changeadminIf you visit the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh capital Bhopal, you will likely be greeted by a large board carved with individual letters that read “WELCOME TO THE CITY of Lakes”. This board, brightly lit at night, is placed on the periphery of the Bhoj Wetland.
The Bhoj Wetland consists of two lakes, the Upper Lake, a large waterbody and the Lower Lake, comparatively much smaller.
The Bhoj Wetlands measure an area of over 32 square kilometres and it is not just any lake in Bhopal, it is the city’s lifeline for the last thousand years. The wetlands are closely linked with the socio-economic and cultural aspects of the people.
The upper lake was constructed in the early 11th century by central Indian ruler Paramara Raja Bhoj by building a dam across the Kolans River, making it one of the oldest man-made lakes in India.
The Lower Lake was built in the late 18th century by Nawab Chhote Khan to beautify the city.
Apart from the Bhojtal, Bhopal because of its hills is endowed with several man-made lakes created over the centuries, but the twin lakes of Bhopal – Upper Lake and Lower Lake are the epicentres of the city.
Bhoj Wetlands are home to diverse flora and fauna with more than 180 bird species, including endangered ones that can be spotted by visitors and bird watchers. It is also an important water body for fish production.
The lake has a recreational value, as every day thousands of locals and tourists come here to enjoy the serenity, paddle around in a hired boat and watch the sunset.
The most important function of the Bhoj Wetlands even after 1000 years, the lake still accounts for the city’s water supply.
In August 2002, Bhoj Wetlands was designated a Ramsar site number 1206 or in other words, it is a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention, an international treaty for the conservation and use of wetlands.
The Bhojtal Wetlands is not only a Ramsar site in Madhya Pradesh, the state’s Sakhya Sagar, Sirpur Lake, Yashwant Sagar and Tawa Reservoir are also designated Ramsar wetlands.
Sakhya Sagar is a man-made reservoir within the Madhav National Park in the Shivpuri District. The 2.48 sq km Sakhya Sagar is a water source for wildlife, a habitat for thousands of migratory waterfowl, mugger crocodiles, fish species, reptiles and other native birds.
Sakhya Sagar is Ramsar site number 2483.
Sirpur Wetland is another man-made wetland created by the Holkars in the early 20th century. Spread over 1.61 sq km, the lake is rich in flora and fauna.
Locally called Pakshi Vihar (bird sanctuary), Sirpur is known for different waterbirds as they assemble in the winter. The shallow, alkaline, nutrient-rich water of this Ramsar wetlands also supports terrestrial plant species, fish species, reptiles, and amphibians.
Sirpur Wetland, located on Indore-Dhar Road is Ramsar site number 2478.
Yashwant Sagar in Indore district is a freshwater reservoir built in 1939 on the Gambhir River. It is spread over around 8.2 sq km and provides irrigation and drinking water to the region.
Yashwant Sagar is one of the important areas for bird species. During winters, the wetlands provide breeding habitats for a large number of migratory birds including the vulnerable Sarus crane.
Yashwant Sagar is Ramsar site number 2495.
Sakhya Sagar in Shivpuri, Sirpur Wetland and Yashwant Sagar in Indore were designated as Ramsar Sites in January 2022.
Tawa Reservoir was constructed in the 1970s on the Tawa River in Narmadapuram District within Satpura Tiger Reserve. Spread over 200 sq km, Tawa Reservoir offers a rich diversity of aquatic plants and supports many animals and birds.
The reservoir supplies water for the agricultural needs of nearby farmers and also offers recreational activities such as boating and camping to visitors.
Tawa Reservoir is Ramsar site number 2547 and received this designation in January 2024.
These Ramsar Wetlands in Madhya Pradesh highlight the importance of wetlands and the role they play in the region’s ecosystem, biodiversity, and water management.
Watch the video on Bhojtal Wetland in Bhopal on the Change Started YouTube channel.
Add comment