Gujarat Chhari Dhandh Wetland Declared Ramsar Site
Source:The Hindu ↗
Why It Matters
The addition of new Ramsar sites is a highly probable topic for UPSC Prelims (Environment and Geography sections). Understanding the geographical location (Kachchh, Banni grasslands), ecological significance (Central Asian Flyway), and flagship species (Grey Hypocolius) associated with Chhari Dhandh is essential for answering map-based and biodiversity-related questions.
Summary
Gujarat's Chhari-Dhandh Wetland Conservation Reserve, located in the Kachchh district bordering the Banni grasslands, has been recognized as a Ramsar site. As a critical stopover on the Central Asian Flyway, it hosts lakhs of migratory birds annually and represents a unique desert-grassland-wetland ecosystem. It is the fifth Ramsar site in the state.
Key Points
- Chhari-Dhandh Wetland Conservation Reserve in Gujarat's Kachchh district has been declared a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention.
- It is the fifth Ramsar site in Gujarat and the first in the ecologically sensitive Kachchh region.
- Situated near the Banni grasslands, it represents a unique ecological interface of desert, grassland, and wetland landscapes.
- The wetland serves as a crucial wintering ground on the Central Asian Flyway, attracting numerous migratory birds, including the notable Grey Hypocolius, common cranes, flamingos, and pelicans.
Important Terms
Ramsar Convention
An international treaty signed in 1971 for the conservation and sustainable "wise use" of wetlands. India is a signatory with nearly 100 designated sites of international importance.
UPSC context
GS Paper 3 (Environment). Vital for understanding international environmental protocols and India's wetland conservation commitments.
Central Asian Flyway
A major bird migration route covering 30 countries from the Arctic to the Indian Ocean. India serves as a core wintering hub for over 600 migratory species along this path.
UPSC context
GS Paper 3 (Biodiversity). Tests knowledge of migration patterns and India's leadership via the National Action Plan for CAF.
Banni Grasslands
One of Asia’s largest tropical grasslands located in Kutch, Gujarat. It is known for its unique arid ecosystem, the pastoral Maldhari community, and as a potential cheetah reintroduction site.
UPSC context
GS Paper 1 (Geography) & GS 3. Significant for studying arid-zone ecology, invasive species, and traditional pastoral livelihoods.
Chhari-Dhand Wetland
A seasonal saline wetland in Gujarat's Kutch district. Designated as a Ramsar site in 2026, it supports lakhs of migratory birds including thousands of common cranes and flamingos.
UPSC context
GS Paper 3 (Environment). Important as a new Ramsar site and for regional ecology of the Rann of Kutch.
Conservation Reserve
A protected area category under India's Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. These reserves typically act as buffer zones or corridors and involve community-led management of habitats and wildlife.
UPSC context
GS Paper 3 (Environment/Governance). Tests understanding of legal protection categories and community-government collaborative conservation models in India.
Convention on Migratory Species (CMS)
Also known as the Bonn Convention, this UNEP-led treaty provides a global framework for the conservation of migratory species and their habitats throughout their entire range.
UPSC context
GS Paper 3 (International Treaties). Crucial for questions on transboundary biodiversity conservation and India's environmental diplomacy.
Prelims Trap
"Chhari-Dhandh is a perennial freshwater lake ecosystem in Gujarat."
It is a seasonal saline desert wetland dependent on monsoon rains and runoff, situated at the edge of the arid Banni grasslands and salt flats.
Static Concepts Connected
What are the ecological features of the Banni Grasslands?
- Geography: One of the largest continuous tracts of arid grasslands in Asia, located in the Kachchh district of Gujarat.
- Pastoralism: Home to the traditional Maldhari pastoral community and the genetically distinct, drought-resilient Banni buffalo.
- Invasive threat: Facing severe ecological degradation and habitat loss due to the rampant spread of Prosopis juliflora (an invasive alien tree).
What is the Central Asian Flyway (CAF)?
- Span: A major geographical migratory route covering 30 countries, stretching from the Arctic Ocean to the Indian Ocean.
- India's role: India is a core country, providing critical wintering and stopover grounds (like Chhari-Dhandh) for waterbirds.
- Species diversity: It supports over 400 species of migratory birds, including vulnerable species like flamingos, cranes, and pelicans.
Cross-Topic Patterns
Grasslands + Invasive Alien Species
UPSC frequently tests invasive species. The ecological link between the Chhari-Dhandh wetland and the adjacent Banni grasslands brings the destructive alien tree species Prosopis juliflora back into sharp focus.
Ramsar Sites + Migratory Flyways
Chhari-Dhandh connects local conservation (Ramsar) with global migratory routes (Central Asian Flyway), a dual-framework theme increasingly tested in multi-statement prelims questions.
Expect a multi-statement question combining Chhari-Dhandh's unique saline desert-wetland ecosystem, the Banni grasslands, and the CAF.
Linked PYQs · 4
Linked PYQs · 4
- 2019PrelimsGS1
Consider the following statements: 1. Under Ramsar Convention, it is mandatory on the part of the Government of India to protect and conserve all the wetlands in the territory of India. 2. The Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2010 were framed by the Government of India based on the recommendations of Ramsar Convention. 3. The Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2010 also encompass the drainage area or catchment regions of the wetlands as determined by the authority. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 2023PrelimsGS1
Which one of the following is the best example of repeated falls in sea level, giving rise to present-day extensive marshland?
- 2020PrelimsGS1
With reference to India's biodiversity, Ceylon frogmouth, Coppersmith barbet, Gray-chinned minivet and White-throated redstart are
- 2021PrelimsGS1
With reference to India, Didwana, Kuchaman, Sargol and Khatu are the names of
