New Ramsar Sites in Bihar

Current Context: Two wetlands from Bihar — Gokul Jalashaya (Buxar) and Udaipur Jheel (West Champaran) — have been designated as Ramsar Sites.

ABOUT Gokul Jalashaya

• Type: Oxbow lake on southern edge of River Ganga.
• Features: Seasonal flood pulses influence marshes and agriculture.
• Biodiversity: Home to 50+ bird species; supports local fishing and irrigation.
• Role: Acts as flood buffer for nearby villages.

ABOUT Udaipur Jheel

• Location: West Champaran; bordered by Udaipur Wildlife Sanctuary.
• Flora: 280+ plant species; includes endemic herb Alysicarpus roxburghianus.
• Fauna: Important wintering site for 35 migratory bird species; hosts vulnerable common pochard (Aythya ferina).