List of all Ramsar Sites in India: India is home to a diverse range of wetlands, which play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance, biodiversity, and livelihoods. Recognizing their global importance, India has designated several wetlands as Ramsar Sites under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, an international treaty adopted in 1971 at Ramsar, Iran. These sites are crucial for conserving waterbirds, supporting unique ecosystems, and sustaining human communities dependent on wetland resources.
Key Points to Note:
- India’s Commitment: India became a contracting party to the Ramsar Convention in 1982.
- Current Count: As of 2025, India has 93 Ramsar Sites, the highest in Asia.
- Geographical Spread: These sites are distributed across multiple states, covering lakes, rivers, marshes, mangroves, high-altitude wetlands, and estuaries.
- Significance for Civil Services Aspirants:
- Understanding Ramsar Sites is crucial for the Environment and Ecology section of UPSC, UPPSC, and other state exams.
- Questions may focus on location, ecological importance, Montreux Record, and Wetlands conservation policies.
This updated list of Ramsar Sites in India provides aspirants with a concise and comprehensive resource, helping in quick revision and better retention for exam preparation.
What are Ramsar Sites?
Ramsar Sites are wetlands of international importance designated under the Ramsar Convention, which is an international treaty signed in 1971 at Ramsar, Iran.
🌿 Definition: A Ramsar Site is a wetland recognized for its ecological, botanical, zoological, limnological, or hydrological importance.
🌍 Purpose: To conserve and sustainably use wetlands — ecosystems vital for biodiversity, groundwater recharge, flood control, and livelihoods.
📜 Convention: The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands encourages member countries to identify and protect suitable wetlands.
| “Wetlands are areas of marsh, fen, peatland or water, whether natural or artificial, permanent or temporary, with water that is static or flowing, fresh, brackish or salt, including areas of marine water the depth of which at low tide does not exceed six metres.” — Article 1.1, Ramsar Convention (1971) As per the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017 (Notified under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986) “Wetland means an area of marsh, fen, peatland or water; natural or artificial, permanent or temporary; with water that is static or flowing, fresh, brackish or salt, including areas of marine water the depth of which at low tide does not exceed six metres.” — Rule 2(g), Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017 |
| Feature | Ramsar Convention (1971) | Indian Wetlands Rules (2017) |
|---|---|---|
| Legal Basis | International treaty signed at Ramsar, Iran in 1971 | National rules under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 |
| Definition | Includes areas of marsh, fen, peatland, or water (natural or artificial, permanent or temporary) with static or flowing water — fresh, brackish, or salt — including marine waters up to 6 m deep at low tide | Similar definition — includes natural or artificial, permanent or temporary wetlands, with static or flowing water — fresh, brackish, or salt — including marine waters up to 6 m deep |
| Scope | Broad and inclusive — includes artificial wetlands (reservoirs, fish ponds, etc.) | Excludes certain human-made and agricultural wetlands |
| Explicit Exclusions | None | Excludes: (i) river channels, (ii) paddy fields, (iii) man-made water bodies for drinking water, aquaculture, salt production, or irrigation |
| Purpose | Promote international cooperation and conservation of wetlands of international importance | Regulate, conserve, and manage wetlands within India |
| Designation | “Ramsar Sites” — wetlands of international importance | “Notified Wetlands” — identified and protected under national law |
| Administered By | Ramsar Secretariat (Gland, Switzerland) | Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), Government of India |
| Binding Nature | Internationally binding on contracting countries | Legally binding within India |
Conference of Parties (COPs) of Ramsar Sites
- COP = Conference of the Contracting Parties, the highest decision-making body of the Ramsar Convention.
- Held every three years since 1980.
