On January 31, 2026, ahead of World Wetlands Day, Union Environment Minister added Patna Bird Sanctuary (Etah, Uttar Pradesh) and Chhari-Dhand (Kutch, Gujarat) to India's Ramsar Sites list, taking the total to 98. Patna Bird Sanctuary, the smallest bird sanctuary in UP with only 1 sq km area, hosts 178 bird species with seasonal populations reaching 200,000. Chhari-Dhand is a salt-affected shallow wetland in Kutch that swells to 80 sq km during monsoon and is home to chinkara, wolves, caracal and endangered bird species. India's Ramsar network grew from 26 in 2014 to 98 in 2026.
India Adds Patna Bird Sanctuary and Chhari-Dhand as Ramsar Sites, Total Reaches 98
AQuick answer
India added Patna Bird Sanctuary (UP) and Chhari-Dhand (Gujarat) as Ramsar Sites in Jan 2026; total reached 98.
Key facts
- Union Environment Minister added Patna Bird Sanctuary (Etah, UP) and Chhari-Dhand (Kutch, Gujarat) to India's Ramsar Sites, taking total to 98.
- Patna Bird Sanctuary is the smallest bird sanctuary in UP (1 sq km), hosting 178 bird species with seasonal populations reaching 200,000.
- Chhari-Dhand is a salt-affected shallow wetland in Kutch that swells to 80 sq km during monsoon.
- India's Ramsar network grew from 26 in 2014 to 98 in 2026.
- Announcement made on January 31, 2026 ahead of World Wetlands Day.
Mains angle
Q: Discuss the ecological significance of India's addition of Patna Bird Sanctuary and Chhari-Dhand as Ramsar Sites in January 2026, and trace the growth of India's Ramsar network from 26 sites in 2014 to 98.
Answer (50 words):
On January 31, 2026, India designated Patna Bird Sanctuary (Etah, UP) and Chhari-Dhand (Kutch, Gujarat) as Ramsar Sites, raising the total to 98 ahead of World Wetlands Day. Patna (1 sq km) hosts 178 bird species; Chhari-Dhand swells to 80 sq km during monsoon, sheltering chinkara, wolves, caracal.
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Linked questionEasy
As of January 2026, how many Ramsar Sites does India have?
Explanation · Correct answer C
As of January 31, 2026, India has 98 Ramsar Sites after adding Patna Bird Sanctuary (UP) and Chhari-Dhand (Gujarat). India ranks first in Asia and third globally in Ramsar site count. The network grew from 26 in 2014 to 98 in 2026.
Source: PIB
Frequently asked questions
Which two new Ramsar Sites were added by India in January 2026?
India added **Patna Bird Sanctuary (Etah, Uttar Pradesh)** and **Chhari-Dhand (Kutch, Gujarat)** to the Ramsar Convention list on January 31, 2026, taking the total to **98 Ramsar Sites**.
Where is Patna Bird Sanctuary located?
**Patna Bird Sanctuary** is located in **Etah district, Uttar Pradesh**. It is the smallest bird sanctuary in Uttar Pradesh and was added as India's new Ramsar Site in January 2026.
Where is Chhari-Dhand located?
**Chhari-Dhand** is a wetland located in **Kutch district, Gujarat** — added as a Ramsar Site in January 2026, taking India's total to 98.
What is the Ramsar Convention?
The **Ramsar Convention** (1971) is an international treaty for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands. India has **98 Ramsar Sites** — among the highest in the world.
How many Ramsar Sites does India have?
India has **98 Ramsar Sites** as of January 2026, after adding Patna Bird Sanctuary and Chhari-Dhand — making India one of the countries with the highest number of Ramsar wetlands.
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