India Expands Ramsar Network to 98 Sites

• 02 Feb 2026

Source: PIB 

Why in News? 

Ahead of World Wetlands Day 2026, the Prime Minister welcomed the addition of Patna Bird Sanctuary (Uttar Pradesh) and Chhari-Dhand (Gujarat) as Ramsar sites, raising the national total to 98. 

• World Wetlands Day is observed every year on 2nd February to highlight the ecological importance of wetlands and to commemorate the signing of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands in 1971 at Ramsar, Iran. 

What are the Newly Added Ramsar Sites? 

Chhari-Dhand (Gujarat) 

• It is a seasonal saline wetland between the Banni grasslands and Kutch salt flats, expanding to nearly 80 sq km during the monsoon in the arid Kutch region. 
• It is Gujarat’s only Conservation Reserve and a key stopover on the western migratory flyway, serving as an important wintering ground for waterfowl. 
• It supports about 30,000 Common Cranes annually, large populations of Greater and Lesser Flamingos, and threatened species such as the critically endangered Sociable Lapwing and the vulnerable Common Pochard. 
• Seasonal waters provide essential feeding and roosting habitats, surrounding drylands support chinkara, caracal, and desert fox, and the area is known for the “Chir Batti” phenomenon seen after sunset. 

Patna Bird Sanctuary (Uttar Pradesh) 

• Located in the Jalesar subdivision of Etah district, it spans just over 1 sq km, making it among Uttar Pradesh’s smallest wildlife sanctuaries. 
• The sanctuary includes freshwater marshes, woodlands, and grasslands within an agricultural landscape, supporting diverse habitats. 
• During winter, it hosts tens of thousands of migratory birds such as the Rosy Pelican, Eurasian Spoonbill, and Northern Pintail, underscoring its role on the Central Asian Flyway. 
• It records 178 bird species and 252 plant species, sustains key waterbird populations, and is designated an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area by BirdLife International. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

1. What is a Ramsar Site? 
A Ramsar Site is a wetland of international importance designated under the Ramsar Convention for conservation and wise use. 

2. When did India become a party to the Ramsar Convention? 
India became a Contracting Party to the Ramsar Convention on 1 February 1982 

3. Where is Chhari-Dhand located? 
Chhari-Dhand is located in the Kutch district, Gujarat, between the Banni grasslands and the salt flats of the Rann of Kutch. 

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs) 

Prelims:

Q. Consider the following statements: (2019)

1. Under Ramsar Convention, it is mandatory on the part of the Government of India to protect and conserve all the wetlands in the territory of India. 
2. The Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2010 were framed by the Government of India based on the recommendations of Ramsar Convention. 
3. The Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2010 also encompass the drainage area or catchment regions of the wetlands as determined by the authority. 

Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 

(a) 1 and 2 only  

(b) 2 and 3 only 

(c) 3 only  

(d) 1, 2 and 3 

Ans: (c) 

Q. With reference to a conservation organization called ‘Wetlands International’, which of the following statements is/are correct? (2014)

1. It is an intergovernmental organization formed by the countries which are signatories to Ramsar Convention. 
2. It works at the field level to develop and mobilize knowledge, and use the practical experience to advocate for better policies. 

Select the correct answer using the code given below: 

(a) 1 only  

(b) 2 only 

(c) Both 1 and 2 

(d) Neither 1 nor 2 

Ans: (b)