Rowmari–Donduwa Wetland Complex, Assam – Push for Ramsar Site Tag
Location & Context
State: Assam
District: Nagaon
Situated within: Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary (70.13 sq. km)
Part of: Kaziranga Tiger Reserve (Kaziranga–Orang Landscape)
Area of wetland complex: ~3 sq. km (Rowmari Beel + Donduwa Beel)
Current Development
Conservationists, forest officials, academics, and students are campaigning for Ramsar site recognition of the Rowmari–Donduwa Wetland Complex.
A proposal has been submitted to the Assam Forest Department for Ramsar designation.
Ramsar Convention
Feature | Details |
Signed at | Ramsar, Iran (1971) |
Came into force | 1975 |
India became signatory | 1982 |
Purpose | To conserve and ensure the wise use of wetlands of international importance, especially as waterfowl habitats |
Number of Ramsar Sites in India (as of 2025) | 94 as of 2025 nov |
Existing Ramsar Sites in Northeast India | 1. Deepor Beel (Assam) 2. Loktak Lake (Manipur) |
Ecological Significance of Rowmari–Donduwa Wetlands
Acts as connectivity corridors for wildlife movement between:
Kaziranga Tiger Reserve and
Orang National Park
→ Together form the Kaziranga–Orang landscape.
Habitat type: Floodplain–marsh ecosystem with rich aquatic vegetation and birdlife.
Bird Diversity (as per 6th Kaziranga Waterbird Census):
Rowmari Beel: 20,653 birds of 75 species
Donduwa Beel: 26,480 birds of 88 species
Combined: ~47,000 waterbirds annually.
Total species recorded annually: ~120 resident and migratory bird species.
Threatened species observed:
Knob-billed duck (Sarkidiornis melanotos)
Black-necked stork (Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus)
Ferruginous pochard (Aythya nyroca)
Conservation Importance
Potential Ramsar site records higher bird density than the two existing Ramsar wetlands in NE India.
Serves as a vital floodplain wetland maintaining regional hydrological balance.
Supports migratory bird routes and contributes to Kaziranga’s ecological connectivity.
Prelims Practice MCQ
Q. Consider the following statements about the Rowmari–Donduwa Wetland Complex:
It lies within the Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary in Assam.
It forms part of the Kaziranga–Orang landscape, aiding animal movement between the two parks.
It is already a designated Ramsar site as of 2025.
Which of the above statements are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3
✅ Answer: (a)
Explanation: The wetland complex lies within Laokhowa WLS and serves as a corridor between Kaziranga and Orang, but Ramsar designation is still under proposal.
Q. Which of the following bird species recorded in the Rowmari–Donduwa wetlands are classified as globally threatened?
Knob-billed duck
Black-necked stork
Ferruginous pochard
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3
✅ Answer: (d)
Explanation: All three species are listed as threatened or near-threatened by the IUCN.