On World Environment Day 2025 (June 5), Khichan in Phalodi and Menar in Udaipur, Rajasthan, were designated as Ramsar Sites, taking India's total at that time to 91; by 31 January 2026 the national total stood at 98. Khichan Wetland in the northern Thar Desert hosts over 22,000 migratory demoiselle cranes annually and supports over 150 bird species. Menar Wetland Complex is a freshwater monsoon wetland with three ponds supporting 110 waterbird species including 67 migratory. Menar is recognized as one of the best examples of community-led conservation in Rajasthan. As of 31 January 2026, Rajasthan has five Ramsar-designated wetlands.
Rajasthan Ramsar Sites: Khichan and Menar Wetlands
AQuick answer
Khichan and Menar in Rajasthan designated Ramsar Sites on World Environment Day 2025; India's tally reached 91 at that time; it stood at 98 as of 31 January 2026.
Key facts
- On World Environment Day 2025 (June 5), Khichan (Phalodi) and Menar (Udaipur) in Rajasthan were designated as Ramsar Sites, taking India's total to 91
- Khichan Wetland in the northern Thar Desert hosts over 22,000 migratory demoiselle cranes annually and supports 150+ bird species
- Menar Wetland Complex is a freshwater monsoon wetland supporting 110 waterbird species including 67 migratory species
- Menar is recognized as one of the best examples of community-led conservation in Rajasthan
- Rajasthan now has four Ramsar-designated wetlands
PYQPrelims/PYQ angle
- RAS 2024 Conservation Reserves of Rajasthan (Sorsan, Akhargaon, Gogelao, Jod Beed) — Both concern designated conservation areas and wetland or wildlife protection sites in Rajasthan.
Mains angle
Q: Discuss the ecological significance of designating Khichan and Menar wetlands as Ramsar Sites and their contribution to Rajasthan's conservation framework.
Answer (50 words):
Designated on World Environment Day 2025, Khichan in Phalodi hosts over 22,000 migratory demoiselle cranes and 150 bird species in the Thar Desert. Menar in Udaipur supports 110 waterbird species including 67 migratory, exemplifying community-led conservation. These designations raised India's Ramsar tally to 91 and Rajasthan's to four.
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Natural Vegetation, Biodiversity & ConservationGeography of RajasthanBiodiversity & ConservationScience & Technology
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CoverageRajasthanSubjectScience & TechnologyExamBasic Computer Instructor · CET Graduation · CET Senior Secondary · EO/RO · LDC · Mahila Supervisor · Patwar · PTI · RAS · REET · RPSC SI · School Lecturer · Senior Computer Instructor · Senior Teacher · UPSC · Vanpal · BothSourcePIB
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Linked questionMedium
Near which city is Rajasthan's Jorbeer Conservation Reserve located, known as a major vulture habitat?
Explanation · Correct answer B
Jorbeer Conservation Reserve near Bikaner is one of Asia's largest vulture habitats.
Source: PIB
Frequently asked questions
Which two Rajasthan wetlands were designated as Ramsar Sites in 2025?
**Khichan** (Phalodi) and **Menar** (Udaipur) in Rajasthan were designated as **Ramsar Sites on World Environment Day 2025 (June 5)**, taking India's total Ramsar sites to **91** and Rajasthan's total to **four**.
What is Khichan wetland known for?
**Khichan wetland** in the northern **Thar Desert** hosts over **22,000 migratory demoiselle cranes** annually and supports **150+ bird species**, making it a globally significant migratory bird habitat now recognised as a Ramsar Site.
What is special about Menar wetland in Rajasthan?
**Menar wetland complex** near Udaipur is a freshwater monsoon wetland supporting **110 waterbird species** including **67 migratory species**. It is recognised as one of the **best examples of community-led conservation** in Rajasthan.
How many Ramsar sites does India have after the 2025 additions?
India's total Ramsar sites reached **91** after the designation of Khichan and Menar in Rajasthan on **World Environment Day 2025 (June 5)**, making India one of the countries with the highest number of Ramsar-designated wetlands.
How many Ramsar sites does Rajasthan have after 2025?
Rajasthan now has **four Ramsar-designated wetlands** after the designation of **Khichan and Menar** on World Environment Day 2025. The state's wetlands support significant migratory bird populations, particularly in the Thar Desert region.
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