Sustainable Wetland Management in North Bihar Plain: A Geographical Assessment of Floodplain Ecosystem
Author(s): DR. GAUTAM PANDEY
Authors Affiliations:
Assistant Professor, University Department of Geography T.M. Bhagalpur University Bhagalpur, Bihar, India.
DOIs:10.2017/IJRCS/202510012 | Paper ID: IJRCS202510012Wetlands are dynamic transitional ecosystems between terrestrial and aquatic environments, performing essential ecological and socio-economic functions such as flood regulation, groundwater recharge, and biodiversity conservation. The North Bihar Plain, characterized by extensive alluvial floodplains, supports a large concentration of wetlands that are vital for sustaining rural livelihoods and maintaining regional hydrological balance. However, these ecosystems are increasingly threatened by siltation, encroachment, pollution, and unregulated land-use changes. The present study aims to assess the spatial distribution, ecological significance, and management challenges of wetlands in the North Bihar Plain from a geographical perspective. Using data from the National Wetland Atlas, district-level statistics, and GIS-based spatial analysis, the research quantifies wetland area and classifies them based on geomorphological and hydrological characteristics. The findings reveal that wetlands cover 259,930 hectares in North Bihar. The spatial pattern indicates a strong correlation between wetland density and the flood-prone basins of the Kosi, Gandak, and Burhi Gandak rivers. The study emphasizes the need for sustainable wetland management integrating scientific assessment, community participation and policy implementation. Strengthening institutional frameworks and adopting geospatial monitoring are essential for long-term conservation, ecological stability, and climate resilience of these floodplain ecosystems.
DR. GAUTAM PANDEY (2025); Sustainable Wetland Management in North Bihar Plain: A Geographical Assessment of Floodplain Ecosystem, International Journal of Research Culture Society, ISSN(O): 2456-6683, Volume – 9, Issue – 10, Pp. 75-83. Available on – https://ijrcs.org/
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