Wetland protection and Ramsar Convention – an empirical study of wetlands in Bihar, India

¹ Jharkhand Rai University, Ranchi, India
² G.D Goenka University, Haryana, India
³ Symbiosis Law School, Pune, India

^* Corresponding author: smitapparashar@gmail.com

Abstract

India with its varied topography and climatic conditions is a home to unique wetland habitats. Natural wetlands- high-altitude Himalayan lakes and flood plains of major rivers, Temporary wetlands- coral reefs, mangrove swamps, backwaters, estuaries, lagoons, and marine wetlands. Inland water, at global level accounts for 0.01% which sustains the biodiversity. The present research paper is about study conducted in wetlands of North Bihar- Kabar Tal. In North Bihar, Gangetic plain undergoes flooding, channel avulsions, and subsequent sedimentation and wetlands are created through meandering action of the streams. Also, it becomes tedious for wetlands and lakes near rivers to carry the load of flooded rivers. The research takes into account the survey done and important actions that can be taken to revive and preserve wetlands- mapping is necessary for banning encroachment and illegal farming and prevention of freshwater bodies from pollutants. International trends like environmental treaties and common policy are common solution in all cases. The paper concentrates on the issue of environmental degradation in wetlands of Bihar with related legal provisions and international conventions and tries to come up with solutions to the problem.