The Guardians of Our Wetlands: An Exhaustive Guide to the Ramsar Sites, Convention and India’s Wetland Wealth

I. The Unseen Lifelines of the Planet

An introduction to Ramsar sites in India and the Global Perspective: The Ramsar Sites are among the most ecologically significant ecosystems on Earth, yet they are also among the most vulnerable. Often described as the “kidneys of the landscape,” they play a critical, multifaceted role in regulating water cycles, purifying water, mitigating floods, and providing vital habitat for a vast array of plant and animal species. However, these Ramsar Sites have been under severe global threat, with human activity and climate change leading to their rapid degradation and loss. In response to this urgent crisis, the international community forged a landmark agreement: The Convention on Wetlands, 1971. This report provides an exhaustive guide to this pioneering treaty, detailing its evolution and core principles, offering a global perspective on its impact, and presenting a comprehensive analysis of India’s growing network of protected sites.

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II. The Ramsar Convention: A Global Commitment to Conservation

A. From Waterbirds to a Worldwide Vision: The Evolution of a Treaty

B. The Core Pillars

1.   Wise Use: This key principle means maintaining a wetland’s ecological character within the context of sustainable development, allowing for human activity without degradation.  
2.  Montreux Record: A register of Ramsar sites where the ecological character has changed or is likely to change due to human interference. It highlights sites that need urgent national and international attention.  
3.  International Cooperation: The Convention promotes collaboration, including the creation of “Transboundary Ramsar Sites” for wetlands that cross national borders.

III. The Blueprint for International Importance: Ramsar’s Designation Criteria

To be designated as a Ramsar site, a wetland must meet at least one of nine specific criteria. These criteria are divided into two groups:  

• Group A: Focuses on sites containing representative, rare, or unique wetland types.  
• Group B: Focuses on sites of international importance for conserving biological diversity. This includes sites that:
  • Support vulnerable, endangered, or critically endangered species.  
  • Support species at a critical life stage or provide refuge during adverse conditions.  
  • Regularly support 20,000 or more waterbirds, or 1% of a waterbird population.  
  • Support a significant proportion of indigenous fish or are a critical food source/spawning ground for fish.  
  • Regularly support 1% of a wetland-dependent non-avian animal species population.  

Criterion	Category	Description
1	Representative Wetland Types	Contains a representative, rare, or unique wetland example.
2	Vulnerable Species	Supports threatened, endangered, or critically endangered species.
3	Biodiversity	Supports important populations for maintaining regional biodiversity.
4	Life Cycle/Refuge	Supports species at a critical stage of their life cycle or provides refuge.
5	Waterbird Abundance	Regularly supports 20,000 or more waterbirds.
6	Waterbird Population	Regularly supports 1% of a waterbird species population.
7	Indigenous Fish	Supports a significant proportion of indigenous fish species.
8	Fish Source/Spawning	Is an important source of food, spawning ground, or migration path for fish.
9	Non-Avian Species	Regularly supports 1% of a wetland-dependent non-avian animal species.

IV. A Global Snapshot: The Countries Leading in Wetland Conservation

1. Global Count: There are over 2,400 designated Ramsar sites worldwide, managed by more than 170 Contracting Parties.  

2. First Site: The world’s first site was the Cobourg Peninsula in Australia, designated in 1974.  
3. Largest Sites: The largest sites by area are Rio Negro in Brazil (120,000 sq km) and Ngiri-Tumba-Maindombe in the Democratic Republic of Congo (over 60,000 sq km).  
4. Top 3 by Number of Sites:
   1. United Kingdom (176)  
   2. Mexico (144)  
   3. India (91)  
5. Total Protected Area: Some countries, like Bolivia and Brazil, have a smaller number of sites but protect a greater total area (around 148,000 sq km for Bolivia and 267,000 sq km for Brazil).

V. India’s Wetland Wealth: A Comprehensive Analysis

A. The Evolution of India’s Ramsar Network

1. Accession: India became a Contracting Party on February 1, 1982.  
2. Oldest Sites: The two oldest sites are Chilika Lake in Odisha and Keoladeo National Park in Rajasthan, both designated in 1981.  
3. Recent Growth: India has recently accelerated its efforts, increasing the number of sites from 49 in May 2022 to a reported 91 as of July 2025.  

B. An Atlas of Indian Ramsar Sites: A State-by-State List

India’s 91 Ramsar sites are distributed across the country, showcasing a rich diversity of wetland types. Ramsar sites in India are: With a total Ramsar Sites in India is 91.

