Context
- India has added Siliserh Lake (Rajasthan) and Kopra Reservoir (Chhattisgarh) to the List of Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar List). With this, India now has 96 Ramsar sites, reflecting its commitment to wetland conservation.
Siliserh Lake
- Location: Paitpur, Alwar District, Rajasthan
- Ecological Zone: Semi-arid; falls in the buffer zone of Sariska Tiger Reserve
- Origin: Human-made wetland, created in 1845 AD by Maharaja Vinay Singh via a bund across a tributary of River Ruparel
- Biodiversity Highlights:
- Birds: Egyptian Vulture, Black Stork
- Mammals: Tiger, Leopard, Indian Pangolin, Sambar
- Significance: Supports migratory and resident species, and acts as a water resource in semi-arid landscape
Kopra Jalashay (Kopra Reservoir)
- Location: Bilaspur District, Chhattisgarh
- Type: Reservoir in upper catchments of River Mahanadi
- Ecological Features: Extensive open water with shallow, nutrient-rich backwaters
- Biodiversity Highlights:
- Birds: Bar-headed Goose, Egyptian Vulture, River Tern, Greater Spotted Eagle
- Threats: Siltation, invasive alien species, intensive agriculture in surrounding landscape
About Ramsar Convention and List
- Genesis: Adopted in Ramsar, Iran, 1971
- Objective: Promote conservation and wise use of wetlands worldwide
- Membership: Nearly 90% of UN member states, including India, are Contracting Parties
- Significance of Listing:
- Recognized internationally as wetlands of significant ecological, cultural, or hydrological value
- Wetlands receive special protection at the national level
- Criteria for Designation: Wetlands must meet at least one of nine criteria, such as:
- Support rare, vulnerable, or endangered species
- Important for biodiversity, waterbirds, fish, or hydrology
- Represent unique wetland types or ecological functions
IAS-2026 - OPTIONAL / GEOGRAPHY / PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION / SOCIOLOGY / ANTHROPOLOGY / ORIENTATION ON 03 & 04-10-2025 
