1 Feb 2026·Source: The Indian Express

3 min

Environment & EcologyEnvironment & EcologyNEWS

Kutch and Etah Wetlands Designated as Ramsar Sites

Two new Indian wetlands, in Kutch and Etah, get Ramsar recognition.

Photo by Hanna Lazar

On the eve of World Wetlands Day, two new sites in India have been designated as Ramsar sites. These are Khijadia Wildlife Sanctuary in Kutch, Gujarat, and Bakhira Wildlife Sanctuary in Etah, Uttar Pradesh. This recognition highlights India's commitment to conserving its wetlands. The addition of these two sites brings the total number of Ramsar sites in India to 49. These sites are recognized internationally for their ecological importance.

Key Facts

World Wetlands Day: February 2

New Ramsar sites: Khijadia, Bakhira

Total Ramsar sites in India: 49

UPSC Exam Angles

GS Paper 3 (Environment): Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment

Link to biodiversity conservation efforts and international conventions

Potential for statement-based questions on Ramsar sites and wetland conservation

Visual Insights

New Ramsar Sites in India (2022)

This map shows the location of the two new Ramsar sites designated in India: Khijadia Wildlife Sanctuary in Gujarat and Bakhira Wildlife Sanctuary in Uttar Pradesh.

Loading interactive map...

📍Gujarat📍Uttar Pradesh

Ramsar Sites in India

Key statistics related to Ramsar sites in India.

Total Ramsar Sites in India: 49

More Information

Background

Wetlands are vital ecosystems, playing a crucial role in water purification, flood control, and biodiversity conservation. The Ramsar Convention, signed in 1971, is an intergovernmental treaty that provides the framework for national action and international cooperation for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources. India became a party to the Ramsar Convention on 1 February 1982. The designation of Ramsar sites is significant because it brings international attention to these ecologically important areas. This recognition can lead to increased funding and support for conservation efforts. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change is the nodal agency for the implementation of the Ramsar Convention in India. The process of designating a wetland as a Ramsar site involves a rigorous assessment of its ecological and hydrological characteristics. The site must meet specific criteria, such as supporting a significant number of migratory birds or rare and endangered species. The Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 provides legal protection to many wetlands in India that are designated as sanctuaries or national parks.

Latest Developments

The addition of Khijadia Wildlife Sanctuary and Bakhira Wildlife Sanctuary as Ramsar sites reflects India's increasing commitment to wetland conservation. India is actively working towards identifying and designating more wetlands as Ramsar sites. This is in line with the global agenda for sustainable development and biodiversity conservation. The National Wetland Conservation Programme (NWCP) plays a crucial role in the management and conservation of wetlands in India. This program provides financial and technical assistance to state governments for the implementation of conservation activities. The focus is on integrated management planning, catchment area treatment, and community participation. Looking ahead, India aims to further strengthen its wetland conservation efforts through policy interventions, community engagement, and international collaborations. The designation of more Ramsar sites is expected to contribute significantly to the country's biodiversity targets and climate change mitigation strategies. The involvement of local communities is essential for the long-term sustainability of these conservation efforts.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the key facts about the newly designated Ramsar sites in Kutch and Etah for UPSC Prelims?

The two new Ramsar sites are Khijadia Wildlife Sanctuary in Kutch, Gujarat, and Bakhira Wildlife Sanctuary in Etah, Uttar Pradesh. Remember that World Wetlands Day is observed on February 2nd, and the total number of Ramsar sites in India is now 49.

Exam Tip

Focus on remembering the names of the sites and their locations. Also, the total number of Ramsar sites in India is a frequently asked question.

2. What is the Ramsar Convention and why is it important?

The Ramsar Convention is an intergovernmental treaty signed in 1971 that provides the framework for national action and international cooperation for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources. It is important because wetlands play a crucial role in water purification, flood control, and biodiversity conservation.

