๐ COMPETITIVE EXAMS SPECIAL
Ramsar Sites in India
Complete Study Guide
Wetlands of International Importance — Everything You Need to Know
for UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railways & State PSC Exams
UPSC
SSC CGL
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Ramsar Sites are wetlands designated as Wetlands of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention. India is one of the most active signatories of the Ramsar Convention and has a large and growing number of Ramsar Sites. These sites are extremely important for ecology, biodiversity and local communities — and they are a very frequently asked topic in competitive examinations like UPSC, SSC, Banking and State PSC. This guide covers everything — from the basics of the Ramsar Convention to the complete list of Indian Ramsar Sites, state-wise distribution, important facts and exam-ready questions.
80
Total Ramsar Sites in India (as of 2024)
1971
Year Ramsar Convention was established
1975
Year Ramsar Convention came into force
1981
Year India joined Ramsar Convention
13.26 L ha
Total area of Indian Ramsar Sites
172+
Countries in the Ramsar Convention
The Ramsar Convention — officially known as the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance especially as Waterfowl Habitat — is an international treaty for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands. It is named after the city of Ramsar in Iran, where the treaty was signed.
๐ Key Facts about Ramsar Convention:
• Signed on: 2 February 1971
• Came into force: 21 December 1975
• Signed in: Ramsar, Iran
• Headquarters: Gland, Switzerland
• Member countries: 172+ countries
• Total Ramsar Sites worldwide: 2,500+ (as of 2024)
• World Wetlands Day: 2 February every year
The Convention defines wetlands broadly to include lakes, rivers, swamps, marshes, wet grasslands, peatlands, oases, estuaries, deltas, tidal flats, mangroves, coral reefs, fish ponds, rice paddies, reservoirs and salt pans.
๐ฏ The Ramsar Convention's Three Pillars:
1. Wise Use: Sustainable use of all wetlands in member territories.
2. Ramsar List: Designating and managing Wetlands of International Importance.
3. International Cooperation: Cooperating on shared wetlands and shared species.
India signed the Ramsar Convention on 1 February 1982 (ratified in 1981). Since then, India has been steadily increasing its number of designated Ramsar Sites. There has been a significant acceleration in designations in recent years, especially between 2020 and 2024, when India added over 50 new Ramsar Sites.
๐ฎ๐ณ India's Ramsar Journey — Key Milestones:
• 1982: India joins Ramsar Convention — first 2 sites designated (Chilika Lake and Keoladeo Ghana)
• 2002: 19 Ramsar Sites in India
• 2020: India had 42 Ramsar Sites
• 2021: Added 14 new sites — total reached 49
• 2022: Major expansion — total crossed 64
• 2023: Further additions — total reached 75
• 2024: India has 80 Ramsar Sites — 4th highest in the world
India ranks 4th globally in total number of Ramsar Sites, after United Kingdom (175+), Mexico (144+) and Spain (75+). India's wetlands support enormous biodiversity including many migratory birds and endangered species.
๐ Which state has the most Ramsar Sites in India?
Uttar Pradesh has the highest number of Ramsar Sites in India with 10 sites. This is followed by Tamil Nadu (14 sites) which surpassed all other states in recent designations and now leads the list. Gujarat and Rajasthan also have a significant number of sites.
A wetland can be designated as a Ramsar Site if it meets at least one of the 9 criteria set by the Convention. These criteria are grouped into two categories:
Group A — Sites containing representative, rare or unique wetland types
- Criterion 1: Contains a representative, rare or unique natural or near-natural wetland type in the appropriate biogeographic region.
Group B — Sites of international importance for conserving biological diversity
- Criterion 2: Supports vulnerable, endangered or critically endangered species or threatened ecological communities.
- Criterion 3: Supports plant and/or animal populations important for maintaining biological diversity of a particular biogeographic region.
- Criterion 4: Supports plant and/or animal species at a critical stage in their life cycles.
- Criterion 5: Regularly supports 20,000 or more waterbirds.
- Criterion 6: Regularly supports 1% of the individuals in a population of one species or subspecies of waterbird.
- Criterion 7: Supports a significant proportion of indigenous fish subspecies, species or families.
