Mastering 89 Ramsar Sites in India UPSC Notes [2025]: Updated List

At present, India is home to a total of 89 Ramsar sites. In this article, we explore the definition and significance of Ramsar Sites, shedding light on their names and locations across different states in India.

The term “Ramsar Sites” originated when the International Treaty for the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Wetlands was signed in the Iranian city of Ramsar in 1971.

Understanding the Ramsar Sites of India holds significance, especially for the upcoming competitive Exam.

Therefore, aspirants preparing for the competitive exam should familiarize themselves with information about Ramsar Sites and the Ramsar Convention. Continue reading to gather pertinent details about Ramsar Sites and access the comprehensive list of these designated areas.

India’s Ramsar Sites Update (As of February 2025)

📌 Total Ramsar Sites in India: 89

🗓 Timeline of Additions

✅ 2023 (End) – 75 Ramsar Sites

🟢 January 2024
– 5 new wetlands declared
➡️ Total: 80

🟢 June 2024
– 2 more wetlands (both in Bihar)
➡️ Total: 82

🟢 August 14, 2024
– 3 additional wetlands added
➡️ Total: 85

🟢 February 2, 2025 (Ahead of World Wetlands Day)
– 4 new wetlands included
➡️ ✅ Final Total: 89 Ramsar Sites

Latest 4 Ramsar Wetlands in India

Here is the list of the 4 newly declared wetlands:

1️⃣ Sakkarakottai Bird Sanctuary (Tamil Nadu)

2️⃣ Therthangal Bird Sanctuary (Tamil Nadu)

3️⃣ Khecheopalri Wetland (Sikkim)

4️⃣ Udhwa Lake (Jharkhand)

Number of Wetlands in India as of 2025

The Ramsar Convention, established in 1971, is an international treaty aimed at the conservation and wise use of wetlands through local, national, and global cooperation, thereby promoting sustainable development worldwide.

To monitor significant changes—both positive and negative—that may impact the ecological character of wetlands, the Convention maintains a dedicated list known as the Montreux Record.

India became a signatory to the Ramsar Convention on February 1, 1982. As of now, India holds the highest number of designated Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar Sites) in South Asia, with a total of 89 sites.

