The Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) and the Maharashtra Water Resources Department (WRD) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the eco-restoration of the Ujani reservoir, a man-made wetland along the Bhima river in western Maharashtra, PTI reported.

Ujani wetland, also known as Bhigwan, is situated at the confluence of Solapur, Ahmednagar, and Pune districts in Maharashtra. It is recognised as an ‘Important Bird Area’ under the Central Asian Flyway and serves as a crucial habitat for migratory birds. The wetland also supports agriculture, hydroelectric power, drinking water supply, and local fisheries, BNHS scientist and fish expert Unmesh Katwate told PTI.

The MoU, supported by the Cipla Foundation, was signed on Tuesday in the presence of WRD Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil and other officials. Under the agreement, the WRD will provide the necessary permits and extend support to BNHS for implementing eco-restoration and climate-resilient fisheries development programmes at Ujani. The project aims to tackle threats from invasive alien species such as water hyacinth, Ipomoea, Tilapia, African catfish, and Suckermouth catfish, said Katwate.