Ramsar sites are wetlands of international importance designated under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, an intergovernmental treaty established in 1971.
The Ramsar Convention: Statutory Framework
- Global Treaty: Signed on February 2, 1971, in the Iranian city of Ramsar. It is the only global environmental treaty that provides the framework for national action and international cooperation for the conservation of a single ecosystem: wetlands.
- Three Pillars: The convention works on three pillars: the “Wise Use” of all wetlands, the designation of wetlands of international importance (Ramsar List), and international cooperation on transboundary wetlands.
- Wise Use: Defined as the maintenance of the ecological character of wetlands through the implementation of ecosystem approaches within the context of sustainable development.
- India’s Accession: India became a signatory to the convention on February 1, 1982.
Current Status and Statistics (2026)
- Total Count: As of April 2026, India has 98 Ramsar Sites.
- Total Area: These sites cover approximately 1,362,205 hectares.
- Global Standing: India holds the largest number of Ramsar sites in South Asia and the third-highest globally, trailing only the United Kingdom (176) and Mexico (144).
- Latest Additions (January 2026): Two new sites were added on World Wetlands Day 2026:
- Patna Bird Sanctuary (Uttar Pradesh): One of the smallest protected areas in India, crucial for migratory waterbirds.
- Chhari-Dhand (Gujarat): A seasonal saline wetland in the Kutch district, famous for hosting over 30,000 common cranes annually.
Distribution and State-wise Highlights
| State/UT | Number of Sites | Notable Ramsar Sites |
| Tamil Nadu | 20 | Gulf of Mannar, Pichavaram Mangrove, Vedanthangal. |
| Uttar Pradesh | 11 | Upper Ganga River, Haiderpur Wetland, Patna Bird Sanctuary. |
| Odisha | 6 | Chilika Lake, Bhitarkanika Mangroves, Hirakud Reservoir. |
| Punjab | 6 | Harike Wetland, Beas Conservation Reserve, Ropar Wetland. |
| Bihar | 6 | Kanwar Lake (Kabar Taal), Gogabeel Lake, Nagi Bird Sanctuary. |
| Gujarat | 5 | Nalsarovar, Thol Lake, Chhari-Dhand. |
| Madhya Pradesh | 5 | Bhoj Wetland, Tawa Reservoir, Yashwant Sagar. |
| Rajasthan | 5 | Keoladeo Ghana NP, Sambhar Lake, Menar Wetland. |
Vital Facts and Prelims Trivia
Geographic Superlatives
- First Sites: Chilika Lake (Odisha) and Keoladeo National Park (Rajasthan) were the first two sites designated in 1981.
- Largest Site: Sundarban Wetland (West Bengal) is the largest, followed by Vembanad-Kol Wetland (Kerala).
- Smallest Site: Renuka Wetland (Himachal Pradesh) is historically the smallest (20 hectares), though Patna Bird Sanctuary (UP) is also among the most compact at roughly 100 hectares.
- Highest Altitude: Tsomoriri Lake (Ladakh) and Tso Kar Wetland Complex (Ladakh).
The Montreux Record
The Montreux Record is a register of wetland sites on the List of Ramsar wetlands 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.
- Current Indian Sites: Loktak Lake (Manipur) and Keoladeo National Park (Rajasthan).
- Success Story: Chilika Lake was placed on the record in 1993 but removed in 2002 following successful restoration efforts, making it the first site from Asia to be removed from the list.
Classification of Wetlands in India
Wetlands in India are categorized under the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017. They are generally classified into:
- Marine/Coastal: Mangroves (Sundarbans), coral reefs, and estuaries (Aghanashini).
- Inland: Freshwater lakes (Wular), oxbow lakes (Kanwar Taal), and seasonal marshes.
- Human-made: Reservoirs (Hirakud, Tawa), salt pans, and tanks.
Distinctive Biological Importance
- Dugong Habitat: Gulf of Mannar Marine Biosphere Reserve (Tamil Nadu).
- Sangai (Dancing Deer): Found exclusively in Loktak Lake (Keibul Lamjao).
- Olive Ridley Turtles: Found near Bhitarkanika Mangroves (Odisha).
- Barasingha (Swamp Deer): Kanwar Taal (Bihar) and Haiderpur Wetland (UP).
- Red Panda & Snow Leopard: Khecheopalri Wetland (Sikkim).