🧭June 7, 2025 Post 1: Kichan & Menar Wetlands Declared Ramsar Sites: India Tops Asia with 91 Recognitions | High Quality Mains Essay | Prelims MCQs
Kichan & Menar Wetlands Declared Ramsar Sites: India Tops Asia with 91 Recognitions
🌿 ENVIRONMENT & BIODIVERSITY
🗓️ Post Date: June 7, 2025
🎯 Focus: Wetland Conservation, Biodiversity, Community-Led Environmental Governance
🌱 Intro Whisper
While deserts stretch endlessly in Rajasthan, two small water-laced sanctuaries — Menar and Kichan — have found global recognition. A crane dances, a vulture watches, and a village guards — the wetlands have spoken.
🔍 Key Highlights
- India’s Total Ramsar Sites: Now 91 — the highest in Asia.
- 📍 Newly Designated Sites:
- Kichan Wetland (Thar Desert, Jodhpur district)
- Menar Wetland (Udaipur district)
- 🌐 Ramsar Convention: An international treaty signed in 1971 (Ramsar, Iran) for wetland conservation and wise use.
- 🦢 Ecological Significance:
- Kichan: Winter refuge for thousands of demoiselle cranes, plus 150+ bird species.
- Menar: Home to endangered white-rumped vultures and rich freshwater biodiversity.
- 👥 Community-Driven Protection:
- Local residents in both regions actively protect wetlands from encroachment, poaching, and unregulated fishing.
- Menar villagers known for voluntarily patrolling wetlands and reporting violations.
📘 Concept Explainer: Why Ramsar Status Matters
- Legal Recognition: Boosts protection under national laws & unlocks policy funding (e.g., Amrit Dharohar Scheme).
- Ecosystem Services:
- Flood mitigation, water purification, carbon storage.
- Critical for climate change adaptation and migratory bird protection.
- Global Networking: Inclusion in an international network of protected wetlands encourages collaboration and scientific exchange.
🧭 GS Paper Mapping
| GS Paper | Theme | Subtopics |
|---|---|---|
| GS-3 | Environment & Ecology | Ramsar Convention, Wetland Biodiversity, Community Participation |
| GS-2 | Governance | Role of local communities in environmental governance |
🌏 The Bigger Picture
- Sundarbans (West Bengal): Largest tidal halophytic mangrove forest in the world.
- Chilika Lake (Odisha): Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon.
- Keoladeo National Park (Rajasthan): UNESCO World Heritage Site and bird sanctuary.
India’s Ramsar journey has gained momentum since 2018 — with over 50 new sites designated in just six years.
🌿 A Thought Spark — by IAS Monk
“When a village guards its waters, the world listens. The soul of a nation flows not only through its rivers, but also through its still ponds where birds return and life begins again.”
High Quality Mains Essay For Practice :
Word Limit 1000-1200
IAS 2025 MAINS : High Quality ESSAYS for Essay Paper and GS Papers Content
Significance of Ramsar Sites and India’s Global Advantage
🟢 Introduction
In an era of ecological uncertainty, wetlands — often seen as wastelands — emerge as one of the planet’s most productive ecosystems. From sustaining biodiversity to supporting rural livelihoods, they play a silent yet pivotal role in environmental equilibrium. The Ramsar Convention, an international treaty for the conservation of wetlands, amplifies the global recognition of such ecosystems. India’s latest designation of Kichan and Menar wetlands in Rajasthan as Ramsar Sites, raising its total to 91 (the highest in Asia), underscores a growing environmental consciousness and positions the country as a leader in wetland diplomacy.
Rajasthan now has four Ramsar sites, while Tamil Nadu continues to lead with the highest number (20 sites) in India.
🔹 Understanding Ramsar Sites and the Convention
The Ramsar Convention was signed in 1971 in Ramsar, Iran with the primary goal of conserving wetlands of international importance. Ramsar Sites are designated on the basis of their ecological, botanical, zoological, limnological, or hydrological significance. Once listed, they become part of a global network of protected wetlands, with member countries committing to their “wise use” and sustainable management.
Wetlands cover only about 6% of Earth’s surface, yet they host 40% of the world’s biodiversity. From mangrove swamps and estuaries to alpine lakes and inland marshes, they offer vital ecosystem services: flood control, water filtration, carbon sequestration, and climate regulation.
🔹 India’s Rising Ramsar Profile
India’s engagement with the Ramsar Convention has dramatically strengthened in recent years. While only 26 sites were recognized till 2014, this number has more than tripled in less than a decade — a reflection of growing environmental commitment, international outreach, and grassroots engagement.
The latest additions, Kichan and Menar, reinforce two important dimensions:
- Menar Wetland, Udaipur: A freshwater monsoon wetland complex comprising:
- Three ponds: Braham Talab, Dhand Talab, and Kheroda Talab
- Seasonal agricultural lands that flood during monsoon.
- Biodiversity: White-rumped vulture, Long-billed vulture, Indian flying foxes.
