Kopra Wetland: Biodiversity, Fisheries, and Community Conservation in Chhattisgarh

Kopra Wetland, located in Bilaspur district, Chhattisgarh, is a rain-fed freshwater reservoir that has evolved into a biologically rich ecosystem since its construction in 1993. Functioning as a shallow lake and floodplain wetland, it supports diverse flora and fauna, including over 160 bird species, threatened waterbirds, fish, aquatic plants, and small mammals. The wetland plays a vital ecological role by regulating water through flood absorption, groundwater recharge and natural purification, while its nutrient-rich shallows provide breeding grounds for fish, sustaining both biodiversity and fisheries. Local communities rely on Kopra for livelihoods, food security and cultural practices, with traditional fishing methods forming an integral part of rural life. Despite its ecological and socio-economic importance, the wetland faces challenges from agricultural runoff, land encroachment, climate variability, and past overfishing. Conservation efforts, strengthened by its Ramsar designation in 2025, involve community-based management, regulated fishing, eco-tourism development, and government initiatives under Chhattisgarh’s Anjor Vision 2047. Kopra Wetland exemplifies the harmonious integration of human livelihoods, cultural heritage, and ecological conservation, highlighting the importance of collaborative stewardship for sustainable wetland management.