Latest Ramsar Sites in India

Ramsar Sites in India 

Did you know that India now has the highest number of Ramsar Sites in Asia? From bird-filled wetlands in Tamil Nadu to heritage-linked lakes in Madhya Pradesh, these eco-rich zones are being recognized globally for their importance. India now has 89 Ramsar sites, the highest in Asia, reflecting the country’s growing commitment to wetland conservation.

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New Ramsar Sites in India – 2024

1. Tawa Reservoir, Madhya Pradesh

   • Recognised on: 8 January 2024

   •  Type: Freshwater reservoir

   •  Key species: Indian carp, rohu, catla, migratory ducks, herons

   •  Importance: Supports agriculture, fisheries, and local biodiversity

2. Nanjarayan Bird Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu

   • Recognised on: 16 January 2024

   • Type: Shallow freshwater lake

   •  Key species: Painted stork, spot-billed pelican, common coot, purple moorhen, egrets

   • Importance: Major stop for migratory birds on the Central Asian Flyway

3. Kazhuveli Bird Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu

   •  Recognised on: 16 January 2024

   •  Type: Brackish water lagoon

   •  Key species: Flamingos, black-winged stilt, Eurasian wigeon, black-tailed godwit

   •  Importance: Ecological hotspot with high bird diversity

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New Ramsar Sites in India – 2025 (Recognised on 2 February 2025)

4. Sakkarakottai Bird Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu

   •  Type: Inland wetland

   •  Key species: Little cormorant, darter, pond heron, Asian openbill stork

   •  Importance: Critical for local and migratory birds

5. Therthangal Bird Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu

   •  Type: Freshwater wetland

   •  Key species: Indian spot-billed duck, white ibis, grey heron

   •  Importance: Breeding ground and wintering site for waterbirds

6. Khecheopalri Wetland, Sikkim

   •  Type: Sacred lake in the Eastern Himalayas

   •  Key species: Ferruginous duck, common teal, Himalayan salamander

   •  Importance: Cultural significance + rich biodiversity

7. Udhwa Lake Bird Sanctuary, Jharkhand

   •  Type: Twin lakes (Pataura & Berhale)

   •  Key species: Bar-headed goose, northern pintail, lesser whistling duck, Asian koel

   •  Importance: Only bird sanctuary in Jharkhand, key migratory bird site

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Ramsar Sites in India – State-wise List (2025)

Andhra Pradesh (1 site)

• Kolleru Lake

Assam (1 site)

• Deepor Beel

Bihar (3 sites)

• Kanwar Lake (Kabartal Wetland)

• Nagi Bird Sanctuary

• Nakti Bird Sanctuary

Goa (1 site)

• Nanda Lake

Gujarat (4 sites)

• Khijadia Wildlife Sanctuary

• Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary

• Thol Lake Wildlife Sanctuary

• Wadhvana Wetland

Haryana (2 sites)

• Sultanpur National Park

• Bhindawas Wildlife Sanctuary

Himachal Pradesh (3 sites)

• Chandra Taal

• Pong Dam Lake Wildlife Sanctuary

• Renuka Lake

Jammu and Kashmir (5 sites)

• Hokera Wetland

• Hygam Wetland Conservation Reserve

• Shallabugh Wetland

• Surinsar-Mansar Lakes

• Wular Lake

Jharkhand (1 site)

• Udhwa Lake

Karnataka (4 sites)

• Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary

• Ankasamudra Bird Conservation Reserve

• Aghanashini Estuary

• Magadi Kere Conservation Reserve

Kerala (3 sites)

• Ashtamudi Wetland

• Sasthamkotta Lake

• Vembanad-Kol Wetland

Ladakh (2 sites)

• Tso Kar Wetland Complex

• Tsomoriri Lake

Madhya Pradesh (5 sites)

• Bhoj Wetland

• Sakhya Sagar

• Sirpur Wetland

• Yashwant Sagar

• Tawa Reservoir

Maharashtra (3 sites)

