Odisha, a state rich in natural heritage and biodiversity, is home to six Ramsar sites — wetlands of international importance under the Ramsar Convention. These ecologically sensitive areas not only protect a vast array of flora and fauna but also support the livelihoods of thousands of people through fishing, agriculture, and ecotourism.
But first, let’s understand what a Ramsar Site actually is.
What is a Ramsar Site?
A Ramsar Site is a wetland designated to be of international importance under the Ramsar Convention, an intergovernmental treaty signed in 1971 in the Iranian city of Ramsar, Iran. The aim is to conserve wetlands and ensure their sustainable use for future generations. Wetlands provide essential services like water purification, flood control, biodiversity support, and climate regulation.
India currently has over 75 Ramsar sites, and Odisha proudly contributes six of them, each with unique ecological significance.
Odisha’s Six Ramsar Sites: Natural Gems of Eastern India
1. Chilika Lake (Designated: October 1, 1981)
Location: Spanning Khordha, Ganjam, and Puri districts
Type: Brackish water lagoon
Highlight: Chilika holds the honour of being India’s first Ramsar site and Asia’s largest coastal lagoon.
Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon serves as a vital wintering ground for migratory birds and a protected sanctuary for the endangered Irrawaddy dolphin. This rich biodiversity hotspot is home to unique species like red crabs and carries deep historical and cultural significance, supporting the livelihoods of numerous fishing communities.
Ecological Value: It supports over 160 species of fish and is a lifeline for thousands of fisherfolk.
2. Bhitarkanika Mangroves (Designated: 2002)
Location: Kendrapara district
Type: Mangrove ecosystem
Highlight: Home to India’s second-largest mangrove forest, this site is known for its saltwater crocodiles, migratory birds, and rare mangrove species. It also shelters endangered species like the olive ridley turtle and King Cobra.
Ecological Value: Acts as a natural shield against cyclones and tidal surges.
3. Tampara Lake (Designated: August 2022)
Location: Ganjam district
Type: Freshwater lake
Highlight: One of the largest natural freshwater lakes in southern Odisha, Tampara is rich in aquatic plants, migratory birds, and local fish species.
Ecological Value: It plays a critical role in groundwater recharge and local climate moderation.
4. Hirakud Reservoir (Designated: August 2022)
Location: Sambalpur district
Type: Reservoir
Highlight: Built on the Mahanadi River, this is one of the longest earthen dams in the world. It is a critical source of irrigation, hydroelectric power, and drinking water.
Ecological Value: Supports diverse aquatic species and controls seasonal flooding in the Mahanadi delta.
5. Ansupa Lake (Designated: 2021)
Location: Cuttack district
Type: Oxbow lake (formed by meandering of the Mahanadi River)
Highlight: The largest freshwater lake in Odisha, Ansupa is known for its scenic beauty, lotus-filled waters, and surrounding bamboo and mango groves.
Ecological Value: It serves as a bird haven, especially for migratory species during winter.
6. Satkosia Gorge (Designated: October 2021)
Location: Angul and Nayagarh districts
Type: Riverine gorge ecosystem
Highlight: This site includes the majestic Satkosia Gorge where the Mahanadi River cuts through the Eastern Ghats. It’s a mosaic of rivers, marshes, and tropical forests.
Ecological Value: Known for housing gharial crocodiles, tiger reserves, and several endemic species.
How Ramsar Sites Are Eco-Friendly
Ramsar Sites are wetlands of international importance that provide critical ecological functions. Here’s how they contribute to eco-friendliness and sustainability:
1. Natural Water Purifiers
Wetlands filter pollutants, sediments, and heavy metals from water, improving water quality naturally without artificial intervention.
2. Flood and Climate Regulation
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Ramsar sites absorb excess rainwater, preventing floods.
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They also store carbon, helping mitigate climate change by reducing greenhouse gases.
3. Biodiversity Hotspots
These sites provide habitats for endangered species, migratory birds, and rare plants, playing a key role in preserving global biodiversity.
4. Groundwater Recharge
Wetlands help replenish underground water reserves, ensuring long-term water security for agriculture and communities.
5. Natural Climate Buffers
They regulate local temperature and humidity, helping surrounding ecosystems and human settlements adapt to climate variability.
Impact of Tourism Development on Ramsar Sites
Tourism can have both positive and negative effects on Ramsar sites. It depends on how it’s managed.
Positive Impacts
1. Eco-Tourism Boosts Awareness
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Encourages people to appreciate and protect wetlands.
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Generates local income and jobs through responsible tourism (guides, homestays, etc.).
2. Funds for Conservation
Revenue from tourism can support wetland preservation, restoration, and education programs.
3. Community Involvement
Locals often become stakeholders in wetland protection when they benefit economically from tourism.
Conclusion: Odisha – A Land Where Culture Meets Conservation
From the migratory birds at Chilika to the crocodiles in Bhitarkanika, and from the freshwater tranquility of Ansupa to the grandeur of Satkosia Gorge, each Ramsar site tells a story of nature’s grace and resilience.
Let us celebrate and protect these ecological treasures — not just as environmental obligations, but as a proud part of Odisha’s identity and legacy.