BHOJ WETLAND (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Env and Eco)

Context: The Union Government recently affirmed that Bhoj Wetland in Bhopal, an international Ramsar site, is not at risk of being removed from the Ramsar Convention list of wetlands of international importance.

Bhoj Wetland

• Location: These lakes consist of two interconnected human-made reservoirs situated within Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh.
• Reservoirs: It consists of two contiguous human-made reservoirs, the Upper and Lower Lakes.

o The Upper Lake is locally referred to as Bhojtal or Bada Talaab, while the Lower Lake is known as Chhota Talaab.

• Water Source: The Upper Lake is a major source of potable water for Bhopal.
• Biodiversity Richness: These lakes boast significant biodiversity, particularly concerning macrophytes, phytoplankton, and zooplankton.
• Diverse Fish Population: With over 15 different types of fish, the lakes are home to a variety of aquatic species, including vulnerable ones such as turtles, amphibians, and aquatic invertebrates.
• Ramsar Designation: In 2002, these lakes were officially designated as Ramsar sites, recognizing their international importance for wetland conservation.