India Designates Patna Bird Sanctuary and Chhari-Dhand as New Ramsar Sites, Total Reaches 98

India Expands Ramsar Network with Two New Wetland Designations

In a significant move to bolster wetland conservation, India has officially designated Patna Bird Sanctuary in Uttar Pradesh and Chhari-Dhand in Gujarat as Wetlands of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention. This announcement, made around World Wetlands Day 2026, increases the total number of Ramsar sites in the country to 98. The inclusion of these two ecologically vital areas underscores India's ongoing commitment to preserving its rich biodiversity and natural ecosystems.

The Significance of Ramsar Designation

The Ramsar Convention, an intergovernmental environmental treaty established by UNESCO in 1971 in Ramsar, Iran, aims for the conservation and wise use of wetlands. India became a signatory to this convention on February 1, 1982. Designation as a Ramsar site bestows international recognition upon these ecosystems, providing access to global management practices and potentially increasing opportunities for international funding. This recognition is expected to strengthen conservation efforts and raise awareness within local communities regarding the ecological importance of these wetlands.

Patna Bird Sanctuary: A Vital Avian Habitat in Uttar Pradesh

Located in the Etah district of Uttar Pradesh, near the town of Jalesar, Patna Bird Sanctuary is a freshwater wetland ecosystem. Spanning approximately 1.09 square kilometers (109 hectares), it holds the distinction of being among the smallest bird sanctuaries in Uttar Pradesh. The sanctuary comprises freshwater marshes, woodlands, and grasslands, creating diverse habitats within an agricultural landscape. It serves as a crucial wintering ground for tens of thousands of migratory birds, including species such as the Rosy Pelican, Eurasian Spoonbill, and Northern Pintail. The site supports 178 bird species and 252 plant species and has been designated an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA) by BirdLife International.

Chhari-Dhand: Gujarat's Unique Seasonal Wetland

Chhari-Dhand, situated in the Kutch district of Gujarat, is a seasonal saline desert wetland nestled between the Banni grasslands and the Kutch salt flats. This unique wetland expands to nearly 80 square kilometers during the monsoon season. It is recognized as Gujarat's only Conservation Reserve and acts as a vital stopover on the western migratory flyway. Chhari-Dhand is a haven for a wide array of wildlife, supporting approximately 30,000 Common Cranes annually, along with significant populations of Greater and Lesser Flamingos. Threatened species like the critically endangered Sociable Lapwing and the vulnerable Common Pochard also find refuge here. Beyond avian species, the area is home to mammals such as chinkara, wolves, caracal, desert cats, and desert foxes. The region is also known for the intriguing 'Chir Batti' phenomenon, mysterious lights observed after sunset.

India's Expanding Commitment to Wetland Conservation

The addition of these two sites reflects India's accelerated efforts in wetland conservation. The country's Ramsar network has seen substantial growth, increasing by over 276% from 26 sites in 2014 to the current 98 sites. This expansion covers a total area of over 1.3 million hectares of vital wetland habitats across the nation. These designations are crucial for maintaining ecological balance, supporting diverse flora and fauna, and providing essential ecosystem services such as flood control and groundwater recharge.