India added two new wetlands to the Ramsar Convention's global list of protected ecosystems on January 31, 2026. Patna Bird Sanctuary in Etah district, Uttar Pradesh, and Chhari-Dhand in Kutch district, Gujarat, received the Ramsar designation, taking India's total Ramsar sites to 98. Patna Bird Sanctuary is known for hosting migratory birds including Sarus Cranes, the world's tallest flying bird. Chhari-Dhand is a seasonal wetland in the arid Kutch region that supports flamingos, pelicans, and other waterbirds. India has been steadily expanding its Ramsar footprint — the country had only 26 Ramsar sites in 2014. The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands was signed in 1971 in Ramsar, Iran.
India Adds Two New Ramsar Sites: Patna Bird Sanctuary (UP) and Chhari-Dhand (Gujarat)
AQuick answer
India's Ramsar sites reach 98 with addition of Patna Bird Sanctuary (UP) and Chhari-Dhand (Gujarat); was only 26 in 2014.
Key facts
- India added Patna Bird Sanctuary (Etah, Uttar Pradesh) and Chhari-Dhand (Kutch, Gujarat) to the Ramsar Convention list on January 31, 2026
- Total Ramsar sites in India now stands at 98, up from only 26 in 2014
- Patna Bird Sanctuary is known for hosting Sarus Cranes — the world's tallest flying bird
- Chhari-Dhand is a seasonal wetland in the arid Kutch region supporting flamingos, pelicans, and other waterbirds
- Ramsar Convention on Wetlands was signed in 1971 in Ramsar, Iran
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Linked questionMedium
How many Ramsar sites did India have in 2014 compared to 98 in 2026?
Explanation · Correct answer A
India had only 26 Ramsar sites in 2014; the network expanded to 98 by January 31, 2026, reflecting a major focus on wetland conservation.
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Frequently asked questions
Which two new Ramsar sites did India add in January 2026?
India added **Patna Bird Sanctuary** (Etah district, Uttar Pradesh) and **Chhari-Dhand** (Kutch district, Gujarat) to the Ramsar Convention's global list on **January 31, 2026**, taking India's total Ramsar sites to **98**.
What is Patna Bird Sanctuary and why was it designated a Ramsar site?
**Patna Bird Sanctuary** in **Etah district, Uttar Pradesh** is known for hosting **Sarus Cranes** — the world's tallest flying bird. It was designated a **Ramsar site** on January 31, 2026, for its importance as a wetland supporting migratory birds and its ecological significance in the Ganga plains region.
What is Chhari-Dhand wetland in Gujarat?
**Chhari-Dhand** is a **seasonal wetland** in the arid **Kutch district, Gujarat**, listed as a Ramsar site in January 2026. Despite being in a dry region, it supports **flamingos, pelicans, and other waterbirds** during monsoon and winter seasons, making it a critical habitat in an otherwise water-scarce landscape.
How many Ramsar sites does India have and how has this changed since 2014?
India now has **98 Ramsar sites** — up from only **26 in 2014**. India has dramatically increased its Ramsar footprint over the past decade, adding over **70 new sites** under various governments. India has the **highest number of Ramsar sites** in Asia and is among the top nations globally for protected wetlands.
What is the Ramsar Convention and when was it signed?
The **Ramsar Convention on Wetlands** is an international treaty for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands. It was signed on **February 2, 1971**, in **Ramsar, Iran** — hence the name. Wetlands designated under it are called **Ramsar Sites** and receive international conservation protection. **World Wetlands Day** is observed on February 2 to mark this anniversary.
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