Nagi & Nakti Bird Sanctuaries Added To Ramsar List, India’s Wetlands Rise To 82

New Delhi

India has expanded its Ramsar Sites list by adding two bird sanctuaries from Bihar Nagi and Nakti bringing the total to 82, as announced by a senior official. These latest additions, declared as 'Wetlands of International Importance', are man-made reservoirs nestled in the Jhajha forest range of Jamui District in Bihar. This significant inclusion took place as part of World Environment Day, celebrated annually on June 5.

Both Nagi and Nakti sanctuaries boast dry deciduous forests encircled by hills, providing a picturesque setting for diverse wildlife. Bandana Preyashi, Secretary of Bihar's Department of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, hailed the move as a boost to bird conservation efforts.

With these additions, India now shares the same number of Ramsar Sites as China, both tallying at 82. Notably, the United Kingdom leads with 175 sites, followed by Mexico with 144.

Nakti bird sanctuary, established in 1984 (Site no. 2546), primarily serves irrigation purposes through the Nakti Dam. It serves as a refuge for over 150 species, including globally threatened ones like the Indian elephant and native catfish. During winters, it witnesses over 20,000 birds, including a significant congregation of red-crested pochards.

Nagi Bird Sanctuary (Site no. 2545), also established in 1984, originated from a dam on the Nagi River and is recognized internationally. It supports over 75 bird species, 33 fish species, and 12 aquatic plants, hosting one of the largest gatherings of bar-headed geese on the Indo-Gangetic plain. Threatened migratory species such as the critically endangered Baer's pochard and endangered steppe eagle find sanctuary here.