50 bird species are found at the Gokul Jalashay region. During the pre-monsoon season, the exposed marshland and shrubs provide food and breeding habitats.
Udaipur Jheel is Ramsar Site number 2577, an oxbow lake bordered to the north and west by the dense forest of Udaipur Wildlife Sanctuary. The wetland is an important wintering ground for around 35 migratory bird species, including the vulnerable common pochard.
In another post on the social media platform ‘X’, Minister Bhupender Yadav informed that during the 37th Session of UNESCO’s International Coordinating Council – Man and the Biosphere – held on 27.09.2025, India’s Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve, Himachal Pradesh, has been included in the World Network of Biosphere Reserves.
He stated that with this addition, India now has 13 Biospheres listed in UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves, which reflects India’s commitment towards biodiversity conservation and community-led sustainable development.
Minister Bhupender Yadav reiterated India’s resolve to safeguard its rich wetland ecosystems for biodiversity, climate resilience, and sustainable livelihoods.
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