India's Ramsar Sites Projected to Reach 98 by February 2026 with Two New Additions
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India's total Ramsar Sites are projected to reach 98 by February 2026, as per the article.
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Two new sites, Patna Bird Sanctuary (Uttar Pradesh) and Chhari-Dhand (Gujarat), have been added to the list.
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The Ramsar Convention is an intergovernmental treaty for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands.
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The addition increases the national tally from 96 to 98 sites.
- ●Total Ramsar Sites in India: 98 (projected as of February 2026).
- ●Latest additions: Patna Bird Sanctuary (Etah, Uttar Pradesh) and Chhari-Dhand (Kutch, Gujarat).
- ●Ramsar Convention: An international treaty for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands.
- ●India became a signatory to the Ramsar Convention in 1982.
Biodiversity Conservation
Ramsar sites are critical habitats for diverse flora and fauna, contributing significantly to global biodiversity.
Climate Change Mitigation
Wetlands act as carbon sinks and help regulate local climate, playing a role in climate change mitigation and adaptation.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Conservation of wetlands aligns with several SDGs, particularly those related to clean water, life on land, and climate action.
Wildlife Protection Act, 1972
Many Ramsar sites also fall under protected areas designated by national laws, offering additional legal protection.
Ramsar Convention and 'Wise Use'
The Ramsar Convention is an international treaty for the conservation and sustainable utilization of wetlands. The core concept of the Convention is the 'wise use' of wetlands, defined as 'the maintenance of their ecological character, achieved through the implementation of ecosystem approaches, within the context of sustainable development'. This doesn't mean strict preservation by excluding human activity, but rather managing wetlands in a way that benefits both nature and people, ensuring their ecological functions are maintained for future generations.
Simple Analogy: Imagine a shared garden. 'Wise use' means everyone can enjoy its fruits and beauty, but they must also help maintain it, ensuring it remains healthy and productive for everyone, including future visitors, rather than over-harvesting or neglecting it.
Ramsar Convention Secretariat
Administers the Convention, supports contracting parties in implementing its objectives, and facilitates international cooperation.
Locate the states of Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat on the map of India. Identify the regions of Etah in Uttar Pradesh (for Patna Bird Sanctuary) and Kutch in Gujarat (for Chhari-Dhand). Understanding their geographical context helps in remembering their locations and ecological significance.
Exam Relevance
GS-III: Environment, Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation, Environmental Impact Assessment. Prelims: Current Events of National and International Importance, General issues on Environmental Ecology, Biodiversity and Climate Change.
General Awareness: Current Affairs, Static GK (Environment, Geography).
General Awareness: Current Affairs, Environmental Issues.
General Awareness: Current Affairs, Environmental Studies, Indian Geography.
General Knowledge: Current Events, Environment and Ecology.
Previously Asked (PYQs)
Which of the following are associated with 'Planning' in India? 1. The Finance Commission 2. The National Development Council 3. The Union Ministry of Rural Development 4. The Union Ministry of Urban Development 5. The Parliament Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Answer: 2 and 5 only
Consider the following statements: 1. India has more arable area than China. 2. The proportion of irrigated area is more in India as compared to China. 3. The average productivity per hectare in Indian agriculture is higher than that in China. How many of the above statements are correct?
Answer: Only two
Consider the following statements: Statement-I: India accounts for 3.2% of global export of goods. Statement-II: Many local companies and some foreign companies operating in India have taken advantage of India's 'Production-linked Incentive' scheme. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
Answer: Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct
Expected Questions
- ★UPSC may ask: 'Consider the following statements regarding the Ramsar Convention and its 'wise use' concept...' or 'Match the following Ramsar Sites with their respective states.'
- ★SSC/Banking/Railway/Defence may ask: 'What is the total number of Ramsar Sites in India as of the latest update?' or 'Patna Bird Sanctuary, a newly added Ramsar Site, is located in which state?'
Topic Frequency
High
Key Terms
An international treaty for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands.
Areas of marsh, fen, peatland or water, whether natural or artificial, permanent or temporary, with water that is static or flowing, fresh, brackish or salt, including areas of marine water the depth of which at low tide does not exceed six metres.
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.
The maintenance of the ecological character of wetlands, achieved through the implementation of ecosystem approaches, within the context of sustainable development.
Must Remember
- •The projected total number of Ramsar Sites (98 as of Feb 2026).
- •Names and locations (state/district) of the newly added sites: Patna Bird Sanctuary (UP, Etah) and Chhari-Dhand (Gujarat, Kutch).
- •Year of Ramsar Convention (1971) and India's accession (1982).
- •The core objective and 'wise use' concept of the Ramsar Convention.
Exam Tips
- •Keep an updated list of Ramsar Sites, especially the latest additions and the states with the highest number of sites.
- •Understand the criteria for a wetland to be designated as a Ramsar Site.
- •Familiarize yourself with the Montreux Record and the sites listed under it from India.