Ramsar Sites in India – Complete UPSC Guide 2026 | All 100 Sites

16 June 202636 viewsSave as PDF

🌿 UPSC Environment & Ecology | GS Paper 3 | Updated June 2026

Ramsar Sites in India
Complete Master Guide 2026 – All 100 Sites

All 100 Ramsar Wetlands • State-wise List • Montreux Record • Latest Additions • Prelims MCQs • Mains Model Answer

100 Total Sites (June 2026)
20 Tamil Nadu (Highest)
1982 India Ratified
3 rd Global Rank (after UK, Mexico)

What is the Ramsar Convention?

The Ramsar Convention, formally the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance especially as Waterfowl Habitat, is the oldest modern intergovernmental environmental agreement. Signed on 2 February 1971 in Ramsar, Iran — which is why 2 February is celebrated globally as World Wetlands Day — it came into force on 21 December 1975. Today, 172 countries are contracting parties, protecting over 2,500+ Ramsar sites worldwide.

India signed the Ramsar Convention on 1 February 1982. As of June 2026, India has

100 Ramsar Sites
— the highest in Asia and 3rd highest globally

(after the UK with 176 and Mexico with 144).

Signed
2 February 1971, Ramsar, Iran
In Force
21 December 1975
India Ratified
1 February 1982
Secretariat
Gland, Switzerland
Contracting Parties
172 Countries
Most Sites (Global)
UK – 176 sites
India Global Rank
3 rd (after UK, Mexico)
India in Asia
1 st – Highest in Asia
💡
Core Principle – “Wise Use”

The Convention’s guiding philosophy is the “wise use” of wetlands — sustainable utilisation for the benefit of humankind in a way compatible with the maintenance of natural properties. It does NOT mean a total ban on use.

🇮🇳
India’s Ramsar Sites – Key Facts (Updated 2026)
Total Ramsar Sites
100 (as of June 2026)
Total Area Covered
~13.6 lakh hectares
States / UTs Covered
28 states and union territories
First Sites (1981)
Chilika Lake (Odisha) & Keoladeo NP (Rajasthan)
Largest Ramsar Site
Sundarbans Wetland, West Bengal (4,230 km²)
Smallest Ramsar Site
Renuka Lake & Vembannur WC — both 0.2 km² (HP & TN)
State with Most Sites
Tamil Nadu – 20 sites
2 nd Most Sites
Uttar Pradesh – 13 sites (after 2026 additions)
Global Rank
3 rd — after UK (176) and Mexico (144)
Montreux Record Sites
2 – Keoladeo NP & Loktak Lake
Latest Addition (June 2026)
JP Narayan BS (Ballia, UP) – India’s 100th site
Sites Added Since 2014
74 sites – massive expansion under conservation push
🆕 15 New Sites Added in 2025–2026 (Sites 86–100)
#86 · Feb 2025
Sakkarakottai Bird Sanctuary
Tamil Nadu
#87 · Feb 2025
Therthangal Bird Sanctuary
Tamil Nadu
#88 · Feb 2025
Khecheopalri Wetland
Sikkim (1st Sikkim site)
#89 · Feb 2025
Udhwa Lake
Jharkhand (1st Jharkhand site)
#90 · June 2025
Khichan (Phalodi)
Rajasthan
#91 · June 2025
Menar (Udaipur)
Rajasthan
#92 · Sep 2025
Gokul Jalashay
Bihar
#93 · Sep 2025
Udaipur Jheel
Bihar
#94 · Oct 2025
Gogabeel Lake
Bihar
#95 · Dec 2025
Siliserh Lake
Rajasthan (Alwar)
#96 · Dec 2025
Kopra Jalashay
Chhattisgarh (1st CG site)
#97 · Jan 2026
Patna Bird Sanctuary
Uttar Pradesh (Etah)
#98 · Jan 2026
Chhari-Dhand Wetland
Gujarat (Kutch)
#99 · Apr 2026
Shekha Jheel Bird Sanctuary
Uttar Pradesh (Aligarh)
#100 · June 2026
JP Narayan Bird Sanctuary

Uttar Pradesh (Ballia) ⭐ 100th!

