India’s one more wetland, Gogabeel Lake in Katihar district of Bihar, has got a tag of international importance as a Ramsar site.
About Gogabeel Lake Gogabeel Lake is a significant oxbow lake and wetland ecosystem located in the Katihar district of Bihar, India. It holds the distinction of being Bihar's first Community Reserve and was recently designated as a Ramsar Site, a wetland of international importance.
Key Features
Formation and Location: Gogabeel is an oxbow lake, a U-shaped body of water formed when a wide meander of a river is cut off, creating a free-standing body of water. It is formed by the flow of the Kankhar and Mahananda rivers to the north and the Ganga river to the south and east.
Area: The lake and surrounding land cover approximately 217 acres (around 88 hectares of waterbody during the summer) and is a permanent water body, although it shrinks in the dry season.
Protected Status: It was notified as a Community Reserve and Conservation Reserve in August 2019, making it Bihar's first such protected area. Its recent recognition as India's 94th Ramsar site highlights its global ecological importance.
Community Management: A unique aspect of Gogabeel Lake is its management, which is a participatory conservation model actively involving local communities. This approach integrates local stewardship with international environmental commitments.
Biodiversity and Ecology
The lake is a vital ecological habitat and a paradise for birdwatchers, especially during the winter months.
Avian Species: It is home to over 130 species of birds, with approximately 30 of these being migratory species. Migratory birds such as Northern Lapwings, Bluethroats, and Wood Sandpipers visit the lake.
Threatened Species: The lake provides habitat for several threatened species, including the Lesser Adjutant Stork (listed as 'Vulnerable' by IUCN), and the Black-necked Stork, White Ibis, and White-eyed Pochard, which are all classified as 'Near Threatened'.
Aquatic Life: The wetland supports a rich diversity of aquatic flora and fauna, including fish species like the Helicopter Catfish (Walago attu).
Ecological Role: The lake plays a crucial role in maintaining the regional hydrological balance, helping in flood control during the monsoon and assisting in groundwater replenishment.