List of 89 Ramsar Sites in India as of 2025

Sl.No	Ramsar Site	State / Location
1	Saman Bird Sanctuary	Mainpuri, Uttar Pradesh
2	Sur Sarovar	Agra, Uttar Pradesh
3	Sarsai Nawar Jheel	Etawah, Uttar Pradesh
4	Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary	Nawabganj, Uttar Pradesh
5	Samaspur Bird Sanctuary	Raebareli‎, Uttar Pradesh
6	Sandi Bird Sanctuary	Hardoi, Uttar Pradesh
7	Parvati Aranga Bird Sanctuary	Gonda, Uttar Pradesh
8	Upper Ganga River Stretch	Brijghat to Narora, Uttar Pradesh
9	Haiderpur Wetland	Muzaffarnagar-Bijnor, Uttar Pradesh
10	Bakhira Bird Sanctuary	Sant Kabir Nagar, Uttar Pradesh
11	Sasthamkotta Lake	Kerala
12	Ashtamudi Lake	Kerala
13	Vembanad-Kol Wetland	Kerala
14	Bhoj Wetland	Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh
15	Sakhya Sagar Lake	Shivpuri, Madhya Pradesh
16	Sirpur Wetland	Indore, Madhya Pradesh
17	Yashwant Sagar	Madhya Pradesh
18	Nandur Madhameshwar	Nashik, Maharashtra
19	Thane Creek	Maharashtra
20	Lonar Lake	Maharashtra
21	Keoladeo National Park	Rajasthan
22	Sambhar Lake	Rajasthan
23	Point Calimere Wildlife & Bird Sanctuary	Tamil Nadu
24	Karikili Bird Sanctuary	Tamil Nadu
25	Pallikaranai Marsh Reserve Forest	Tamil Nadu
26	Pichavaram Mangrove	Tamil Nadu
27	Gulf of Mannar Marine Biosphere Reserve	Tamil Nadu
28	Vembannur Wetland Complex	Tamil Nadu
29	Chitrangudi Bird Sanctuary	Tamil Nadu
30	Suchindram Theroor Wetland Complex	Tamil Nadu
31	Vaduvur Bird Sanctuary	Tamil Nadu
32	Kanjirankulam Bird Sanctuary	Tamil Nadu
33	Vellode Bird Sanctuary	Vadamugam Vellode, Tamil Nadu
34	Udhayamarthandapuram Bird Sanctuary	Tiruvarur, Tamil Nadu
35	Koonthankulam Bird Sanctuary	Koonthakulam, Tamil Nadu
36	Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary	Vedathangal, Madurantakam, Tamil Nadu
37	Pala Wetland	Mizoram
38	Kolleru Lake	Andhra Pradesh
39	Tsomoriri	Ladakh
40	Tso Kar	Ladakh
41	Hokera Wetland	Jammu & Kashmir
42	Wular Lake	Jammu & Kashmir
43	Surinsar-Mansar Lakes	Jammu & Kashmir
44	Hygam Wetland Conservation Reserve	Jammu & Kashmir
45	Shallbugh Wetland Conservation Reserve	Jammu & Kashmir
46	Chilka Lake	Odisha
47	Bhitarkanika Mangroves	Odisha
48	Satkosia Gorge	Odisha
49	Tampara Lake	Odisha
50	Hirakud Reservoir	Odisha
51	Ansupa Lake	Odisha
52	East Kolkata Wetlands	West Bengal
53	Sundarban Wetland	West Bengal
54	Keshopur-Miani Community Reserve	Punjab
55	Beas Conservation Reserve	Punjab
56	Nangal Wildlife Sanctuary	Punjab
57	Harike Wetland	Punjab
58	Kanjli Wetland	Punjab
59	Ropar Wetland	Punjab
60	Deepar Beel	Kamrup, Assam
61	Rudrasagar Lake	Melaghar, Tripura
62	Pong Dam Lake	Kangra, Himachal Pradesh
63	Chandra Lake	Lahaul and Spiti, Himachal Pradesh
64	Renuka Lake	Sirmaur, Himachal Pradesh
65	Asan Barrage	Dehradun, Uttarakhand
66	Kanwar Taal (Kabar Taal Lake)	Begusarai, Bihar
67	Sultanpur National Park	Gurugram, Haryana
68	Bhindawas Wildlife Sanctuary	Jhajjar, Haryana
69	Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary	Ahmedabad, Gujarat
70	Thol Lake	Mehsana, Gujarat
71	Wadhvana Wetland	Vadodara, Gujarat
72	Khijadia Bird Sanctuary	Jamnagar, Gujarat
73	Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary	Karnataka
74	Nanda Lake	Goa
75	Loktak Lake	Moirang, Manipur
76	Ankasamudra Bird Conservation Reserve	Karnataka
77	Aghanashini Estuary	Karnataka
78	Magadi Kere Conservation Reserve	Karnataka
79	Karaivetti Bird Sanctuary	Tamil Nadu
80	Longwood Shola Reserve Forest	Tamil Nadu
81	Nagi Bird Sanctuary	Bihar
82	Nakti Bird Sanctuary	Bihar
83	Nanjarayan Bird Sanctuary	Tamil Nadu
84	Kazhuveli Bird Sanctuary	Tamil Nadu
85	Tawa Reservoir	Madhya Pradesh
86	Sakkarakottai Bird Sanctuary	Tamil Nadu
87	Therthangal Bird Sanctuary	Tamil Nadu
88	Khecheopalri Wetland	Sikkim
89	Udhwa Lake	Jharkhand

✅ 5 Newly Created Ramsar Wetlands

✅ National Parks in India: Complete Notes

Ramsar Sites in India MAP 2025

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State-wise List of Ramsar Sites in India

Here is a complete list of Ramsar sites in India, organized by state. This guide offers a detailed overview of the wetlands recognized under the Ramsar Convention, showcasing India’s commitment to preserving its natural ecosystems. For aspirants preparing for state-level PSC exams, this list serves as a valuable resource for understanding the geographical distribution of protected wetlands and the ecological significance of each site. The information is crucial for competitive exam preparation, offering insight into the nation’s conservation efforts and its responsibilities towards maintaining biodiversity.

