Why in the News?

The Madhya Pradesh State Wetland Authority has reported that Bhoj Wetland in Bhopal is not at risk of being removed from the Ramsar Convention List of important international wetlands.

About Bhoj Wetland

• Bhoj Wetland is located in the center of Bhopal district in Madhya Pradesh.
• The wetland includes two man-made lakes: the upper lake and the lower lake.
• Since August 2002, they have been recognized as a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention.
• The upper lake, created by King Bhoj in the 11th century, is one of the oldest large man-made lakes in central India.
• • It was formed by building an earthen dam across the Kolans River, which used to be a tributary of the Halali River.
  • Now, the upper part of the Kolans River and the Bhojtal drain into the Kaliasot River through a diversion channel.
  • Bhadbhada Dam, built in 1965, controls the outflow to the Kaliasot River.
• The lower lake was created in 1794 by Nawab Chhote Khan to beautify the city.
  • It also has an earthen dam and drains into the Halali River through the lower part of the Kolans River, now called the Patra Drain.
  • Both the Kaliasot and Halali Rivers flow into the Betwa River.

Significance of Bhoj Wetland

• The upper lake provides 40% of Bhopal’s drinking water, while the lower lake supplies raw water and enhances the city’s beauty.
• It supports over 700 species of plants and animals, including zooplankton and phytoplankton.
• Both lakes are rich in biodiversity, supporting various fish species, birds, insects, reptiles, and amphibians.

Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024

Attend Now