Synopsis
India has added four new Ramsar sites, including bird sanctuaries and wetlands in Tamil Nadu, Sikkim, and Jharkhand, bringing the total to 89. This reinforces India’s leading position in Asia for Ramsar sites. The new designations are expected to enhance conservation efforts, biodiversity protection, and sustainable management, while raising awareness about the ecological significance of wetlands.
APThe Centre has announced the addition of four new Ramsar sites in India, increasing the total to 89.
The newly designated Ramsar sites include Sakkarakottai Bird Sanctuary and Therthangal Bird Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu, Khecheopalri Wetland in Sikkim, and Udhwa Lake in Jharkhand. This marks a significant milestone for Sikkim and Jharkhand, as they have secured their first ever Ramsar sites.
Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav on Sunday said India is committed to conserving and enriching nature, as reflected in the steady increase in Ramsar sites — wetlands of international importance — across the country. On the occasion of World Wetlands Day, Yadav credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s focus on wetland conservation for India’s record 89 Ramsar sites, the highest in Asia and the third highest in the world.
“With a consistent rise in Ramsar sites, India is showing the commitment to both conserve and enrich nature. Towards that end, PM Shri Narendra Modi ji has laid an unprecedented emphasis on preserving wetlands. It is because of this approach that our tally of Ramsar sites has reached 89,” Yadav posted on X.
Attending an event in Uttar Pradesh’s Gonda to mark the World Wetlands Day, Union Minister of State for Environment Kirti Vardhan Singh said the district has more than 100 small and large wetlands and has the potential to be recognised as a wetlands city.
He also noted that Uttar Pradesh ranks second in India after Tamil Nadu in terms of the number of Ramsar sites.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who also attended the event, emphasised the importance of maintaining ecosystem balance for sustaining life.
The inclusion of these wetlands under the Ramsar Convention is expected to enhance conservation efforts, improve biodiversity protection, and promote sustainable management practices. Additionally, it will help in raising awareness about the ecological significance of wetlands and their role in mitigating climate change.
What is a Ramsar Site?
A Ramsar site is a wetland designated under the Ramsar Convention, an international treaty adopted in 1971 in Ramsar, Iran, to promote the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands. These sites hold global significance as they provide essential habitats for biodiversity, support local communities, and play a crucial role in climate regulation by storing carbon and mitigating floods. Wetlands function as natural water purifiers, filtering pollutants and enhancing water quality. They also serve as critical breeding grounds for numerous species of birds, fish, and other wildlife, making them vital for maintaining ecological balance.
Expanding the Ramsar network through government initiatives not only strengthens global conservation efforts but also ensures that these invaluable ecosystems receive the protection and management they need for long-term sustainability.