India has further solidified its position as a global leader in environmental conservation by adding two more wetlands to the prestigious Ramsar list. The Patna Bird Sanctuary in Etah, Uttar Pradesh, and Chhari-Dhand in Kutch, Gujarat, have officially been designated as Wetlands of International Importance. This latest addition brings India’s total tally of Ramsar sites to 98, reflecting a significant upward trajectory in the country’s ecological preservation efforts. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change confirmed the development, noting that the national network of protected wetlands has expanded by over 276 per cent since 2014, when the count stood at just 26.

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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