List of All Ramsar Sites in India: (Updated June 2026)

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: Ramsar Sites in India

• India’s Commitment: India became a contracting party to the Ramsar Convention in 1982.
• Current Count: 100 Ramsar sites in India as of June 2026.
• 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-related facts:

• India has 2 Ramsar sites currently on the Montreux Record:
  1. Keoladeo National Park (Rajasthan)
  2. 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:

1. Wetlands as vital for water security and ecosystem services.
2. Integration of wetland management into national development planning.
3. Addressing climate change impacts through wetland restoration.
4. Promoting education and awareness (CEPA).
5. 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

1. Type: Global non-governmental, non-profit organization focused on wetland conservation.
2. Founded: 1954 as IWRB; renamed Wetlands International in 1995.
3. Headquarters: Ede, The Netherlands.
4. Mission: Sustain and restore wetlands for people, biodiversity, and climate resilience.
5. Activities: Research, policy advocacy, wetland restoration, Ramsar site support, waterbird monitoring.
6. Global Presence: Offices across all continents; works with governments, Ramsar, UN agencies, and local communities.

India and Ramsar Convention on Wetlands — Key Points

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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 June 2026)

Ramsar Site	State/UT	Recognized	Special Facts
Kolleru Lake	Andhra Pradesh	2002	One of the largest shallow freshwater lakes in Asia
Deepor Beel	Assam	2002	Permanent freshwater lake and bird habitat
Gogabeel Lake	Bihar	2025	Permanent oxbow lake in Katihar
Gokul Jalashay	Bihar	2025	Vital avian habitat and reservoir
Kanwar (Kabar) Taal	Bihar	2020	Asia’s largest freshwater oxbow lake
Nagi Bird Sanctuary	Bihar	2024	Highly important for wintering migratory birds
Nakti Bird Sanctuary	Bihar	2024	Constructed reservoir supporting high biodiversity
Udaipur Jheel	Bihar	2025	Floodplain wetland providing ecological balance
Kopra Jalashay	Chhattisgarh	2025	The first Ramsar site designated in the state
Nanda Lake	Goa	2022	Freshwater marsh adjacent to Zuari river
Chhari-Dhand	Gujarat	2026	Seasonal desert wetland in Kutch
Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary	Gujarat	2022	Unique mix of freshwater and marine habitats
Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary	Gujarat	2012	Largest natural wetland in the Thar Desert
Thol Lake Wildlife Sanctuary	Gujarat	2021	Artificial shallow water reservoir
Wadhvana Wetland	Gujarat	2021	Century-old reservoir vital for migrating waterfowl
Bhindawas Wildlife Sanctuary	Haryana	2021	Human-made freshwater wetland
Sultanpur National Park	Haryana	2021	Prominent birding spot near the capital
Chandertal Wetland	Himachal Pradesh	2005	High-altitude lake in the Himalayas
Pong Dam Lake	Himachal Pradesh	2002	Also known as Maharana Pratap Sagar
Renuka Lake	Himachal Pradesh	2005	The smallest Ramsar site in India (20 hectares)
Hokera Wetland	Jammu & Kashmir	2005	Natural perennial wetland contiguous to Jhelum basin
Hygam Wetland Conservation Reserve	Jammu & Kashmir	2022	Riverine reedbeds on the Jhelum floodplain
Shallabugh Wetland	Jammu & Kashmir	2022	Extensive floodplain wetland marsh
Surinsar-Mansar Lakes	Jammu & Kashmir	2005	Twin freshwater lakes with high biodiversity
Wular Lake	Jammu & Kashmir	1990	Largest freshwater lake in India
Udhwa Lake Bird Sanctuary	Jharkhand	2025	The first Ramsar site designated in the state
Aghanashini Estuary	Karnataka	2024	Highly productive estuarine habitat
Ankasamudra Bird Conservation Reserve	Karnataka	2024	Human-made bird reserve
Magadi Kere Conservation Reserve	Karnataka	2024	Crucial wintering ground for the Bar-headed goose
Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary	Karnataka	2022	Largest bird sanctuary in the state
Ashtamudi Wetland	Kerala	2002	Deep, palm-shaped estuary
Sasthamkotta Lake	Kerala	2002	Largest freshwater lake in Kerala
Vembanad-Kol Wetland	Kerala	2002	The longest lake in India
Tso Kar Wetland Complex	Ladakh	2020	High-altitude hypersaline lake complex
Tsomoriri Lake	Ladakh	2002	High-altitude freshwater lake
Bhoj Wetland	Madhya Pradesh	2002	Twin artificial lakes in Bhopal
Sakhya Sagar	Madhya Pradesh	2022	Human-made reservoir inside Madhav National Park
Sirpur Wetland	Madhya Pradesh	2022	Shallow human-made lake
Tawa Reservoir	Madhya Pradesh	2024	Large reservoir situated within Satpura Tiger Reserve
Yashwant Sagar	Madhya Pradesh	2022	Important Bird Area and water source
Lonar Lake	Maharashtra	2020	Unique meteorite impact crater lake
Nandur Madhameshwar	Maharashtra	2020	Often called the “Bharatpur of Maharashtra”
Thane Creek	Maharashtra	2022	Major flamingo sanctuary
Loktak Lake	Manipur	1990	Features floating phumdis (On the Montreux Record)
Pala Wetland	Mizoram	2022	Largest natural lake in the state
Ansupa Lake	Odisha	2022	Freshwater oxbow lake formed by the Mahanadi
