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

16 June 2026

🌿 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

100Total Sites (June 2026)

20Tamil Nadu (Highest)

1982India Ratified

3rdGlobal 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

3rd (after UK, Mexico)

India in Asia

1st – 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

2nd Most Sites

Uttar Pradesh – 13 sites (after 2026 additions)

Global Rank

3rd — 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

📌

2nd Largest by Area:

Kazhuveli BS, TN (1,513 km²) |

3rd:

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

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Global:

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

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100th Site:

JP Narayan BS, Surha Tal, Ballia, UP (June 2026)

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99th Site:

Shekha Jheel BS, Aligarh, UP (Apr 2026) |

98th:

Chhari-Dhand, Kutch, Gujarat (Jan 2026)

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New States in 2025:

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

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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)