The Convention on Wetlands (Ramsar Convention) has designated Siliserh Lake in Rajasthan and Kopra Reservoir in Chhattisgarh as Wetlands of International Importance, increasing India’s total Ramsar sites to 96. 

• Kopra reservoir becomes Chhattisgarh’s first Ramsar wetland.

About Siliserh Lake

• Location: Siliserh Lake is located in Paitpur in Alwar district of Rajasthan and is a human-made lake situated within the buffer zone of the Sariska Tiger Reserve.
• Historical Background: The lake was constructed in 1845 by Maharaja Vinay Singh by building a embankment on  tributary of the Ruparel River to supply drinking water to Alwar city.
• Located in a semi-arid region, the lake serves as a vital water source for a wide range of species in the surrounding landscape.
• Biodiversity and Fauna:
  • The wetland supports rich wildlife, including Egyptian vulture, tiger, Indian pangolin, leopard. 
  • The site also sustains more than 1% of the biogeographic population of the black stork (Ciconia nigra)

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About Kopra Jalashay 

• Location: Kopra Jalashay is located in Chhattisgarh and is a reservoir in the upper catchments of the Mahanadi River.
• The reservoir has a large open water spread with shallow, nutrient-rich backwaters, making it ecologically productive.
• Avifaunal Importance: The reservoir supports more than 60 migratory bird species, which depend on it for nesting, feeding, and as a stopover site during migration.
• Fauna: Notable species found in the area include the River Tern,  vulnerable greater spotted eagle (Aquila clanga) and the endangered Egyptian vulture (Neophron percnopterus).
• Threats: The wetland faces challenges from siltation, invasive alien species, and intensive agricultural activities in surrounding areas.

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