Numbers
3,800
Total Area (In Hector)
17,000
Land Usage
Ecological Information
Important Species
Transitional zone between Chotanagpur Plateau and coastal plains
Dominated by rivers and seasonal water bodies
Wetlands include:
Floodplain wetlands (Kangsabati, Subarnarekha)
Irrigation tanks and canals
Mix of natural and man-made wetlands
Moderate biodiversity compared to deltaic districts
Ecosystem Services
Fish: carps, catfish, indigenous fish species
Birds: herons, egrets, kingfishers, storks, migratory ducks
Amphibians: frogs and toads
Reptiles: turtles, water snakes
Aquatic plants: lotus, water hyacinth, reeds
Seasonal Hydrology
Irrigation support for agriculture
Flood control and drainage regulation
Groundwater recharge
Fisheries and aquaculture
Nutrient cycling and soil fertility improvement
Socio Economic Importance
Major rivers: Kangsabati, Subarnarekha, Silabati (Shilabati), Kansai
Monsoon: Wetlands expand significantly
Dry season: Many shrink but remain functional due to irrigation systems
Strong dependence on:
River flow + rainfall
Presence of canal irrigation networks and reservoirs
Wetland Converted
Agricultural expansion and land conversion
Siltation and drying of wetlands
Pollution from fertilizers and domestic waste
Encroachment and infrastructure development
Climate variability affecting water availability
Name of Wetlands
Information
Kangsabati floodplain wetlands
Kangsabati floodplain wetlands are seasonal riverine ecosystems formed by monsoon overflow of the Kangsabati River. These wetlands expand significantly during the rainy season and shrink in the dry months, creating dynamic habitats. They support diverse fish species, birds, amphibians, and aquatic vegetation. The wetlands play an important role in flood control, groundwater recharge, and nutrient enrichment of surrounding agricultural land. Local communities depend on them for irrigation, fishing, and livestock use. However, siltation, reduced river flow, and agricultural encroachment pose challenges to their long-term sustainability.
Subarnarekha floodplain wetlands
Subarnarekha floodplain wetlands are important riverine ecosystems influenced by the transboundary Subarnarekha River. These wetlands support rich biodiversity, including fish, migratory birds, and aquatic plants. Seasonal flooding replenishes nutrients, enhancing soil fertility and supporting agriculture. The wetlands provide ecosystem services such as flood regulation, groundwater recharge, and water purification. They are crucial for local livelihoods, particularly fisheries and farming. However, industrial pollution upstream, sand mining, and land-use changes are major threats affecting their ecological balance and sustainability.
Silabati River Wetlands
Silabati River wetlands are seasonal wetlands formed along the Silabati River, largely dependent on monsoon rainfall. These wetlands support agriculture by providing irrigation water and improving soil fertility through sediment deposition. They also sustain fish populations, birds, and aquatic vegetation, contributing to biodiversity. The wetlands play a role in flood mitigation and groundwater recharge. Local communities rely on them for farming, fishing, and domestic use. However, reduced water flow, siltation, and human encroachment are impacting their ecological health and sustainability.
Midnapore tank systems
Midnapore tank systems consist of numerous traditional ponds and tanks distributed across rural and semi-urban areas. These man-made wetlands are crucial for water storage, irrigation, fisheries, and domestic use. They support aquatic biodiversity, including fish, amphibians, and birds. These tanks also contribute to groundwater recharge and help regulate local microclimates. Local communities depend heavily on them for livelihood activities. However, issues such as siltation, pollution, neglect, and encroachment are affecting their functionality, highlighting the need for proper maintenance and conservation.
Debra–Pingla wetlands
Debra–Pingla wetlands are low-lying seasonal wetlands formed in agricultural landscapes of Paschim Medinipur. These wetlands accumulate rainwater during monsoon and serve as important water sources for irrigation and agriculture. They support fish, amphibians, birds, and aquatic plants, contributing to local biodiversity. The wetlands play a role in flood control, groundwater recharge, and maintaining soil moisture. They are vital for rural livelihoods, particularly farming and small-scale fisheries. However, increasing agricultural intensification, land conversion, and pollution are threatening their ecological sustainability.