Source:👉 https://www.ramsar.org/sites/default/files/2023-08/sitelist.pdf

S. No.	Ramsar Site	State/UT	Designation Year
1	Chilika Lake	Odisha	1981
2	Keoladeo National Park	Rajasthan	1981
3	Wular Lake	Jammu & Kashmir	1990
4	Sambhar Lake	Rajasthan	1990
5	Loktak Lake	Manipur	1990
6	Harike Wetland	Punjab	1990
7	Ropar Wetland	Punjab	2002
8	Kanjli Wetland	Punjab	2002
9	Sundarban Wetland	West Bengal	2019
10	Ashtamudi Wetland	Kerala	2002
11	Vembanad-Kol Wetland	Kerala	2002
12	Bhoj Wetlands	Madhya Pradesh	2002
13	Deepor Beel	Assam	2002
14	East Calcutta Wetlands	West Bengal	2002
15	Kolleru Lake	Andhra Pradesh	2002
16	Point Calimere Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary	Tamil Nadu	2002
17	Rudrasagar Lake	Tripura	2005
18	Sasthamkotta Lake	Kerala	2002
19	Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary	Gujarat	2012
20	Nandur Madhameshwar	Maharashtra	2019
21	Sultanpur National Park	Haryana	2021
22	Bhindawas Wildlife Sanctuary	Haryana	2021
23	Thol Lake Wildlife Sanctuary	Gujarat	2021
24	Wadhvana Wetland	Gujarat	2021
25	Haiderpur Wetland	Uttar Pradesh	2021
26	Khijadia Wildlife Sanctuary	Gujarat	2022
27	Bakhira Wildlife Sanctuary	Uttar Pradesh	2022
28	Khijadia Wildlife Sanctuary	Gujarat	2022
29	Pala Wetland	Mizoram	2022
30	Satkosia Gorge	Odisha	2022
31	Tampara Lake	Odisha	2022
32	Hirakud Reservoir	Odisha	2022
33	Ansupa Lake	Odisha	2022
34	Kanwar Lake (Kabartal)	Bihar	2020
35	Nagi Bird Sanctuary	Bihar	2020
36	Nakti Bird Sanctuary	Bihar	2020
37	Sasthamkotta Lake	Kerala	2002
38	Tsomoriri	Ladakh/J&K	2002
39	Tso Kar Wetland Complex	Ladakh	2020
40	Sarsai Nawar Jheel	Uttar Pradesh	2019
41	Samaspur Bird Sanctuary	Uttar Pradesh	2019
42	Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary	Uttar Pradesh	2019
43	Parvati Arga Bird Sanctuary	Uttar Pradesh	2019
44	Sandi Bird Sanctuary	Uttar Pradesh	2019
45	Sur Sarovar	Uttar Pradesh	2020
46	Upper Ganga River (Brijghat to Narora)	Uttar Pradesh	2005
47	Beas Conservation Reserve	Punjab	2019
48	Keshopur-Miani Community Reserve	Punjab	2019
49	Nangal Wildlife Sanctuary	Punjab	2019
50	Hokera Wetland	Jammu & Kashmir	2005
51	Shallabugh Wetland	Jammu & Kashmir	2022
52	Hygam Wetland	Jammu & Kashmir	2022
53	Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary	Haryana	2021
54	Renuka Wetland	Himachal Pradesh	2005
55	Pong Dam Lake	Himachal Pradesh	2002
56	Chandertal Wetland	Himachal Pradesh	2005
57	Sakhya Sagar	Madhya Pradesh	2022
58	Sirpur Wetland	Madhya Pradesh	2022
59	Yashwant Sagar	Madhya Pradesh	2022
60	Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary	Karnataka	2022
61	Magadi Kere Conservation Reserve	Karnataka	2022
62	Aghanashini Estuary	Karnataka	2022
63	Ankasamudra Bird Conservation Reserve	Karnataka	2022
64	Sundarban Wetland	West Bengal	2019
65	Pichavaram Mangrove	Tamil Nadu	2022
66	Kazhuveli Bird Sanctuary	Tamil Nadu	2022
67	Pallikaranai Marsh Reserve Forest	Tamil Nadu	2022
68	Koonthankulam Bird Sanctuary	Tamil Nadu	2022
69	Chitrangudi Bird Sanctuary	Tamil Nadu	2022
70	Suchindram Theroor Wetland Complex	Tamil Nadu	2022
71	Kanjirankulam Bird Sanctuary	Tamil Nadu	2022
72	Karikili Bird Sanctuary	Tamil Nadu	2022
73	Vellode Bird Sanctuary	Tamil Nadu	2022
74	Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary	Tamil Nadu	2022
75	Vaduvur Bird Sanctuary	Tamil Nadu	2022
76	Udhayamarthandapuram Bird Sanctuary	Tamil Nadu	2022
77	Vembannur Wetland Complex	Tamil Nadu	2022
78	Longwood Shola Reserve Forest	Tamil Nadu	2022
79	Nanjarayan Bird Sanctuary	Tamil Nadu	2022
80	Sakhya Sagar	Madhya Pradesh	2022
81	Menar Wetland	Rajasthan	2025
82	Khichan Wetland	Rajasthan	2025
83	Sakkarakottai Bird Sanctuary	Tamil Nadu	2025
84	Therthangal Bird Sanctuary	Tamil Nadu	2025
85	Khecheopalri Wetland	Sikkim	2025
86	Udhwa Lake	Jharkhand	2025
87	Ropar Wetland	Punjab	2002
88	Surinsar-Mansar Lakes	Jammu & Kashmir	2005
89	Thane Creek	Maharashtra	2022
90	Lonar Lake	Maharashtra	2020
91	Sundarban Wetland	West Bengal	2019