3. Why were Khijadia Wildlife Sanctuary and Bakhira Wildlife Sanctuary designated as Ramsar sites recently?

These sites were designated as Ramsar sites to recognize their international ecological importance and to further strengthen India's commitment to conserving its wetlands. This aligns with the global agenda for sustainable development and biodiversity conservation.

4. What is World Wetlands Day and when is it observed?

World Wetlands Day is observed on February 2nd each year. It marks the date of the adoption of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands in 1971. The day aims to raise global awareness about the vital role of wetlands for our planet and people.

5. How does the addition of new Ramsar sites impact common citizens?

The conservation of wetlands through Ramsar recognition can lead to improved water quality, reduced flood risks, and enhanced biodiversity, all of which directly benefit common citizens. These sites also support livelihoods through fishing, agriculture, and tourism.

6. What are some potential exam questions related to the number 49 in the context of Ramsar sites in India?

You might be asked about the total number of Ramsar sites in India, whether it has increased recently, and which are the newest additions. Be prepared to answer questions about the significance of this number in relation to India's commitment to wetland conservation.

7. What is the National Wetland Conservation Programme (NWCP)?

As per the topic data, the National Wetland Conservation Programme (NWCP) is mentioned, but no details about its function or goals are provided.

8. What reforms are needed to improve wetland conservation in India, considering the recent Ramsar additions?

While the addition of Ramsar sites is positive, stronger enforcement of existing regulations, increased community involvement in conservation efforts, and dedicated funding for wetland management are needed. Further, raising awareness among the public about the importance of wetlands is crucial.

9. How does the Ramsar Convention relate to India's international commitments?

By being a party to the Ramsar Convention, India demonstrates its commitment to international cooperation for environmental conservation. Designating more Ramsar sites showcases India's active role in achieving global biodiversity targets.

10. What is the historical background of India becoming a party to the Ramsar Convention?

India became a party to the Ramsar Convention on 1 February, as per the topic data. This signifies India's early recognition of the importance of wetlands and its commitment to their conservation and sustainable use.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding the Ramsar Convention: 1. It is an intergovernmental treaty that provides the framework for national action and international cooperation for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources. 2. The convention was signed in 1982. 3. The Ministry of Earth Sciences is the nodal agency for the implementation of the Ramsar Convention in India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A.1 only
B.2 and 3 only
C.1 and 3 only
D.1, 2 and 3

Show Answer

Answer: A

Statement 1 is CORRECT: The Ramsar Convention is indeed an intergovernmental treaty focused on wetland conservation. Statement 2 is INCORRECT: The Ramsar Convention was signed in 1971, not 1982. India became a party to the convention in 1982. Statement 3 is INCORRECT: The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, not the Ministry of Earth Sciences, is the nodal agency for the implementation of the Ramsar Convention in India.

2. Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding the newly designated Ramsar sites in India? 1. Khijadia Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Etah, Uttar Pradesh. 2. Bakhira Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Kutch, Gujarat. 3. The addition of these two sites brings the total number of Ramsar sites in India to 49. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

A.3 only
B.1 and 2 only
C.2 and 3 only
D.1, 2 and 3

Show Answer

Answer: A

Statement 1 is INCORRECT: Khijadia Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Kutch, Gujarat, not Etah, Uttar Pradesh. Statement 2 is INCORRECT: Bakhira Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Etah, Uttar Pradesh, not Kutch, Gujarat. Statement 3 is CORRECT: The addition of Khijadia and Bakhira brings the total number of Ramsar sites in India to 49.

3. Which of the following criteria is/are essential for a wetland to be designated as a Ramsar site? 1. It supports a significant number of migratory birds. 2. It contains representative, rare or unique wetland types. 3. It supports populations of plant and/or animal species important for maintaining the biological diversity of a particular biogeographic region. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

A.1 only
B.2 and 3 only
C.1 and 3 only
D.1, 2 and 3

Show Answer

Answer: D

All three statements are correct. The Ramsar Convention has specific criteria for designating wetlands as Ramsar sites, including supporting migratory birds, containing unique wetland types, and supporting biodiversity.