Menar Wetland


Menar Wetland is a freshwater wetland complex located in and around the village of Menar in Udaipur district, Rajasthan, India. It consists primarily of two lakes—Brahma Talab and Dhand Talab—which together support rich avifauna, especially during the winter migration season. It was designed as a Ramsar site on 4 June 2025.

Overview

Located about 45 km east of Udaipur, the wetland complex lies in a semi-arid zone and is sustained mainly by monsoon rainfall. The wetlands are seasonal but retain water long enough to serve as an important habitat for migratory and resident waterbirds.

Avifauna

Menar Wetland hosts over 180 species of birds annually, including several globally important migratory species.
The area has been recognized as an Important Bird Area by the Bombay Natural History Society and the Rajasthan Forest Department in 2024.

Community conservation

Menar is widely regarded as a successful example of community-led wetland conservation. Local villagers have actively protected the area since the 2010s, banning hunting and collaborating with the Forest Department to monitor and conserve bird populations. The village was declared a "Bird Village" by the Rajasthan government in 2021.
Annual bird festivals and awareness programs have been organized in collaboration with NGOs and government agencies to promote eco-tourism and environmental education.

Recognition

In 2024, the site was officially designated as an IBA. Efforts were made to nominate Menar Wetland for recognition as a Ramsar site under the Ramsar Convention, which would provide international protection and conservation funding. It was recognised as Ramsar wetland site on 4 June 2025.

Tourism

The wetland attracts birdwatchers and nature photographers between November and February. Basic eco-tourism infrastructure—including birdwatching towers and guided village walks—has been developed by local stakeholders with minimal ecological disturbance.