🗺️
State-wise Summary
State / UT
Sites
Notable Sites
Tamil Nadu
20

Vedanthangal, Pichavaram, Gulf of Mannar, Point Calimere, Kazhuveli, Karaivetti, Sakkarakottai, Therthangal + 12 more

Uttar Pradesh
13

Upper Ganga River, Sur Sarovar, Haiderpur, JP Narayan BS, Patna BS, Shekha Jheel BS + 7 more

Odisha
6

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

Punjab
6
Harike, Kanjli, Ropar, Nangal WLS, Beas CR, Keshopur-Miani CR
Rajasthan
6
Keoladeo NP, Sambhar Lake, Khichan, Menar, Siliserh Lake + 1 more
Bihar
6

Kanwar Lake, Nagi BS, Nakti BS, Gokul Jalashay, Udaipur Jheel, Gogabeel Lake

Madhya Pradesh
5
Bhoj Wetlands, Sakhya Sagar, Sirpur, Yashwant Sagar, Tawa Reservoir
J&K
5
Wular Lake, Hokera, Surinsar-Mansar, Hygam CR, Shallbugh CR
Gujarat
5
Nalsarovar, Thol Lake, Wadhvana, Khijadia, Chhari-Dhand (Kutch)
Karnataka
4
Ranganathittu, Aghanashini Estuary, Ankasamudra CR, Magadi Kere CR
Kerala
3
Vembanad Kol, Ashtamudi, Sasthamkotta Lake
Maharashtra
3
Nandur Madhameshwar, Lonar Lake, Thane Creek
Himachal Pradesh
3
Pong Dam Lake, Renuka Lake (smallest), Chandra Taal
Haryana
2
Sultanpur NP, Bhindawas WLS
Ladakh
2
Tso Kar Wetland Complex, Tsomiriri Lake
West Bengal
2
Sundarbans (largest in India), East Kolkata Wetlands
Andhra Pradesh
1
Kolleru Lake
Assam
1
Deepor Beel
Goa
1
Nanda Lake
Jharkhand
1
Udhwa Lake (1st site, 2025)
Manipur
1
Loktak Lake (only floating NP)
Mizoram
1
Pala Wetland
Sikkim
1
Khecheopalri Wetland (1st site, 2025)
Tripura
1
Rudrasagar Lake
Uttarakhand
1
Asan Conservation Reserve
Chhattisgarh
1
Kopra Jalashay (1st site, Dec 2025)
📋
Complete List of All 100 Ramsar Sites in India
Ramsar Site
State / UT
Year
Key Fact / Species
01
Chilika Lake
Odisha
1981

India’s 1st Ramsar site; largest brackish lagoon; Irrawaddy Dolphins; removed from Montreux Record 2002

02
Keoladeo Ghana NP
Rajasthan
1981

World Heritage Site; 370+ bird species; Siberian Cranes; on Montreux Record since 1990

03
Wular Lake
J&K
1990
Largest freshwater lake in India; fed by Jhelum River
04
Harike Wetland
Punjab
1990

Largest wetland in northern India; Beas-Sutlej confluence; diving ducks

05
Sambhar Lake
Rajasthan
1990
India’s largest inland saline lake; flamingos; salt production
06
Loktak Lake
Manipur
1990

Largest freshwater lake in NE India; Keibul Lamjao — only floating NP; on Montreux Record since 1993

07
Bhoj Wetland
Madhya Pradesh
2002
Two man-made lakes in Bhopal; created by Raja Bhoj; Sarus Crane
08
Kolleru Lake
Andhra Pradesh
2002

Largest freshwater lake between Krishna & Godavari; Spot-billed Pelican

09
Deepor Beel
Assam
2002

Only Ramsar site in Assam; Lesser & Greater Adjutant Storks; Baer’s Pochard

10
Bhitarkanika Mangroves
Odisha
2002

Olive Ridley Sea Turtles; highest density of Saltwater Crocodiles in India

11
Kanjli Wetland
Punjab
2002
Associated with Guru Nanak; across Kali Bein river
12
Ropar Wetland
Punjab
2002
Sutlej barrage; endangered turtle Chitra indica; Smooth Indian Otter
13
Pong Dam Lake
Himachal Pradesh
2002
Maharana Pratap Sagar; Trans-Himalayan Flyway; Bar-headed Geese
14
Vembanad Kol Wetland
Kerala
2002

Largest brackish wetland in Kerala; 2nd largest Ramsar site by area (1,512 km²); NW-3

