Gogabeel Lake Declared India’s 94th Ramsar Site

India has expanded its network of internationally recognised wetlands with the inclusion of Bihar’s Gogabeel Lake as the country’s 94th Ramsar site. The announcement marks another milestone in India’s ongoing commitment to wetland conservation under the global Ramsar Convention. The oxbow lake, located in Katihar district between the Ganga and Mahananda rivers, is Bihar’s first community reserve and a vital ecological habitat managed by local communities.

Gogabeel Lake: A Unique Community-Managed Wetland

Gogabeel Lake’s inclusion reflects its ecological importance as a floodplain wetland and a critical biodiversity hotspot. During the monsoon season, the lake connects with the Ganga and Mahananda rivers, supporting migratory birds, aquatic flora, and fauna. As Bihar’s sixth Ramsar site, Gogabeel joins Gokul Jalashay and Udaipur Jheel — both recently designated — highlighting the state’s growing role in India’s wetland conservation efforts.

India’s Rising Global Standing in Wetland Conservation

With 94 Ramsar sites, India continues to lead Asia and ranks third globally, after the United Kingdom (176) and Mexico (144). The nation has added 67 wetlands to the list over the past 11 years, covering an area exceeding 13.6 lakh hectares. Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, while announcing the recognition, expressed pride in India’s achievement and reaffirmed the government’s focus on sustainable wetland management through community participation and ecological restoration.

Significance of Ramsar Sites

Wetlands designated under the Ramsar Convention are recognised for their role in maintaining hydrological balance, flood control, and groundwater replenishment. They are also crucial for providing livelihoods, raw materials, and biodiversity conservation. Established in 1971 in the Iranian city of Ramsar, the convention now has 172 member countries and 2,546 protected sites globally. India’s growing number of Ramsar sites underscores its policy emphasis on nature-based solutions and climate resilience.

Exam Oriented Facts

• Gogabeel Lake in Katihar, Bihar, became India’s 94th Ramsar site in November 2025.
• Bihar now has six Ramsar sites, ranking third after Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh.
• India ranks third globally in total Ramsar sites after the UK (176) and Mexico (144).
• The Ramsar Convention was signed in 1971 in Iran to protect wetlands of international importance.

Strengthening India’s Eco-Conservation Vision

The addition of Gogabeel Lake reinforces India’s integrated approach to environmental conservation, blending local stewardship with international commitments. As community-led conservation continues to shape India’s wetland strategy, sites like Gogabeel stand as models for sustainable coexistence between people and nature, advancing the country’s mission toward ecological balance and resilience against climate change.