India

The world observes World Wetlands Day on 2 February 2026, India has reaffirmed its commitment to wetland conservation by designating two new Wetlands of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention. The newly added sites are Patna Bird Sanctuary in Uttar Pradesh and Chhari-Dhand in Gujarat’s Kutch region. With this announcement, India’s Ramsar network now comprises 98 sites, covering approximately 13.6 lakh hectares (1.36 million hectares).
The timing of the designation aligns with World Wetlands Day, which commemorates the signing of the Ramsar Convention in 1971. Beyond symbolism, the move draws attention to the ecological, economic, and social importance of wetlands, while also highlighting the growing pressures they face from urbanisation, climate change, and land-use conversion.
Wetlands and their ecological importance
Wetlands play a critical role in maintaining ecological balance. Often described as “nature’s kidneys,” they help filter pollutants, regulate water flows, recharge groundwater, mitigate floods, and support high levels of biodiversity. Wetlands also contribute to livelihoods through agriculture, fisheries, and tourism, and act as buffers against climate extremes.
Despite their importance, wetlands are among the fastest-declining ecosystems in India and globally. Rapid urban expansion, infrastructure development, pollution, and changes in land use have resulted in the loss or degradation of many wetlands, even as international recognition has increased.
India and the Ramsar Convention
The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, adopted on 2 February 1971 in Ramsar, Iran, is one of the earliest international environmental agreements focused on ecosystem conservation. It introduced the principle of “wise use,” aiming to balance conservation with sustainable human activities.
India was an early participant in the Convention. During its formative years, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi deputed noted ornithologist Dr Salim Ali to represent India, reflecting early recognition of habitat conservation as central to biodiversity protection. India designated its first Ramsar site, Chilika Lake in Odisha, in 1981. The lagoon remains one of the country’s most significant wetlands, supporting migratory birds, fisheries-based livelihoods, and unique species such as the Irrawaddy dolphin.
For a country facing increasing water stress, erratic monsoons, groundwater depletion, and climate-related risks, wetlands have become essential components of water security and climate resilience strategies.
The newly designated wetlands
The two new Ramsar sites represent different ecological settings within India’s wetland landscape.
Patna Bird Sanctuary, located in Uttar Pradesh’s Etah district, covers just over 108 hectares. Despite its relatively small size, it serves as an important wintering ground for tens of thousands of migratory waterbirds, including rare and threatened species. The wetland also supports aquatic biodiversity and contributes to local hydrological processes such as nutrient cycling and groundwater recharge.
Chhari-Dhand, situated in the Kutch region of Gujarat, is a seasonal marshland forming part of a semi-arid ecosystem. It supports grassland and aquatic habitats that sustain migratory birds, mammals, amphibians, and reptiles. The wetland also contributes to the resilience of the wider Banni grasslands ecosystem. Its inclusion reflects growing recognition of the ecological value of seasonal and semi-arid wetlands, which are often overlooked in conservation planning.
Together, the two sites underline a broader policy shift towards recognising wetlands based on ecological function and resilience rather than size or permanence alone.
State-level patterns and ongoing challenges
Within India, Tamil Nadu currently has the highest number of Ramsar sites, with 20 designated wetlands. These include coastal lagoons, estuaries, freshwater lakes, and bird sanctuaries, many of which support dense human populations and livelihoods. The state’s experience highlights the role of sustained administrative focus and scientific input in expanding wetland protection.
However, the broader national picture remains challenging. Thousands of wetlands remain unrecognised and vulnerable. Urban wetlands, in particular, face severe pressures from encroachment, sewage inflows, and real estate development. The loss of urban wetlands has contributed to recurring floods, water scarcity, and environmental degradation in several Indian cities.
The Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017 provide a regulatory framework for wetland protection, but gaps in implementation persist. Limited enforcement capacity, fragmented institutional responsibilities, and insufficient community participation continue to constrain effective conservation. Ramsar designation, while important, does not automatically ensure protection without robust governance at the local level.
Beyond designation
Experience from existing Ramsar sites illustrates the gap between recognition and long-term protection. Wetlands such as Deepor Beel in Assam, Vembanad-Kol in Kerala, and the East Kolkata Wetlands continue to face pressures from encroachment, pollution, and infrastructure expansion despite international recognition.
Experts have consistently emphasised that wetlands must be managed as part of broader hydrological and ecological systems rather than as isolated sites. This requires coordinated action across government levels, long-term ecological monitoring, and stronger accountability mechanisms. Community participation is also critical, as local stakeholders often play a central role in sustaining wetland ecosystems.
A moment for reflection and action
The addition of Patna Bird Sanctuary and Chhari-Dhand marks another milestone in India’s engagement with the Ramsar Convention. At the same time, it highlights the need to move beyond symbolic recognition towards sustained protection, scientific management, and inclusive governance.
As climate risks and water insecurity intensify, wetlands are increasingly recognised as essential natural infrastructure. On World Wetlands Day 2026, India’s expanding Ramsar network serves as both an achievement and a reminder that safeguarding wetlands is fundamental to the country’s ecological resilience and long-term development.