Gogabeel Lake in Katihar district, Bihar — a natural oxbow lake formed by the meandering of the Ganga and Mahananda rivers — was listed as Ramsar site no. 2579 with designation date 13 May 2025 and last publication date 30 October 2025. Covering approximately 86.63 hectares, Gogabeel was already Bihar's first Community Reserve, declared in 2019 under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. The lake supports over 90 bird species, including 30 migratory species, and is a critical habitat for the vulnerable Lesser Adjutant Stork, and Smooth-coated Otter. With this designation, Bihar now has six Ramsar sites, ranking third in India after Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh. India's Ramsar-site total has since risen to 99 after Shekha Jheel Bird Sanctuary was designated in April 2026. The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands was signed in Ramsar, Iran in 1971 and India acceded to it in 1982.
Gogabeel Lake in Bihar Declared India's 94th Ramsar Wetland Site
Gogabeel Lake in Katihar district, Bihar — a natural oxbow lake formed by the meandering of the Ganga and Mahananda rivers — was listed as Ramsar site no. 2579 with designation date 13 May 2025 and last publication date 30 October 2025. Covering approximately 86.63 hectares, Gogabeel was already Bihar's first Community Reserve, declared in 2019 under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. The lake supports over 90 bird species, including 30 migratory species, and is a critical habitat for the vulnerable Lesser Adjutant Stork, and Smooth-coated Otter. With this designation, Bihar now has six Ramsar sites, ranking third in India after Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh. India's Ramsar-site total has since risen to 99 after Shekha Jheel Bird Sanctuary was designated in April 2026. The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands was signed in Ramsar, Iran in 1971 and India acceded to it in 1982.
Key facts
- Gogabeel Lake in Katihar district, Bihar declared India's 94th Ramsar Wetland Site in November 2025.
- It is a natural oxbow lake formed by meandering of Ganga and Mahananda rivers.
- Covers 86.63 hectares and was already Bihar's first Community Reserve declared in 2019.
- Lake supports 90+ bird species including 30 migratory species and vulnerable Lesser Adjutant Stork.
- Bihar now has six Ramsar sites, ranking third nationally after Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh.
- India ranks third globally with 94 Ramsar sites after UK (176) and Mexico (144).
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Gogabeel Lake, declared India's 94th Ramsar site in November 2025, is located in which state?
Gogabeel Lake, in Katihar district of Bihar, is a natural oxbow lake formed by the meandering of the Ganga and Mahananda rivers; it became India's 94th Ramsar site in November 2025.
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Frequently asked questions
Which lake was declared India's 94th Ramsar Wetland Site and where is it located?
Gogabeel Lake, located in Katihar district of Bihar, was declared India's 94th Ramsar Wetland Site in November 2025. It is a natural oxbow lake formed by the meandering of the Ganga and Mahananda rivers.
What was Gogabeel Lake's earlier conservation status?
Gogabeel Lake was already Bihar's first Community Reserve, declared in 2019 under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, covering approximately 86.63 hectares.
What is the wildlife significance of Gogabeel Lake?
Gogabeel Lake supports over 90 bird species including 30 migratory species, and is a critical habitat for the vulnerable Lesser Adjutant Stork and Black-necked Stork.
How many Ramsar sites does Bihar now have and what is India's global rank?
Bihar now has six Ramsar sites, ranking third nationally after Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh. India is third globally with 94 Ramsar sites, after the UK (176) and Mexico (144).
What is a Ramsar site?
A Ramsar site is a wetland designated as internationally important under the Ramsar Convention (Convention on Wetlands of International Importance), signed in Ramsar, Iran in 1971. Designation obligates countries to conserve and sustainably use these wetlands.
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