- Khichan Wetland (Phalodi) Jodhpur: Located in the northern Thar Desert. It comprises; Ratri Nadi (river), Vijaysagar Talab (pond), Riparian zones and scrublands.
- Biodiversity: It supports 150+ bird species and is notable for migratory demoiselle cranes with over 22,000 individuals arriving each winter.
- Arid-region wetlands are as important as riverine or forest-based ecosystems.
- Community-led conservation, especially in Menar, presents a replicable model for participatory governance.
🔹 Ecological and Strategic Significance of Ramsar Sites
🌿 1. Biodiversity Hotspots
Ramsar Sites harbor migratory birds, amphibians, rare flora, and endangered species. For example, the Sundarbans (also a UNESCO World Heritage Site) is the only mangrove forest with tigers. Chilika Lake is one of Asia’s most important stopovers for migratory birds. Protecting such sites aids in safeguarding global migratory corridors.
💧 2. Natural Water Banks
Wetlands act as natural sponges, recharging groundwater, purifying toxins, and moderating floods. In flood-prone states like Assam or drought-prone regions like Rajasthan, this role becomes essential for long-term ecological security.
☁️ 3. Climate Resilience
Peatlands and marshes store massive amounts of carbon, often more than forests. Ramsar designation helps restrict land-use change and preserve these carbon sinks, making them powerful assets in the fight against global warming.
🌾 4. Livelihood and Culture
Many wetlands are intertwined with local economic systems — fisheries, agriculture, crafts, and tourism. For example, Loktak Lake in Manipur supports unique floating phumdis and sustains traditional Meitei fishing cultures. Ramsar status boosts eco-tourism and opens doors for conservation-linked livelihood schemes.
🔹 India’s Global Advantage through Ramsar Recognition
📈 1. Leadership in Global South
India, now the largest Ramsar nation in Asia, sets a model for developing countries balancing conservation with economic needs. It leads by example in integrating wetlands into national policies, through initiatives like:
- National Wetland Atlas
- Amrit Dharohar Scheme
- Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017
🌐 2. Soft Power Diplomacy
Like yoga and Ayurveda, environmental stewardship enhances India’s global image. Hosting Ramsar events, showcasing local wetland management, and exporting conservation knowledge builds green diplomacy and strengthens India’s positioning at global climate forums (e.g., COP meetings).
🧪 3. Ecological Research and Innovation
Ramsar status encourages international collaborations, academic research, and eco-tech innovation. From drone surveillance to hydrological modelling and community-based tracking, India’s Ramsar wetlands are emerging testbeds for green technology and citizen science.
🌍 4. Regional Stability and SDG Goals
Wetland preservation contributes directly to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) — clean water (SDG 6), climate action (SDG 13), life on land (SDG 15), and decent work (SDG 8). India’s leadership on this front offers pathways for other South Asian nations facing shared environmental vulnerabilities.
🔹 Case Studies: Menar and Kichan
🦢 Menar Wetland (Udaipur, Rajasthan)
- A monsoon-fed freshwater system composed of three interconnected ponds.
- Key habitat for white-rumped vultures and long-billed vultures — both critically endangered.
- Unique for grassroots protection model: Villagers patrol the wetland, deter poaching, and lead awareness campaigns — all without formal governance.
🐦 Kichan Wetland (Jodhpur, Rajasthan)
- Desert wetland nourished by Vijaysagar talab and Ratri river.
- Globally recognized for hosting thousands of demoiselle cranes every winter — one of the largest congregation sites globally.
- Attracts ornithologists and eco-tourists from across the world, fueling rural ecotourism.
🔹 Challenges Ahead
Despite the accolades, India’s Ramsar journey faces significant roadblocks:
- Encroachments and illegal construction around protected wetlands.
- Water pollution due to untreated sewage and industrial discharge.
- Policy fragmentation between state and central agencies.
- Lack of real-time monitoring and scientific data on hydrological flows and species count.
- Climate vulnerability, especially for Himalayan and coastal wetlands.
🔹 Way Forward: Converting Recognition to Resilience
- Strengthen Enforcement Mechanisms
- Integrate Ramsar sites into state land use plans and zoning regulations.
- Harness Community Wisdom
- Replicate Menar model across small wetlands — empower panchayats, SHGs, and students to co-monitor and co-manage.
- Technology-Driven Conservation
- Use remote sensing, e-DNA tracking, and IoT sensors for real-time wetland monitoring.
- Converge Schemes and Ministries
- Merge wetland goals into MGNREGA, Smart Cities, and National Biodiversity Mission frameworks.
- Wetland Literacy and Curricula
- Integrate the concept of Ramsar Sites into school textbooks, competitive exam content, and public campaigns.
