Numbers
500
Total Area (In Hector)
10,500
Land Usage
Ecological Information
Important Species
Fish: carps, catfish, small indigenous fish species
Birds: herons, egrets, kingfishers, migratory waterfowl
Amphibians: frogs and toads in marshlands
Aquatic plants: water lily, Trapa natans, Ipomoea aquatica
Wetlands support rich plankton diversity, forming the base of food chains
Ecosystem Services
Flood control: Stores excess monsoon water in flood-prone areas
Irrigation support: Supplies water for agriculture and summer crops
Fisheries: Provides food and income for rural communities
Nutrient cycling & soil fertility enhancement
Groundwater recharge and water retention
Seasonal Hydrology
Dominated by floodplain and riverine wetlands
Influenced by rivers like Kulik River and Mahananda basin
Monsoon (June–September): Wetlands expand due to flooding
Dry season: Shrinkage and partial drying
Formation of oxbow lakes and cut-off meanders due to river shifting
Socio Economic Importance
Supports fishing and agriculture-based livelihoods
Provides edible aquatic plants (e.g., water spinach, makhana)
Used for livestock watering and domestic needs
Enhances food security for rural communities
Plays a role in local markets and informal economy
Wetland Converted
Encroachment for agriculture and settlements
Siltation and drainage for land use change
Pollution from domestic and agricultural runoff
Over-exploitation of fish and aquatic resources
Climate variability affecting seasonal water availability
Name of Wetlands
Information
Kulik Bird Sanctuary Wetlands
Kulik Bird Sanctuary wetlands form one of the most important ecological zones in Uttar Dinajpur. Located along the Kulik River, these wetlands are famous for hosting large colonies of migratory birds, especially openbill storks, herons, and egrets. The wetlands provide ideal breeding, feeding, and nesting habitats due to abundant food and water availability. They also support fisheries and contribute to groundwater recharge and flood control. The site has eco-tourism importance and attracts visitors annually. However, challenges such as pollution, habitat disturbance, and seasonal water fluctuations require careful management and conservation efforts.
Bindol Beel
Bindol Beel is a significant local wetland supporting agriculture and fisheries in the surrounding villages. It is primarily rain-fed and expands during the monsoon season, storing water for use during dry months. The beel supports various fish species, aquatic plants, and birds, contributing to local biodiversity. It plays an important role in maintaining soil moisture and aiding irrigation. Local communities depend on it for fishing, livestock use, and domestic needs. However, pressures from encroachment, siltation, and pollution are gradually affecting its ecological health and sustainability.
Hemtabad Beels
Hemtabad Beels consist of a cluster of small wetlands distributed across the Hemtabad block. These wetlands are seasonal in nature, filling during the monsoon and shrinking during the dry season. They are important for fish breeding, aquatic vegetation, and bird habitats. The beels contribute to local agriculture by maintaining soil moisture and providing irrigation water. They also support rural livelihoods through fishing and resource use. Increasing agricultural expansion, drainage, and land conversion pose threats to these wetlands, making conservation and sustainable management essential.
Karandighi Wetlands
Karandighi wetlands are part of the Mahananda river basin and include several oxbow lakes formed by river meandering. These wetlands are ecologically significant, supporting diverse fish species, amphibians, and birds. They play a key role in flood control by storing excess monsoon water and gradually releasing it. The wetlands also contribute to irrigation and groundwater recharge, supporting agriculture in the region. However, issues such as siltation, overfishing, and encroachment threaten their sustainability. Proper management strategies are needed to preserve their ecological and economic functions.
Goalpokhar Floodplain Beels
Goalpokhar floodplain beels are a network of small wetlands formed by river overflow and channel shifts. These wetlands are highly dynamic and expand significantly during the monsoon season. They provide important habitats for fish, birds, and aquatic plants, supporting biodiversity and local livelihoods. The beels are widely used for fishing, irrigation, and livestock needs. They also help in flood regulation and water storage. However, increasing pressure from land conversion, pollution, and unregulated resource use is impacting their ecological balance and long-term sustainability.