India Adds Four New Wetlands to Ramsar Sites

✍️Anil Mishra
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Table of Contents

1.                  Introduction

2.                  India’s New Ramsar Sites

3.                  India’s Global Standing

4.                  Ramsar Site Criteria

5.                  Spotlight on New Sites

o    Khecheopalri Lake (Sikkim)

o    Udhwa Lake (Jharkhand)

o    Sakkarakottai Bird Sanctuary (Tamil Nadu)

o    Therthangal Bird Sanctuary (Tamil Nadu)

6.                  Importance of Wetlands

7.                  About the Ramsar Convention

8.                  Montreux Record

9.                  Conclusion

 

 

India Adds Four New Wetlands to Ramsar List Ahead of World Wetlands Day 2025

As the world prepares to celebrate World Wetlands Day on 2nd February, India has taken a significant step in wetland conservation by adding four new wetlands to the prestigious Ramsar Sites list under the Ramsar Convention. This brings the total number of globally recognized wetlands in India to 89, solidifying the country’s position as a leader in wetland conservation.

Ramsar Sites in India
Ramsar Sites in India


India’s New Ramsar Sites

The newly designated wetlands include:

1.      Sakkarakottai Bird Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu.

2.      Therthangal Bird Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu.

3.      Khecheopalri Wetland in Sikkim.

4.      Udhwa Lake in Jharkhand.

With these additions, Tamil Nadu now leads the country with 20 Ramsar sites, followed by Uttar Pradesh with 10. Notably, Sikkim and Jharkhand have earned their first-ever Ramsar sites, marking a milestone in their conservation efforts.

India’s Global Standing in Wetland Conservation

India now ranks third globally in terms of Ramsar sites, trailing only the United Kingdom (176) and Mexico (144). Additionally, India boasts the highest number of Ramsar sites in Asia, showcasing its commitment to preserving these vital ecosystems. Over the past decade, India has added 47 new Ramsar sites, with a significant surge in the last three years.

What Makes a Wetland a Ramsar Site?

The Ramsar Convention designates wetlands based on specific criteria, including:

·         Representing rare or unique wetland types.

·         Supporting endangered species or threatened ecological communities.

·         Serving as critical habitats for migratory birds and fish populations.

·         Maintaining biodiversity and acting as a refuge during adverse conditions.

Spotlight on the New Ramsar Sites

1. Khecheopalri Lake (Sikkim)

·         Location: Near Khecheopalri village in West Sikkim.

·         Significance: Known as “Sho Dzo Sho” (Oh Lady, Sit Here), this sacred lake is revered by both Buddhists and Hindus. It is believed to be a wish-fulfilling lake and drains water from the Ramam watershed.

2. Udhwa Lake Bird Sanctuary (Jharkhand)

·         Location: Sahibganj district, on the floodplain of the Ganga River.

·         Significance: Comprising two interconnected water bodies, Patauda and Berhale, this sanctuary is recognized as an Important Bird Area (IBA) and plays a crucial role in avian habitat conservation.

3. Sakkarakottai Bird Sanctuary (Tamil Nadu)

·         Location: Ramanathapuram district.

·         Significance: An irrigation tank recharged by the northeast monsoon, it lies along the Central Asian Flyway and serves as a breeding ground for species like the Spot-billed Pelican and Grey Heron.

4. Therthangal Bird Sanctuary (Tamil Nadu)

·         Location: Ramanathapuram district.

·         Significance: A vital habitat for waterbirds such as the White-breasted Kingfisher and Brahminy Kite, this sanctuary supports both breeding and foraging activities.

Why Are Wetlands Important?

Wetlands are transitional zones between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, offering numerous ecological benefits:

·         Water Source: They recharge groundwater and absorb rainwater.

·         Flood Control: Wetlands act as natural sponges, reducing flood risks.

·         Water Purification: They filter pollutants like phosphorus and nitrogen from agricultural runoff.

·         Biodiversity Hotspots: Wetlands provide habitats for endangered species and serve as breeding grounds for migratory birds.

 

State-wise Distribution of Ramsar Sites in India

Rank

State/UT

Number of Ramsar Sites

1

Tamil Nadu

20

2

Uttar Pradesh

10

3

Odisha

6

4

Punjab

6

5

Jammu & Kashmir (UT)

5

6

Madhya Pradesh

5

7

Gujarat

4

8

Karnataka

4

9

Bihar

3

10

Kerala

3

11

Himachal Pradesh

3

12

Maharashtra

3

13

West Bengal

2

14

Rajasthan

2

15

Ladakh (UT)

2

16

Haryana

2

17

Andhra Pradesh

1

18

Manipur

1

19

Assam

1

20

Mizoram

1

21

Uttarakhand

1

22

Tripura

1

23

Goa

1

24

Sikkim

1

25

Jharkhand

1

Total Ramsar Sites in India

89

 

About the Ramsar Convention

The Ramsar Convention, signed in 1971 in Ramsar, Iran, is an international treaty focused on the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands. Its three pillars include:

1.      Promoting the wise use of all wetlands.

2.      Designating wetlands of international importance.

3.      Encouraging international cooperation on transboundary wetlands.

 

India's Oldest Ramsar Sites 🌊

Rank

Ramsar Site

Year of Designation

1

Chilika Lake

1981

2

Keoladeo Ghana National Park

1981

 

Montreux Record: A Watchlist for Threatened Wetlands

The Montreux Record tracks Ramsar sites facing ecological threats. Currently, two Indian wetlands are on this list:

·         Keoladeo National Park, Rajasthan (added in 1990).

·         Loktak Lake, Manipur (added in 1993).


Conclusion

The addition of these four wetlands to the Ramsar list underscores India’s dedication to preserving its natural heritage. As we approach World Wetlands Day 2025, it’s a reminder of the critical role wetlands play in maintaining ecological balance and supporting biodiversity. Let’s celebrate these unsung heroes of the environment and work towards their sustainable conservation.

 


Also Read: Climate Change is Reshaping the World's Geography by 2030

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