🧭 GS Mains Paper Mapping
| GS Paper | Theme | Subtopics |
|---|---|---|
| GS-3 | Environment & Biodiversity | Ramsar Convention, Wetland Governance |
| GS-2 | Governance & Policy | Role of local communities, environmental laws |
| GS-4 | Ethics in Environmental Decision | Sustainability, Intergenerational Responsibility |
🌾 Conclusion: Wetlands as Living Scriptures
The rising number of Ramsar Sites in India is more than a global statistic — it’s a reawakening. Each wetland is a story of survival, a pulse of a region, and a mirror of our ecological ethics. In a world rushing forward, wetlands ask us to slow down, reflect, and recalibrate our relationship with nature.
India’s global edge lies not just in the number of Ramsar Sites — but in how meaningfully we protect and live with them.
In the quiet canopy of Telangana’s Gundaram Reserve Forest, a voice once thought silent has begun to sing again. The recent discovery of eleven Satavahana-era inscriptions by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is not merely a historical footnote. It is a powerful echo of a civilization that shaped the political, cultural, and economic contours of early India. When we read stone, we do not just read facts — we feel the pulse of a people, their gods, their wars, their poetry, and their vision of order.
The Satavahana dynasty, often overshadowed in popular memory by the Mauryas or Guptas, was a keystone in the post-Mauryan transition. It filled the power vacuum in the Deccan, stitched together diverse regions, and balanced local autonomy with imperial vision — a model that speaks to India’s diversity even today.
Target IAS-26: Daily MCQs :
📌 Prelims Practice MCQs
Topic: India’s Ramsar Sites
MCQ 1 – Type 1: How many of the above statements are correct?
Consider the following statements regarding Ramsar Sites and their significance:
1. Ramsar Sites are wetlands designated under an international treaty signed in 1971 to protect wetlands of global importance.
2. India has the largest number of Ramsar Sites in the world, with over 120 sites currently designated.
3. Ramsar designation obliges member countries to preserve wetlands through national legislation and integrate them into policy frameworks.
3. Wetlands designated as Ramsar Sites are automatically declared protected forests under the Indian Forest Act, 1927.
How many of the above statements are correct?
A) Only two
B) Only three
C) All four
D) Only one
🌀 Didn’t get it? Click here (▸) for the Correct Answer & Explanation
✅ Correct Answer: A) Only two
🧠 Explanation:
•1) ✅ True – Ramsar Convention was signed in 1971 in Iran for wetlands of international importance.
•2) ❌ False – India has 91 Ramsar Sites, the highest in Asia, not in the world.
•3) ✅ True – Member countries are expected to adopt policies and frameworks for sustainable wetland use.
•4) ❌ False – Ramsar Sites do not automatically become protected forests under Indian law; legal steps must be taken separately.
MCQ 2 – Type 2: Two Statements Based
Consider the following two statements:
1. The Kichan Wetland is located in the Eastern Ghats and is known for its dense tropical forests and amphibian diversity.
2. The Menar Wetland in Rajasthan is a freshwater system where local communities actively contribute to bird protection and anti-poaching efforts.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A) Only 1 is correct
B) Only 2 is correct
C) Both are correct
D) Neither is correct
🌀 Didn’t get it? Click here (▸) for the Correct Answer & Explanation
✅ Correct Answer: B) Only 2 is correct
🧠 Explanation:
•1) ❌ False – Kichan Wetland is located in northern Rajasthan’s Thar Desert, not the Eastern Ghats. It is known for demoiselle cranes, not amphibians.
•2) ✅ True – Menar is a freshwater wetland in Udaipur district where community-led conservation is a key feature.
MCQ 3 – Type 3: Which of the statements is/are correct?
Which of the following statements about the Ramsar Convention are correct?
1. It is the only global environmental treaty focused on a single ecosystem.
2. Member countries must submit regular updates to the Ramsar Secretariat about the status of their listed sites.
3. Ramsar Sites are legally binding and automatically protected under international law.
Select the correct answer using the code below:
A) 1 and 2 only
B) 1 and 3 only
C) 2 and 3 only
D) 1, 2 and 3
🌀 Didn’t get it? Click here (▸) for the Correct Answer & Explanation
✅ Correct Answer: A) 1 and 2 only
🧠 Explanation:
•1) ✅ True – Ramsar is the only international treaty focused solely on wetland ecosystems.
•2) ✅ True – Contracting Parties are required to submit updates on Ramsar Site conditions.
•3) ❌ False – Ramsar designations are not legally binding under international law; protection depends on national implementation.
MCQ 4 – Type 4: Direct Fact
Which of the following Ramsar Sites in India is most famous for hosting large congregations of Demoiselle Cranes during winter?
A) Chilika Lake
B) Loktak Lake
C) Kichan Wetland
D) Sambar Lake
🌀 Didn’t get it? Click here (▸) for the Correct Answer & Explanation.
✅ Correct Answer: C) Kichan Wetland
🧠 Explanation:
•Kichan Wetland in Rajasthan is globally renowned for attracting thousands of Demoiselle Cranes during the winter season, making it a unique ornithological hotspot.
