Patna: Imagine a lush, vibrant wetland where rivers dance together, teeming with life and whispering tales of ecological harmony. In Bihar’s Bhojpur district, the Nathmalpur Bhagad wetland is about to undergo a stunning transformation, thanks to a game-changing ₹3.51 crore project entirely funded by the Central government. Launched under the Namami Gange Mission (NGM)-II, this isn’t just a conservation effort—it’s a bold leap into the future of sustainable living, blending cutting-edge science with the heartbeat of local communities.
The Ghaghara, Gomti, and Sone rivers converge with the mighty Ganga, creating a unique ecological hotspot. Since June 2, 2025, Bihar’s Department of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (DEFCC) is rolling up its sleeves for a four-year mission (2025–29) to revive this natural gem. This is no ordinary project—it’s Bihar’s first-ever wetland conservation initiative fully backed by Central funds, a historic milestone for a state dotted with 4,416 wetlands, plus 17,582 smaller ones, as mapped in the 2010 National Wetland Atlas.
“This is more than saving a wetland,” says Harjot Kaur Bamhrah, Additional Chief Secretary of DEFCC, with a spark of excitement. “It’s about weaving biodiversity into the very fabric of the Ganga river basin’s future.” The plan? A two-pronged attack: restore the wetland’s core while nurturing the surrounding river confluence. Think revived water channels, thriving native plants and animals, and a monitoring system so robust it could outlast the ages.
But it’s not just about nature—it’s about people too. Local communities will play a starring role, building sustainable livelihoods from the wetland’s bounty. From eco-friendly enterprises to community-led conservation, Nathmalpur Bhagad is set to become a model for how humans and nature can thrive together. “We’re not just preserving a wetland; we’re crafting a legacy,” says S Chandrashekhar, Bihar’s wetland nodal officer and chief conservator of forests, with a vision that’s as clear as the waters they aim to restore.
The project’s groundwork is already buzzing. Soon, experts will map out the wetland’s boundaries with precision, ensuring every drop of water and blade of grass is accounted for. Compliance with local, national, and even international regulations will keep things airtight, while the Bihar State Wetland Authority is eyeing global recognition, like the prestigious Ramsar designation. “Nathmalpur Bhagad could put Bihar’s wetlands on the world map,” says a Patna University researcher, barely containing their enthusiasm.
As this four-year journey unfolds, Nathmalpur Bhagad isn’t just a local win—it’s Bihar’s battle cry for environmental awakening. It’s a story of rivers, resilience, and communities coming together to create something extraordinary. “This wetland is a microcosm of what Bihar can achieve,” Bamhrah declares. “It’s about reviving ecosystems, empowering people, and inspiring a nation to dream green.” Get ready, India—Bihar’s wetland revolution is just getting started!
