Kanwar lake

• Kanwar lake, also known as Kabartal Wetland or Jheel, is located in Begusarai district, Bihar.
• It is Asia’s largest freshwater oxbow lake.
• The lake draws its water from confluence of Gandak, Bia and Kareh river.
• It is Bihar’s first Ramsar site recognised as wetland of international importance in 2020.
• Also, It is Important stopover along Central Asian Flyway, with 58 migratory waterbirds using it to rest and refuel.
• It is also a valuable site for fish biodiversity with over 50 species documented.
• Five critically endangered species inhabit the site, including
  • three vultures – the red-headed vulture (Sarcogyps calvus), white-rumped vulture (Gyps bengalensis) and Indian vulture (Gyps indicus) – and
  • two waterbirds – the sociable lapwing (Vanellus gregarius) and Baer’s pochard (Aythya baeri).
• Major threats to the site include water management activities such as drainage, water abstraction, damming and canalization.

Latest News

• 17 May 2024:
  • Kanwar lake which was once a migratory bird paradise, now struggles for its survival. The condition of the Lake has been deteriorating and the drying area has been increasing.