Khichan and Menar as New Ramsar Sites

• 05 Jun 2025

Source: PIB 

The Khichan (Phalodi) and Menar (Udaipur) wetlands in Rajasthan have been declared Ramsar Sites, bringing India's total to 91, the highest in Asia. 

• Khichan is famous for hosting thousands of migratory Demoiselle cranes, while Menar (Bird Village), is recognized for its community-led bird conservation efforts. 
• Rajasthan now has 4 Ramsar Sites, including Sambhar Lake (Nagaur & Jaipur) and Keoladeo Ghana National Park (Bharatpur). 
• About Wetlands: They are areas of marsh, fen, peatland, or water (natural or artificial) with water that is static or flowing, including marine areas with a depth not exceeding six meters. 
  • Wetlands are ecotone, having land transitional between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. 
• About Ramsar Convention: It was adopted in 1971 in Ramsar, Iran, and provides a global framework for wetland conservation and wise use. India joined it in 1982. 
  • The Montreux Record (threatened list) lists wetlands with deteriorating ecological character due to human activity or pollution. India has two wetlands in the Montreux Record: 
    • Keoladeo National Park, Rajasthan (1990): A UNESCO World Heritage Site. 
    • Loktak Lake, Manipur (1993): The largest freshwater lake in Northeast India, known for its Phumdis (floating masses of vegetation, soil, and organic matter). 
  • Chilika Lake was included in the Montreux Record in 1993 but was removed in 2002 (first site from Asia). 

Read More: Strengthening Wetland Protection