Numbers
3,500
Total Area (In Hector)
15,000
Land Usage
Ecological Information
Important Species
Fish: carps, catfish, indigenous fish species
Birds: herons, egrets, kingfishers, migratory waterfowl
Notable: ~37 wetland bird species recorded in beels like Chariganga & Arpara
Amphibians: frogs and toads
Aquatic plants: water hyacinth, lotus, Trapa natans
Ecosystem Services
Flood control & water storage
Groundwater recharge (important in arsenic-affected areas)
Fisheries and food production
Irrigation support for agriculture
Nutrient cycling and water purification
Studies show 30+ ecosystem services supporting rural livelihoods
Seasonal Hydrology
Dominated by rivers: Bhagirathi, Jalangi, Churni, Ichhamati
Monsoon: Wetlands expand significantly
Dry season: Shrinkage and fragmentation
Formation of oxbow lakes (locally called ‘bils’)
Strong dependence on river meandering and floodplain dynamics
Socio Economic Importance
Supports fisheries and agriculture-based livelihoods
Provides irrigation water and domestic use
Helps mitigate arsenic contamination issues through groundwater recharge
Supports local markets and informal economy
Strong wetland–people interdependency in rural areas
Wetland Converted
Encroachment and agricultural expansion
Urbanization (Ranaghat, Krishnanagar region)
Pollution from fertilizers and domestic waste
Siltation and weed infestation
Over-extraction of wetland resources
Name of Wetlands
Information
Chariganga Beel
Chariganga Beel is a prominent oxbow wetland formed by the shifting course of the Bhagirathi River. It is ecologically rich, supporting diverse fish species, migratory and resident birds, and aquatic vegetation. The wetland plays a vital role in groundwater recharge, flood control, and nutrient cycling. It is also important for local livelihoods, particularly fisheries and agriculture. The beel helps maintain ecological balance in the region. However, encroachment, pollution, and siltation are major threats, requiring effective conservation and sustainable management strategies.
Arpara Beel
Arpara Beel is an important floodplain wetland that supports agriculture, fisheries, and biodiversity in Nadia district. It expands during the monsoon and gradually shrinks in the dry season, maintaining a natural hydrological cycle. The wetland provides habitat for fish, amphibians, and birds, contributing to ecological richness. It also supports irrigation and groundwater recharge, benefiting nearby farmlands. Local communities depend on it for livelihood activities. However, increasing land-use change, pollution, and overexploitation are affecting its ecological health and sustainability.
Jalangi River Wetlands
Jalangi River wetlands are dynamic floodplain ecosystems formed along the river’s course. These wetlands are influenced by seasonal flooding and river flow, supporting rich biodiversity including fish, birds, and aquatic plants. They play an important role in flood regulation, groundwater recharge, and sediment deposition. The wetlands are also crucial for agriculture and fisheries, sustaining local livelihoods. However, riverbank erosion, pollution, and human encroachment are major challenges affecting their ecological balance, highlighting the need for integrated conservation efforts.
Ranaghat Wetland System
The Ranaghat wetland system consists of a network of ponds, beels, and low-lying water bodies within an urbanizing landscape. These wetlands provide essential ecosystem services such as drainage, flood control, and groundwater recharge. They also support fisheries and biodiversity, including birds and aquatic plants. However, rapid urban expansion, waste disposal, and encroachment are significantly degrading these wetlands. Their ecological health is under pressure, making conservation and proper urban wetland management crucial for sustaining environmental and social benefits.
Churni Floodplain Wetlands
Churni floodplain wetlands are seasonal wetlands associated with the Churni River. They expand during monsoon flooding and shrink in the dry season, supporting dynamic ecological processes. These wetlands provide habitat for fish, amphibians, and birds, contributing to biodiversity. They also play a key role in flood mitigation, groundwater recharge, and agricultural productivity. Local communities depend on them for irrigation, fishing, and domestic use. However, pollution, siltation, and encroachment are affecting their sustainability, emphasizing the need for conservation and management.