- Criterion 8: An important source of food for fishes, spawning ground, nursery and/or migration path.
- Criterion 9: Regularly supports 1% of the individuals in a population of one species or subspecies of wetland-dependent non-avian animal species.
Below is the complete state-wise listing of all major Ramsar Sites in India with key information about each site:
1. Kolleru Lake
Designated: 2002
Area: 90,100 ha
Type: Freshwater Lake
One of the largest freshwater lakes in India, located between Krishna and Godavari deltas. Supports over 200 species of birds including the grey pelican. Under threat from encroachment and aquaculture.
2. Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary
Designated: 2021
District: East Godavari
Type: Mangrove Wetland
Hosts the second largest mangrove forest in India after Sundarbans. Important for fishing communities and home to the fishing cat and mugger crocodile.
3. Krishna Wildlife Sanctuary
Designated: 2022
District: Krishna
Type: Mangrove and Estuarine
Located in the Krishna river delta. Supports significant biodiversity including blackbuck and migratory birds. Important nesting ground for olive ridley sea turtles.
4. Deepor Beel
Designated: 2002
Area: 4,000 ha
Near: Guwahati City
A permanent freshwater lake near Guwahati. An important elephant corridor and habitat for migratory birds. Under threat from encroachment, pollution and nearby railway line. Important for the ecosystem of the Brahmaputra valley.
5. Loktak Lake
Designated: 1990
Area: 26,600 ha
State: Manipur
Note: Though often listed under Manipur, Loktak is the largest freshwater lake in Northeast India. Famous for its unique floating biomass called Phumdis. Home to the highly endangered Sangai (Manipur brow-antlered deer). Keibul Lamjao National Park floats on this lake.
6. Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary
Designated: 2012
Area: 12,000 ha
District: Sanand / Surendranagar
One of the largest bird sanctuaries in India. Hosts around 250 bird species including flamingos, pelicans and cranes. A major winter destination for migratory birds from Siberia and Central Asia.
7. Wadhvana Wetland
Designated: 2021
Area: 640 ha
District: Vadodara
An internationally important wetland for migratory waterbirds — supports over 80 species of migratory birds on the Central Asian Flyway. Known for rare birds like the sociable lapwing and the lesser white-fronted goose.
8. Thol Lake Wildlife Sanctuary
Designated: 2021
Area: 700 ha
District: Mehsana
A freshwater lake and bird sanctuary. Over 320 bird species recorded. Supports migratory birds on the Central Asian Flyway including geese, ducks and waders.
9. Khijadia Wildlife Sanctuary
Designated: 2021
Area: 605 ha
District: Jamnagar
Located near the Gulf of Kutch. Supports a variety of wetland ecosystems including fresh and saline water. Important for migratory and resident waterbirds — over 200 species recorded.
10. Chandratal Wetland
Designated: 2005
Altitude: 4,300 m
District: Lahaul-Spiti
A crescent-shaped high-altitude lake at 4,300 metres. A glacially formed lake of stunning beauty and ecological importance. Also known as Moon Lake. Supports alpine flora and migratory birds including bar-headed geese.
11. Renuka Lake
Designated: 2005
Area: 20 ha
District: Sirmaur
The largest natural lake in Himachal Pradesh. Named after Goddess Renuka, an important religious and ecological site. Supports gharial, marsh crocodile, and several species of turtles and fish.
12. Pong Dam Lake
Designated: 2002
Area: 15,662 ha
District: Kangra
A man-made reservoir on the Beas river, one of the most important waterbird habitats in the Indian subcontinent. Hosts an extraordinary number of migratory waterfowl every winter — over 220 bird species and 100,000+ individual birds.
13. Dal Lake
Designated: 2005
Area: 1,775 ha
City: Srinagar
The most famous lake in India — the "Jewel of Kashmir". An urban wetland of immense ecological and cultural importance. Famous for its houseboats, shikaras and floating gardens. Severely threatened by pollution, encroachment and siltation.
14. Wular Lake
Designated: 1990
Area: 18,900 ha
District: Bandipora
The largest freshwater lake in India. Located in the Kashmir Valley. Formed by tectonic activity. Feeds by Jhelum river. Important for fish, migratory birds and local fishing communities. Under threat from pollution and silting.
