India Adds Two New Ramsar Wetlands Ahead of World Wetlands Day

India has expanded its global wetland footprint with the addition of two new sites to the Ramsar list, reinforcing its commitment to environmental conservation ahead of World Wetlands Day on 2 February 2026. The announcement was made by Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Shri Bhupender Yadav through a post on social media platform X.

New Ramsar Sites in Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat

The newly designated wetlands are the Patna Bird Sanctuary in Etah district of Uttar Pradesh and Chhari-Dhand in Kutch district of Gujarat. With their inclusion, India’s total number of Ramsar sites has increased further, strengthening the country’s standing among leading nations in wetland conservation.

Expansion of India’s Ramsar Network

The Minister highlighted that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India’s Ramsar network has expanded by over 276 per cent, growing from 26 sites in 2014 to 98 sites at present. This growth reflects sustained policy focus on biodiversity conservation and ecological sustainability. The international recognition under the Ramsar framework underscores India’s proactive role in protecting fragile wetland ecosystems.

Biodiversity Significance of the Wetlands

Both Patna Bird Sanctuary and Chhari-Dhand provide critical habitats for hundreds of migratory and resident bird species, including several endangered varieties. In addition to avifauna, these wetlands support diverse wildlife such as chinkara, wolves, caracal, desert cats, and desert foxes, making them ecologically valuable landscapes for conservation and research.

Important Facts for Exams

• The Ramsar Convention is formally known as the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance.
• It was signed in 1971 in Ramsar, Iran.
• India became a signatory to the Ramsar Convention on 1 February 1982.
• Ramsar sites serve as model wetlands for conservation under international frameworks.

Ramsar Convention and India’s Commitment

India is a Contracting Party to the Ramsar Convention, which promotes the conservation and wise use of wetlands worldwide. Wetlands designated as Wetlands of International Importance play a vital role in biodiversity protection, climate regulation, and sustainable livelihoods. The latest additions reaffirm India’s long-term commitment to environmental stewardship and global conservation goals.