Environment minister Bhupender Yadav announces addition of two new wetlands to Ramsar List, ahead of World Wetlands Day 2026

NEW DELHI: Union minister for environment, forest and climate change Bhupender Yadav has announced the addition of two new wetlands to India's Ramsar network, ahead of World Wetlands Day on February 2.

The minister stated in a post on the social media platform 'X' that the Patna Bird Sanctuary in Etah district of Uttar Pradesh and Chhari-Dhand in Kutch district of Gujarat have been added to the Ramsar list.

Union minister Yadav noted that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, India's Ramsar network has expanded by over 276%, from 26 sites in 2014 to 98 sites today. He stated that the international recognition reflects India's strong commitment to protecting the environment and conserving its wetlands.

"Congratulations Team Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat and the Wetland community! With World Wetlands Day close by, I am delighted to announce that there are two new additions to India's Ramsar growing network. Patna Bird Sanctuary in Etah, Uttar Pradesh, and Chhari-Dhand in Kutch, Gujarat, are the new entrants to the coveted Ramsar sites list. This international recognition reflects India's strong commitment to protect our environment and conserve our rich wetlands. Hundreds of migratory and resident avian species find their home in the two wetlands, apart from being the habitat of chinkara, wolves, caracal, desert cats and desert foxes besides endangered birds. Under the visionary leadership of PM Shri Narendra Modi ji, Indian Ramsar network has seen an expansion of over 276% - climbing from 26 in 2014 to 98 now," on X he wrote.

The minister informed that the two wetlands provide habitat to hundreds of migratory and resident bird species. The areas are also home to wildlife such as chinkara, wolves, caracals, desert cats, and desert foxes, as well as endangered birds.

India is one of the Contracting Parties to the 'Convention on Wetlands', known as the Ramsar Convention, signed in Ramsar, Iran, in 1971. India became a signatory to the convention on February 1, 1982.

Wetlands of particular conservation value can be designated as Wetlands of International Importance. These sites are significant because they serve as models of the nation's commitment to conservation and management under internationally accepted frameworks.