Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Shri Bhupender Yadav has announced the addition of two new wetlands to India’s Ramsar network, ahead of World Wetlands Day on 02.02.2026.

The Minister stated in a post on social media platform ‘X’ that Patna Bird Sanctuary in Etah district of Uttar Pradesh and Chhari-Dhand in Kutch district of Gujarat have been included in the Ramsar sites list.

Shri Yadav highlighted that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India’s Ramsar network has expanded by over 276%, from 26 sites in 2014 to 98 sites at present. He stated that the international recognition reflects India’s strong commitment to protecting the environment and conserving its wetlands.

The Minister informed that the two wetlands provide habitat to hundreds of migratory and resident bird species. The areas are also home to wildlife such as chinkara, wolves, caracal, desert cats and desert foxes, besides endangered birds.

India is one of the Contracting Parties to the ‘Convention on Wetlands’, known as the Ramsar Convention, signed in Ramsar, Iran, in 1971. India became a signatory to the convention on 1st February 1982.

Wetlands of particular conservation value can be designated as Wetlands of International Importance. These sites are significant as they can serve as model examples of the nation’s commitment to conservation and management under internationally accepted frameworks.

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VM/GS/SK