The Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India, has sanctioned a research project to Dr Onkar Singh Brraich, Assistant Professor, Department of Zoology and Environmental Sciences, Punjabi University, Patiala, entitled 'Ecological Studies on the Ranjit Sagar Wetland with special reference to fish community structure' and provided with a research grant of Rs 22.40 lakh to conduct research on Ranjit Sagar Wetland (National Wetland) for three years.

Punjab is bestowed with three internationally important wetlands i.e. Harike, Ropar and Kanjli wetlands and two national wetlands i.e. Ranjit Sagar and Nangal wetland. Wetlands are very important ecosystems that consist of valuable plants and animals, helps in ground water recharging, protects from floods during rainy season, sediment retention, water purification and provide habitat for a diverse number of threatened plants and animals, attract lakhs of migratory birds every year during the winter season.

Talking to The Tribune, Dr Onkar said: “Wetlands now a days are losing its vigour due to pollution from various industries and agricultural fields, loss of habitat, reclamation of wetland areas for agricultural as well as developmental purposes, deforestation, illegal poaching of threatened animals, introduction of exotic species and diversion of wetland water for irrigation purposes. Many natural wetlands in Punjab are completely reclaimed for agricultural purposes. There is a lack of awareness among the general masses about the important functions of wetlands. There is a dire need to initiate conservation activities for wetlands. This research project is step in this direction," he added.

He further said Ranjit Sagar wetland was new to any research. "No research data is available on this wetland right from its inception. So it is a privilege for the Department of Zoology and Environmental Sciences, Punjabi University, to take up research activities on this wetland. The efforts of generation of data during the course of study would be very helpful to designate this wetland as Ramsar Site," added Dr Onkar.