15
Ashtamudi Wetland
Kerala
2002
Second-largest estuary in Kerala; “Queen of Backwaters”
16
Sasthamkotta Lake
Kerala
2002
Largest freshwater lake in Kerala; exceptionally pure water
17
East Kolkata Wetlands
West Bengal
2002
World’s largest sewage-fed aquaculture system; 300,000+ livelihoods
18
Point Calimere WBS
Tamil Nadu
2002
Blackbuck conservation; dry evergreen forest; Spoon-billed Sandpiper
19
Tsomiriri Lake
Ladakh
2002

Changthang Plateau; only breeding site for Black-necked Cranes in India

20
Upper Ganga River
Uttar Pradesh
2005

Brijghat to Narora stretch; Gangetic Dolphin, Gharial, 6 turtle species

21
Renuka Wetland
Himachal Pradesh
2005

Smallest Ramsar site (0.2 km²); karst formations; named after sage Parshuram’s mother

22
Chandra Taal
Himachal Pradesh
2005
High-altitude (4,300m); Spiti Valley; Snow Leopard, Himalayan Ibex
23
Hokera Wetland
J&K
2005
Largest bird reserve in Kashmir Valley; White-Eyed Pochard
24
Surinsar-Mansar Lakes
J&K
2005
Twin lakes linked to Mahabharata; semi-arid Punjab plains
25
Rudrasagar Lake
Tripura
2005

Three-striped Roofed Turtle (endangered); fed by three perennial streams

26
Nalsarovar BS
Gujarat
2012

Largest natural wetland bird sanctuary in Gujarat; Indian Wild Ass habitat buffer

27
Nandur Madhameshwar
Maharashtra
2019

Godavari-Kadwa confluence; shallow backwaters; leopards; endangered birds

28
Keshopur-Miani CR
Punjab
2019
Mosaic of marshes & ponds; Common Pochard; Spotted Pond Turtle
29
Beas Conservation Reserve
Punjab
2019

First river conservation reserve; 189 km Beas stretch; Gharial reintroduction; Indus Dolphin

30
Nangal WLS
Punjab
2019
Bhakra-Nangal reservoir; Indian Pangolin; Egyptian Vulture
31
Nawabganj BS
Uttar Pradesh
2019
Near Lucknow; 250+ bird species; renamed Chandra Shekhar Azad BS
32
Samaspur BS
Uttar Pradesh
2019
Perennial lowland marsh; Indo-Gangetic Plains; Egyptian Vulture
33
Saman BS
Uttar Pradesh
2019

Seasonal oxbow lake on Ganges floodplain; Sarus Crane; Greater Spotted Eagle

34
Sandi BS
Uttar Pradesh
2019
Ancient name “Dahar Jheel”; freshwater marsh; Sarus Crane
35
Sarsai Nawar Jheel
Uttar Pradesh
2019
Named after Sarus Crane; human-wildlife cohabitation model
36
Parvati Arga BS
Uttar Pradesh
2019
Two oxbow lakes — Parvati Tal & Arga Tal; Red-headed Vulture
37
Sundarban Wetland
West Bengal
2019

Largest Ramsar site in India (4,230 km²); world’s largest mangrove; Irrawaddy Dolphin; Royal Bengal Tiger

38
Kanwar Lake (Kabar Taal)
Bihar
2020

Asia’s largest freshwater oxbow lake; critically endangered Baer’s Pochard

39
Lonar Lake
Maharashtra
2020
Formed by meteorite impact; hypersaline & alkaline; pink haloarchaea
40
Sur Sarovar (Keetham Lake)
Uttar Pradesh
2020
Human-made reservoir near Agra; Sarus Crane; Greater Spotted Eagle
41
Asan Conservation Reserve
Uttarakhand
2020

Uttarakhand’s only Ramsar site; Yamuna-Asan confluence; Red-headed Vulture

42
Tso Kar Wetland Complex
Ladakh
2020

High-altitude (4,500m); hypersaline Tso Kar + freshwater Startsapuk Tso; Black-necked Cranes

43
Sultanpur NP
Haryana
2021

Gurugram; Central Asian Flyway; Amur Falcons; Egyptian Vultures; Saker Falcon

44
Bhindawas WLS
Haryana
2021
Largest wetland in Haryana; Pallas’s Fish-Eagle; Egyptian Vultures
45
Thol Lake WLS
Gujarat
2021
Central Asian Flyway; 320+ bird species; White-Rumped Vulture
46
Wadhvana Wetland
Gujarat
2021

