India Adds Two New Ramsar Wetlands Ahead of World Wetlands Day

Highlighting India’s progress, Shri Yadav noted that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India’s Ramsar network has expanded by over 276 percent—from 26 sites in 2014 to 98 sites today.

India has strengthened its global conservation footprint with the addition of two new wetlands to the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance, Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Shri Bhupender Yadav announced ahead of World Wetlands Day on 2 February 2026.

In a post on social media platform X, the Minister said Patna Bird Sanctuary in Etah district of Uttar Pradesh and Chhari-Dhand in Kutch district of Gujarat have been officially designated as Ramsar sites, taking India’s total to 98 internationally recognised wetlands.

A Rapidly Expanding Ramsar Network

Highlighting India’s progress, Shri Yadav noted that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India’s Ramsar network has expanded by over 276 percent—from 26 sites in 2014 to 98 sites today.

“This international recognition reflects India’s strong commitment to environmental protection and wetland conservation,” the Minister said, underscoring the role wetlands play in biodiversity conservation, climate resilience and sustainable livelihoods.

Biodiversity Hotspots

Both newly designated sites are ecologically significant. They provide critical habitat for hundreds of migratory and resident bird species, including endangered birds. The landscapes also support diverse wildlife such as chinkara, wolves, caracal, desert cats and desert foxes, highlighting their importance beyond avian biodiversity.

India and the Ramsar Convention

India is a Contracting Party to the Convention on Wetlands, commonly known as the Ramsar Convention, which was signed in Ramsar, Iran, in 1971. India became a signatory on 1 February 1982.

Under the Convention, wetlands of particular conservation value can be designated as Wetlands of International Importance. These sites serve as model examples of a country’s commitment to conservation and sustainable management under internationally accepted frameworks.

With the addition of Patna Bird Sanctuary and Chhari-Dhand, India continues to reinforce its role as a global leader in wetland conservation—sending a strong message ahead of World Wetlands Day on the importance of protecting these vital ecosystems.