Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the achievement, attributing the success to the collective efforts of local communities and environmentalists. In a statement, the Prime Minister emphasised that these recognitions reaffirm the government’s commitment to safeguarding vital ecosystems that serve as habitats for both native and migratory species. Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav highlighted that the new sites are not only avian paradises but also essential corridors for rare mammals, including the caracal and desert fox.

Delighted that the Patna Bird Sanctuary in Etah (Uttar Pradesh) and Chhari-Dhand in Kutch (Gujarat) are Ramsar sites. Congratulations to the local population there as well as all those passionate about wetland conservation. These recognitions reaffirm our commitment to preserving… https://t.co/0O3R5TBqbJ

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 31, 2026

Ecological Profiles of the New Entrants

The Patna Bird Sanctuary, located in the Jalesar subdivision of Uttar Pradesh, is a testament to the fact that ecological value is not always determined by size. Covering just over one square kilometre, it is one of the smallest bird sanctuaries in the state. However, its modest footprint belies its biological richness. As a critical refuge on the Central Asian Flyway, the sanctuary hosts upwards of 178 bird species and over 250 plant species. During the winter months, the freshwater marshes become a teeming hub for thousands of migratory birds, such as the Rosy Pelican and the Northern Pintail. Its designation as an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA) by BirdLife International further underscores its global standing.

In contrast to the compact marshes of Etah, Chhari-Dhand in Gujarat offers a sprawling, seasonal landscape within the arid terrain of Kutch. Covering approximately 80 square kilometres during the monsoon, this seasonal saltwater wetland is the only Conservation Reserve in Gujarat. It serves as a vital stopover for birds on the western flyway, supporting massive populations of Common Cranes and Greater Flamingos. Beyond its avian residents, the area is a sanctuary for hardy dryland mammals like the chinkara and desert cat. The region is also steeped in local lore due to “Chir Batti,” a mysterious light phenomenon observed on the flats after sunset.

Strategic Growth of India’s Ramsar Network

The expansion to 98 sites marks a pivotal moment for India’s environmental policy, with the total protected area now spanning over 13.6 lakh hectares. Tamil Nadu currently leads the country with the highest number of Ramsar sites, though the recent additions in Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat demonstrate a balanced geographical focus on conservation. This growth is part of a broader national strategy to integrate wetland management with climate resilience and biodiversity protection. By securing international recognition for these sites, India ensures that these fragile habitats receive prioritised monitoring and sustainable management practices.

A Ramsar designation is far more than a ceremonial title; it is a commitment under the 1971 Ramsar Convention to maintain the ecological character of the wetland. For India, which became a signatory in 1982, these sites represent a promise of “wise use,” ensuring that human activity does not compromise the natural ecosystem. The inclusion of Patna Bird Sanctuary and Chhari-Dhand ensures that these specific habitats will now benefit from international conservation standards, helping to protect the rare and endangered species that depend on them for survival.

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Accreditation is granted to only those cities which satisfy all the six international criteria including adopting measures for conservation of wetlands and their ecosystem services. The accreditation scheme aims to promote conservation and wise use of urban and peri-urban wetlands as well as sustainable socio-economic benefits for local populations.

Shri Bhupender Yadav, Union Minister for Environment, Forest & Climate Change, expressed his enthusiasm by sharing the news on his X handle stating, “Double joy! I am thrilled to share that in a first for India, Indore in Madhya Pradesh and Udaipur in Rajasthan have joined the list of 31 Wetland Accredited Cities in the world – a testimony to PM Shri @narendramodi ji’s vision of marching ahead aligning economy and ecology. The achievement reflects the emphasis laid by India on holistic development of our urban areas without compromising on ecological conservation in both urban and rural centres. Congratulations, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan on this unique achievement! Let us pledge to make Viksit Bharat a Green Bharat.”

Congratulations to Indore and Udaipur! This recognition reflects our strong commitment to sustainable development and nurturing harmony between nature and urban growth. May this feat inspire everyone to keep working towards creating greener, cleaner and more eco-friendly urban… https://t.co/yaDGG4Dtea

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 25, 2025

Udaipur

Udaipur boasts of scenic waterbodies like Pichola, Fatehsagar, Govardhan Sagar and Badi. The new recognition will help Udaipur conserve its wetlands by making large-scale efforts to stop littering in the periphery and regulation on encroachment. New islands will be developed as the resting places of migratory winged guests.

To boost tourism, Udaipur will now be promoted at different levels, making additional funds available for all the work. Till now, funding was received only from the state and the Centre, and the Ramsar tag will help in getting funds from abroad.

Indore

Indore has been recognised as the cleanest city in the country under Swachh Sarvekshan. This new recognition adds to the city’s image.

