1. Locating Wetlands in India
India hosts a vast array of wetlands, encompassing lakes, marshes, estuaries, and mangroves. The Wetlands of India Portal offers an interactive map detailing over 7.5 lakh wetlands across the country, including 89 Ramsar Sites recognized for their international importance . Notable wetlands include
- Chilika Lake (Odisha)
- Wular Lake (Jammu & Kashmir)
- Loktak Lake (Manipur)
- Pallikaranai Marsh (Tamil Nadu)
These ecosystems are vital for biodiversity, water purification, and flood control.
2. Understanding Protected Zones
India’s protected zones encompass national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, biosphere reserves, and conservation areas. The Wildlife Institute of India maintains a comprehensive database of 682 protected areas, including
- 106 National Parks
- 520 Wildlife Sanctuaries
- 56 Conservation Reserves
- 4 Community Reserves
These zones are established to conserve flora, fauna, and ecological processes.
3. Accessing Interactive Maps and Resources
For detailed information on wetlands and protected zones:
- Wetlands of India Portal: Provides maps and data on various wetlands
- Data Basin: Offers interactive maps of protected areas, including biodiversity data
- Wildlife Institute of India: Maintains the National Wildlife Database with extensive information on protected areas
These resources are invaluable for researchers, planners, and conservationists.