A Systematic Review of the Ecological Significance of Nathsagar Wetland and Challenges in its Ramsar Designation

The Nathsagar Wetland, formed by the impoundment of the Godavari River at the Jayakwadi Dam, represents one of the largest and most ecologically vital freshwater ecosystems in the semi-arid Marathwada region of Maharashtra. Despite its designation as the Jayakwadi Bird Sanctuary and its documented role as a critical wintering ground for over 230 species of migratory avifauna, the site has yet to receive international recognition under the Ramsar Convention. This paper provides a comprehensive review of five years of multi-disciplinary research, spanning from 2021 to 2026, focusing on the wetland’s biodiversity, water chemistry, and the socio-political barriers to its conservation. A primary focus of this review is the administrative journey of the Ramsar proposal file initiated by the Maharashtra State Wildlife Department. We analyze the technical justifications provided in the proposal—including the presence of globally threatened species and unique hydrological functions—against the backdrop of persistent “administrative delay” and local anthropogenic stressors such as agricultural encroachment and industrial runoff. The study concludes that while the biological criteria for a Ramsar Site are indisputably met, the lack of integrated management and delayed administrative processing remain the primary hurdles. This review serves as a call to action for policy-makers to expedite the designation to ensure the long-term sustainability of this “Lifeline of Marathwada.”