15. Hygam Wetland Conservation Reserve
Designated: 2022
District: Baramulla
Type: Floodplain Wetland
A seasonal wetland in the Jhelum floodplain. Critically important for migratory birds on the Central Asian Flyway. Supports thousands of ducks, geese and wading birds during winter migration.
16. Shallbugh Wetland Conservation Reserve
Designated: 2022
District: Ganderbal
Type: Floodplain Wetland
A floodplain wetland in the Sindh river catchment. Important wintering and staging ground for migratory waterfowl. Supports high densities of tufted ducks, pochards and other diving ducks.
17. Surinsar-Mansar Lakes
Designated: 2005
District: Jammu
Type: Natural Lakes
Twin lakes of great religious significance. Mansar Lake is associated with serpent worship. Surinsar supports various aquatic species. Together they support diverse wetland biodiversity and have important cultural value for local communities.
18. Ashtamudi Wetland
Designated: 2002
Area: 61,400 ha
District: Kollam
The southern gateway of the Kerala Backwaters. A multi-fingered estuary with eight channels (Ashta = eight, Mudi = heads). Supports mangroves, seagrass beds, and diverse marine and freshwater life. Important for fisheries and tourism.
19. Sasthamkotta Lake
Designated: 2002
Area: 373 ha
District: Kollam
The largest freshwater lake in Kerala. Unique in that it has no surface connection with the sea or any river — fed entirely by underground springs. Supplies drinking water to Kollam city. Supports unique freshwater ecosystem including clupeid fish.
20. Vembanad Kol Wetland
Designated: 2002
Area: 1,51,250 ha
Type: Backwater Estuary
The longest lake in India and one of the largest wetland systems. The famous Kuttanad region (the only place in India where farming is done below sea level) lies within this wetland. Home to the famous Nehru Trophy Boat Race. Kumarakom bird sanctuary is part of this system.
21. Kole Wetlands
Designated: 2022
District: Thrissur
Type: Paddy Field Wetland
Seasonal paddy field wetlands of extraordinary bird importance. Supports over 50 species of migratory birds. Considered one of the most important bird areas in peninsular India. Located in Thrissur district and serves as the main wetland habitat for birds in the region.
22. Bhoj Wetland (Upper and Lower)
Designated: 2002
Area: 32,000 ha
City: Bhopal
The famous Bhopal Lake — one of the largest artificial lakes in Asia. Built by Raja Bhoj in the 11th century. Upper lake (Bada Talab) and Lower lake (Chota Talab) together form this site. Important for migratory birds and serves as the main water supply to Bhopal city.
23. Sakhya Sagar
Designated: 2022
District: Shivpuri
Type: Reservoir
Located within the Madhav National Park. A man-made reservoir supporting diverse wetland species. Important for Indian gharial, marsh crocodile, and significant populations of migratory waterbirds.
24. Sirpur Wetland
Designated: 2022
District: Indore
Type: Urban Wetland
An urban wetland near Indore — one of the few urban wetlands to receive Ramsar designation. Important staging and wintering ground for migratory birds. Also serves as a crucial green space for India's cleanest city.
25. Loktak Lake
Designated: 1990
Area: 26,600 ha
Famous for: Phumdis
The largest freshwater lake in Northeast India. World famous for Phumdis — unique floating islands of biomass (soil, vegetation and organic matter). The floating Keibul Lamjao National Park — the world's only floating national park — is located here. Home to the critically endangered Sangai (Manipur brow-antlered deer).
26. Palak Dil Lake
Designated: 2021
Area: 100 ha
District: Saiha
The largest natural lake in Mizoram. Located in southern Mizoram. Surrounded by evergreen forests. Supports diverse aquatic flora and fauna. Legend says the lake was formed when a village sank into the earth. Important habitat for freshwater birds and fish species endemic to the region.
27. Chilika Lake
Designated: 1981
Area: 1,16,500 ha
Type: Brackish Lagoon
India's first Ramsar Site and the largest coastal lagoon in India. Also the largest wintering ground for migratory birds in the Indian subcontinent. Hosts over 1 million migratory birds during peak season. Famous for the Irrawaddy dolphin. Was placed on Montreux Record (endangered Ramsar sites list) in 1993 but successfully restored and removed in 2002.
