Patna Bird Sanctuary and Chhari-Dhand declared Ramsar sites, taking India’s total to 98

The wetlands in Kutch in Gujarat and Etah in Uttar Pradesh have been recognised as Ramsar sites, bringing them under a global framework for the conservation of unique and vital ecosystems.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the local communities and those involved in wetland conservation on the designation of Patna Bird Sanctuary in Etah and Chhari-Dhand in Kutch as Ramsar sites. In a post on X, he said he was delighted by the recognition and extended congratulations to the people living around the wetlands and conservation enthusiasts.

With the addition of these two sites under the Ramsar Convention, the total number of Ramsar wetlands in India has risen to 98.

The prime minister said the recognition reaffirmed the government’s commitment to preserving biodiversity and protecting critical ecosystems, and expressed hope that the wetlands would continue to thrive as safe habitats for migratory and native species.

Environment Minister Bhupendra Yadav also congratulated Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat, along with the wider wetland conservation community, on the new additions. He said the two wetlands are home to hundreds of migratory and resident bird species.

Apart from avian diversity, the wetlands also support wildlife such as chinkara, wolves, caracal, desert cats, and desert foxes, as well as endangered bird species, the minister said.

Highlighting the expansion of India’s Ramsar network, Yadav said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, the number of Ramsar sites in the country has increased by over 276 percent, rising from 26 in 2014 to 98 now.