NGT Notice Over Deteriorating Kanwar Lake, Asia's Largest Oxbow Lake in Bihar
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · IR
Why in news
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued notice to the Centre and others over the worsening ecological condition of Kanwar Lake in Bihar, Asia's largest oxbow lake. The tribunal took suo motu cognisance of a media report highlighting declining fish population, biodiversity loss, and encroachment. This matter is significant as the lake is a Ramsar Site and supports local livelihoods.
Background
Kanwar Lake, located in Cheriya Bariyarpur, 20 km north of Begusarai, Bihar, is Asia's largest oxbow lake. It was formed by the meandering of the Burhi Gandak River and designated a Ramsar Site in 2020. The lake once covered about 63 sq km but has fragmented due to falling water levels and encroachment.
Key facts
NGT issued notice to Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bihar government, CPCB, and National Biodiversity Authority.
The tribunal took suo motu cognisance of a media report on Kanwar Lake's deterioration.
Kanwar Lake is Asia's largest oxbow lake and a Ramsar Site (designated 2020).
The lake has seen significant decline in fish population and biodiversity due to shrinking water spread and ecological degradation.
Several native fish species have reportedly declined or disappeared from parts of the wetland.
The lake once covered around 63 sq km but has fragmented into smaller water bodies.
Remedial measures suggested include linking the lake to the Burhi Gandak River and conservation efforts.
The NGT noted the need for delineation, mapping, encroachment removal, and addressing embankment/check dam issues.
The matter attracts provisions of the Environment Act, Biodiversity Act, and Water Act.
The bench comprised NGT Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava and expert member Afroz Ahmad.
Prelims pointers
- Kanwar Lake: Asia's largest oxbow lake, located in Bihar (Begusarai district).
- Ramsar Site designation: 2020.
- Oxbow lake: curved, U-shaped waterbody formed when a river bend is cut off.
- NGT: National Green Tribunal, established under the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010.
- Suo motu cognisance: action taken by court on its own knowledge.
- Environment Act: Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
- Biodiversity Act: Biological Diversity Act, 2002.
- Water Act: Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974.
- CPCB: Central Pollution Control Board.
- Burhi Gandak River: tributary of Ganga, flows through Bihar.
Mains angles
- GS3 Environment: Discuss the ecological significance of oxbow lakes and the challenges of wetland conservation in India.
- GS2 Polity: Examine the role of NGT in environmental protection and its effectiveness in addressing ecological degradation.
- GS3 Biodiversity: Analyze the impact of habitat fragmentation and encroachment on biodiversity, with reference to Ramsar Sites.
- GS3 Conservation: Critically evaluate the implementation of Ramsar Convention obligations in India, using Kanwar Lake as a case study.