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 social media platform ‘X’ that Patna Bird Sanctuary in Etah district of Uttar Pradesh and Chhari-Dhand in Kutch district of Gujarat have been included in the Ramsar sites list.
The Minister highlighted that, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India’s Ramsar network has expanded by over 276 per cent, from 26 sites in 2014 to 98 sites at present.
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,… pic.twitter.com/VK8lVeGe07
— Bhupender Yadav (@byadavbjp) January 30, 2026
Bhupender Yadav 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, caracal, desert cats and desert foxes, besides endangered bird species.
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 1 February 1982.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed happiness over the addition of new wetlands to India’s Ramsar List. In a post on social media platform X, the Prime Minister said, “Delighted that the Patna Bird Sanctuary in Etah (Uttar Pradesh) and Chhari-Dhand in Kutch (Gujarat) are Ramsar sites. Congratulations to the local population there as well as all those passionate about wetland conservation. These recognitions reaffirm our commitment to preserving biodiversity and protecting vital ecosystems. May these wetlands continue to thrive as safe habitats for countless migratory and native species.”
Delighted that the Patna Bird Sanctuary in Etah (Uttar Pradesh) and Chhari-Dhand in Kutch (Gujarat) are Ramsar sites. Congratulations to the local population there as well as all those passionate about wetland conservation. These recognitions reaffirm our commitment to preserving… https://t.co/0O3R5TBqbJ
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 31, 2026
Wetlands of particular conservation value can be designated as Wetlands of International Importance. These sites are significant as they can serve as model examples of the nation’s commitment to conservation and management under internationally accepted frameworks.
The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands is an intergovernmental treaty adopted in 1971 in Ramsar, Iran, aimed at the conservation and “wise use” of wetlands through local, regional, and national actions.
