Khecheopalri Wetland in Sikkim Among Four New Ramsar Sites Added to India Ahead of World Wetlands Day

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World Wetlands Day: Sikkim’s Khecheopalri among four new Ramsar sites in India.
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India’s wetland conservation efforts reached a new milestone ahead of World Wetlands Day 2025, with the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change announcing the addition of four new Ramsar sites in the country. This inclusion brings the total number of Ramsar sites in India to 89, marking the nation as a global leader in wetland conservation. Among the newly designated sites, Khecheopalri Wetland in Sikkim holds a special importance, as it becomes the state’s first-ever Ramsar site.

Khecheopalri Wetland: A Sacred and Ecological Gem in Sikkim

The Khecheopalri Wetland, located near the Khecheopalri village in West Sikkim, has been recognized for its ecological and cultural importance. Known locally as Sho Dzo Sho, which translates to “Oh Lady, Sit Here,” the wetland is not just a natural treasure but a sacred site for both Hindus and Buddhists. The lake, originally called Kha-Chot-Palri, meaning “the heaven of Padmasambhava,” is believed to possess wish-fulfilling powers.

The wetland lies at the foothills of Ramam Mountain and drains water from the Ramam watershed. Its inclusion as a Ramsar site underscores the significant role this wetland plays in the biodiversity of the region, as well as its importance to the local communities who hold the lake in spiritual reverence. As Sikkim’s first Ramsar site, it joins the ranks of other notable wetlands in India, contributing to the global effort to conserve these unique ecosystems.

Other Newly Added Ramsar Sites in India

Alongside Khecheopalri Wetland, three other wetlands have been granted Ramsar status. These are:

  1. Sakkarakottai Bird Sanctuary (Tamil Nadu)
  2. Therthangal Bird Sanctuary (Tamil Nadu)
  3. Udhwa Lake (Jharkhand)

Each of these sites plays a critical role in preserving biodiversity, especially for waterbirds and migratory species. These new designations not only highlight India’s rich wetland heritage but also emphasize the government’s ongoing commitment to the Ramsar Convention and sustainable wetland management.

India’s Growing Ramsar Sites Network

With the addition of these four new sites, India now ranks third globally in the number of Ramsar sites, after the United Kingdom (176 sites) and Mexico (144 sites). India also boasts the highest number of Ramsar sites in Asia, a testament to the country’s dedication to wetland conservation.

Over the past decade, India has made significant progress in wetland conservation, with 47 Ramsar sites added in just the last three years. This surge in designations reflects the increasing recognition of the importance of wetlands for biodiversity protection, climate resilience, and sustainable development.

The Importance of Ramsar Sites in Wetland Conservation

The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands is an international treaty aimed at ensuring the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands globally. Wetlands, as defined by the Ramsar Convention, include areas of marsh, fen, peatland, or water, whether natural or artificial, permanent or temporary. These ecosystems are crucial for:

  • Biodiversity conservation: Wetlands are home to numerous species of flora and fauna, many of which are endemic or migratory.
  • Water purification: Wetlands filter pollutants and contribute to water quality.
  • Climate regulation: They help in carbon sequestration, making them critical in the fight against climate change.
  • Flood mitigation: Wetlands act as natural buffers, absorbing excess water during heavy rains, preventing floods.

By designating wetlands as Ramsar sites, countries commit to improving management practices and promoting sustainable use to benefit both local communities and the environment.

Tamil Nadu’s Leadership in Wetland Conservation

With the addition of the Sakkarakottai Bird Sanctuary and Therthangal Bird Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu now boasts a total of 20 Ramsar sites, making it the Indian state with the highest number of these globally recognized wetlands. This further establishes Tamil Nadu as a leader in wetland conservation and highlights the state’s efforts to protect its natural heritage.

A Positive Impact on Sustainable Development

The inclusion of these new Ramsar sites is expected to have a profound impact on sustainable development in these regions. By bringing attention to the ecological and economic benefits of wetlands, these designations encourage investment in eco-tourism, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable resource management. Furthermore, they help raise awareness about the importance of wetland protection and the urgent need to address threats such as pollution, land-use changes, and climate change.

A Major Step Towards Global Wetland Conservation

The recognition of Khecheopalri Wetland in Sikkim and the other three sites marks a major step forward in India’s commitment to the Ramsar Convention. As the country moves towards greater environmental sustainability, these newly designated wetlands will play a critical role in biodiversity conservation, the protection of water resources, and the overall health of ecosystems.

By celebrating World Wetlands Day with the announcement of these additions, India continues to demonstrate its leadership in wetland conservation and its ongoing efforts to protect and preserve these vital ecosystems for future generations.

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