Jagatpur Lake

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Jagatpur Lake/Wetland
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Jagatpur Lake
Bihar relief map.svg
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Jagatpur Lake/Wetland
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Red pog.svg
Jagatpur Lake/Wetland
Location Bihar
Coordinates 25°20′17″N87°02′20″E / 25.338102417172°N 87.03891003519°E / 25.338102417172; 87.03891003519
Type Freshwater
Primary inflows Ganga River
Basin  countries India
Settlements Naugachia,Bhagalpur

Jagatpur Lake [1] also known as Jagatpur Wetlands is a large natural wetland located about 12 km north-east of Bhagalpur City in Bihar, near Naugachhia . Locals often call it Jagatpur Jheel. It is situated at Jagatpur Village of Naugachhia Block in Bhagalpur . It is a calm freshwater body, surrounded by green fields and trees, and has become an important place for birds, nature lovers, and researchers. For centuries, it has been a source of water and fishing for local communities. [2]

Contents

Geography & Vegetation

The lake is part of the Ganga floodplain, so during monsoon it gets filled with fresh water.

It's a floodplain wetland with a rich mosaic of aquatic and terrestrial flora. Notable plants include Eichhornia crassipes (water hyacinth) and Hydrilla verticillata, along with trees like Ficus species, Dalbergia sissoo, Acacia nilotica, and Phoenix dactylifera(Date Palm) lining its banks. This mix of water and greenery makes it a perfect home for both animals and plants. [3]

Biodiversity and Ecological Value

Jagatpur plays host to a staggering 169–170 bird species, thanks to detailed surveys by ornithologists and local birders. Every winter, migratory birds journey from as far as the Trans-Himalayan ranges, Central Asia, and Siberia to find refuge here. Among its most precious residents are the Greater Adjutants and Lesser Adjutants. Openbill storks, egrets, cormorants, ducks, and herons are other common birds. For bird watchers, it is one of the best places in Bihar. [4]

It is a breeding and nesting ground for both local and migratory birds. It helps keep the balance of nature by supporting biodiversity. It also protects groundwater and helps in controlling floods. It helps preserve biodiversity . [5]

Conservation

Jagatpur Wetland faces several challenges: [6]

Conservation steps:

Tourism and Development

The lake is being promoted as a future eco-tourism hub . [1]

Local Importance

Jagatpur Lake plays a vital role in the life and economy of nearby communities. Not only is it a peaceful natural setting loved by locals, but it also serves as an anchor for wildlife—and a growing source of livelihoods. Beyond tourism, Jagatpur Lake helps sustain the local ecosystem and economy in more direct ways. The wetland aids in water retention and groundwater recharge, which supports nearby agriculture and helps regulate monsoon flooding. Moreover, the lake acts as a natural community asset—its health is closely tied to the well-being of surrounding villages, whether through fishing, crop protection by insect-eating birds, or employment generated by conservation and tourism projects. [8] [9]

See Also

References

  1. 1 2 "Jagatpur wetland in Bhagalpur to be developed as a tourist hub, says DDC". The Times of India. 11 January 2025. ISSN   0971-8257 . Retrieved 20 August 2025.
  2. wetlandsforlife.cmsvatavaran.org http://web.archive.org/web/20250116113738/http://wetlandsforlife.cmsvatavaran.org/images/media/Patna/Patna_Report%20GIZ_RMC.pdf. Archived from the original (PDF) on 16 January 2025. Retrieved 20 August 2025.{{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  3. Chintapalli, Bharat; Patra, Rounak; Kumar, Amit; Kumar, Sipu (June 2022). "Jagatpur Wetland : A Hidden Gem of Wilderness from Bhagalpur" via ResearchGate.
  4. "Biodiversity Jagatpur Lake". Dainik Jagran. February 2025.
  5. Kumar, Braj Nandan; Choudhary, Sunil K. (2010). "Phytoplankton species diversity of Jagatpur wetland, Bhagalpur, Bihar (India)". Journal of the Indian Botanical Society. 89 (3–4): 358–363.
  6. "Explore Best Practices | ABP". abp.championsofchange.gov.in. Retrieved 20 August 2025.
  7. Raj, Aryan (2 June 2025). "New Bhagalpur Tourist Destination: Visit Jagatpur Lake Soon!". Bhagdatpuram - Bhagalpur News. Retrieved 20 August 2025.
  8. AK (9 June 2025). "Bihar's Tourism Jagatpur Lake: जगतपुर झील – बिहार का नया पर्यटन हॉटस्पॉट बनेगा - DW Samachar". dwsamachar.com (in Hindi). Retrieved 20 August 2025.
  9. "तालाब के चारों ओर दर्शनीय व पक्षी अवलोकन स्थल बनेगा सड़कें बनेंगी, पर्यटकों के लिए". Live Hindustan . 8 January 2025.

Sources