Sirpur Lake, Indore’s first Ramsar site, has been selected to hold a celebration on World Wetlands Day on February 2. The secretary general of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands will mark her presence to highlight the importance of conserving such waterbodies. Foreign delegates and representatives from all 75 Ramsar sites of the country will attend the event.

Sirpur Lake is a key site for water-bird congregation and is being developed as a bird sanctuary. A strong network of more than 200 ‘wetland mitras’ is engaged in bird conservation and sensitising the local community to protect Sarus Crane.

It’s a human-made wetland that has stabilized and acquired near-natural characteristics in the last two centuries. Commonly named Pakshi Vihar (bird sanctuary), it’s a shallow, alkaline, nutrient-rich lake that floods during monsoon to a maximum depth of two metres. It boasts a wealth of plants and animals including threatened species: it supports some 175 terrestrial plant species, six macrophytes, 30 natural and cultured fish species, eight reptiles, and amphibians.

Waterbirds congregate in winter; the site supports 130 bird species in all, including residents and migrants such as common pochard (Aythya ferina), Egyptian vulture (Neophron percnopterus) and Indian river tern (Sterna aurantia). The Sirpur Wetland provides surrounding communities with fisheries and medicinal plants, and acts as a buffer against flooding while helping to regulate the local microclimate.

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Wetlands are more than Mangroves

Mangroves have been much talked about and discussed for them to be very famous amongst everyone, but they are merely a part of an ecosystem called wetlands. The most saturated part of land, in which water is the primary factor controlling the environment of human, plant and animal lives are all wetlands. From lakes to mangroves to even man-made salt pans, wetlands are unique ecosystems that serve as a vital link between land and water. They play a crucial role in maintaining a balance in nature by providing a habitat for diverse plant and animal species. Additionally, wetlands act as natural sponges, absorbing excess rainwater and preventing flooding in surrounding areas. These areas also act as water purifiers, ensuring the water we use is clean and safe. Even though wetlands cover only 6% of earth, they inhabit around 40% of plants and animals.

India’s Kidneys in Danger

Wetlands, often referred to as the Earth’s kidneys, are facing a severe threat in India according to WWF India (World Wide Fund for Nature-India). Despite their crucial ecological role, many wetlands in the country are endangered due to human activities, urbanisation, and climate change. Encroachment, pollution from industrial and domestic sources, and unsustainable land-use practices have significantly degraded these vital ecosystems. Wetlands play a pivotal role in maintaining water balance by storing and regulating water flow. The loss of wetlands exacerbates water scarcity issues in various regions. Climate change further intensifies the challenges, with rising temperatures and altered precipitation patterns affecting the health and resilience of wetland ecosystems.

Threatened Wetlands in India

Chilika Lake, Odisha: Asia’s largest brackish water lake faces threats from agricultural runoff, overfishing, and industrial pollution, endangering its biodiversity and the livelihoods of local communities.

Dal Lake, Jammu and Kashmir: Urbanisation and improper waste management have led to the deterioration of Dal Lake, impacting its water quality and ecosystem health.

Asan Conservation Reserve, Uttarakhand: This wetland is under threat due to habitat destruction and encroachment, posing a risk to the unique biodiversity it supports.

What is India Doing?

India was a part of the Ramsar Convention, held in Iran’s Ramsar city back in the early 70s. They set the framework for conservation of wetlands and India in a desperate effort to conserve its wetlands is listing it in the Ramsar List. With 80 wetlands already recognised in this list the latest 5 have been added just few days before the World Wetlands Day celebrations slated to happen at Madhya Pradesh, Indore’s Sirpur Lake. The five newly listed wetlands are – Ankasamudra Bird Conservation Reserve, Aghanashini Estuary, Magadi Kere Conservation Reserve from Karnataka and Karaivetti Bird Sanctuary and Longwood Shola Reserve Forest from Tamil Nadu. Out of the 80 listed wetlands in India, the maximum sites come from the state of Tamil Nadu (16 sites), followed by Uttar Pradesh (10 sites).

The Ramsar Convention recognises the ecological importance of different wetland types and emphasises their value in terms of biodiversity, water resources, and overall environmental health. Therefore, both broader wetland ecosystems and specific components like marshes and swamps are considered within the scope of the Ramsar Convention. The goal is to protect and sustainably manage these diverse wetland environments for the benefit of present and future generations.

The endangerment of wetlands in India is a pressing environmental issue that requires immediate attention and action. The loss of these vital ecosystems not only affects biodiversity but also contributes to water scarcity and climate change challenges. Through concerted efforts, it is possible to reverse the damage and ensure the sustainability of India’s wetlands for future generations.

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