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Vishwa Mohan, July 10, 2024: The Times of India

New Delhi : Bhoj wetland in Bhopal faces the threat of being delisted from Ramsar Convention’s list of wetlands of international importance due to possible damage to its ecological character.


Responding to citizens’ concerns over proposed road construction activities cutting through the catchment area of Bhoj wetland, the Convention secretariat in Switzerland has sought clarification from India on the issue.

This is the first step on delisting the wetland after analysing the possibility of any change in ecological character of the site due to pollution or human interference.


Many individuals have separately reported the matter to the secretariat which, in turn, asked the environment ministry, the nodal authority on wetlands in India, to respond to it under Article 3.2 of the Convention. The ministry is expected to respond whether such proposed construction activity will change the ecological character of Bhoj wetland, which consists of two man-made reservoirs (Upper and Lower Lakes).


Taking note of the matter, BeomSik Yoo, senior advisor (Asia/ Oceania) at the Convention secretariat, informed a complainant that the secretariat regularly produced an update of wetlands of international importance to the standing committee and COP (conference of parties). “You may find an update of your report (complaint) on Bhoj wetland in the next report (of the committee),” Yoo wrote.


Another official at the secretariat informed the complainant that they were “in contact with the govt of India” regarding the wetland. The environment ministry, however, did not respond to TOI’s questions on the issue despite several reminders.


Wetlands are land areas covered by water, either temporarily/ seasonally or permanently. Such areas — marshes, ponds, lakes, fens, floodplains and swamps — play a crucial role in the hydrological cycle and flood control, and providing water supply. It also provides food, fibre and raw material.


Bhoj wetland, designated as a Ramsar site in Aug2002, is one of 82 such sites in India on the list for conservation and management of wetlands under a globally accepted framework. The Convention was adopted in 1971 in Iranian city of Ramsar. It provides a framework for conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources across its 172-member countries, including India. The number of Indian sites in the list increased from 26 to 82 in past 10 years, of which 40 were added in the last three years.