BUXAR, Sept. 29 -- Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed Bihar's new Ramsar sites, including Buxar's Gokul Jalashay, as a milestone in India's wetlands conservation drive. The two new wetlands - Gokul Jalashay in Buxar district (448 hectares) and Udaipur Jheel in West Champaran district (319 hectares) - have been included in the global list of Ramsar Convention sites and categorised as wetlands of international importance. Responding to a post by Union environment minister Bhupender Yadav on X, the Prime Minister said: "Wonderful news! Wetlands are vital to sustainable development. A special appreciation to the people of Bihar, who are showing in thought and action how to be at the forefront of environmental conservation." Gokul Jalashay, which hosts about 3,500 migratory birds of 65 species annually and shelters over 50 resident bird species, has long been highlighted for conservation and is considered crucial for maintaining ecological balance in the region. In 2023, former Union Minister Ashwini Kumar Choubey had raised the issue, stating that the wetland would be renovated at a cost of Rs.62 crore....