C. Key Insights from India’s Ramsar Sites

1. Leading State: Tamil Nadu leads the country with a total of 18 Ramsar sites.  
2. Largest and Smallest Sites: The Sundarban Wetland in West Bengal is the largest site in India, while Renuka Lake in Himachal Pradesh is the smallest.  
3. Newest Additions: The New Ramsar sites in India are Khichan and Menar in Rajasthan (June 2025). Earlier additions in February 2025 included Khecheopalri Wetland (Sikkim) and Udhwa Lake (Jharkhand), which were the first sites for their respective states. Khichan and Menar are also latest Ramsar sites in India.
4. Montreux Record: The presence of Keoladeo National Park, one of India’s oldest sites, on the Montreux Record shows that designation is not a guarantee of protection and that continuous management is essential.  
5. Range: Ladakh’s high-altitude lakes → Sundarbans mangroves.
6. Legal framework: Wetlands (Conservation & Management) Rules, 2017 under EPA 1986. Nominated by State/UT Wetland Authorities & National Wetland Committee.

D. India’s Blueprint for Wetland Conservation

Often called the ‘kidneys of the Earth’ for their vital role in filtering pollutants, wetlands are indispensable ecosystems. They absorb heavy metals and excess nutrients, store vast amounts of carbon, and provide critical habitats for a rich diversity of life. Recognising their immense value, India has stepped onto the global stage not just as a participant but as a leader in wetland conservation, championing a forward-thinking approach that balances ecological health with sustainable development.

E. Leading the Global Charge: India’s Vision at Ramsar COP15

1. Global Context of Ramsar COP15

2. India’s Historic Contribution

• Resolution: “Promoting Sustainable Lifestyles for the Wise Use of Wetlands”, backed by 172 countries.
• Inspired by Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment, 2021).
• Promotes community-driven conservation, behavioral change, and “whole of society” approach beyond government-only models.

3. Wise Use Principle

• Core idea of Ramsar: maintaining ecological health of wetlands within sustainable development.
• Originally → sustainable use; now → ecosystem-based management of all wetlands, not just Ramsar Sites.
• In India: implemented through National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems (NPCA) & Integrated Management Plans (IMPs), Amrit Dharohar Scheme, Mission Sahbhagita and the Save Wetlands Campaign

3.A Mission Sahbhagita and the Save Wetlands Campaign

These powerful public engagement programmes have mobilised over 2 million citizens in the last three years. This community participation has led to the mapping of over 170,000 wetlands and the boundary demarcation of nearly 120,000. Regional workshops under Mission Sahbhagita have been organised across the country to further this collaborative spirit.