Bhitarkanika Mangroves	Odisha	2002	Highly diverse mangrove ecosystem
Chilika Lake	Odisha	1981	Oldest Ramsar site in India; largest coastal lagoon
Hirakud Reservoir	Odisha	2022	One of the largest earthen dams in the world
Satkosia Gorge	Odisha	2022	Deep gorge carved by the Mahanadi river
Tampara Lake	Odisha	2022	Prominent coastal freshwater lake
Beas Conservation Reserve	Punjab	2020	185 km stretch of the Beas River
Harike Lake	Punjab	1990	Located at the confluence of the Beas and Sutlej rivers
Kanjli Wetland	Punjab	2002	Human-made wetland formed by a barrage
Keshopur-Miani Community Reserve	Punjab	2020	First community-managed natural marsh in India
Nangal Wildlife Sanctuary	Punjab	2020	Located in the highly eco-sensitive Shiwalik foothills
Ropar Wetland	Punjab	2002	Human-made ecological hotspot
Keoladeo National Park	Rajasthan	1981	Joint first site with Chilika; on the Montreux Record
Khichan Wetland	Rajasthan	2025	World-famous wintering site for Demoiselle cranes
Menar Wetland Complex	Rajasthan	2025	Known for highly successful community conservation
Sambhar Lake	Rajasthan	1990	India’s largest inland salt lake
Siliserh Lake	Rajasthan	2025	Artificial lake serving as an essential habitat
Khecheopalri Wetland	Sikkim	2025	Sacred high-altitude lake; the first site in the state
Chitrangudi Bird Sanctuary	Tamil Nadu	2021	Crescent-shaped irrigation tank
Gulf of Mannar Marine Biosphere Reserve	Tamil Nadu	2022	Rich marine biodiversity hotspot
Kanjirankulam Bird Sanctuary	Tamil Nadu	2022	Major pelican breeding site
Karaivetti Bird Sanctuary	Tamil Nadu	2024	Large agricultural irrigation tank
Karikili Bird Sanctuary	Tamil Nadu	2022	Important mixed heronry
Kazhuveli Bird Sanctuary	Tamil Nadu	2024	One of the largest coastal lagoons in South India
Koonthankulam Bird Sanctuary	Tamil Nadu	2021	Significant breeding habitat for migratory birds
Longwood Shola Reserve Forest	Tamil Nadu	2024	Rare tropical montane evergreen forest
Nanjarayan Bird Sanctuary	Tamil Nadu	2024	Shallow reservoir rich in waterfowl
Pallikaranai Marsh Reserve Forest	Tamil Nadu	2022	One of the few remaining natural urban marshes
Pichavaram Mangrove	Tamil Nadu	2022	One of the world’s largest contiguous mangrove forests
Point Calimere Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary	Tamil Nadu	2002	Coastal block featuring dry evergreen forests
Sakkarakottai Bird Sanctuary	Tamil Nadu	2025	Vital bird sanctuary tank
Suchindram Theroor Wetland Complex	Tamil Nadu	2022	Man-made irrigation tank supporting avian life
Therthangal Bird Sanctuary	Tamil Nadu	2025	Important Bird Area (IBA) in the Ramanathapuram district
Udhayamarthandapuram Bird Sanctuary	Tamil Nadu	2022	Crucial nesting site for waterbirds
Vaduvur Bird Sanctuary	Tamil Nadu	2022	Large human-made irrigation tank
Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary	Tamil Nadu	2022	Oldest water bird sanctuary in India
Vellode Bird Sanctuary	Tamil Nadu	2022	Human-made tank in a semi-arid region
Vembannur Wetland Complex	Tamil Nadu	2022	Human-made irrigation tank forming an artificial wetland
Rudrasagar Lake	Tripura	2005	Surrounds the famous Neermahal water palace
Bakhira Sanctuary	Uttar Pradesh	2022	Largest natural floodplain wetland in UP
Haiderpur Wetland	Uttar Pradesh	2021	Human-made wetland located near the Bijnor Barrage
Jai Prakash Narayan Bird Sanctuary (Surha Tal)	Uttar Pradesh	2026	India’s milestone 100th Ramsar Site; an oxbow lake
Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary	Uttar Pradesh	2019	Also known as Shaheed Chandra Shekhar Azad BS
Parvati Arga Bird Sanctuary	Uttar Pradesh	2019	Twin oxbow lakes in the Gonda district
Patna Bird Sanctuary	Uttar Pradesh	2026	Rain-fed wetland critical for wintering birds
Saman Bird Sanctuary	Uttar Pradesh	2019	Seasonal oxbow lake on the Ganges floodplain
Samaspur Bird Sanctuary	Uttar Pradesh	2019	Perennial lowland marsh
Sandi Bird Sanctuary	Uttar Pradesh	2019	Freshwater marsh created by the Garra River
Sarsai Nawar Jheel	Uttar Pradesh	2019	Important habitat for the Sarus crane
Shekha Jheel Bird Sanctuary	Uttar Pradesh	2026	Freshwater reservoir recognized as the 99th site
Sur Sarovar	Uttar Pradesh	2020	Also known as Keetham Lake
Upper Ganga River	Uttar Pradesh	2005	River stretch from Brijghat to Narora; Dolphin habitat
Asan Barrage	Uttarakhand	2020	Located at the confluence of the Yamuna and Asan rivers
East Kolkata Wetlands	West Bengal	2002	Multipurpose wetland complex treating urban sewage
Sundarban Wetland	West Bengal	2019	The largest Ramsar site in India

Important Previous Year Questions: Ramsar Sites in India

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?

1. It is an intergovernmental organization formed by the countries which are signatories to Ramsar Convention.
2. 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:

1. Statement 1: ❌
   • Incorrect. Wetlands International is not an intergovernmental organization.
   • It is a non-governmental, non-profit organization that works globally on wetland conservation.
2. 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.