Menar is a rural community in the Udaipur district that is recognized as the “bird village” due to its community-driven conservation efforts. The area, famous for hosting a large number of migratory birds every year, is now on its way to be declared as Rajasthan’s new wetland. If successful, Menar could soon join the prestigious list of Ramsar sites.
Understanding Wetlands and their Significance
Wetlands are ecosystems typically filled with water, either seasonally or permanently. They encompass a variety of environs such as mangroves, marshes, rivers, lakes, deltas, flooded forests, rice-fields, coral reefs, and even human-made wetlands such as waste-water treatment ponds and reservoirs.
These wetlands play a vital role in the planet’s ecosystem. Besides mitigating floods, they absorb pollutants, improve water quality, protect coastlines, and aid in building community resilience to disasters. Wetlands also support livelihoods – over 1 billion people depend on them for a living. Moreover, up to 40% of the world’s species live and breed in wetlands.
Wetlands are also rich sources of food, raw materials, hydropower, and genetic resources for medicines. They store about 30% of land-based carbon in peatland, aiding climate control. Plus, it’s not just about environmental benefits; wetlands are crucial for transport, tourism, cultural and spiritual well-being of people. In fact, many wetlands are considered areas of natural beauty, and hold significant importance to Aboriginal people.
Spotlight on Menar Wetland
The Menar wetland predominantly consists of two lakes – Brahma and Dhandh, which attract a large number of migratory birds annually. The process to officially declare Menar as a wetland has been initiated by the Forest Department, recognizing its role in sediment and nutrient storage. This would aid local authorities to maintain and protect these lakes better.
Over 150 species of local and migratory birds find a home in these two lakes during winter. Some of the observed species include Greater Flamingo, White-tailed Lapwing, Pelican, Marsh Harrier, Bar-headed Goose, Common Teal, Greenshank, Pintail, Wagtail, Green Sandpiper and Red-wattled Lapwing. With this wetland status, it would be possible to increase the vegetation of aquatic plants and protect biodiversity.
Ramsar Sites in Rajasthan
Rajasthan currently boasts of two Ramsar sites – The Keoladeo Ghana in Bharatpur district and Sambhar Salt Lake in Jaipur district.
Significance of a Ramsar Listing
The Ramsar title is a prestigious tag that ensures strengthened protection for the area, creating defenses against encroachment. It operates akin to an International Organization for Standardization (ISO) certification. However, maintaining the status requires consistent standards, failing which the site can be delisted.
A Ramsar tag would not only add prestige to Menar but also increase its brand value. Wetlands in India serve as foraging and resting grounds for migratory birds during winter. Many species of birds use the route passing through Afghanistan and Pakistan to enter India via Gujarat and Rajasthan, avoiding the Himalayas. Thus, a Ramsar tag for Menar could boost the region’s ecological prominence and tourism attraction further.
Conclusion
Menar’s potential evolution from a bird village to a recognized wetland and then a Ramsar site would be a significant step towards acknowledging and preserving the rich biodiversity of the Mewar region. Such recognitions not only draw attention to the importance of sustaining wetlands but also emphasize the role communities can play in conservation efforts.
