New Ramsar Sites

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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