Rajasthan
Wetland Authority: Wetland Authority Starts Demarcating Borders Of Sambhar Lake, A Ramsar Site |
Jaipur: The state’s wetland authority has finally taken steps to conserve and protect Sambhar Lake, which is not only India’s largest inland saltwater lake but also a designated Ramsar site (number 464) under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands.
The wetland authority has initiated the process of border demarcation for Sambhar Lake, which involves installation of boundary pillars and conducting a comprehensive survey. This aims to safeguard both the lake and the wildlife residing in the surrounding area.
Monali Sen, member secretary of the State Wetland Authority, said, “The significance of Sambhar Lake is not only as a Ramsar site but also as a crucial wetland habitat for migratory birds and wild animals. The lake has been gaining popularity as a tourist destination and there are ongoing efforts towards its conservation and development. To this end, a roadmap and action plan for Sambhar Lake are currently in progress.”
Sambhar Lake spans across Jaipur Rural, Ajmer, and Didwana-Kuchaman districts. Among the diverse bird species that inhabit the area, common sightings include coots, black-winged stilts, sandpipers, and redshanks. Additionally, the region is home to wildlife such as foxes, nilgai, and other species, which roam freely within this unique ecosystem.
Previously, despite its Ramsar site status, Sambhar Lake was not officially recognized as a wetland under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1978, and there was no single authority responsible for its management. However, following a tragic incident in 2019 when nearly 22,000 migratory birds succumbed to avian botulism, a neuromuscular illness, the state government took action. and Sambhar Lake was declared a wetland. A comprehensive conservation plan was mandated under this decision.
“The conservation plan for Sambhar Lake is crucial, given its Ramsar wetland status and threats from desertification, declining biodiversity, increased salt production, deteriorating salt quality, and the overall ecosystem degradation,” said Dilip Singh, a local resident and devoted bird watcher.
“Historically, not enough has been done for the conservation of Sambhar Lake. It is imperative to develop an effective management strategy based on scientific studies to preserve this wetland of international importance,” he added.
We also published the following articles recently
The wetland authority has initiated the process of border demarcation for Sambhar Lake, which involves installation of boundary pillars and conducting a comprehensive survey. This aims to safeguard both the lake and the wildlife residing in the surrounding area.
Monali Sen, member secretary of the State Wetland Authority, said, “The significance of Sambhar Lake is not only as a Ramsar site but also as a crucial wetland habitat for migratory birds and wild animals. The lake has been gaining popularity as a tourist destination and there are ongoing efforts towards its conservation and development. To this end, a roadmap and action plan for Sambhar Lake are currently in progress.”
Sambhar Lake spans across Jaipur Rural, Ajmer, and Didwana-Kuchaman districts. Among the diverse bird species that inhabit the area, common sightings include coots, black-winged stilts, sandpipers, and redshanks. Additionally, the region is home to wildlife such as foxes, nilgai, and other species, which roam freely within this unique ecosystem.
Previously, despite its Ramsar site status, Sambhar Lake was not officially recognized as a wetland under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1978, and there was no single authority responsible for its management. However, following a tragic incident in 2019 when nearly 22,000 migratory birds succumbed to avian botulism, a neuromuscular illness, the state government took action. and Sambhar Lake was declared a wetland. A comprehensive conservation plan was mandated under this decision.
“The conservation plan for Sambhar Lake is crucial, given its Ramsar wetland status and threats from desertification, declining biodiversity, increased salt production, deteriorating salt quality, and the overall ecosystem degradation,” said Dilip Singh, a local resident and devoted bird watcher.
“Historically, not enough has been done for the conservation of Sambhar Lake. It is imperative to develop an effective management strategy based on scientific studies to preserve this wetland of international importance,” he added.
We also published the following articles recently
Natl agency to record wetlands
The Maharashtra State Wetland Authority has appointed the National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management (NCSCM) to document wetlands in Maharashtra where the sarus crane, the tallest flying bird in the world, is found. The decision was made due to the inability of district collectors to carry out the documentation themselves. The brief documents received from various districts were found to be inadequate and not in line with regulations. The NCSCM will now work with respective district authorities to prepare the brief documents of the wetland on priority.
The Maharashtra State Wetland Authority has appointed the National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management (NCSCM) to document wetlands in Maharashtra where the sarus crane, the tallest flying bird in the world, is found. The decision was made due to the inability of district collectors to carry out the documentation themselves. The brief documents received from various districts were found to be inadequate and not in line with regulations. The NCSCM will now work with respective district authorities to prepare the brief documents of the wetland on priority.
Residents rally to protect lakes in Tiruneermalai
Residents of Tiruneermalai and Chitlapakkam in Tambaram Corporation organized a rally to raise awareness about the importance of preserving urban lakes. The rally was flagged off by local politicians and saw the participation of around 1,000 people, including school students. The organizers emphasized the need to protect lakes from encroachment and pollution. The event aimed to inspire people across the city to take responsibility for the preservation and revival of lakes in their own neighborhoods. Participants concluded the rally by taking a pledge to not pollute lakes.
Residents of Tiruneermalai and Chitlapakkam in Tambaram Corporation organized a rally to raise awareness about the importance of preserving urban lakes. The rally was flagged off by local politicians and saw the participation of around 1,000 people, including school students. The organizers emphasized the need to protect lakes from encroachment and pollution. The event aimed to inspire people across the city to take responsibility for the preservation and revival of lakes in their own neighborhoods. Participants concluded the rally by taking a pledge to not pollute lakes.
Hotels around lake overflow as early birds get the view
Hotels in Bhopal near Upper Lake were fully booked as hordes of people flocked to witness an air show. The Ashoka Lake View hotel offered a captivating view of the show, attracting many guests. Other hotels in the vicinity were also jam-packed, with visitors appreciating the convenience of watching the show from their rooms. People were seen inquiring about available rooms in the hours leading up to the event. The high demand for rooms was unprecedented, according to hotel owners.
Hotels in Bhopal near Upper Lake were fully booked as hordes of people flocked to witness an air show. The Ashoka Lake View hotel offered a captivating view of the show, attracting many guests. Other hotels in the vicinity were also jam-packed, with visitors appreciating the convenience of watching the show from their rooms. People were seen inquiring about available rooms in the hours leading up to the event. The high demand for rooms was unprecedented, according to hotel owners.
