India’s recent announcement of four new Ramsar sites,
including Sikkim’s first, the Khecheoparli Wetland, is a commendable step
towards wetland conservation. Nestled within the pristine ecosystem of
Khanchendzonga National Park, Khecheoparli Lake’s Ramsar designation
acknowledges not only its rich biodiversity but also its deep cultural and
religious significance. However, this recognition comes with a pressing
responsibility: ensuring its survival against increasing anthropogenic
pressures.
Khecheoparli Lake, known as the “wishing lake,” is a
tranquil and sacred water body revered by both Hindus and Buddhists. Its
ecological significance is equally profound, forming part of a delicate
hydrological balance shaped by glacial action and sustained by surrounding
mixed broadleaf forests. However, the very factors that make it a destination
for pilgrims and tourists—its serenity, spiritual value, and biodiversity—are
also causing its degradation.
Tourism, while a major economic driver, has brought with
it unmanaged waste, water pollution, and habitat disturbance. With over 10,000
visitors annually, the wetland is under constant strain from littering and
infrastructural expansion. Moreover, while the lake itself enjoys a sacred
status, the surrounding watershed does not receive the same reverence. Rampant
deforestation for firewood, timber, and fodder collection continues unchecked,
disturbing the fragile ecosystem that sustains the lake. Free livestock grazing
and agricultural runoff further exacerbate the threat, altering water quality
and endangering aquatic life.
The Ramsar designation should serve as a wake-up call
rather than a mere badge of honour. Conservation must go beyond symbolic
gestures and translate into actionable policies. Strict regulation of tourism,
including controlled entry, eco-sensitive infrastructure, and better waste
management, is imperative. Additionally, community-driven afforestation
efforts, alternative livelihood programs for those dependent on forest resources,
and sustainable agricultural practices must be prioritized to curb ecological
damage.
The inclusion of Khecheoparli Wetland in the Ramsar list
should prompt Sikkim to lead by example in wetland conservation. The state has
made remarkable strides in environmental sustainability—this momentum must
extend to its sacred natural heritage. Without urgent intervention, the very
sanctity and ecological wealth that draw people to Khecheoparli will be lost to
unchecked exploitation. It is time for policymakers, conservationists, and
local communities to align efforts and uphold the true essence of this Ramsar
recognition: preservation, not just celebration.
