Now Reading: Alwara Lake in Kaushambi set to become Ramsar site
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Alwara Lake in Kaushambi set to become Ramsar site
Alwara Lake in Kaushambi, the largest natural wetland in Prayagraj division, is expected to be declared Uttar Pradesh’s 14th Ramsar site. The forest department has submitted the proposal with all documents, and…
The Story in Brief
Alwara Lake in Kaushambi, the largest natural wetland in Prayagraj division, is expected to be declared Uttar Pradesh’s 14th Ramsar site. The forest department has submitted the proposal with all documents, and officials say the process is in its final stage. The 425-hectare perennial wetland, fed by the Yamuna’s backflow and rainwater, already hosts vulnerable species like the Sarus crane and migratory birds.
The designation will strengthen biodiversity conservation, curb encroachment and pollution, and promote scientific management. It may also boost eco-tourism and create livelihoods. Officials see tourism potential linking the lake to the proposed Ramayana Tourism Circuit, with plans for a yoga centre and wellness facilities. India had 101 Ramsar sites as of August 2026.
The Indian Opinion
The hype around eco-tourism and wellness centres at Alwara Lake risks burying the real purpose of a Ramsar tag: conservation. A designation is meaningless if encroachment and pollution get a free pass while yoga pavilions take centre stage. The real test will be whether the state actually funds scientific management and keeps commercial plans from harming the Sarus crane habitat. Otherwise, this becomes just another star on a certificate while the lake dries up.
Source: hindustantimes.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.
