Two New Wetlands Added to India’s Ramsar List | 02 Feb 2026

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