Numbers
4,500
Total Area (In Hector)
20,887
Land Usage
Ecological Information
Important Species
Fish: carps, catfish, small indigenous fish species
Birds: herons, egrets, kingfishers, migratory waterfowl
Amphibians: frogs, toads in marshy wetlands
Aquatic plants: water hyacinth, water lily, Trapa natans
High plankton diversity supporting aquatic food webs
Ecosystem Services
Flood control: Wetlands act like sponges storing monsoon water
Groundwater recharge & water storage
Fisheries: Major livelihood source
Irrigation support for agriculture
Water purification and nutrient cycling
Seasonal Hydrology
Influenced by major rivers: Ganga, Mahananda, Kalindri, Fulahar, Tangon
Monsoon (June–September): Extensive flooding and wetland expansion
Dry season: Shrinkage and partial drying
Formation of oxbow lakes and cut-off meanders due to river shifting
Wetlands distributed across Tal, Diara, and Barind regions
Socio Economic Importance
Supports fisheries and rural livelihoods
Provides low-cost irrigation for agriculture
Supplies water for domestic and livestock use
Supports aquatic crops and local markets
Wetland Converted
Encroachment and urban expansion leading to shrinkage
Agricultural conversion (boro cultivation in dry season)
Pollution from fertilizers and waste dumping
Siltation and riverbank erosion
Habitat degradation and biodiversity loss
Name of Wetlands
Information
Bogole Beel
Bogole Beel is a seasonal floodplain wetland in Malda district, formed due to river overflow and low-lying topography. It expands significantly during the monsoon and acts as a natural water reservoir, supporting irrigation and groundwater recharge. The wetland sustains diverse fish species, aquatic plants, and birdlife, contributing to local biodiversity. It is widely used by nearby communities for fishing, livestock watering, and domestic needs. However, increasing pressure from agricultural encroachment, siltation, and pollution threatens its ecological balance, highlighting the need for sustainable management and conservation measures.
Kalma Beel
Kalma Beel is an important freshwater wetland supporting fisheries and agriculture in Malda. It is largely rain-fed and influenced by nearby river systems, showing seasonal variation in water levels. The wetland provides habitat for fish, amphibians, and aquatic vegetation, playing a key role in maintaining ecological balance. It also contributes to irrigation and soil moisture retention in surrounding farmlands. Local communities depend heavily on it for livelihoods. However, threats such as overfishing, weed infestation, and land-use change are impacting its long-term sustainability and ecological health.
Chatra Beel
Chatra Beel is one of the largest and most significant wetlands in Malda district. It functions as a major floodplain reservoir, storing excess monsoon water and reducing flood impacts. The wetland supports rich biodiversity, including fish, birds, and aquatic plants. It plays a vital role in groundwater recharge, irrigation, and nutrient cycling. The beel is also economically important, supporting fisheries and local livelihoods. However, increasing encroachment, siltation, and pollution from agricultural runoff are major concerns, requiring proper conservation and sustainable management strategies.
Jalkar Bithan Beel
Jalkar Bithan Beel is a productive wetland widely used for fisheries and irrigation. It experiences seasonal expansion during monsoon and gradual shrinkage in the dry season. The wetland supports various fish species, aquatic plants, and birdlife, contributing to biodiversity. It also plays a role in groundwater recharge and maintaining local hydrological balance. Communities depend on it for fishing, water supply, and agriculture. However, increasing pressure from intensive use, siltation, and pollution is affecting its ecological condition, making sustainable management essential.
Saili Beel
Saili Beel is a significant floodplain wetland that supports agriculture and fisheries in Malda district. It fills during the monsoon and retains water for use in the dry season, aiding irrigation and groundwater recharge. The wetland provides habitat for fish, amphibians, and aquatic vegetation, supporting biodiversity. It also contributes to soil fertility through sediment deposition. Local communities rely on it for fishing, livestock use, and domestic needs. However, threats such as encroachment, pollution, and weed infestation are gradually degrading its ecological health and sustainability.