80+ migratory species on Central Asian Flyway; Pallas’s Fish-Eagle; Sarus Crane

47
Khijadia WLS
Gujarat
2021
Jamnagar; 250+ migratory birds; Pallas’s Fish-Eagle; Indian Skimmer
48
Bakhira WLS
Uttar Pradesh
2021
Largest natural floodplain wetland in eastern UP; Egyptian Vulture
49
Haiderpur Wetland
Uttar Pradesh
2021
Largest human-made wetland; Hastinapur WLS; Gharial; Golden Mahseer
50
Ansupa Lake
Odisha
2021
Horseshoe-shaped oxbow; Mahanadi; largest freshwater lake in Odisha
51
Pala Wetland
Mizoram
2021
Largest natural wetland in Mizoram; Indo-Burma hotspot; Hoolock Gibbon
52
Sakhya Sagar
Madhya Pradesh
2022

Near Madhav NP; Mugger Crocodile; Smooth-Coated Otter; Hump-backed Mahseer

53
Karikili Bird Sanctuary
Tamil Nadu
2022
Kancheepuram; Oriental Darter; Spot-Billed Pelican
54
Pallikaranai Marsh RF
Tamil Nadu
2022
Only surviving wetland in Chennai; buffers city from floods
55
Pichavaram Mangrove
Tamil Nadu
2022

World’s 2nd largest mangrove; between Vellar & Coleroon estuaries; Olive Ridley Turtle

56
Hygam WCR
J&K
2022
Baramulla; Jhelum basin; water lilies; threatened by siltation
57
Shallbugh WCR
J&K
2022
Sindh river; KBA near Srinagar; Steppe Eagle; Pallas’s Fish-Eagle
58
Koothankulam BS
Tamil Nadu
2022
Largest breeding reserve for migratory waterbirds in South India
59
Gulf of Mannar Marine BR
Tamil Nadu
2022

First Marine BR in South & SE Asia; Dugong; Hawksbill Turtle; Humpback Dolphin

60
Vembannur Wetland Complex
Tamil Nadu
2022

Smallest Ramsar site (0.2 km², tied with Renuka); Kanniyakumari district; Spot-Billed Pelican

61
Vellode BS
Tamil Nadu
2022
Near Erode; Indian River Tern; Oriental Darter; Painted Stork
62
Vedanthangal BS
Tamil Nadu
2022
Oldest bird sanctuary protected by locals; guano enriches agriculture
63
Udhayamarthandapuram BS
Tamil Nadu
2022
Irrigation tanks fed by Mettur dam via Koraiyar canal
64
Suchindram Theroor Wetland Complex
Tamil Nadu
2022
Southern tip; Central Asian Flyway; IBA
65
Vaduvur BS
Tamil Nadu
2022
25 km from Thanjavur; 40+ waterbird species
66
Kanjirankulam BS
Tamil Nadu
2022

Ramanathapuram; Painted Stork; Oriental Darter; invasive Prosopis trees

67
Chitrangudi BS
Tamil Nadu
2022
Adjacent to Kanjirankulam; Grey Pelican; Little Egret
68
Satkosia Gorge
Odisha
2022
Within Satkosia Tiger Reserve; endangered turtles; Mugger Crocodile
69
Nanda Lake
Goa
2022
Freshwater marsh near Zuari River; aquatic biodiversity
70
Ranganathittu BS
Karnataka
2022

“Pakshi Kashi” of Karnataka; Mugger Crocodile; Smooth-Coated Otter; Painted Stork; Grey Pelican

71
Sirpur Wetland
Madhya Pradesh
2022
Man-made in Indore; Pakshi Vihar; Common Pochard; Egyptian Vulture
72
Hirakud Reservoir
Odisha
2022
Largest earthen dam; Mahanadi; near Debrigarh WLS
73
Tampara Lake
Odisha
2022
Formed during 1766 battle; connected to Rushikulya River
74
Yashwant Sagar
Madhya Pradesh
2022
Gambhir river reservoir; IBA; water supply to Indore
75
Thane Creek
Maharashtra
2022

Inlet of Arabian Sea; isolates Mumbai from mainland; flamingos; mangroves

76
Nagi Bird Sanctuary
Bihar
2023

Jamui; Nagi dam; Bar-headed Goose; Baer’s Pochard (critically endangered)

