Wetlands are among the most productive ecosystems on earth, serving as a rich repository of biodiversity and providing vital resources for both nature and people. The hydrological services provided by wetlands have multiple benefits and include flood control, water storage, groundwater recharge, water filtration, and river flow maintenance. The most important wetland ecosystem services affecting human well-being involve food and fisheries, freshwater supplies, livelihoods, water purification, carbon sequestration, offering cultural and recreational services, also help in the regulation of global climate change. Wetland ecosystems have been continuously decreasing, and as the groundwater table quickly reduces, permanent wetland regions have changed into semi-permanent wetlands, so mapping of water spread is essential. In present study examined the water spread dynamics and water presence frequency of the Bakhira, an internationally important Ramsar Wetland in Eastern Uttar Pradesh, for three decades, 1994-2024. The Landsat-based modified normalized difference water index (MNDWI) was used to determine WSA and WPF. The results of the study reveal that the seasonal mean water spread recorded for post-monsoon is 1678 ha, 1412 ha for winter and 961 ha for pre-monsoon. The results of the study indicate that the wetland follows declining water spread trends. The possible impacts of declining water spread area of wetlands lead to loss of fish biodiversity, reduced groundwater recharge, increased flood and drought risks, decline in fisheries, poor water quality, reduction in winter migratory birds, and reduced livelihood opportunities for local communities. Climate change may exacerbate the impacts of threats to wetlands through predicted reductions in rainfall and increased temperature, decreasing flow, and altering the timing and variability of flow regimes
Keywords: MNDWI, Water dynamics, Ramsar, Bakhira Wetland, Uttar Pradesh.