India Achieves Milestone: Three New Sites Added to Ramsar Wetlands List

India has added three new sites to the list of internationally recognized wetlands under the Ramsar Convention, bringing the nation's total to 85. The newly designated sites include the Nanjarayan Bird Sanctuary and the Kazhuveli Bird Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu, and the Tawa Reservoir in Madhya Pradesh.

India has marked a significant achievement by adding three new sites to the Ramsar Convention's list of wetlands of international importance, bringing the country's total to 85, Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav announced on Wednesday.

The newly recognized sites are the Nanjarayan Bird Sanctuary and the Kazhuveli Bird Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu, and the Tawa Reservoir in Madhya Pradesh, Yadav said.

Spanning 1.35 million hectares, India's 85 Ramsar sites highlight the country's commitment to wetland conservation. Tamil Nadu leads with 18 sites, followed by Uttar Pradesh with 10. Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the accomplishment, attributing the increase to significant government policy efforts focused on sustainable development.

(With inputs from agencies.)