Six more wetlands in HP identified for possible Ramsar tag

Shimla: Six more wetlands in Himachal Pradesh — Rewalsar, Prashar, Khajjiar, Manimahesh, Brighu and Nako — have been identified for potential inclusion under the Ramsar Convention, a global treaty focused on the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands.These wetlands were shortlisted based on the nine internationally recognised criteria used to identify Ramsar sites, including ecological uniqueness, rich biodiversity, congregation of waterbirds, habitats for rare or endangered species, and hydrological significance. The information was shared in the Lok Sabha on Monday by Union minister of state for environment, forest and climate change Kirti Vardhan Singh, in response to a question raised by former Union minister and present Hamirpur MP Anurag Singh Thakur.Himachal Pradesh currently has three wetlands designated as Ramsar sites, he added. Pong Dam lake, spread across 15,662 hectares, was declared a Ramsar site in 2002. Chandertal wetland, covering 49 hectares, and Renuka wetland, with an area of 20 hectares, were granted Ramsar status in 2005.The Lok Sabha was also informed that the Himachal Pradesh govt conducted an annual bird census, also known as an avifaunal survey, at Pong Dam lake during the winter season. According to the latest survey, several migratory bird species were recorded at the site, including Song Thrush and Uncommon Thrush. These sightings highlight the ecological importance of the wetland as a seasonal habitat for migratory birds.To strengthen conservation efforts, the state govt has prepared five-year integrated management plans for the three existing Ramsar sites. Additionally, one-year framework management plans were formulated for Rewalsar and Dal wetlands. These plans aim to enhance long-term habitat protection, encourage scientific research, and improve climate-resilience strategies. Orientation and training workshops for district-level wetland committees were organised across districts, focusing on a multi-departmental approach towards wetland conservation and management at district level in the hill state.Meanwhile, the Union ministry of environment, forest and climate change is implementing centrally sponsored National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems (NPCA). The scheme supports the conservation and management of wetlands, including Ramsar sites, through a cost-sharing arrangement between the Central and state govts. Under the NPCA scheme, Himachal Pradesh received financial assistance of Rs 3.14 crore for Pong Dam and Rs 2.59 crore for Renuka Wetland as the central share for conservation and management activities.