SILISERH LAKE DECLARED RAMSAR SITE

NEWS – The historic Siliserh Lake in Alwar, Rajasthan, has been declared a Ramsar Site under the Convention on Wetlands, 1971. With this addition, India’s total Ramsar sites have increased to 96, marking a significant milestone in the country’s wetland conservation journey. Siliserh Lake is now the fifth Ramsar site in Rajasthan.

ECOLOGICAL AND BIODIVERSITY SIGNIFICANCE

Siliserh Lake is known for its rich biodiversity and scenic landscape. It functions as an important freshwater ecosystem in an otherwise semi-arid region.

• Habitat for over 100 species of birds, including cranes, kingfishers and migratory waterbirds
• Acts as a gateway to Sariska Tiger Reserve, enhancing landscape-level conservation
• Supports local hydrology, groundwater recharge and microclimate regulation

HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL IMPORTANCE

• Constructed in 1845 by Maharaja Vinay Singh of Alwar
• Originally built to supply drinking water to Alwar city
• The adjoining Siliserh Lake Palace, now a heritage hotel, is a major tourist attraction

IMPLICATIONS OF RAMSAR TAG

The Ramsar designation is expected to strengthen integrated wetland management:

• Enhanced biodiversity conservation and habitat protection
• Promotion of eco-tourism and birdwatching
• Improved water security and climate resilience
• Support for sustainable livelihoods of local communities

INDIA AND THE RAMSAR CONVENTION

• Ramsar Convention came into force in 1971
• India’s Ramsar sites increased from 26 in 2014 to 96 in 2025
• India is now nearing the milestone of 100 Ramsar sites