Kanjli Wetland suffers neglect despite Ramsar status
Once a thriving hub of biodiversity and cultural reverence, the Kanjli Wetland near Kapurthala now lies in a state of neglect, prompting the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), Punjab chapter, to call for immediate restoration efforts.
Covering approximately 183 hectares, the Kanjli Wetland was declared a Ramsar site in 2002 due to its ecological significance. The wetland, part of the sacred Kali Bein rivulet associated with Guru Nanak Dev Ji, historically supported a diverse ecosystem of birds, fish and aquatic plants.
However, it now faces a grim reality marked by pollution, decay and administrative indifference. “People need to understand that wetlands are the lungs of the Earth,” said Maj Gen Balwinder Singh (Retd), State Convener of INTACH.
“They recharge groundwater, regulate floods and sustain biodiversity. Kanjli, in particular, also holds immense cultural and religious value. Unfortunately, all of this is vanishing before our eyes.” Despite its Ramsar recognition, Singh said, there has been no comprehensive management plan implemented for the site. Infrastructure meant for tourists lies broken or missing and the wetland itself is choked with water hyacinth-an invasive species that deprives aquatic life of oxygen.
Local residents echoed similar concerns. “The water used to be clean and inviting. Now it stinks,” said Ramesh, a nearby shopkeeper. Residents alleged that untreated waste from local industries and settlements is being dumped into the Kali Bein, with little oversight from the Pollution Control Board or local authorities. Tourism, once a source of livelihood for surrounding communities, has sharply declined due to poor maintenance, lack of security and absence of basic amenities.
“It’s a classic case of mismanagement,” said Singh. “The government’s failure to regulate encroachments, monitor pollution and involve stakeholders has brought the wetland to the brink.” INTACH has urged the Punjab government to declare an ecological emergency for the Kanjli Wetland. The organisation has called for an independent audit of previous restoration promises and strict enforcement of pollution control in the Kali Bein catchment area.
Singh also emphasised the need for community-led conservation with transparency and active local participation.Citing recent success, INTACH highlighted its revival of Delhi’s Hauz Khas lake-a 16-acre urban water body restored in collaboration with the Delhi Government. The initiative transformed the once-dead lake into a thriving habitat for migratory birds, serving as a model for similar ecological efforts.
According to INTACH, a similar strategy could help rescue Kanjli. Key measures would include removal of invasive plant species, reintroduction of native flora, enforcement against encroachments and restoration of natural water flows. The development of eco-tourism, modeled after Bharatpur’s renowned bird sanctuary in Rajasthan, could offer sustainable revenue to support long-term conservation.
The organisation has also recommended building essential infrastructure-approach roads, parking areas, guest accommodations, restaurants and children’s parks-to attract visitors. However, it has strongly warned against unregulated religious constructions near the wetland and dam, urging their immediate removal to prevent long-term ecological harm.
“With support from INTACH’s Natural Heritage division, the Punjab government can restore Kanjli Wetland as a symbol of harmony between nature, faith and human livelihood,” said Singh. “If we fail to act now, we will not just lose a wetland-we will lose the trust of future generations who will ask why we didn’t act when there was still time.”
Jalandhar