28. Bhitarkanika Mangroves
Designated: 2002
Area: 65,000 ha
District: Kendrapara
The second largest mangrove ecosystem in India after Sundarbans. Hosts the world's largest congregation of nesting saltwater crocodiles. An important nesting site for olive ridley sea turtles. Supports a rich biodiversity of reptiles, birds and fish.
29. Ansupa Lake
Designated: 2021
Area: 231 ha
District: Cuttack
The largest freshwater lake in Odisha. A horseshoe-shaped oxbow lake formed by the Mahanadi river. Supports a diverse array of resident and migratory birds. Important for local fishing communities.
30. Hirakud Reservoir
Designated: 2021
Area: 74,000 ha
River: Mahanadi
Built on the Mahanadi river, Hirakud is one of the longest earthen dams in the world. The reservoir supports a highly diverse wetland ecosystem with over 250 bird species. An important water source and fishery for local communities.
31. Harike Wetland
Designated: 1990
Area: 4,100 ha
District: Tarn Taran
The largest wetland in North India. Created at the confluence of Beas and Sutlej rivers. A critical habitat for migratory birds including the Siberian crane. Famous for hosting thousands of winter migratory waterfowl every year.
32. Kanjli Wetland
Designated: 2002
Area: 183 ha
District: Kapurthala
An artificial wetland created by damming the Kali Bein rivulet in 1870. Religiously significant as it is associated with the revived Kali Bein stream where Guru Nanak Dev ji is believed to have meditated. Supports over 350 species of birds.
33. Ropar Wetland
Designated: 2002
Area: 1,365 ha
District: Rupnagar
Created by the Ropar Headworks on the Sutlej river. Important wetland supporting over 200 bird species including endangered species like the white-backed vulture and sarus crane.
34. Beas Conservation Reserve
Designated: 2019
Length: 185 km
River: Beas
A river stretch conservation reserve on the Beas river. Critically important for the Indus river dolphin (Platanista gangetica minor) — a critically endangered species. One of the few populations of this dolphin outside Pakistan.
35. Keoladeo Ghana National Park (Bharatpur)
Designated: 1981
Area: 2,873 ha
UNESCO WHS: 1985
India's second Ramsar Site and one of its most famous bird sanctuaries. Also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in 1850 by the Maharaja of Bharatpur. Hosts over 370 species of birds including the critically endangered Siberian crane. Considered one of the finest bird sanctuaries in the world.
36. Sambhar Lake
Designated: 1990
Area: 24,000 ha
Type: Salt Lake
The largest saline lake in India. India's primary source of salt production from inland sources. Hosts thousands of flamingos during winter. In 2019, over 18,000 birds died mysteriously at this lake — believed to be due to avian botulism caused by changing salinity.
37. Point Calimere Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary
Designated: 2002
Area: 3,500 ha
District: Nagapattinam
Located on the southeastern tip of peninsular India. A vital habitat for the globally threatened great knot and flamingos. Also hosts blackbuck and spotted deer. An important staging point for migratory shorebirds on the East Asian–Australasian Flyway.
38. Pallikaranai Marsh Reserve Forest
Designated: 2022
Area: 1,615 ha
City: Chennai
One of the last surviving natural wetlands in South India — located in the heart of Chennai city. A freshwater to brackish water wetland. A crucial urban biodiversity hotspot that has been severely threatened by urbanisation. Supports over 115 species of birds.
39. Kazhuveli Bird Sanctuary
Designated: 2021
District: Villupuram
Type: Saltwater Lagoon
A large saltwater lagoon on the Coromandel coast. One of the most important wintering grounds for waterbirds in India. Supports over 100,000 individual waterbirds and over 200 species during peak season.
40. Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary
Designated: 2021
Area: 74 ha
District: Chengalpattu
One of the oldest bird sanctuaries in India — protected since 1798 by the local community. Hosts thousands of breeding waterbirds including painted storks, grey herons, little cormorants and spoonbills. A tiny but extraordinarily productive wetland.
