A moment of pride for India as Banni's jewel Chhari-Dhandh has been officially declared a Ramsar Site, making it Gujarat’s fifth and Kutch’s first wetland of international importance.
Ramsar sites are globally significant wetlands protected under the international Ramsar Convention. These areas are designated for their vital role in preserving biodiversity and maintaining ecological stability. Beyond their environmental value, they serve as "natural infrastructure," providing essential services such as flood mitigation and natural water filtration.
Providing further details in this regard, Forest and Environment Minister Arjun Modhwadia stated that with Chhari-Dhandh Bird Sanctuary receiving the status of a Ramsar Site, positive changes will occur in the fields of environmental conservation, biodiversity, local development, and global recognition, according to a release.
He stated that Gujarat has always remained at the forefront of wetland conservation and management. Over 21 per cent of India’s total wetland area is located in Gujarat, which is the highest among all states. Gujarat's wetlands are spread over approximately 3.5 million hectares, accounting for about 17.8 per cent of the state's total geographical area. The state has several wetland-based protected areas, such as the Marine National Park and Sanctuary, Khijadiya Sanctuary, Nalsarovar Sanctuary, Chhari Dhandh, Little Rann of Kutch-Wild Ass Sanctuary, and Porbandar Bird Sanctuary, the release said.
The minister stated that under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, the state government is continuously striving for environmental conservation, biodiversity, and wetland management.
He said that a new milestone has been added to eco-tourism and environmental conservation in Kutch.
After Nalsarovar, Thol, Khijadiya, and Wadhvana, Chhari-Dhandh has become Gujarat's fifth and Kutch's first Ramsar Site. It provides global recognition to the state's efforts in environmental conservation, the release said.
This recognition will ensure long-term conservation of the Chhari-Dhandh wetland, strengthen its role as a safe habitat for migratory and resident birds, and enable special measures for the conservation of rare and endangered species. In addition, the Ramsar status will promote eco-tourism in the region, creating new employment and income opportunities for local communities. There will also be a significant increase in environmental awareness, educational activities, and community participation.
At the national level, out of India's total 115 National Wetlands, eight National Wetlands are located in Gujarat. In addition, the state has 19 wetlands recognised as Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas, providing crucial habitats for migratory as well as resident birds.
In the Kutchi language, 'Chhari' means saline and 'Dhandh' means shallow lake. Spread over approximately 227 square kilometres (22,700 hectares), this wetland possesses a unique ecosystem situated between desert and grassland. In the year 2008, it was declared Gujarat's first 'Conservation Reserve,' the release said.
Over 250 species of birds have been recorded at Chhari-Dhandh. During winter, around 25,000 to 40,000 migratory birds such as Common Cranes (Kunj), Sociable Lapwings, and Great White Pelicans migrate here from Siberia, Central Asia, and Europe. In addition, Lesser Flamingos and Greater Flamingos (Hanj) as well as Sarus Cranes, are also seen here.
Moreover, endangered species such as the Dalmatian Pelican, Oriental Darter, Black-necked Stork, and several raptors are found here. Not only birds, but this region also serves as an important habitat for wildlife such as Chinkara, Desert Fox, Caracal, Desert Cat, and Wolf, the release said.
With the Ramsar Site status, Chhari-Dhandh will now gain global recognition, leading to the development of eco-tourism in Kutch and increased local employment opportunities. At the same time, avenues have opened for funding and technical assistance as per international standards for the conservation of this area.
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