77
Nakti Bird Sanctuary
Bihar
2023
Nakti dam irrigation wetland; Red-Crested Pochard; vulnerable catfish
78
Aghanashini Estuary
Karnataka
2024

Free-flowing river estuary; mangroves; fish & prawn diversity; nutrient cycling

79
Ankasamudra BCR
Karnataka
2024
Vijayanagara (near Hampi); 175 bird species; 11 IUCN-listed species
80
Magadi Kere CR
Karnataka
2024
Saline wetland; Gadag; Bar-headed Goose; Grey & Purple Herons
81
Karaivetti Bird Sanctuary
Tamil Nadu
2024

One of largest inland freshwater lakes in TN; Bar-headed Goose; Spotted Eagle nesting

82
Longwood Shola Reserve Forest
Tamil Nadu
2024

Nilgiris; only natural shola near Kothagiri; high endemism; urban microclimate regulation

83
Nanjarayan Bird Sanctuary
Tamil Nadu
2024
Tiruppur; Noyyal River banks; Central Asian Flyway; Flapshell Turtles
84
Kazhuveli Bird Sanctuary
Tamil Nadu
2024

Brackish lake; Villupuram; 1,513 km² — 2nd largest Ramsar site; spawning ground

85
Tawa Reservoir
Madhya Pradesh
2024

Within Satpura Tiger Reserve; fish spawning ground; Indian Giant Squirrel

86
Sakkarakottai Bird Sanctuary
Tamil Nadu
Feb 2025

New addition; World Wetlands Day 2025 designation; Tamil Nadu’s 19th site

87
Therthangal Bird Sanctuary
Tamil Nadu
Feb 2025

New addition; World Wetlands Day 2025; Tamil Nadu’s 20th site (state’s last 2025 addition)

88
Khecheopalri Wetland
Sikkim
Feb 2025

Sikkim’s first Ramsar site; sacred “Wishing Lake”; Buddhist pilgrimage; near Kanchenjunga

89
Udhwa Lake
Jharkhand
Feb 2025

Jharkhand’s first Ramsar site; oxbow wetland; Oriental White-Backed Vulture; Pallas’s Fish Eagle

90
Khichan (Phalodi)
Rajasthan
June 2025

Thar Desert; famous wintering ground for Demoiselle Cranes (Kurjan birds)

91
Menar Wetland Complex
Rajasthan (Udaipur)
June 2025

Monsoon-fed oxbow; 280+ plant species; Alysicarpus roxburghianus; vultures & waterbirds

92
Gokul Jalashay
Bihar (Buxar)
Sep 2025

Oxbow lake on Ganga’s southern edge; 50+ bird species; flood buffer; local fishing livelihoods

93
Udaipur Jheel
Bihar (W. Champaran)
Sep 2025

Oxbow in Udaipur WLS; Common Pochard (vulnerable); 35+ migratory bird species

94
Gogabeel Lake
Bihar
Oct 2025
Permanent oxbow lake; Bihar’s 6th site; diverse migratory waterbirds
95
Siliserh Lake
Rajasthan (Alwar)
Dec 2025
Man-made freshwater lake; buffer zone of Sariska Tiger Reserve
96
Kopra Jalashay
Chhattisgarh (Bilaspur)
Dec 2025

Chhattisgarh’s first Ramsar site; upper Mahanadi reservoir; diverse avian species

97
Patna Bird Sanctuary
Uttar Pradesh (Etah)
Jan 2026

Jalesar subdivision; among UP’s smallest WLS (~1 sq km); designated on World Wetlands Day 2026

98
Chhari-Dhand Wetland
Gujarat (Kutch)
Jan 2026

Seasonal saline wetland; Banni grasslands & Kutch salt flats; expands to ~80 sq km in monsoon; key on western migratory flyway; Gujarat’s only Conservation Reserve

99
Shekha Jheel Bird Sanctuary
Uttar Pradesh (Aligarh)
Apr 2026
India’s 99th Ramsar site; freshwater lake; UP’s 12th site
100
JP Narayan Bird Sanctuary (Surha Tal)
Uttar Pradesh (Ballia)
June 2026
🎉

India’s 100th Ramsar site; Surha Tal; Ballia; UP’s 13th site; milestone achievement

⚠️
Montreux Record

⚠️ What is the Montreux Record?

The Montreux Record is a register maintained under the Ramsar Convention that lists wetland sites where significant negative ecological changes are occurring due to human activities or natural factors. Sites on this record are flagged for priority conservation attention.