Tamil Nadu also has Suchindram Theroor Wetland Complex, Vaduvur Bird Sanctuary, Kanjirankulam Bird Sanctuary, Chitrangudi Bird Sanctuary, Uyyakondan Channel, Vellode Bird Sanctuary, and several others among its 14 Ramsar Sites.
41. Upper Ganga River (Brijghat to Narora Stretch)
Designated: 2005
Length: 96 km
River: Ganga
A 96-km stretch of the Ganga between Brijghat (Haridwar) and Narora (Bulandshahr). One of the last remaining habitats of the Ganges river dolphin and the gharial (Gavial). Also important for migratory birds and mahseer fish. Critically threatened by pollution and extraction.
42. Saman Bird Sanctuary
Designated: 2019
Area: 52,601 ha
District: Mainpuri
A large oxbow lake wetland complex. One of the most important waterbird wintering sites in the Upper Gangetic Plains. Supports thousands of bar-headed geese, Ruddy shelduck and other migratory waterfowl.
43. Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary
Designated: 2019
Area: 2,246 ha
District: Unnao
An important freshwater lake and bird sanctuary near Lucknow. Supports over 250 bird species including several globally threatened species. An important site for resident and migratory waterbirds in central Uttar Pradesh.
UP's other Ramsar Sites include: Samaspur Bird Sanctuary (Raebareli), Parvati Aranga Bird Sanctuary (Gonda), Sandi Bird Sanctuary (Hardoi), Sur Sarovar (Agra), Bakhira Wildlife Sanctuary (Sant Kabir Nagar), Haiderpur Wetland (Muzaffarnagar), and Vindhyasagar Reservoir.
44. Asan Conservation Reserve
Designated: 2020
Area: 444 ha
District: Dehradun
Uttarakhand's first Ramsar Site. Located at the confluence of the Yamuna and Asan rivers near Dehradun. Supports over 300 species of birds including migratory ducks, geese and waders on the Central Asian Flyway.
45. Nainital Lake
Designated: 2022
Area: 65 ha
City: Nainital
The iconic pear-shaped lake of Nainital. A glacially formed lake surrounded by hills. Important freshwater ecosystem that also serves as the primary water source for Nainital town. Under threat from increasing tourism and urbanisation.
46. Sundarbans Wetland
Designated: 2019
Area: 4,23,000 ha
UNESCO WHS: 1987
The largest mangrove forest in the world, shared between India and Bangladesh. Home to the Royal Bengal Tiger, estuarine crocodile, Irrawaddy dolphin, and countless fish and bird species. Also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Tiger Reserve. Extremely threatened by sea-level rise, cyclones and climate change.
47. East Kolkata Wetlands
Designated: 2002
Area: 12,500 ha
City: Kolkata
A unique urban wetland that functions as Kolkata's natural sewage treatment plant. Wastewater from Kolkata is treated using a unique system of fishponds and vegetable farms managed by local communities. A globally unique example of waste recycling through wetland ecosystems. Recognized for its ecological and economic importance.
