Govt identifies 3,911 wetlands across state

Madhubani: A total of 3,911 water bodies spread over more than 2.25 hectares have been identified across Bihar under a comprehensive survey conducted by the Bihar State Wetland Authority, with Katihar and Purnia districts recording the highest number of wetlands.The exercise forms part of a statewide campaign on conservation and scientific documentation of wetlands being conducted in compliance with directives issued by the Supreme Court of India.To ensure systematic documentation and conservation planning, the environment, forest and climate change department of the Bihar govt has developed a mobile application named “Save Bihar Wetlands”.The application will be used to collect important data related to water quality, biodiversity, ecological significance, encroachment and other threats to wetlands.A capacity-building programme on conservation and scientific documentation of wetlands was also organised under the aegis of the Bihar State Wetland Authority.Under the guidance of additional principal chief conservator of forests (climate change and wetlands), forest guards and field-level personnel are preparing brief documentation of wetlands using the mobile application.As part of the ongoing training series, wetland expert Saroj Kumar Warik imparted training to forest personnel of the Madhubani forest division.During the session, participants were trained in the use of the “Save Bihar Wetlands” mobile application, geo-tagging, biodiversity documentation, data collection and reporting of threats affecting wetlands.Officials said the initiative aims to strengthen grassroots-level efforts towards protection and sustainable management of Bihar’s crucial wetland ecosystems.