India Expands Ramsar Wetlands Network with Two New Sites
In a significant move for environmental conservation, Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Bhupender Yadav, announced the inclusion of two new wetlands into India’s Ramsar network. This announcement comes just ahead of World Wetlands Day, celebrated on February 2, 2026.
The newly designated wetlands are the Patna Bird Sanctuary, located in the Etah district of Uttar Pradesh, and Chhari-Dhand, situated in Kutch district, Gujarat. Minister Yadav took to social media to express his excitement about this expansion, congratulating both states and the wetland community.
“With World Wetlands Day close by, I am delighted to announce that there are two new additions to India’s Ramsar growing network,” Yadav wrote in his post. He highlighted that this expansion demonstrates India’s commitment to environmental protection and wetland conservation.
Under Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s leadership, India’s Ramsar sites have seen remarkable growth. The number of designated sites has expanded by more than 276% since 2014, increasing from 26 sites to a total of 98. This international recognition underscores India’s dedication to preserving its natural ecosystems.
Both Patna Bird Sanctuary and Chhari-Dhand provide essential habitats for a diverse array of bird species, both migratory and resident. These wetlands are home to a rich variety of wildlife, including endemic species such as the chinkara, wolves, caracals, desert cats, and desert foxes, along with endangered avian species.
India is a proud signatory to the Ramsar Convention, a global treaty aimed at the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands, which was established in 1971 in Ramsar, Iran. India joined this convention on February 1, 1982, reinforcing its commitment to wetlands of international importance.
The designation of these sites reflects a broader commitment to conservation, serving as a model for effective wetland management under internationally recognized frameworks. The recognition of Patna Bird Sanctuary and Chhari-Dhand reinforces the significance of wetlands in supporting biodiversity and promoting healthy ecosystems across the nation.
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