Eight Wetlands Lost Over Three Decades, Experts Warn of Ecological Damage

Punjab has lost eight wetlands in the past 30 years due to government inaction and unchecked land conversion. Environmental experts warn that this loss is severely impacting biodiversity and groundwater recharge. They emphasize the need for urgent conservation measures to protect these vital ecosystems.

Disappearing Wetlands and Their Impact

Over 2,800 hectares of wetland area has vanished across districts like Patiala, Mansa, Gurdaspur, Hoshiarpur, Jalandhar, Ferozepur, and Fazilka. The lack of protection has led to a decline in aquatic life and reduced natural groundwater replenishment.

Wetlands That Have Disappeared

• Bhupinder Sagar (Patiala) – 1,280 hectares
• Chhangli Chham (Ferozepur) – 1,000 hectares
• Rahon De Chhamb (Jalandhar) – 300 hectares
• Sangreri (Mansa) – 41 hectares
• Gauspur Chham, Jandwal Chhamb, and Dharamkot Dham have also disappeared due to land-use changes.

Causes of Wetland Destruction

Environmental scientist Onkar Singh Brraich from Punjabi University attributes the loss of wetlands to:

• Siltation, which degrades aquatic habitats
• Conversion of land for agriculture and urban development
• Lack of government intervention despite wetlands being on private land

He criticized the authorities for failing to acquire and conserve these wetlands.

Punjab’s Protected Wetlands

Despite these losses, Punjab still has several protected wetlands under Ramsar and national conservation programs:

Internationally Protected (Ramsar Sites)

• Harike Pattan
• Ropar
• Kanjali
• Nangal
• Keshopur-Maini
• Beas Conservation Reserve

Nationally Protected Wetlands

• Ranjit Sagar Wetland
• Bholbaha (Hoshiarpur)
• Jastarwal (Amritsar)
• Kahnuwal (Gurdaspur)
• Mand Barthala (Nawanshahr)

Urgent Solutions Needed

To prevent further losses, experts recommend:

• Stricter siltation control to protect water quality
• Afforestation in catchment areas to prevent land erosion
• Construction of check dams to reduce sediment flow
• Proactive conservation strategies to safeguard wetlands
• Documenting biodiversity loss to track ecological impact

Declining Bird Migration Due to Wetland Loss

Punjab’s wetlands were once home to over 200 species of migratory birds, including:

• Rosy Pelican, Northern Pintail, Brahmin Duck, Mallards, Gray Heron, and Siberian Ducks
• These birds migrate from Siberia, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and the Himalayan region

With wetlands disappearing, these birds struggle to find safe nesting and feeding grounds, further disturbing the region’s ecological balance.

The Vanishing Legacy of Bhupinder Sagar

Bhupinder Sagar in Patiala was once a thriving wetland where Maharaja Bhupinder Singh enjoyed waterfowling with British Viceroys. It covered 1,280 hectares but has now been completely drained for farming, leaving behind nothing but dry land.

Final Call for Action

Experts urge the Punjab government to take immediate steps to conserve the remaining wetlands before it’s too late. Without strong conservation policies, Punjab’s wetlands may disappear forever, leading to irreversible ecological damage.