Madhubani: A total of 3,911 water bodies spanning more than 2.25 hectares have been identified across Bihar under a comprehensive survey conducted by the Bihar State Wetland Authority. Katihar and Purnia districts recorded the highest number of wetlands.
Statewide Campaign for Conservation
The exercise is part of a statewide campaign on conservation and scientific documentation of wetlands, being carried out in compliance with directives issued by the Supreme Court of India. The initiative aims to systematically document and protect these vital ecosystems.
Mobile Application for Data Collection
To ensure systematic documentation and conservation planning, the environment, forest and climate change department of the Bihar government has developed a mobile application named Save Bihar Wetlands. This application will be used to collect important data related to water quality, biodiversity, ecological significance, encroachment, and other threats to wetlands.
Capacity Building Programme
A capacity-building programme on conservation and scientific documentation of wetlands was also organized under the aegis of the Bihar State Wetland Authority. Under the guidance of the additional principal chief conservator of forests (climate change and wetlands), forest guards and field-level personnel are preparing brief documentation of wetlands using the mobile application.
As part of the ongoing training series, wetland expert Saroj Kumar Warik imparted training to forest personnel of the Madhubani forest division. During the session, participants were trained in the use of the Save Bihar Wetlands mobile application, geo-tagging, biodiversity documentation, data collection, and reporting of threats affecting wetlands.
Strengthening Grassroots Efforts
Officials said the initiative aims to strengthen grassroots-level efforts towards protection and sustainable management of Bihar's crucial wetland ecosystems. The comprehensive survey and documentation will help in formulating effective conservation strategies.