State/UT	Ramsar Sites
Andhra Pradesh (1)	🔺Kolleru Lake
Assam (1)	🔺Deepor Beel
Bihar (3)	🔺Kanwar Lake 🔺Nagi Bird Sanctuary 🔺Nakti Bird Sanctuary
Goa (1)	🔺Nanda Lake
Gujarat (4)	🔺Khijadiya 🔺Nalsarovar 🔺Thol Lake 🔺Wadhvana Wetland
Haryana (2)	🔺Sultanpur National Park 🔺Bhindawas Wildlife Sanctuary
Himachal Pradesh (3)	🔺Chandra Taal 🔺Pong Dam Lake 🔺Renuka Lake
Jammu & Kashmir (4)	🔺Hokersar Wetland 🔺Hygam Wetland Conservation Reserve 🔺Shallbugh Wetland Conservation Reserve 🔺Surinsar-Mansar Lakes, Wular Lake
Jharkhand (1)	🔺Udhwa Lake
Karnataka (4)	🔺Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary 🔺Ankasamudra Bird Conservation Reserve 🔺Aghanashini Estuary 🔺Magadi Kere Conservation Reserve
Kerala (3)	🔺Ashtamudi Wetland 🔺Sasthamkotta Lake 🔺Vembanad-Kol Wetland
Ladakh (2)	🔺Tso Kar 🔺Tsomoriri Lake
Madhya Pradesh (5)	🔺Bhoj Wetland 🔺Sakhya Sagar 🔺Sirpur Lake 🔺Yashwant Sagar 🔺Tawa Reservoir
Maharashtra (3)	🔺Lonar Lake 🔺Nandur Madhameshwar 🔺Thane Creek
Manipur (1)	🔺Loktak Lake
Mizoram (1)	🔺Pala Wetland
Odisha (6)	🔺Ansupa Lake 🔺Bhitarkanika Mangroves 🔺Chilika Lake 🔺Hirakud Reservoir 🔺Satkosia Gorge 🔺Tampara Lake
Punjab (6)	🔺Beas Conservation Reserve 🔺Harike Wetland 🔺Kanjli Wetland 🔺Keshopur-Miani Community Reserve 🔺Nangal Wildlife Sanctuary 🔺Ropar Wetland
Rajasthan (2)	🔺Keoladeo National Park 🔺Sambhar Lake
Sikkim (1)	🔺Khecheopalri Wetland
Tamil Nadu (20)	🔺Chitrangudi Bird Sanctuary 🔺Gulf of Mannar Marine Biosphere Reserve 🔺Kanjirankulam Bird Sanctuary 🔺Karikili Bird Sanctuary 🔺Koonthankulam Bird Sanctuary 🔺Pallikarnai Marsh Reserve Forest 🔺Pichavaram Mangrove 🔺Point Calimere Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary 🔺Suchindram Theroor Wetland Complex 🔺Udhayamarthandapuram Bird Sanctuary 🔺Vadavur Bird Sanctuary 🔺Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary 🔺Vellode Bird Sanctuary 🔺Vembannur Wetland Complex 🔺Karaivetti Bird Sanctuary 🔺Longwood Shola Reserve Forest 🔺Nanjarayan Bird Sanctuary 🔺Kazhuveli Bird Sanctuary 🔺Sakkarakottai Bird Sanctuary 🔺Therthangal Bird Sanctuary
Tripura (1)	🔺Rudrasagar Lake
Uttar Pradesh (9)	🔺Bakhira Sanctuary 🔺Haiderpur Wetland 🔺Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary 🔺Parvati Arga Bird Sanctuary 🔺Saman Bird Sanctuary 🔺Samaspur Bird Sanctuary 🔺Sandi Bird Sanctuary 🔺Sarsai Nawar Jheel 🔺Sur Sarovar, Upper Ganga River
Uttarakhand (1)	🔺Asan Barrage
West Bengal (2)	🔺East Kolkata Wetlands 🔺Sundarban Wetland

Okay, now that you have the information about the number and list of wetlands in India under Ramsar conservation, continue reading the rest of this post to learn more about wetlands and key facts about them.

