Two new Indian wetlands join global Ramsar network

Two new wetlands in India, home to thousands of migratory and endangered birds, have been added to the prestigious global Ramsar network in recognition of the country's efforts to conserve wetlands.

Patna Bird Sanctuary in Etah, Uttar Pradesh, and Chhari-Dhand in Kutch, Gujarat, are the latest additions to the Ramsar sites list.

India is a signatory to the Ramsar Convention, also known as the 'Convention on Wetlands,' which was adopted in Ramsar, Iran, in 1971. India joined the convention on 1 February 1982.

The announcement of the two new wetlands came ahead of World Wetlands Day on 2 February, made by India's Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav. In a post on his official X account, he noted that the wetlands provide crucial habitat to hundreds of migratory and resident bird species. The areas are also home to wildlife such as chinkara, wolves, caracal, desert cats, and desert foxes, along with several endangered birds.

With this addition, the number of Indian wetlands in the Ramsar network has risen from 26 in 2014 to 98.

Responding to the announcement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the inclusion of the two wetlands, saying it "reaffirms our commitment to preserving biodiversity and protecting vital ecosystems."