India’s Ramsar Count Hits 98 With Two New Gems; PM Congratulates Local Communities
Patna Bird Sanctuary and Chhari-Dhand join global wetland elite.
India has achieved another milestone in wetland conservation with two new sites receiving Ramsar designation, bringing the country’s total to 98 internationally recognized wetlands. The newly designated areas are Patna Bird Sanctuary in Etah district, Uttar Pradesh, and Chhari-Dhand in Kutch, Gujarat. These additions highlight India’s growing efforts to protect vital ecosystems that support diverse wildlife and migratory birds.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed delight over the development and congratulated local communities along with conservation enthusiasts. In a post on X, he wrote that the recognition reaffirms the government’s strong commitment to preserving biodiversity and safeguarding critical habitats. He hoped these wetlands would continue thriving as safe havens for countless migratory and resident species.
The wetlands are home to hundreds of avian species, both migratory and native. Chhari-Dhand in the arid landscape of Kutch also supports mammals such as chinkara, wolves, caracal, desert cats, and desert foxes, along with several endangered bird species. Patna Bird Sanctuary serves as an important stopover and breeding ground for various waterbirds, contributing significantly to regional biodiversity.
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Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav congratulated the states of Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat, crediting the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Modi for the rapid expansion of India’s Ramsar network. He noted that the number of Ramsar sites has surged by over 276% since 2014, rising from 26 to the current 98. This impressive growth reflects sustained policy focus on wetland protection and sustainable management.
The Ramsar Convention, an international treaty for wetland conservation, recognizes sites of international importance. These latest inclusions strengthen India’s position in global environmental efforts while ensuring long-term ecological security for future generations. The move is seen as a positive step toward balancing development with nature preservation across the country.
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