What is the Ramsar Convention?

The Ramsar Convention, also known as the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance, is an international agreement aimed at protecting wetlands around the world. Officially adopted in 1975, it was first agreed upon in Ramsar, Iran, in 1971.

The main goal of this convention is to ensure that wetlands are used wisely, preserved, and protected for the benefit of both people and wildlife. Wetlands are vital ecosystems that provide essential services, such as clean water, flood control, food resources, and help in tackling climate change.

Countries that are part of this convention work together to conserve these critical areas and the plants and animals that depend on them.

To date, over 255 million hectares of wetland have been protected under the Ramsar Convention, making it a significant global effort to preserve these unique and valuable ecosystems.

Why it’s called “Ramsar”

The term “Ramsar” comes from the city of Ramsar in Iran, where the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands was signed in 1971. This city became the birthplace of the convention, which laid the foundation for global cooperation in protecting and conserving wetlands.

The convention’s primary goal is to conserve wetlands and ensure their sustainable use, acknowledging their ecological significance.

Wetlands provide essential benefits such as biodiversity support, water purification, flood control, and resources for local communities.

By naming the convention after Ramsar, it highlights the city’s historical role in shaping the international effort to safeguard these vital ecosystems.

What are the three pillars of the Ramsar Convention?

The Ramsar Convention is built on three key pillars that guide its mission to protect and use wetlands wisely. These pillars help countries take effective steps to conserve wetlands while benefiting people and nature.

1. Wise Use of Wetlands

This means using wetlands in a way that keeps their natural health and functions intact. It promotes sustainable activities that don’t harm the ecosystem so wetlands can continue to provide clean water, support wildlife, and benefit local communities.

2. Designation of Wetlands of International Importance

Countries are encouraged to identify and list important wetlands under the Ramsar List. These sites receive special attention to ensure they are managed and protected properly for their global ecological value.

3. International Cooperation

This pillar encourages countries to work together—especially on wetlands that cross borders or share water sources and species. It involves sharing knowledge, best practices and coordinating efforts to strengthen wetland conservation worldwide.

Together, these three pillars help countries make informed decisions to protect wetlands, support biodiversity, and promote sustainable development.

What Does ‘Wise Use of Wetlands’ Mean?

The phrase “wise use of wetlands” refers to taking care of wetlands in a way that keeps them healthy and productive—for both nature and people. It is a central principle of the Ramsar Convention, which promotes the sustainable use and conservation of wetlands around the world.

Here’s what wise use involves:

• Protecting Wetlands: Keeping wetlands in good condition while allowing human use that does not harm their natural balance.

• Providing Benefits: Ensuring wetlands continue to offer vital services like clean water, flood protection, climate regulation, and habitats for plants and animals.

• Creating Plans and Laws: Developing national strategies, policies, and legal frameworks that support wetland conservation and sustainable use.

• Educating People: Raising public awareness about the value of wetlands and how everyone can help protect them.

• Managing Wetlands: Preparing and implementing management plans that look at the wetland and its surrounding areas as one connected ecosystem.

In short, wise use means using wetlands responsibly so they remain healthy, continue to support biodiversity, and provide essential resources for present and future generations.

What are Wetlands?

Wetlands are unique ecosystems where land is covered by water—either all year round or only during certain seasons. The presence of water plays a key role in shaping the soil and supporting specific types of plants and animals.

Key Features of Wetlands

• Water (Hydrology): Wetlands usually have standing water or waterlogged soil for at least part of the year.