| Category |
Site Name |
State |
Special Feature |
| India's 1st Ramsar Site |
Chilika Lake |
Odisha |
Largest coastal lagoon in India; designated 1981 |
| India's 2nd Ramsar Site |
Keoladeo Ghana NP |
Rajasthan |
UNESCO WHS; designated 1981 |
| Largest Freshwater Lake (India) |
Wular Lake |
J&K |
Tectonic origin; Jhelum river |
| Largest Saline Lake (India) |
Sambhar Lake |
Rajasthan |
Major salt production source |
| Largest Coastal Lagoon (India) |
Chilika Lake |
Odisha |
Irrawaddy dolphin habitat |
| Longest Lake (India) |
Vembanad Lake |
Kerala |
Kuttanad region — farming below sea level |
| Largest Mangrove (India) |
Sundarbans |
West Bengal |
Royal Bengal Tiger; UNESCO WHS |
| 2nd Largest Mangrove (India) |
Bhitarkanika |
Odisha |
Saltwater crocodile nesting |
| World's Only Floating NP |
Keibul Lamjao (Loktak) |
Manipur |
Sangai deer habitat; Phumdis |
| Largest Freshwater Lake (NE India) |
Loktak Lake |
Manipur |
Floating Phumdis; Sangai deer |
| Largest Freshwater Lake (Kerala) |
Sasthamkotta Lake |
Kerala |
Fed only by underground springs |
| Largest Artificial Lake (MP) |
Bhoj Wetland |
M.P. |
Built by Raja Bhoj, 11th century |
| Largest Wetland (North India) |
Harike Wetland |
Punjab |
Beas-Sutlej confluence |
| Iconic Dal Lake |
Dal Lake |
J&K |
Jewel of Kashmir; urban wetland |
| Moon Lake |
Chandratal |
H.P. |
High altitude; 4,300m; glacial lake |
| State with Most Ramsar Sites |
Tamil Nadu |
Tamil Nadu |
14 Ramsar Sites |
| Urban Waste Recycling Wetland |
East Kolkata Wetlands |
West Bengal |
Natural sewage treatment for Kolkata |
| Oldest Protected Bird Sanctuary |
Vedanthangal |
Tamil Nadu |
Protected since 1798 by locals |
| Indus Dolphin Habitat |
Beas Conservation Reserve |
Punjab |
Critically endangered Indus dolphin |
| Ganga Dolphin Habitat |
Upper Ganga River |
U.P. |
Gangetic dolphin and gharial |
The Montreux Record is a register of Ramsar Sites where changes in ecological character have occurred, are occurring or are likely to occur as a result of technological developments, pollution or other human interference. It is maintained as part of the Ramsar List.
๐จ Indian Sites on Montreux Record:
Currently, 2 Indian sites are on the Montreux Record:
1. Keoladeo Ghana National Park (Bharatpur, Rajasthan) — Added: 1990. Threatened by: Stopping of water inflow from Ajan Bund, cattle grazing, invasive plants (Paspalum distichum), reduced bird populations.
2. Loktak Lake (Manipur) — Added: 1993. Threatened by: Loktak Hydroelectric Project, weed invasion, siltation and human encroachment.
Note: Chilika Lake (Odisha) was added to Montreux Record in 1993 but was successfully removed in 2002 after restoration efforts — a great conservation success story.
The Ramsar Convention classifies wetlands into 42 types grouped into three categories:
Marine and Coastal Wetlands
- Estuaries and deltas — e.g., Sundarbans, Bhitarkanika
- Lagoons — e.g., Chilika Lake
- Mangroves — e.g., Sundarbans, Coringa
- Coral reefs — e.g., Gulf of Mannar
- Seagrass beds — e.g., Gulf of Kutch
- Tidal flats and mudflats
Inland Wetlands
- Freshwater lakes — e.g., Wular, Loktak, Chilika
- Rivers and streams — e.g., Upper Ganga River
- Swamps and marshes — e.g., Keoladeo Ghana
- Peatlands and bogs
- Alpine and tundra wetlands — e.g., Chandratal
- Oxbow lakes — e.g., Ansupa Lake, Saman
Human-Made Wetlands
- Reservoirs — e.g., Pong Dam, Hirakud
- Fish and shrimp ponds — e.g., East Kolkata Wetlands
- Rice paddies — e.g., Kole Wetlands (Kerala)
- Salt pans — e.g., Sambhar Lake area
- Wastewater treatment ponds — e.g., East Kolkata Wetlands
๐ Ecological Services of Wetlands:
1. Biodiversity: Wetlands support 40% of the world's species while covering only 6% of the Earth's surface.
2. Water purification: Wetlands filter pollutants and improve water quality — often called "Nature's kidneys."
3. Flood control: Wetlands act as natural sponges, absorbing and slowly releasing excess rainwater — reducing flood risks.
4. Carbon sequestration: Peatlands and mangroves store enormous amounts of carbon — crucial for climate regulation.
5. Groundwater recharge: Wetlands replenish underground aquifers by allowing water to percolate into the earth.
6. Shoreline protection: Mangroves and coastal wetlands reduce the impact of storms, tsunamis and erosion.
7. Livelihoods: Wetlands support over 1 billion people globally through fishing, farming, grazing and tourism.
- Urban Encroachment: Wetlands near cities are filled and built upon — Pallikaranai Marsh and Dal Lake are examples.
