"Government Greenlights Addition of Two Ramsar Sites in Tamil Nadu"

In a significant move on the eve of World Wetlands Day, the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MOEFCC) has granted approval for the inclusion of two new Ramsar sites in Tamil Nadu. The newly designated sites, Karaivetti Bird Sanctuary and Longwood Shola Reserve Forest, bring the total number of Ramsar sites in the state to 16, the highest in the country.

Ramsar sites are wetland areas recognized for their international significance under the Ramsar Convention, an environmental treaty signed on February 2, 1971, in Ramsar, Iran, under the auspices of UNESCO.

The Karaivetti Bird Sanctuary, situated in Ariyalur District, 310 km south of Chennai, spans an area of 453.7 ha and is home to over 500 species of flora and fauna. Positioned along the Central Asian Flyway, it serves as a crucial breeding and foraging ground for various water bird species, contributing to irrigation and groundwater recharge in the region.

The Longwood Shola Reserve Forest, located in the Nilgiris District, covers an area of 116.007 ha and harbors more than 700 species of flora and fauna. Among its 177 bird species, 14 are endemic to the Western Ghats. Recognized for its herpetofauna diversity, it houses species endemic to the Western Ghats and classified as threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. This site plays a pivotal role in the delicate Nilgiris ecosystem, acting as a vital water source for Kotagiri and supplying water to 18 downstream villages.

Tamil Nadu's Environment, Climate Change & Forest Department, in collaboration with the Wildlife Institute of India, is taking proactive steps to prepare Integrated Management plans for its Ramsar sites. The state government, displaying its commitment to wetland conservation, has initiated the Tamil Nadu Wetlands Mission, allocating ₹115.15 crore for the protection, conservation, and restoration of 100 wetlands, as outlined in an official release.

HBL