• Lonar Lake

• Nandur Madhameshwar

• Thane Creek

Manipur (1 site)

• Loktak Lake

Mizoram (1 site)

• Pala Wetland

Odisha (6 sites)

• Ansupa Lake

• Bhitarkanika Mangroves

• Chilika Lake

• Hirakud Reservoir

• Satkosia Gorge

• Tampara Lake

Punjab (6 sites)

• Beas Conservation Reserve

• Harike Wetland

• Kanjli Wetland

• Keshopur-Miani Community Reserve

• Nangal Wildlife Sanctuary

• Ropar Wetland

Rajasthan (2 sites)

• Keoladeo National Park

• Sambhar Lake

Sikkim (1 site)

• Khecheopalri Wetland

Tamil Nadu (20 sites)

• Chitrangudi Bird Sanctuary

• Gulf of Mannar Marine Biosphere Reserve

• Kanjirankulam Bird Sanctuary

• Karaivetti Bird Sanctuary

• Karikili Bird Sanctuary

• Kazhuveli Bird Sanctuary

• Koonthankulam Bird Sanctuary

• Longwood Shola Reserve Forest

• Nanjarayan Bird Sanctuary

• Pallikaranai Marsh Reserve Forest

• Pichavaram Mangrove

• Point Calimere Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary

• Sakkarakottai Bird Sanctuary

• Suchindram Theroor Wetland Complex

• Therthangal Bird Sanctuary

• Udhayamarthandapuram Bird Sanctuary

• Vaduvur Bird Sanctuary

• Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary

• Vellode Bird Sanctuary

• Vembannur Wetland Complex

Tripura (1 site)

• Rudrasagar Lake

Uttar Pradesh (10 sites)

• Bakhira Wildlife Sanctuary

• Haiderpur Wetland

• Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary

• Parvati Arga Bird Sanctuary

• Saman Bird Sanctuary

• Samaspur Bird Sanctuary

• Sandi Bird Sanctuary

• Sarsai Nawar Jheel

• Sur Sarovar

• Upper Ganga River

Uttarakhand (1 site)

• Asan Barrage

West Bengal (2 sites)

• East Kolkata Wetlands

• Sundarban Wetland

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What is the Ramsar Convention?

The Ramsar Convention is an international treaty signed in 1971 in the city of Ramsar, Iran. Its official name is:

"The Convention on Wetlands of International Importance especially as Waterfowl Habitat"

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 Key Facts About the Ramsar Convention:

• Signed: 2 February 1971

• Came into force: 21 December 1975

• Headquarters: Gland, Switzerland (same as IUCN)

• India became a member: 1 February 1982

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Main Objectives:

1. Conservation of wetlands through local, national, and international cooperation.

2. Promote the wise use of wetlands (i.e., sustainable use without harming the ecosystem).

3. Maintain ecological character of wetlands through management and restoration.

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What are Ramsar Sites?

• Wetlands that are designated under the Ramsar Convention as being of international importance.

• These can include lakes, rivers, swamps, marshes, estuaries, mangroves, coral reefs, and even man-made wetlands like reservoirs and salt pans.

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Why is 2nd February celebrated as World Wetlands Day?

Because the Ramsar Convention was signed on 2nd February 1971, the day is now observed annually as World Wetlands Day to raise awareness about the value of wetlands.

What is the Montreux Record?

The Montreux Record is a special list under the Ramsar Convention. It includes Ramsar wetlands that are facing ecological problems or are under threat because of pollution, construction, or other human activities.

​As of April 2025, the Montreux Record under the Ramsar Convention includes two wetlands from India:​

1. Keoladeo National Park, Rajasthan

   • Listed: 1990

   • Concerns: Water scarcity, invasive species, and habitat degradation.​

2. Loktak Lake, Manipur

• Listed: 1993

• Concerns: Hydrological alterations, pollution, and encroachment.

    Important facts related to Ramsar sites in India

• Chilika Lake in Odisha was earlier in the Montreux Record but was removed in 2002 after restoration

• As of 2025, India has 89 Ramsar Sites, the highest number in Asia.

