Ropar wetlands were formed with the construction of a barrage over the Sutlej in 1952, are an important habitat for certain threatened species in the Shivalik foothills like the scaly ant-eater and the python. These are also important breeding places for the smooth Indian otter, hog deer, sambhar and pangolin Nearly 35 species of fish have been recorded. These supports a variety of both local and migratory birds like coots, common pochard, red-crested pochard tufted pochard and shovellar. These wet lands supports 19 species of trees, 13 species of shrub and grass and nearly 15 species of aquatic plant. The wetlands were declared a nationally designated area in 1990 by the Ministry of Environment and Forests.

Overview
Ropar was created with the construction of a barrage in 1952 for diversion of Sutlej river to provide water for drinking and irrigation to parts of Punjab and Haryana. It serves as an important habitat for some threatened species in the Shivalik foothills like scaly ant eater, python etc. It is also an important staging ground for migratory waterfowl.

It may be categorized as a man-made freshwater riverine and lacustrine wetland. It plays a signifi cant hydrological role in charging the acquifers apart from providing protection from floods and enhancing water quality. Ropar wetland was designated as a Ramsar Site in February 2002.

Major Attractions

• Ropar wetland serves as an important staging ground for a number of migratory birds and is also a habitat for innumerable species of local flora and fauna.
• Diverse kind of food chains and food webs are being supported.
• The reservoir formed with the construction of barrage over river Sutlej serves in recharging ground water and is an important source of water for distant areas.
• It helps in protection from floods and also improvement of water quality