- Agricultural Conversion: Wetlands are drained to create agricultural land, destroying the ecosystem.
- Pollution: Sewage, industrial effluents, agricultural runoff, and plastic pollution degrade wetland water quality.
- Siltation: Excessive silt from upstream areas reduces water depth and chokes wetland ecosystems.
- Invasive Species: Water hyacinth, Salvinia, and other invasive plants choke Indian wetlands — Keoladeo NP has been badly affected.
- Over-exploitation: Excessive fishing, hunting, and resource extraction reduce biodiversity.
- Climate Change: Sea-level rise threatens coastal wetlands like Sundarbans. Altered rainfall patterns affect inland wetlands.
- Dams and Irrigation Projects: Change in water flow affects downstream wetlands — Keoladeo NP's water supply was cut off by the Ajan Bund dispute.
- Tourism Pressure: Unregulated tourism causes disturbance to nesting and migratory birds in sensitive areas.
๐ฎ๐ณ Key Government Schemes and Policies:
1. National Wetland Conservation Programme (NWCP): Launched by Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC). Identifies and conserves important wetlands across India.
2. Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017: Provides regulatory framework for wetland protection. Prohibits activities like draining, filling, constructing, dumping in wetlands.
3. Wetlands of India Portal: A national database of all wetlands in India maintained by the Ministry of Environment.
4. Integrated Management Plans (IMPs): Each Ramsar Site in India is required to have an IMP for its conservation and sustainable use.
5. Amrit Dharohar Scheme (2023): Launched to promote unique conservation values of Ramsar Sites, support local communities, and enhance biodiversity and eco-tourism. Announced in Union Budget 2023-24.
6. Mishra Dhara: A sub-scheme under NWCP specifically for conservation of urban wetlands.
| Bird Species |
Conservation Status |
Key Ramsar Site |
Note |
| Siberian Crane |
Critically Endangered |
Keoladeo Ghana NP |
Last seen in India in 2002; now virtually extinct from India |
| Sarus Crane |
Vulnerable |
Keoladeo, UP wetlands |
World's tallest flying bird; national bird of several countries |
| Painted Stork |
Near Threatened |
Vedanthangal, Keoladeo |
Major breeding species at Indian wetlands |
| Bar-headed Goose |
Least Concern |
Chandratal, Pong Dam |
Highest-flying bird; crosses Himalayas in migration |
| Greater Flamingo |
Least Concern |
Sambhar, Nalsarovar |
Mass gatherings in Gujarat and Rajasthan wetlands |
| Spot-billed Pelican |
Near Threatened |
Kolleru, Chilika |
Large nesting colonies in Andhra Pradesh wetlands |
| Great Knot |
Endangered |
Point Calimere |
Critical stopover site in Southeast Asia-Australia Flyway |
| Sociable Lapwing |
Critically Endangered |
Wadhvana, Gujarat |
Rare winter visitor from Central Asia |
Q1. What is the Ramsar Convention and where was it signed?
Ans: The Ramsar Convention is an international treaty for conservation of wetlands. It was signed in Ramsar, Iran on 2 February 1971 and came into force in 1975. World Wetlands Day is observed on 2 February every year.
Q2. How many Ramsar Sites does India have (as of 2024)?
Ans: India has 80 Ramsar Sites as of 2024, making it the country with the 4th highest number of Ramsar Sites in the world. The total area covered is over 13.26 lakh hectares.
Q3. Which was India's first Ramsar Site?
Ans: Chilika Lake (Odisha) and Keoladeo Ghana National Park (Rajasthan/Bharatpur) were both designated in 1981 as India's first Ramsar Sites.
Q4. Which state has the highest number of Ramsar Sites in India?
Ans: Tamil Nadu has the highest number of Ramsar Sites in India with 14 sites. Uttar Pradesh has 10 sites and comes second.
Q5. What is the Montreux Record?
Ans: The Montreux Record is a register maintained under the Ramsar Convention for sites where the ecological character has changed or is likely to change due to human interference. India's Loktak Lake and Keoladeo NP are currently on the list. Chilika Lake was removed after successful restoration in 2002.
