Bilaspur News: Kopra Reservoir located in Sakri village of Bilaspur district has given Chhattisgarh a new identity on the global stage. It has been declared the first Ramsar site of the state, which is being considered a historic achievement not only for Bilaspur but for the entire state. This status is given to those wetlands, which are very important at the international level from the point of view of biodiversity, water conservation and environmental balance. Located about 115 kilometers from Raipur and just 10 kilometers from Bilaspur city, this reservoir is now moving towards becoming the new center of environmental protection and eco-tourism of Chhattisgarh.
Happiness in the state due to historic announcement
Kopra Reservoir of Bilaspur district has been declared the first Ramsar site of Chhattisgarh. After this historic announcement, there is an atmosphere of happiness and pride in the entire state. By getting Ramsar status, the global importance and responsibility of conservation of Kopra Reservoir has increased even more.
Minister Kedar Kashyap congratulated
Forest and Climate Change Minister Kedar Kashyap congratulated the people of the state on this achievement. He said that the special ecology, rich water ecosystem and diversity of local and migratory birds of Kopra Reservoir have earned it this honour. This is a matter of pride for Chhattisgarh.
Chief Minister told a proud moment
Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai described the declaration of Kopra Reservoir as a Ramsar site as a proud moment for the state. He said that this has given international recognition to the state’s biodiversity and water conservation. Appreciating the efforts of the State Wetland Authority and the local community, the CM said that this will promote eco-tourism and local employment.
Everyone’s shared role in conservation
Minister Kedar Kashyap expressed his gratitude to the State Wetland Authority, environmentalists, forest department officials, researchers and local communities. He said that Kopra Reservoir could get international recognition only due to the joint hard work of everyone and continuous conservation efforts.
Kopra is a paradise for migratory birds
Kopra Reservoir is an ideal habitat for migratory birds. Every year in winter thousands of birds from India and abroad come here. Their chirping and colorful colors make the atmosphere of the reservoir charming. Many rare species of birds are also seen here.
Location and role of Bird Festival
This reservoir is located in Sakri village, about 115 kilometers from Raipur and about 10 kilometers from Bilaspur city. A Bird Festival was organized here by the Forest Department for bird conservation and awareness, in which there was active participation of bird lovers, local youth and tourists.
Local economy getting stronger due to tourism
Bird festival and increasing tourism have strengthened the local economy. Local youth are getting employment as guides, while handicrafts and local cuisine are also getting new recognition. Kopra Reservoir has now become the pride of Bilaspur.
Awareness of villagers became the biggest strength
Villagers told that after the construction of the dam, a large number of foreign birds come here for the last 12 years. The villagers themselves protect the birds and do not allow hunters to enter the village. This is the reason why about 122 species of birds come here from thousands of kilometers away and return by the end of March.
Important contribution of wetland friends
Wetland friend Harish Nirmalkar told that for the last five years he has been making the villagers aware and is engaged in the conservation of birds. He said that by getting Ramsar status, Kopra will get national and international recognition and more birds will come here in future.
Special enthusiasm seen among tourists
Tourist Mukesh Verma told that he reached Kopra as soon as he got the information about declaration of Ramsar site. He said that for the first time he saw so many exotic birds together. In the coming time, new employment opportunities will also open up due to increase in tourism facilities here. Making Kopra Reservoir a Ramsar site will prove to be a milestone for environmental protection, tourism and local development of Chhattisgarh. This area has full potential to become a major eco-tourism hub of the state in the coming years.
