Khecheoparli Wetland , first Ramsar Site of Sikkim

As a world prepares to celebrate World Wetland Day , India announces the addition of four new Ramsar site including Sakkarakottai Bird Sanctuary and Therthangal Bird Sanctuary (Tamil Nadu) , Udhwa Lake(Jharkhand) , and Khecheoparli Wetland (Sikkim). Khecheoparli Wetland is the first Ramsar site of Sikkim. The Ramsar designation highlights not only its cultural and religious importance but also its rich biodiversity and ecological role within the Khanchendzonga National Park ecosystem.

Khecheoparli – Mysterious wish fulfilling Lake

The Khecheoparli holy lake is located in the Gyalshing district of Sikkim. It is situated in the midst of forest revealing its pristine set up at 27⁰ 22’24” N and 88⁰ 12’ 30” E with an altitude of 1700 m amsl in the West Sikkim. It is reported that the lake is being formed by the scooping action of hanging glacier (Raina, 1966). The lake watershed has mixed broad leaved forests and agricultural land with a total area of 12 km² having two villages, which includes 91 ha area specifically as the lake watershed. This lake is also known as the wishing lake. This unusually tranquil lake, surrounded by verdant forest is considered as one of the sacred lakes of Sikkim both by the Buddhist and the Hindus and no water sport or other activities besides prayers are allowed around it. It is believed that birds do not permit even a single leaf to float on the lake surface. The lake is being visited by more than 10,000 foreign and domestic tourists in a year.(sikkimforest.gov.in). According to folklore legend related to Sikkim topography, the Khecheopalri is said to represent one of the four plexus of the human body namely, the thorax; the other three plexes are said to be represented by Yuksom (the third eye), Tashiding (head) and Pemayangtse (the heart).

There is a significant land-use/cover change occurred in the past 4 decades, which in turn causes threat to the long term existence of the lake. The bog area expanded by 67%, while the area under agriculture land in the lake watershed grew by 63%. Sediment loads of 345 mg per year were recorded at the lake inlet and of 316 mg per year at the outlet. Annual soil loss from the lake watershed was 502 mg per km and a net sediment deposition in the lake was 141 mg per year. The lake received high nutrient loads (organic carbon of 10.2 mg per year, total nitrogen of 1.01 mg per year and total phosphorus of 0.51 mg per year) from soil erosion and overland flow. The pH, total phosphorus and bulk density of the peat increased from the lake towards the bog-forest edge. This reflects the trapping of sediments and nutrients around the bog forest margin, although their retention is limited. Thus immediate intervention was required to conserve and manage this fragile wetland.

Ramsar Convention  and Ramsar Sites

The Ramsar Convention, officially known as the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance, is an international treaty adopted in 1971 in the Iranian city of Ramsar. It was established to promote the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands around the world, recognizing their crucial role in maintaining biodiversity, supporting ecosystems, and providing resources for human communities. Wetlands, which include lakes, rivers, marshes, mangroves, and even some coral reefs, are vital for water purification, flood control, carbon storage, and as habitats for countless plant and animal species.A Ramsar Site is any wetland designated under this convention as being of international importance. These sites are recognized for their unique ecological, botanical, zoological, or hydrological significance. Once a wetland is designated as a Ramsar Site, it commits to the principles of sustainable use and conservation, balancing environmental protection with human activities. Countries that are parties to the convention are required to maintain the ecological character of their Ramsar sites and promote their wise use.As of now, there are over 2,400 Ramsar Sites worldwide, covering more than 250 million hectares. In India, numerous wetlands have been recognized under this convention, highlighting the country's rich and diverse wetland ecosystems. The recent inclusion of Khecheopalri Lake as a Ramsar Site not only emphasizes its ecological importance but also brings global attention to the need for its conservation while respecting the cultural and spiritual values associated with it.

World Wetlands Day 2025

The world has lost almost 90% of its wetlands since the 1700s, and these vital ecosystems are disappearing three times faster than forests. This is a critical problem because wetlands are essential for biodiversity, climate change solutions, clean water, economic stability, and much more. Raising awareness about the importance of wetlands is crucial in stopping their destruction and promoting their conservation and restoration. World Wetlands Day provides a perfect opportunity to educate people about these invaluable ecosystems and inspire action to protect them.

On 30 August 2021 the UN General Assembly adopted Resolution 75/317 that established 2nd February as World Wetlands Day. World Wetlands Day is celebrated each year on 2nd February to raise awareness about wetlands. This day also marks the anniversary of the Convention on Wetlands, which was adopted as an international treaty in 1971. Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future is the theme for World Wetlands Day 2025. World Wetlands Day 2025 is of particular significance, as it coincides with the 15th Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Convention on Wetlands (COP15). Every three years, representatives of the governments of each of the Contracting Parties meet to facilitate crucial discussions on the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands and to agree on a work program for the next three years. Zimbabwe is the global conservation arena for COP15 – scheduled for 23-31 July 2025 in Victoria Falls under the same theme as World Wetlands Day 2025.(worldwetlandsday.org)

From providing clean water and flood control to supporting incredible biodiversity and mitigating climate change, wetlands are essential for both human well-being and the health of our planet. The alarming rate of wetland loss underscores the urgent need for action. This day is not just a celebration, but a call to intensify our efforts in wetland conservation and restoration. By raising awareness, promoting sustainable practices, and empowering local communities, we can ensure that these vital ecosystems continue to thrive for generations to come. Let World Wetlands Day inspire us to become stewards of these precious resources and work towards a future where wetlands are protected and valued for the countless benefits they provide and lets congratulate Sikkim for its first ever Ramsar Site.