Three New Ramsar Sites in Bihar

Three new Ramsar sites (Wetlands of International Importance) have been added in Bihar.

Of the total Ramsar sites in India, two Ramsar sites, the 92nd in Buxar district and the 93rd in West Champaran district, were added in September 2025, while the 94th site in Katihar district was added in October 2025.
Bihar now has six Ramsar sites, the third highest in India after Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh.

Three New Ramsar Sites in Bihar are:

» Gokul Jalashay is an oxbow lake.

The Site is on the southern edge of the Ganga (Ganges) River.
The flood pulses of the Ganges influence land use and land cover in the wetland, exposing marshes and agricultural areas during the dry months and increasing inundation after monsoons.

In total, over 50 bird species are found in the Site and its surroundings; in the pre-monsoon season, exposed marshland and shrubs provide food and breeding habitats.

» Udaipur Jheel is also an oxbow lake.

The Site is bordered to the north and west by the dense forest of Udaipur Wildlife Sanctuary. The lake surrounds a village.
Over 280 plant species are found in the wetland, including Alysicarpus roxburghianus, a perennial herb endemic to India.

The wetland is an important wintering ground for around 35 migratory bird species, including the vulnerable common pochard (Aythya ferina).
Jamun trees (Syzygium cumini) line the wetland and their fallen fruits are believed to purify the water.
The wetland faces threats from illegal fishing and intensive agriculture, particularly the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides.

» Gogabil Lake is an oxbow wetland.

This Wetland of International Importance is situated between the Rivers Ganga (Ganges) and Mahananda.
During floods, the lake joins the two Rivers.
The Lake, which makes up most of the Site, is Bihar’s first “Community Reserve”.
The Lake is conserved and managed by the local community.

The wetland is an important wintering ground for several bird species migrating along the Central Asian flyway, including the vulnerable common pchard Aythya ferina.
The wetland is identified as an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA).
In addition, the vulnerable catfish Wallago attu breeds in the Site.
The extensive use of fertilizers and pesticides in the catchment area poses a threat to the Site.

India is one of the Contracting Parties to Ramsar Convention, signed in Ramsar, Iran, in 1971. India signed it on 1st February 1982.
During 1982 to 2013, a total of 26 sites were added to the list of Ramsar sites, however, during 2014 to 2022, the country has added 49 new wetlands to the list of Ramsar sites.
As of December 2025, there are a total of 96 Ramsar sites in India.
Tamil Nadu has maximum no. of Ramsar sites (20 nos), followed by UP which has 10 nos. of Ramsar sites.