India Expands Ramsar Network to 98 Sites

Total Ramsar sites in India (Feb 2026): 98
Newly added sites:
Patna Bird Sanctuary, Etah district, Uttar Pradesh (≈ 1 sq km)
Chhari‑Dhand, Kutch district, Gujarat (≈ 80 sq km during monsoon)
Important species:
Patna: Rosy Pelican, Eurasian Spoonbill, Northern Pintail, 178 bird species, 252 plant species
Chhari‑Dhand: ~30,000 Common Cranes, Greater & Lesser Flamingos, critically endangered Sociable Lapwing, vulnerable Common Pochard, chinkara, caracal, desert fox
India became a contracting party to the Ramsar Convention on 1 Feb 1982
World Wetlands Day: 2 Feb (commemorates the 1971 Ramsar Convention signing)

The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (1971) is an inter‑governmental treaty for the conservation and wise use of wetlands of international importance.
India’s participation reflects its biodiversity richness and the need to safeguard wetlands that support migratory flyways – the Western and Central Asian flyways.
The Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2010 were framed based on Ramsar recommendations, emphasizing protection of wetland ecosystems and their catchment areas.

Biodiversity conservation: Wetlands host a large proportion of India’s avifauna and act as breeding, feeding and roosting grounds for migratory birds.
Climate mitigation: Wetlands function as carbon sinks, sequester greenhouse gases, and provide flood regulation – aligning with India’s climate commitments under the Paris Agreement.
Livelihoods: Local communities depend on wetlands for fisheries, agriculture, and eco‑tourism; Ramsar designation can boost sustainable livelihood initiatives.
International standing: Expanding the Ramsar network enhances India’s reputation in global environmental diplomacy and fulfills obligations under the Convention.

Article 48A of the Indian Constitution directs the State to protect and improve the environment and to safeguard forests and wildlife.
National Wetland Conservation Programme (NWCP) under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change operationalises Ramsar commitments.
Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2010 provide a regulatory framework for protection, management, and sustainable use of wetlands.