New Ramsar Sites in India

Context: The Nanjarayan and Kazhuveli Bird Sanctuaries in Tamil Nadu, along with the Tawa Reservoir in Madhya Pradesh, have been recently designated as new Ramsar sites, raising India’s total number to 85.

Nanjarayan Tank Bird Sanctuary

• This sanctuary is home to approximately 191 bird species, in addition to various reptiles, fishes, amphibians, and plant species.
• It serves as a crucial wintering and breeding ground for migratory birds.
• The lake derives its name from King Nanjarayan, who undertook its repair and restoration during his reign.
• Notable native species include the Spot-billed Pelican, Painted Stork, Grey Heron, Purple Heron, Little Cormorant, Indian Cormorant, Great Cormorant, Little Egret, Great Egret, Spot-billed Duck, Common Coot, and Little Grebe.

Kazhuveli Bird Sanctuary

• Located on the Coromandel Coast, this sanctuary features a shallow brackish lake connected to the Bay of Bengal through the Uppukalli Creek and the Edayanthittu Estuary.
• Positioned along the Central Asian Flyway, it serves as an essential stopover site for around 40,000 migratory bird species.
• The Grey-tailed Tattler, a rare migratory wader, has been recorded here and at Pulicat, making these the only two locations in the country with such sightings. Other migratory species include Black-tailed Godwits, Eurasian Curlew, White Stork, Ruff, and Dunlin.
• It stands as one of the largest waterfowl congregation sites in Tamil Nadu and supports Tropical Dry Evergreen Forests along with degraded mangrove patches comprising Avicennia species.

Tawa Reservoir

• This reservoir is formed at the confluence of the Tawa and Denwa rivers in central India and marks the western boundary of the Satpura National Park and Bori Wildlife Sanctuary.

Tawa River

• Originating from the Mahadeo Hills, the Tawa River is the longest tributary of the Narmada River.