F. Challenges

1. Major Threats: Indian wetlands face serious threats, including: Urbanization and unsustainable land-use practices; Domestic and industrial pollution; Alteration of natural hydrological regimes; Invasive species and over-exploitation of resources.
2. Loss of Wetlands: Cities like Mumbai and Bengaluru have lost over half of their wetlands to construction and pollution.  
3. Conservation Requires: Effective conservation goes beyond mere designation and requires a multifaceted approach including robust policy, scientific research, and active community engagement.  
4. Human Interference and Ecological Degradation: The most significant challenge is the negative impact of human activity on wetlands. The need for wetland restoration, as highlighted by a resolution at Ramsar COP15 urging national policies for restoring “degraded freshwater ecosystems,” underscores the scale of this problem. India’s own resolution promotes actions that “minimise environmental degradation,” implicitly identifying it as a major concern.
5. Pollution: Wetlands are threatened by various forms of pollution. They are often referred to as the ‘kidneys’ of the Earth precisely because aquatic plants absorb heavy metals and excess nutrients. The work of the National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems (NPCA) involves the “interception, diversion and treatment of wastewater,” indicating that untreated wastewater is a significant problem.

G. Tackling Challenges with Science and Partnerships

The ‘Management Effectiveness Tracking Tool (METT) for Indian Wetlands’ serves as a self-appraisal guide for adaptive management, helping authorities assess progress over time. This tool was developed as part of the ‘Wetlands Management for Biodiversity and Climate Protection’ project, a collaboration with Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and Wetlands International South Asia.

India’s conservation efforts are amplified through partnerships:

• Global Collaboration: At Ramsar COP15, parties adopted the Victoria Falls Declaration and resolutions to strengthen protections for migratory birds, restore degraded freshwater ecosystems, and recognise the role of indigenous knowledge.
• Domestic Partnerships: The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has collaborated with the Ministry of Tourism to develop nature tourism and train local community members as nature guides. It has also worked with NCERT to create educational videos for students, fostering a new generation of environmental stewards.
• Knowledge and Research: The National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management (NCSCM) acts as a key knowledge partner, conducting comprehensive assessments, preparing ecosystem health report cards, and developing management plans for wetlands across India.

VII. Conclusion: A Call to Action for Our Waterways

The Ramsar Convention has evolved into a comprehensive framework for sustainable development. India’s rapidly expanding network of sites is a testament to its growing commitment to conservation. However, the designation is just the first step. The presence of sites on the Montreux Record highlights that persistent threats require continuous, dedicated management. The future of India’s wetlands depends on moving from mere recognition to active, science-based conservation to ensure these vital ecosystems are preserved for generations to come.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) : Ramsar Sites in India

1. What is a Ramsar site?
A Ramsar site is a wetland designated under the Ramsar Convention of 1971 as being of “international importance,” especially in terms of ecology, biodiversity, and hydrology.

2. How many Ramsar sites are there in India as of 2025?
India has 91 Ramsar Sites as of June 2025.

3. Which was the first Ramsar site of India?
The first Ramsar sites in India were Chilika Lake in Odisha and Keoladeo National Park in Rajasthan, both designated in 1981.

4. What are the latest / new Ramsar sites in India?
The most recent additions are Khichan (Phalodi) and Menar (Udaipur) in Rajasthan, designated in June 2025. ● Earlier in February 2025, Sakkarakottai Bird Sanctuary and Therthangal Bird Sanctuary (Tamil Nadu), Khecheopalri Wetland (Sikkim), and Udhwa Lake (Jharkhand) were designated—marking first entries for Sikkim and Jharkhand.

5. What is the total Ramsar sites in India and which state has the most?
India has a total of 91 Ramsar sites as of 2025. Tamil Nadu leads with the highest number of Ramsar sites—20 in total.

Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs) : Ramsar Sites in India

What is the current total ramsar sites in india as of mid-2025?
A) 85
B) 89
C) 91
D) 95
Answer: C) 91

Which wetlands were the first designated as Ramsar sites in India?
A) Wular Lake & Loktak Lake
B) Chilika Lake & Keoladeo National Park
C) Sundarban Wetland & Ashtamudi Wetland
D) Menar & Khichan
Answer: B) Chilika Lake & Keoladeo National Park

Which pair listed below are the latest Ramsar sites in India as of June 2025?
A) Khecheopalri Wetland & Udhwa Lake
B) Sakkarakottai Bird Sanctuary & Therthangal Bird Sanctuary
C) Khichan & Menar
D) Samba Lake & Loktak Lake
Answer: C) Khichan & Menar

Which Indian state has the highest number of Ramsar sites?
A) West Bengal
B) Uttar Pradesh
C) Tamil Nadu
D) Punjab
Answer: C) Tamil Nadu (18 Ramsar sites)

How would you define a Ramsar site?
A) A national wildlife sanctuary only for endangered species
B) A UNESCO World Heritage Wetland
C) A wetland of international importance designated under a global treaty
D) A protected forest under Indian wildlife law
Answer: C) A wetland of international importance designated under a global treaty