• Tamil Nadu has the most Ramsar Sites in India, with 20, followed by Uttar Pradesh with 10.

• The first Ramsar Sites in India were Chilika Lake (Odisha) and Keoladeo National Park (Rajasthan), which were designated in 1981.

• The Sundarbans Wetland in West Bengal is the largest Ramsar Site in India and also the largest mangrove forest in the world.

• Loktak Lake in Manipur is the world’s only floating lake and is a Ramsar Site listed in the Montreux record.

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📝 UPSC Prelims PYQs on Ramsar Convention

1. UPSC Prelims 2019

Question:

Consider the following statements:

1. Under Ramsar Convention, it is mandatory on the part of the Government of India to protect and conserve all the wetlands in the territory of India.

2. The Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2010 were framed by the Government of India based on the recommendations of Ramsar Convention.

3. The Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2010 also encompass the drainage area or catchment regions of the wetlands as determined by the authority.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Options:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (c) 3 only

Explanation:

• Statement 1 is incorrect: The Ramsar Convention does not make it mandatory for the Government of India to protect all wetlands, but rather to promote the conservation of wetlands of international importance.

• Statement 2 is incorrect: The Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2010 were not framed based on the recommendations of the Ramsar Convention.

• Statement 3 is correct: The Rules encompass the drainage area or catchment regions of the wetlands as determined by the authority.

2. UPSC Prelims 2022

Question:

Consider the following pairs:

Wetland/Lake – Location

1. Hokera Wetland – Punjab

2. Renuka Wetland – Himachal Pradesh

3. Rudrasagar Lake – Tripura

4. Sasthamkotta – Tamil Nadu

How many pairs given above are correctly matched?

Options:

(a) Only one pair

(b) Only two pairs

(c) Only three pairs

(d) All four pairs

Answer: (b) Only two pairs

Explanation:

• Hokera Wetland is in Jammu & Kashmir, not Punjab.

• Renuka Wetland is in Himachal Pradesh.

• Rudrasagar Lake is in Tripura.

• Sasthamkotta is in Kerala, not Tamil Nadu.

Therefore, only Renuka Wetland and Rudrasagar Lake are correctly matched.

3. UPSC Prelims 2010

Question:

India is a party to the Ramsar Convention and has declared many areas as Ramsar Sites. Which of the following statements best describes how we should maintain these sites in the context of this Convention?

Options:

(a) Keep all the sites completely inaccessible to man so that they will not be exploited

(b) Conserve all the sites through ecosystem approach and permit tourism and recreation only

(c) Conserve all the sites through an ecosystem approach for a period without any exploitation, with specific criteria and specific period for each site, and then allow sustainable use of them by future generations

(d) Conserve all the sites through ecosystem approach and allow their simultaneous sustainable use

Answer: (d) Conserve all the sites through ecosystem approach and allow their simultaneous sustainable use

Explanation:

The Ramsar Convention promotes the conservation and wise use of wetlands through local and national actions and international cooperation, as a contribution towards achieving sustainable development throughout the world.

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📝 UPPCS Prelims PYQs on Ramsar Convention

1. UPPCS Prelims 2023

Question:

Which of the following is known as “World Wetlands Day”?

Options:

(a) 10 January

(b) 15 January

(c) 1 February

(d) 2 February

Answer: (d) 2 February

Explanation:

World Wetlands Day is celebrated every year on 2 February to mark the date of the adoption of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands in 1971.

2. UPPCS Prelims 2022

Question:

Which of the following is not a Ramsar Site in Uttar Pradesh?

Options:

(a) Samaspur Bird Sanctuary

(b) Sandi Bird Sanctuary

(c) Surinsar-Mansar Lakes

(d) Sarsai Nawar Jheel

Answer: (c) Surinsar-Mansar Lakes

Explanation:

Surinsar-Mansar Lakes are located in Jammu & Kashmir, not in Uttar Pradesh. The other three are Ramsar Sites in Uttar Pradesh.

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