Chandigarh wetland joins global Ramsar list for wildlife
Chandigarh officials officially designated the citys Sukhna Wetland as India one hundred and third Ramsar Site today.
Located near the Shivalik Hills, this peri-urban reservoir provides critical habitats for thousands of migratory waterbirds traveling between continents annually. The surrounding vegetation and open water support feeding, breeding, and wintering activities essential for these species survival.
Four distinct habitats within this interconnected ecosystem allow different wildlife forms to utilize the wetland in various specific ways effectively. Some species depend on open water while others use the banks or surrounding woodland for shelter and safety.
Sukhna lies along the Central Asian Flyway where birds require essential spots to eat, rest, and regain strength before continuing their long migration journeys. This stopover is vital for maintaining bird populations that traverse vast geographical routes connecting breeding grounds and wintering areas.
Three notable species including the vulnerable Common Pochard and endangered Pallas's Fish Eagle depend on this freshwater environment for their continued existence. The endangered Black Pond Turtle also relies on suitable aquatic environments found within this protected urban wetland area.