Expansion of India’s Wetland Network: Two New Ramsar Sites Added

Why in News ?

Ahead of World Wetlands Day, the Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change announced the addition of two new wetlands to India’s Ramsar network, strengthening the country’s commitment to wetland conservation and biodiversity protection.

What is the Ramsar Convention ?

The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (1971, Ramsar, Iran) is an international treaty for the conservation and wise use of wetlands.

• Countries designate wetlands of international importance as Ramsar Sites.
• These sites are recognised for their ecological, hydrological, cultural, and biodiversity values.
• India is a signatory to the Convention and has steadily expanded its Ramsar network to protect critical wetland ecosystems.

New Ramsar Sites Announced

1. Patna Bird Sanctuary

• Location: Uttar Pradesh
  • Ecosystem: Freshwater marshes, woodlands, grasslands, and surrounding agricultural landscapes.
• Biodiversity Value:
  • Supports a wide range of habitats and high species diversity.
  • Designated as an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA) by BirdLife International.
• Significance:
  • Acts as a vital habitat for resident and migratory bird species.
  • Enhances regional ecological balance and avian conservation efforts.

2. Chhari-Dhand Wetland

• Location: Kutch district, Gujarat
• Ecosystem: A seasonal saline wetland situated between the Banni grasslands and the salt flats of Kutch.
• Biodiversity Value:
  • A key wintering site for waterfowl.
  • Supports globally threatened species such as:
  • Critically endangered Sociable Lapwing,
  • Vulnerable Common Pochard,
  • Common Cranes (Grus grus), which visit annually.
• Significance:
  • Serves as an important node in the Central Asian Flyway for migratory birds.
  • Contributes to the conservation of saline wetland ecosystems.

Ecological and Policy Significance

The addition of these sites:

• Strengthens India’s wetland conservation framework.
• Enhances habitat protection for migratory and threatened species.
• Supports India’s commitments under:
  • Ramsar Convention,
  • Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD),
  • National Wetland Conservation Programme.
• Improves ecosystem services such as:
  • Flood regulation,
  • Groundwater recharge,
  • Carbon sequestration,
  • Livelihood support for local communities.

Way Forward

To ensure the long-term protection of these wetlands, India must:

• Prepare and implement site management plans.
• Strengthen community participation and sustainable livelihoods.
• Enhance monitoring and scientific research.
• Integrate wetland conservation into climate adaptation and disaster risk reduction strategies.
• Enforce regulations against pollution, encroachment, and unsustainable resource use.