Numbers
5,632
Total Area (In Hector)
38000
Land Usage
Ecological Information
Important Species
Asian Elephant (Elephas maximus), Indian One-horned Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis) (near Buxa landscape)
Rich fish diversity and aquatic fauna
Birds: hornbills, storks, migratory waterfowl
Amphibians and reptiles in floodplain wetlands
Wetland vegetation: reeds, grasses, aquatic macrophytes
Ecosystem Services
Flood control: Absorb excess monsoon water in Dooars region
Biodiversity habitat: Linked to forest ecosystems like Buxa
Fisheries: Support inland fish production
Agriculture support: Irrigation and fertile floodplain soils
Water purification & groundwater recharge
Seasonal Hydrology
Dominated by rivers like Raidak, Torsa, Kaljani, Sankosh
High monsoon flooding (June–September)
Dry season shrinkage of wetlands
Strong river–wetland connectivity governs ecosystem dynamics
Socio Economic Importance
Supports fishing communities and agriculture
Provides water for irrigation and livestock
Important for tea garden economy
Eco-tourism linked with riverine and forest landscapes
Sustains rural livelihoods and local economy
Wetland Converted
Encroachment and land-use change
Flood damage and riverbank erosion
Pollution from settlements and agriculture
Siltation and habitat degradation
Climate change affecting hydrology
Name of Wetlands
Information
Buxa Forest Wetlands
Buxa Forest wetlands are located within and around the Buxa Tiger Reserve in Alipurduar district. These wetlands are primarily forest-associated, including marshes, streams, and seasonal water bodies that support high biodiversity. They provide habitat for species such as elephants, leopards, amphibians, and numerous bird species. These wetlands play a crucial role in maintaining forest hydrology, regulating microclimate, and supporting wildlife corridors. They also contribute to groundwater recharge and nutrient cycling. However, pressures from tourism, forest resource extraction, and climate variability pose challenges to their ecological stability and long-term conservation.
Sankosh River Wetlands
The Sankosh River wetlands form a transboundary riverine system along the western boundary of Alipurduar district. These wetlands are shaped by seasonal flooding and shifting river channels, creating fertile alluvial plains. They support agriculture, fisheries, and rich aquatic biodiversity. The wetlands act as natural flood buffers, reducing downstream flood risks during monsoon. They also play a role in sediment transport and maintaining river dynamics. However, increasing human activities, riverbank erosion, and land-use changes threaten their sustainability. Effective management is needed to balance ecological functions with the livelihood needs of local communities.
Torsa Floodplain Wetlands
The Torsa floodplain wetlands are part of a dynamic river system characterized by seasonal inundation and channel migration. These wetlands are highly productive ecosystems supporting fish breeding, migratory birds, and diverse vegetation. They are essential for flood control, absorbing excess monsoon water and reducing flood impacts in surrounding areas. Local communities depend on these wetlands for fishing, agriculture, and water resources. However, threats such as embankment construction, pollution, and encroachment are altering natural flow regimes. Protecting floodplain connectivity and maintaining ecological balance is crucial for sustaining these wetlands.
Kaljani River Wetlands
The Kaljani River wetlands are important floodplain wetlands in Alipurduar, associated with seasonal flooding and sediment deposition. These wetlands support agriculture by enriching soil fertility and providing irrigation water. They also sustain aquatic biodiversity, including fish and amphibians, and provide habitat for birds. The wetlands help regulate water flow, reduce flood intensity, and recharge groundwater. However, they are increasingly threatened by siltation, riverbank erosion, and human encroachment. Unsustainable land use and climate variability further impact their ecological health, highlighting the need for integrated conservation and management approaches.