KESHOPUR-MIANI COMMUNITY RESERVE – ENVIRONMENT
News:
Gurdaspur’s wetlands, a
haven for migratory birds, need urgent help
What's
in the news?
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Regular monitoring and maintenance are
required to preserve the delicate balance of sensitive ecosystems like the
Keshopur-Miani wetlands.
Keshopur-Miani
Community Reserve:
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Keshopur-Miani Community Reserve is a
dynamic freshwater ecosystem in the district of Gurdaspur, Punjab.
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It is the first-ever notified community reserve of India under the Wildlife
Protection Act, 1972 (amended 2002).
Uniqueness:
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The Reserve is a mosaic of natural
marshes, aquaculture ponds and agricultural wetlands maintained by the annual
rainfall runoff.
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It is one of the Ramsar Sites from the state of Punjab.
Significance:
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The reserve comprises freshwater marshes
(natural wetlands) that cover an area of 340ha and is an important waterfowl habitat and migratory bird corridor during the
winter season.
Threats:
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It is heavily human-influenced, and
includes a series of managed fishponds and cultivated crops such as lotus and
chestnut.