• Soil: Wetlands have special types of soil called hydric soils, which are often low in oxygen. This makes them different from dry land and affects which organisms can survive there.

• Plants (Vegetation): Wetlands support water-loving plants known as hydrophytes. These plants are specially adapted to grow in wet conditions and are vital to the ecosystem’s health.

• Biodiversity: Wetlands are some of the richest ecosystems on Earth. They are home to a wide variety of birds, fish, amphibians, insects, and other wildlife.

• Ecosystem Services: Wetlands provide many essential benefits, such as:
  • Purifying water
  • Controlling floods
  • Storing carbon
  • Providing wildlife habitats

• Types of Wetlands: Wetlands come in different forms, including:
  • Marshes
  • Swamps
  • Bogs
  • Fens
  • Peatlands

These natural systems are important not just for ecological balance, but also for their cultural, scientific, and recreational value. Protecting wetlands ensures that their benefits continue for future generations.

Types of Wetlands Recognized under the Ramsar Convention

The Ramsar Convention includes a wide variety of natural and human-made wetlands, such as:

• Lakes
• Rivers and streams
• Underground aquifers
• Swamps and marshes
• Wet grasslands
• Peatlands
• Oases
• Estuaries
• Deltas and tidal flats
• Mangrove forests
• Coral reefs
• Human-made wetlands, like:
  • Fish ponds
  • Rice paddies
  • Reservoirs
  • Salt pans

These wetlands are recognized for their global importance and are protected to ensure their wise use and long-term survival.

✅ Read Also: List of Tiger Reserves in India: Complete Details

Major Significance of Wetlands

Wetlands are vital ecosystems that offer a multitude of benefits, both ecological and economic. Here’s an enhanced overview of their significance:

Ecosystem Services:

• Water Purification: Wetlands act as natural filters, removing pollutants and sediments from water.

• Climate Regulation: They store carbon, helping to mitigate climate change.

• Flood Mitigation: Wetlands absorb excess rainfall, reducing flood risks.

Human Uses:

• Agriculture: Wetlands support the cultivation of rice, a staple for over half the global population, and other crops like lotus and water chestnuts.

• Industry: They provide water for industrial processes and materials like jute fibers.

• Transportation: Wetlands serve as waterways for the movement of goods and people.

Biodiversity Hotspots:

• Nurseries for Wildlife: Many species breed and raise their young in the sheltered environment of wetlands.

• High Species Density: Wetlands often host dense populations of various animals, including endangered species.

Cultural and Recreational Value:

• Heritage Sites: Many wetlands are places of cultural significance and beauty.

• Recreation: They offer opportunities for activities like bird-watching and fishing.

In summary, wetlands are indispensable for their ecological functions, support for human livelihoods, and contribution to biodiversity. Their conservation is essential for maintaining these benefits for future generations.

How Are Wetlands Formed?

Wetlands are unique and dynamic ecosystems where water, land, and life come together. They can form naturally or due to human activities. Here’s an easy-to-understand explanation of the main ways wetlands are created:

1. Sediment Build-Up

Wetlands often form in places where water moves slowly, like in river deltas or floodplains. The slow flow allows mud, sand, and organic matter to settle and build up. Over time, this creates a soft, moist environment perfect for wetland plants and animals.

2. Coastal Zones

Along coastlines, where land meets the sea, wetlands like mangroves and salt marshes develop. These areas receive both seawater and freshwater. Tides and ocean currents bring in sediments that help shape and support coastal wetlands.

3. River Changes (Oxbow Lakes)

When rivers change their course, they can leave behind curved lakes called oxbow lakes. These water bodies can slowly fill with plants and become wetlands.

4. Limestone Regions (Karst Wetlands)

In areas with soft rocks like limestone, water can dissolve the rock over time, creating sinkholes or underground spaces. When these are filled with water, they can turn into unique wetland habitats.

5. Glacial Activity

During the Ice Age, glaciers carved out deep holes in the land. When the glaciers melted, these kettle holes filled with water and eventually became wetlands.