- The Convention itself was signed in Ramsar, Iran (1971) — but the first COP was not held until 1980 (Italy).
| COP No. | Year | Host City & Country | Key Focus / Outcome (brief) |
|---|---|---|---|
| COP 1 | 1980 | Cagliari, Italy | First formal meeting of Ramsar Parties — adopted foundational rules of procedure. |
| COP 2 | 1984 | Groningen, Netherlands | Adopted first major amendments; improved wetland inventory processes. |
| COP 3 | 1987 | Regina, Canada | Adopted the “Regina Recommendations” — expanded convention scope & emphasized wise use. |
| COP 4 | 1990 | Montreux, Switzerland | Adopted the Montreux Record (list of sites needing urgent conservation attention). |
| COP 5 | 1993 | Kushiro, Japan | Adopted the Kushiro Statement and first Strategic Plan (1997–2002). |
| COP 6 | 1996 | Brisbane, Australia | Adopted the Brisbane Initiative on integrating wetland conservation and sustainable development. |
| COP 7 | 1999 | San José, Costa Rica | Adopted guidance on partnerships, private sector involvement, and site management. |
| COP 8 | 2002 | Valencia, Spain | Adopted the Valencia Declaration; introduced CEPA (Communication, Education, Participation, Awareness). |
| COP 9 | 2005 | Kampala, Uganda | Adopted guidelines on water allocation & management; strengthened African region’s role. |
| COP 10 | 2008 | Changwon, Republic of Korea | Adopted the Changwon Declaration — integrated wetlands into climate change & human well-being policies. |
| COP 11 | 2012 | Bucharest, Romania | Adopted Bucharest Declaration; focused on wetland tourism & economics of ecosystems. |
| COP 12 | 2015 | Punta del Este, Uruguay | Adopted Punta del Este Declaration; linked wetlands to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). |
| COP 13 | 2018 | Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) | Theme: “Wetlands for a Sustainable Urban Future.” Strengthened Wetland City Accreditation scheme. |
| COP 14 | 2022 | Wuhan, China & Geneva, Switzerland (hybrid) | Theme: “Wetlands Action for People and Nature.” Focused on post-2020 global framework. |
| COP 15 | 2025 | Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe | Theme: “Wetlands for Our Shared Future.” Latest meeting — adopted new global strategy 2025–2030. |
🟢 Montreux Record (1990)
📍 Origin:
- Adopted at COP-4 (1990) in Montreux, Switzerland.
- Named after the host city.
📖 Definition:
The Montreux Record is a register of Ramsar sites where changes in ecological character have occurred, are occurring, or are likely to occur due to human interference or natural causes.
🎯 Purpose:
- To identify Ramsar sites under ecological threat and prioritise them for conservation, management, or international assistance.
- Helps the Ramsar Advisory Mission (RAM) decide where to provide technical or financial help.
⚙️ Managed by:
- Maintained by the Ramsar Secretariat, with input from Contracting Parties.
- India has 2 Ramsar sites currently on the Montreux Record:
- Keoladeo National Park (Rajasthan)
- Loktak Lake (Manipur)
- Chilika Lake (Odisha) was once on the Record but removed after successful restoration (removed in 2002).
🔵 Changwon Declaration (2008)
📍 Origin:
- Adopted at COP-10 (2008) in Changwon, Republic of Korea.
📜 Purpose:
To link wetland conservation with sustainable development, human well-being, and climate change adaptation.
🌏 Key Themes:
- Wetlands as vital for water security and ecosystem services.
- Integration of wetland management into national development planning.
- Addressing climate change impacts through wetland restoration.
- Promoting education and awareness (CEPA).
- Strengthening community participation and wise use of wetlands.
⚙️ Significance:
- Acts as a guiding policy statement — similar to the Paris Declaration for wetlands.
- Many countries (including India) incorporated its principles into their National Wetland Conservation Programmes.
Quick Revision Table for Montreux Record and Changwon Declaration
| Feature | Montreux Record (1990) | Changwon Declaration (2008) |
|---|---|---|
| Adopted at | COP-4, Montreux (Switzerland) | COP-10, Changwon (South Korea) |
| Type | Register / Monitoring Mechanism | Policy Declaration / Global Framework |
| Purpose | List of Ramsar sites under ecological threat | Policy linking wetlands to human well-being & sustainability |
| Focus | Site-level ecological damage | Global wetland policy & sustainable development |
| India’s sites on list | Keoladeo NP, Loktak Lake | — |
| Removed site (India) | Chilika Lake (in 2002) | — |
| Nature | Corrective / management tool | Forward-looking strategic vision |
| Significance | Prioritizes conservation action | Integrates wetlands into SDGs and climate agendas |
Wetlands International
- Type: Global non-governmental, non-profit organization focused on wetland conservation.
