India Adds Two New Ramsar Wetlands Ahead of World Wetlands Day

India has added two new wetlands to its Ramsar Sites list, increasing the total number of these protected areas to 98. The Ramsar Sites program is an international effort to conserve wetlands, which are critical habitats for many bird species and other wildlife. The new sites are Patna Bird Sanctuary in Etah, Uttar Pradesh, and Chhari-Dhand in Kutch, Gujarat. Both locations are home to hundreds of migratory and resident bird species. The announcement was made by Bhupender Yadav, who is India’s Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change. This decision was announced just before February 2, which is celebrated as World Wetlands Day every year. The goal of this special day is to raise awareness about the importance of wetlands and promote their protection. Since 2014, India has significantly expanded its network of Ramsar Sites. The number of protected wetlands has grown by over 276%, changing from 26 sites to 98. This makes India the country with the highest number of Ramsar Sites in Asia. The increase reflects India’s strong commitment to environment and wetland conservation. The Ramsar Convention, which started in 1971 in Ramsar, Iran, is an international treaty that recognizes wetlands of global importance. Countries that are part of this treaty commit to protecting these valuable ecosystems and ensuring their sustainable use. Adding new sites is part of India’s effort to meet these international goals. Both of the newly listed sites are important for bird conservation. They provide habitats for many types of birds, including migratory species that travel long distances during seasonal migrations. Protecting these wetlands helps ensure that these birds can find food, shelter, and breeding places during their journeys. The inclusion of these wetlands highlights India’s dedication to environmental health and biodiversity. Protecting wetlands is essential because they support a wide range of species, help control floods, improve water quality, and offer opportunities for eco-tourism and research. As of 2026, there has been no official confirmation about the addition of other wetlands to the Ramsar Sites list in India. The focus remains on conserving these newly designated wetlands and maintaining efforts to protect existing Ramsar Sites. Overall, India’s move to expand its Ramsar Sites network shows a commitment to safeguarding vital ecosystems. It also demonstrates an understanding of the importance of wetlands for ecological balance, especially in light of ongoing environmental challenges. Protecting wetlands benefits both local communities and the global environment by preserving biodiversity and supporting sustainable development.