National Current Affairs
Two New Wetlands Added to India’s Ramsar List
- 02 Feb 2026
- 2 min read
Why in News?
Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav announced the addition of two new wetlands to India’s Ramsar List, ahead of World Wetlands Day 2026.
Key Points
- New Ramsar Sites: Patna Bird Sanctuary in Etah district of Uttar Pradesh and Chhari-Dhand in Kutch district of Gujarat have been included in India’s Ramsar list of wetlands of international importance.
- India’s Ramsar network has grown from 26 sites in 2014 to 98 sites in 2026.
- Patna Bird Sanctuary: Patna Bird Sanctuary is one of the smallest protected bird sanctuaries and is an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA).
- Chhari-Dhand Wetland: A seasonal saline wetland in the Rann of Kutch region, crucial for migratory waterfowl and desert biodiversity.
- It is Gujarat’s fifth Ramsar site after Nalsarovar, Thol, Khijadiya and Wadhwana.
- Importance: The newly added sites support hundreds of migratory and resident bird species and host wildlife such as chinkara, wolves, caracal, desert cats and desert foxes, besides endangered bird species.
- Significance: Inclusion in the Ramsar list reflects international recognition of India’s commitment to wetland conservation and sustainable management under globally accepted frameworks.
- Ramsar Convention: It is an international treaty for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands, signed in 1971 at Ramsar, Iran.
- India became a signatory on 1 February 1982.
- World Wetlands Day 2026: It is observed on 2 February.
- Theme: Wetlands and Traditional Knowledge: Celebrating Cultural Heritage
| Read More: World Wetlands Day, Ramsar sites, Ramsar Convention, Migratory birds |