- Founded: 1954 as IWRB; renamed Wetlands International in 1995.
- Headquarters: Ede, The Netherlands.
- Mission: Sustain and restore wetlands for people, biodiversity, and climate resilience.
- Activities: Research, policy advocacy, wetland restoration, Ramsar site support, waterbird monitoring.
- Global Presence: Offices across all continents; works with governments, Ramsar, UN agencies, and local communities.
India and Ramsar Convention on Wetlands — Key Points
- Accession
- India signed and became a contracting party to the Ramsar Convention on 1 February 1982.
- Ratification was part of India’s commitment to the conservation of wetlands of international importance.
- First Ramsar Sites in India
- Keoladeo National Park, Rajasthan (designated 1981) — actually designated just before India officially ratified the convention, but recognized under Ramsar after India’s accession.
- Loktak Lake, Manipur — first designated in 1990.
- Number of Ramsar Sites
- As of 2025, India has 93 Ramsar Sites, the highest in Asia.
- These sites cover diverse ecosystems: lakes, rivers, estuaries, mangroves, marshes, coral reefs, and high-altitude wetlands.
- National Legal Framework
- Wetlands in India are protected under:
- Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
- Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017
- India maintains a list of “Notified Wetlands” for national protection, aligned with Ramsar obligations.
- Wetlands in India are protected under:
- Management & Monitoring
- Central Wetlands Regulatory Authority (CWRA) — now part of MoEFCC — oversees national implementation.
- India reports biennial updates to the Ramsar Secretariat on the status and management of sites.
- International Recognition & Restoration Successes
- Chilika Lake, Odisha — removed from the Montreux Record in 2002 after successful ecological restoration.
- India actively engages in Ramsar COPs and regional meetings to share experience and adopt global best practices.
- Regional & Global Engagement
- India participates in Ramsar Advisory Missions (RAM) for sites needing management support.
- Supports Wetland City Accreditation (WCA) under Ramsar for urban wetland management.
- Significance for India
- Wetlands provide biodiversity support, flood control, groundwater recharge, fisheries, and livelihoods.
- Ramsar adoption has helped mobilize national and international attention, funding, and technical expertise.
List of all Ramsar Sites in India: Updated (October 2025)
| State / UT | Ramsar sites (state-wise; 2025 additions marked) |
|---|---|
| Andhra Pradesh | Kolleru Lake |
| Assam | Deepor Beel |
| Bihar | Kabartal (Kanwar) Wetland; Nagi Bird Sanctuary; Nakti Bird Sanctuary; Gokul Jalashay (2025); Udaipur Jheel (2025) |
| Goa | Nanda Lake |
| Gujarat | Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary; Wadhvana Wetland; Thol Lake Wildlife Sanctuary; Khijadia (Khijadiya) Wildlife Sanctuary |
| Haryana | Sultanpur National Park; Bhindawas Wildlife Sanctuary |
| Himachal Pradesh | Pong Dam Lake (Pong Dam Lake Wildlife Sanctuary); Chandertal Wetland (Chandra Taal); Renuka Wetland (Renuka Lake) |
| Jammu & Kashmir | Wular Lake; Surinsar-Mansar Lakes; Hokera (Hokersar) Wetland; Hygam Wetland Conservation Reserve; Shallabugh (Shallabugh) Wetland Conservation Reserve |
| Jharkhand | Udhwa Lake Bird Sanctuary |
| Karnataka | Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary; Ankasamudra Bird Conservation Reserve; Aghanashini Estuary; Magadi Kere Conservation Reserve |
| Kerala | Ashtamudi Wetland; Sasthamkotta Lake; Vembanad-Kol Wetland |
| Ladakh | Tso Kar Wetland Complex; Tsomoriri Lake |
| Madhya Pradesh | Bhoj Wetlands; Sirpur Wetland; Sakhya Sagar; Yashwant Sagar; Tawa Reservoir |
| Maharashtra | Nandur Madhameshwar; Lonar Lake; Thane Creek |
| Manipur | Loktak Lake |
| Mizoram | Pala Wetland |
| Odisha | Chilika Lake; Bhitarkanika Mangroves; Satkosia Gorge; Tampara Lake; Hirakud Reservoir; Ansupa Lake |