Q6. What is special about Loktak Lake?
Ans: Loktak Lake in Manipur is the largest freshwater lake in Northeast India. It is famous for unique floating islands of biomass called Phumdis. It hosts the world's only floating national park — Keibul Lamjao — which is home to the critically endangered Sangai (Brow-antlered deer).
Q7. What is the Amrit Dharohar Scheme?
Ans: The Amrit Dharohar Scheme was announced in the Union Budget 2023-24. Its aim is to conserve the unique ecological value of Ramsar Sites, support biodiversity, promote eco-tourism and enhance livelihoods of local communities at these sites.
Q8. Which Indian wetland is called "Nature's Kidney of Kolkata"?
Ans: East Kolkata Wetlands — designated in 2002. It serves as Kolkata's natural sewage treatment system and is a globally unique example of waste recycling through wetland ecosystems. It was also called the "Sewage Fed Fisheries and Vegetable Growing" system.
Q9. Where is the only place in India where farming is done below sea level?
Ans: Kuttanad region in Kerala, which lies within the Vembanad Kol Wetland (a Ramsar Site). Here, farming is done 1–2 metres below sea level — unique in India and one of the few such places in the world.
Q10. What is unique about East Kolkata Wetlands (EKW)?
Ans: EKW is one of the world's largest organic waste recycling systems. Kolkata city's wastewater is treated by being channelled through a series of sewage-fed fishponds and vegetable farms managed entirely by local communities — entirely without modern technology. It recycles about 750 million litres of wastewater daily.
๐ Must-Remember Facts:
✦ Ramsar Convention → Signed in Ramsar, Iran → 2 February 1971
✦ India joined Ramsar Convention → 1981
✦ India's total Ramsar Sites → 80 (2024)
✦ India's rank globally → 4th
✦ India's 1st Ramsar Sites → Chilika Lake & Keoladeo Ghana NP (1981)
✦ Largest coastal lagoon → Chilika Lake (Odisha)
✦ Largest freshwater lake → Wular Lake (J&K)
✦ Largest saline lake → Sambhar Lake (Rajasthan)
✦ Largest lake in NE India → Loktak Lake (Manipur)
✦ Longest lake in India → Vembanad Lake (Kerala)
✦ Largest mangrove → Sundarbans (WB) — UNESCO WHS
✦ Floating National Park → Keibul Lamjao, Loktak Lake (Manipur)
✦ World Wetlands Day → 2 February
✦ Ramsar HQ → Gland, Switzerland
✦ State with most Ramsar Sites → Tamil Nadu (14)
✦ Chilika Lake removed from Montreux Record → 2002 (success story)
✦ Moon Lake → Chandratal, Himachal Pradesh
✦ Amrit Dharohar Scheme → Union Budget 2023-24
✦ Sangai deer → Loktak Lake, Manipur
✦ Irrawaddy Dolphin → Chilika Lake
✦ Kuttanad (farming below sea level) → Vembanad Kol Wetland, Kerala
๐ Practice Questions — Test Yourself!
- In which country is the city of Ramsar located, after which the Convention is named? (Answer: Iran)
- Which Indian Ramsar Site is also known as the Jewel of Kashmir? (Answer: Dal Lake)
- The critically endangered Sangai deer is found in which Ramsar Site? (Answer: Loktak Lake, Manipur)
- Which Indian state has the highest number of Ramsar Sites as of 2024? (Answer: Tamil Nadu — 14 sites)
- Which Ramsar Site in India was successfully removed from the Montreux Record in 2002 after restoration? (Answer: Chilika Lake, Odisha)
- The Kuttanad region, where farming is done below sea level, is part of which Ramsar Site? (Answer: Vembanad Kol Wetland, Kerala)
- Which lake in India is known for Phumdis (floating islands)? (Answer: Loktak Lake, Manipur)
- Which scheme was launched in Budget 2023-24 for conservation of Ramsar Sites? (Answer: Amrit Dharohar Scheme)
- What is the largest mangrove forest in the world that is also a Ramsar Site in India? (Answer: Sundarbans, West Bengal)
- Which is the largest freshwater lake in India? (Answer: Wular Lake, J&K)