Site
State
Listed
Reason
Status
Keoladeo Ghana NP
Rajasthan
1990
Water shortage and unbalanced cattle grazing
Still Listed
Loktak Lake
Manipur
1993

Human-induced changes, encroachment, pollution, Water Hyacinth invasion

Still Listed
Chilika Lake
Odisha
1993
Ecological degradation, reduction in waterbirds & fish
✅ Removed 2002
🏆
Chilika Lake – Asia’s Conservation Success Story

Chilika Lake was removed from the Montreux Record in 2002 after the Chilika Development Authority (CDA) successfully restored the ecosystem — the first wetland in Asia to be removed from the Record. The lake mouth was opened artificially, restoring salinity balance, which dramatically improved fish populations and bird counts.

📖
GS Paper Mapping for UPSC
GS Paper 2

International treaties (Ramsar, CBD, CITES, Bonn) • India’s treaty obligations • Multilateral environmental agreements

GS Paper 3

Conservation of biodiversity • Environmental degradation • Wetland conservation • Climate change & ecosystem resilience • Sustainable development

Prelims (GS-I)

Total sites (100) • Largest/smallest/first • States with most sites • Montreux Record • Latest additions • Convention facts & dates

Essay Paper

“Wetlands – Lifelines of Civilisations” • Development vs. Conservation • Climate change & ecosystem services • India’s conservation achievements

🎯
Prelims Practice MCQs (2025–26 Level)
📝 MCQ 1 – Latest Addition (High Frequency 2026)

Q. India recently achieved the milestone of 100 Ramsar sites. Which of the following statements regarding this milestone is correct?

(a) The 100th Ramsar site is Chhari-Dhand Wetland in Kutch, Gujarat

(b) The 100th Ramsar site is JP Narayan Bird Sanctuary (Surha Tal) in Ballia, Uttar Pradesh

(d) India became the first country globally to reach 100 Ramsar sites
✅ Answer: (b)

JP Narayan Bird Sanctuary (Surha Tal) in Ballia, Uttar Pradesh was designated as India’s 100th Ramsar site in June 2026. Chhari-Dhand was 98th, Shekha Jheel was 99th. India ranks 3rd globally (not 1st) — behind UK (176) and Mexico (144).

📝 MCQ 2 – New States’ First Sites

Q. Which of the following pairs (State : First Ramsar Site) is/are correctly matched?

1. Sikkim — Khecheopalri Wetland (2025)
2. Jharkhand — Udhwa Lake (2025)
3. Chhattisgarh — Kopra Jalashay (Dec 2025)
4. Goa — Nanda Lake (2022)
Select the correct answer:
(a)1 and 2 only
(b)2 and 3 only
(c)1, 2 and 3 only
(d)1, 2, 3 and 4
✅ Answer: (d) All four

All four pairs are correctly matched. Sikkim and Jharkhand got their first Ramsar sites in February 2025 (World Wetlands Day batch). Chhattisgarh got its first in December 2025. Goa’s only Ramsar site is Nanda Lake (2022).

📝 MCQ 3 – Superlatives (Most Tested Category)

Q. How many of the following statements about Indian Ramsar Sites are correct?

1. Sundarban Wetland is India’s largest Ramsar site (4,230 km²).

2. Renuka Lake and Vembannur Wetland Complex are the smallest (0.2 km² each).

3. Tamil Nadu has the highest number (20) of Ramsar sites among all states.

4. Kanwar Lake (Bihar) is Asia’s largest freshwater oxbow lake.

(a)Only one
(b)Only two
(c)Only three
(d)All four
✅ Answer: (d) All four

All four statements are factually accurate for 2026. Note: Both Renuka Lake (HP) and Vembannur Wetland Complex (TN) share the “smallest” distinction at 0.2 km² each.

📝 MCQ 4 – India’s Global Standing

Q. With reference to India’s Ramsar Sites as of 2026, which statement is INCORRECT?

(a) India has the highest number of Ramsar sites in Asia.

(b) India ranks third in the world, after UK and Mexico.

(d) India was the first country in Asia to have a Ramsar site removed from the Montreux Record.

✅ Answer: None incorrect — all are correct. (Trick question for alert students!)

All four statements are accurate: India leads Asia, ranks 3rd globally, had 26 sites before 2014, and Chilika Lake was the first Asian site removed from Montreux Record in 2002.

