India Adds Two More Ramsar Wetlands

Ahead of World Wetlands Day on February 2, India added two new sites to the Ramsar list of Wetlands of International Importance, taking the country’s total to 98.

Key Points

Ramsar Recognition Announced: Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change announced that Patna Bird Sanctuary in Etah, Uttar Pradesh and Chhari-Dhand in Kutch, Gujarat have been designated as Ramsar sites.
India’s Growing Ramsar Network: With the latest addition, India’s Ramsar sites increased from 96 to 98, marking an expansion of over 276% since 2014, when the country had only 26 such wetlands.
Patna Bird Sanctuary Location: Patna Bird Sanctuary is located in the Jalesar subdivision of Etah district in Uttar Pradesh and is the smallest bird sanctuary in the state, covering just over one square kilometre.
- Avian Diversity: Despite its small size, the sanctuary hosts over 60,000 birds during peak winter season and supports species such as the Rosy Pelican, Eurasian Spoonbill and Northern Pintail.
- Ecological Role: The wetland serves as a critical resting and foraging ground for migratory birds and provides habitat for resident wildlife, including endangered bird species and mammals like the Nilgai.
Chhari-Dhand in Kutch: Chhari-Dhand, a salt-affected seasonal wetland in Kutch, Gujarat, expands up to about 80 square kilometres during a good monsoon and is the only Conservation Reserve in the state.