| Punjab | Harike Lake; Kanjli Lake; Ropar (Rupnagar) Lake; Beas Conservation Reserve; Keshopur-Miani Community Reserve; Nangal Wildlife Sanctuary |
| Rajasthan | Keoladeo Ghana (Keoladeo National Park); Sambhar Lake; Menar Wetland Complex (2025); Khichan Wetland (2025) |
| Sikkim | Khachoedpalri (Khecheopalri) Wetland |
| Tamil Nadu | Point Calimere Wildlife & Bird Sanctuary; Koonthankulam Bird Sanctuary; Chitrangudi Bird Sanctuary; Karikili Bird Sanctuary; Pichavaram Mangrove; Pallikaranai Marsh Reserve Forest; Gulf of Mannar Marine Biosphere Reserve; Vembannur Wetland Complex; Vellode Bird Sanctuary; Udhayamarthandapuram Bird Sanctuary; Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary; Suchindram-Theroor Wetland Complex; Vaduvur Bird Sanctuary; Kanjirankulam Bird Sanctuary; Karaivetti Bird Sanctuary; Longwood Shola Reserve Forest; Kazhuveli Bird Sanctuary; Nanjarayan Bird Sanctuary; Sakkarakottai Bird Sanctuary; Therthangal Bird Sanctuary |
| Tripura | Rudrasagar Lake |
| Uttar Pradesh | Upper Ganga River (Upper Ganges River); Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary; Parvati Arga Bird Sanctuary; Saman Bird Sanctuary; Samaspur Bird Sanctuary; Sandi Bird Sanctuary; Sarsai Nawar Jheel; Sur Sarovar (Keetham Lake); Haiderpur Wetland; Bakhira Wildlife Sanctuary |
| Uttarakhand | Asan Conservation Reserve |
| West Bengal | East Kolkata (East Calcutta) Wetlands; Sundarbans Wetland |
Important Previous Year Questions:
Question: If a wetland of international importance is brought under the ‘Montreux Record’, what does it imply? (UPSC 2014)
A) Changes in ecological character have occurred, are occurring, or are likely to occur in the wetland as a result of human interference.
B) The country in which the wetland is located should enact a law to prohibit any human activity within five kilometers from the edge of the wetland.
C) The survival of the wetland depends on the cultural practices and traditions of certain communities living in its vicinity, and therefore, the cultural diversity therein should not be destroyed.
D) It is given the status of a ‘World Heritage Site’.
Answer: A) Changes in ecological character have occurred, are occurring, or are likely to occur in the wetland as a result of human interference.
Explanation: The Montreux Record is a register under the Ramsar Convention that lists wetland sites where changes in ecological character have occurred, are occurring, or are likely to occur due to human activities.
Question: Which of the following wetlands in Uttar Pradesh has been designated as a Ramsar Site? (UPPSC Prelims 2019)
A) Haiderpur Wetland
B) Sarsai Nawar Jheel
C) Sur Sarovar
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: All listed wetlands—Haiderpur Wetland, Sarsai Nawar Jheel, and Sur Sarovar—have been designated as Ramsar Sites in Uttar Pradesh
Question: With reference to a conservation organization called ‘Wetlands International’, which of the following statements is/are correct?
- It is an intergovernmental organization formed by the countries which are signatories to Ramsar Convention.
- It works at the field level to develop and mobilize knowledge, and use the practical experience to advocate for better policies.
Select the correct answer using the code given below. [UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2014 Prelims]
A) 1 only
B) 2 only
C) Both 1 and 2
D) Neither 1 nor 2
The correct answer is: (b) 2 only
Explanation:
- Statement 1: ❌
- Incorrect. Wetlands International is not an intergovernmental organization.
- It is a non-governmental, non-profit organization that works globally on wetland conservation.
- Statement 2: ✅
- Correct. Wetlands International works at the field level to develop and mobilize knowledge and uses practical experience to advocate for better policies on wetland conservation and management.
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