✍️
Mains Model Answer
📝 GS Paper 3 | 15-Mark Question (250 words)

Q. Wetlands are described as “kidneys of the landscape.” Examine the ecological significance of Ramsar sites in India and the challenges in their conservation. Suggest measures for their sustainable management.

Introduction

The metaphor of wetlands as “kidneys of the landscape” captures their dual role — purifying ecosystems while supporting biodiversity. India’s achievement of 100 Ramsar-designated wetlands by June 2026, covering over 1.36 million hectares, reflects deepened conservation commitments. Yet many of these critical ecosystems face grave threats requiring urgent attention.

Ecological Significance
Biodiversity:

Indian Ramsar sites harbour rare species — Irrawaddy Dolphins in Sundarbans, Olive Ridley Turtles in Bhitarkanika, Black-necked Cranes in Tsomiriri, and Demoiselle Cranes at Khichan.

Water Security:

Wular Lake (J&K) and Kanwar Lake (Bihar) recharge aquifers and sustain millions.

Carbon Sequestration:

Pichavaram mangroves and Sundarbans store significant blue carbon.

Livelihood:

East Kolkata Wetlands sustain 300,000+ livelihoods through waste aquaculture.

Challenges

Loktak Lake (Montreux Record) faces Water Hyacinth invasion and encroachment. Pallikaranai Marsh — Chennai’s last surviving wetland — faces urban sprawl. Keoladeo NP suffers chronic water diversion. Industrial effluents, illegal sand mining, and climate-induced hydrological changes threaten ecosystems across the board.

Way Forward
India must strengthen

Wetlands (Conservation & Management) Rules 2017, enforce eco-sensitive zones, integrate wetland mapping with MGNREGA for restoration, and replicate the Chilika Development Authority model. Community-based conservation, participatory management plans, and technology-aided monitoring (via ISRO’s National Wetland Inventory) are essential.

Conclusion

India’s 100-site Ramsar milestone is a conservation landmark; the challenge now is translating designations into ground-level ecological health. A wetland-conscious development paradigm — rooted in the “wise use” philosophy — is essential for sustainable and equitable futures.

⚡
Surha Taal: India’s 100th Ramsar Site

Quick Revision Capsule – Must Remember!

🎯

Most Asked in UPSC Prelims — Memorise These!

📌
Total Sites:
100 (June 2026) |
Tamil Nadu:
20 |
Uttar Pradesh:
13 |
Bihar/Rajasthan/Gujarat/J&K/MP/Odisha/Punjab:
5–6 each
📌
First Sites (1981):
Chilika Lake (Odisha) + Keoladeo NP (Rajasthan)
📌
Largest:
Sundarbans, WB (4,230 km²) |
Smallest (tied):
Renuka Lake (HP) & Vembannur WC (TN) — both 0.2 km²
📌
2 nd Largest by Area:
Kazhuveli BS, TN (1,513 km²) |
3 rd:
Vembanad Kol, Kerala (1,512 km²)
📌
Montreux Record:
Keoladeo NP (1990) + Loktak Lake (1993) |
Removed from Montreux:
Chilika (2002) — 1st in Asia
📌
Convention:

Signed 2 Feb 1971 | India Ratified: 1 Feb 1982 | World Wetlands Day: 2 February

📌
Global:

India = 3rd (after UK 176, Mexico 144) | India = 1st in Asia

📌
100 th Site:
JP Narayan BS, Surha Tal, Ballia, UP (June 2026)
📌
99 th Site:
Shekha Jheel BS, Aligarh, UP (Apr 2026) |
98 th:
Chhari-Dhand, Kutch, Gujarat (Jan 2026)
📌
New States in 2025:

Sikkim (Khecheopalri), Jharkhand (Udhwa Lake), Chhattisgarh (Kopra Jalashay)

📌
Special:

Keibul Lamjao (floating NP, Loktak) | East Kolkata (world’s largest sewage aquaculture) | Kanwar Lake (Asia’s largest freshwater oxbow) | Gulf of Mannar (1st Marine BR in South/SE Asia) | Pichavaram (world’s 2nd largest mangrove)

Competitive Exam Prep Blog

Original content for educational use. Last Updated: June 2026 | Total Sites:

100
| Tamil Nadu: 20 | Uttar Pradesh: 13
List of Ramsar sites in India
Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › List_of_Ramsar_sites_i…