February 2 is celebrated as World Wetlands DayOdishas Chilika Lake.It is the second largest salt water lagoon in the world and is the largest winter ground for migratory birds in the Indian sub-continent. Apart from the lakhs of birds that come during winter, Chilika also supports around 1, 50,000 fishermen who are dependent on the lake for their livelihood. It is also one of the last homes of the endangered Irrawady dolphinsConvention on wetlands at ramsarRamsar sights

Vembanad on the wane:Declared as a Ramsar Site in 2002, the Vembanad Kol Lake is South Indias largest wetland ecosystem. Home to more than 20,000 waterfowl, and a variety of fin and shell fish, Vembanad is a hotbed for livelihood activities including fishing, agriculture, tourism, and lime shell collection among others. Unrestrained shell mining from the lake and effluents pose a threat to the eco-system and are responsible for dwindling levels of the waters dissolved oxygen content.Kolleru calling:One of Indias largest freshwater lakes, Kolleru, in Andhra Pradesh, is located between Krishna and Godavari districts and is also a Ramsar site. Encroachments, unauthorised constructions and silt deposits have resulted in a decline in the variety of birds including painted storks, pelicans, glossy ibises, teals, pintails and others. Whats more, the lake has also lost its original shape.Kanjias woes:Kanjia Lake, on the northern outskirts of Bhubaneswar, covers an area of 105 hectares and also has a scuba diving facility. Rich in biodiversity, it consists of various species of birds, reptiles, fish and prawns. Various illegal activities like uncontrolled quarrying and dumping of solid waste pose a threat to this wetland.Other wetland ecosystemsinclude the Pallikaranai wetland in Chennai, Punjabs Harike, Pong Dam Lake in Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthans Sambhar Lake, and Bhoj Wetland in Madhya Pradesh.