6. Human-Made Wetlands

Humans can also create wetlands—intentionally or by accident. Examples include:

• Rice paddies
• Dams and reservoirs
• Irrigation canals These human-made wetlands may serve purposes like farming, water storage, or wildlife conservation.

7. Volcanic Eruptions

After a volcanic eruption, the crater left behind can fill with water. Over time, plants grow, and the area can develop into a wetland.

8. Climate Changes

Long-term changes in rainfall, temperature, and sea level can lead to the formation or loss of wetlands. Wetter climates support wetland growth, while drier conditions may reduce their size.

Wetlands form through a mix of natural forces—like rivers, glaciers, volcanoes, and coastlines—and human influence. They are important for water storage, wildlife, and maintaining the health of our environment.

Key Facts about Ramsar Wetlands Sites of India

Here’s a set of Ramsar Sites in India & Indian Wetlands-related facts in a question-and-answer format for competitive exams:

Q1. What are Ramsar Sites?

Ramsar Sites are wetland areas listed under the Ramsar Convention, aiming to conserve and promote the sustainable use of natural resources.

Q2. What is the Ramsar Convention?

The Ramsar Convention, also known as the Convention of Wetlands, was established by UNESCO in 1971 and came into force in 1975.

Q3. Is India a part of the Ramsar Convention?

Yes, India is a party to the Ramsar Convention, having signed it on 1st February 1982.

Q4. How many Ramsar Sites are in India?

India currently has 85 Ramsar Sites, according to the latest information.

Q5. Which is the largest Ramsar Site in India?

The Sundarbans holds the title of the largest Ramsar Site in India.

Q6. Which is the first Ramsar Site in India?

Chilika Lake (Odisha) and Keoladeo National Park (Rajasthan) were the first recognized Ramsar Sites in India.

Q7. Which Indian state has the most number of Ramsar Sites?

Tamil Nadu boasts the highest number of Ramsar Sites in India, with a total of 18 Indian Wetlands.

Q8. Which is the smallest wetland in India?

Renuka Wetland in Himachal Pradesh, covering an area of 20 hectares, is the smallest wetland in India.

Other Interesting Facts about the Ramsar Sites

Here are some additional interesting facts about Ramsar Sites that can be valuable for aspirants preparing for competitive exams:

• Ramsar sites are globally recognized as crucial protected areas.

• Currently, there are over 2518 Ramsar sites worldwide, covering an expansive 257289430 hectares.

• The first Ramsar site, identified in 1974, was the Cobourg Peninsula in Australia.

• The United Kingdom leads globally with 175 Ramsar Sites.

•  The largest Sites under the Ramsar convention is Rio Negro in Brazil (120,000 square km).

• International Wetlands Day, celebrated on February 2, marks the signing of the Ramsar Convention in 1971.

• The Ramsar Convention collaborates with organizations like IUCN, Birdlife International, IWMI, Wetlands International, WWT, and WWF International.

• Information on Ramsar sites can be accessed through the Ramsar Sites Information Service (RSIS).

• As of October 2024, the Ramsar Convention has 175 contracting parties.

Ramsar Sites around the World, Important Info

Global Ramsar Sites Overview

• First Ramsar Site: The Cobourg Peninsula in Australia, designated in 1974.

• Largest Ramsar Sites:
  • Rio Negro in Brazil: 120,000 square km
  • Ngiri-Tumba-Maindombe in the Democratic Republic of Congo: 60,000 square km
  • Queen Maud Gulf in Canada: 60,000 square km

• Countries with the Most Ramsar Sites:
  • United Kingdom: 175 sites
  • Mexico: 142 sites

• Largest Area Under Ramsar Convention: Bolivia with a total of 148,000 square km

• Current Statistics (as of May 14, 2024)
  • Over 2,514 Ramsar Sites worldwide
  • Covering more than 257,257,413 hectares
  • 172 national governments participating

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

🖇️ Source: The Convention on Wetlands

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