Ramsar Sites of India - UPSC Environment Notes

India is a signatory to the Ramsar Convention, an international treaty for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands.
Since becoming a party to the convention in 1982, India has actively contributed to the preservation of wetland ecosystems.
Between 1982 and 2013, India added a total of 26 sites to the list of Ramsar sites. However, from 2014 to 2022, the country accelerated its efforts and added 49 new wetlands to the list, bringing the total to 75 sites covering an area of 13,26,677 hectares.
Among the states, Tamil Nadu leads with the highest number of Ramsar sites (14), followed by Uttar Pradesh (10).
In 2024, India further expanded its list of Ramsar sites by adding five more wetlands, bringing the total count to 80.
The newly designated wetlands are Magadi Kere Conservation Reserve, Ankasamudra Bird Conservation Reserve, and Aghanashini Estuary from Karnataka, and Karaivetti Bird Sanctuary and Longwood Shola Reserve Forest from Tamil Nadu.
These additions underscore India’s commitment to the conservation and protection of its invaluable wetland ecosystems.

Here’s a compilation of Ramsar sites (Wetlands) in India, listed state-wise:

Jammu and Kashmir:

Hokera Wetland
Surinsar-Mansar Lakes
Wular Lake
Tsomoriri Lake
Hygam Wetland Conservation Reserve
Shallbugh Wetland Conservation Reserve
Tso Kar Wetland Complex (UT of Ladakh)

Punjab:

Beas Conservation Reserve
Harike Wetlands
Kanjli Wetland
Keshopur-Miani Community Reserve
Nangal Wildlife Sanctuary
Ropar Wetland

Himachal Pradesh:

Chandra Taal

Pong Dam Lake
Renuka Lake

Uttarakhand:

Asan Barrage

Rajasthan:

Keoladeo National Park

Sambhar Lake

Uttar Pradesh:

Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary

Parvati Agra Bird Sanctuary
Saman Bird Sanctuary
Samaspur Bird Sanctuary
Sandi Bird Sanctuary
Sarsai Nawar Jheel
Sur Sarovar
Upper-Ganga River (Brijghat to Narora Stretch)
Haiderpur Wetland
Bakhira Wildlife Sanctuary

Bihar:

Kanwar Lake or Kabal Taal

West Bengal:

East Kolkata Wetlands
Sunderban Wetland

Odisha:

Chilika Lake
Bhitarkanika Mangroves
Satkosia Gorge
Tampara Lake
Hirakud Reservoir
Ansupa Lake

Madhya Pradesh:

Yashwant Sagar
Bhoj Wetlands
Sirpur Wetland
Sakhya Sagar

Gujarat:

Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary
Thol Lake Wildlife Sanctuary
Wadhvana Wetland
Khijadia Wildlife Sanctuary

Maharashtra:

Nandur Madhameshwar
Lonar Lake
Thane Creek

Andhra Pradesh:

Kolleru Lake

Tamil Nadu:

Point Calimere Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary
Koonthankulam Bird Sanctuary
Karikili Bird Sanctuary
Pallikaranai Marsh Reserve Forest
Pichavaram Mangrove
Gulf of Mannar Marine Biosphere Reserve
Vembannur Wetland Complex
Vellode Bird Sanctuary
Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary
Udhayamarthandapuram Bird Sanctuary
Chitrangudi Bird Sanctuary
Suchindram Theroor Wetland Complex
Vaduvur Bird Sanctuary
Kanjirankulam Bird Sanctuary
Karaivetti Bird Sanctuary
Longwood Shola Reserve Forest

Kerala:

Vembanad Kol Wetland
Sasthamkotta Lake
Ashtamudi Wetland

Assam:

Deepor Beel

Tripura:

Rudrasagar Lake

Manipur:

Loktak Lake

Haryana:

Sultanpur National Park
Bhindawas Wildlife Sanctuary

Karnataka:

Ranganathituu Bird Sanctuary
Magadi Kere Conservation Reserve
Ankasamudra Bird Conservation Reserve
Aghanashini Estuary

Goa:

Nanda Lake

Mizoram:

Pala Wetland

Table of Contents

FAQs about Ramsar Sites in India

1. What are Ramsar Sites?

Ramsar Sites are wetlands designated under the Ramsar Convention, an international treaty aimed at the conservation and sustainable use of wetland ecosystems. These sites are recognized for their ecological significance and are protected under international cooperation.

2. How many Ramsar Sites does India have?

As of 2024, India has a total of 80 Ramsar Sites covering an area of 13,26,677 hectares. These sites are distributed across various states and union territories of India.

3. Which state in India has the highest number of Ramsar Sites?

Tamil Nadu leads with the highest number of Ramsar Sites in India, boasting 14 designated wetlands. It is followed by Uttar Pradesh, which has 10 Ramsar Sites.

4. What is the significance of Ramsar Sites?

Ramsar Sites play a crucial role in preserving biodiversity, maintaining water quality, providing habitat for numerous species, and offering various ecosystem services. They also serve as vital stopover points for migratory birds and contribute to flood control and groundwater recharge.

5. How does India contribute to Ramsar Sites conservation?

India actively participates in the conservation and management of Ramsar Sites through various initiatives, including habitat restoration, wildlife protection, community engagement, and sustainable resource management. The country’s efforts aim to ensure the long-term health and integrity of these valuable wetland ecosystems.

In case you still have your doubts, contact us on 9811333901.

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Ramsar Sites of India – UPSC Environment Notes