Ramsar sites in India 2024, State-Wise List, Location, Map, Features

Madhavi Gaur May 22, 2024 05:30 44119 1

Know about Ramsar Sites in India 2024, crucial wetlands recognized internationally for their ecological importance. From Kashmir to Kerala, explore diverse ecosystems and India's dedication to sustainable conservation."

Ramsar sites in India 2024, State-Wise List, Location, Map, Features

An Overview of Ramsar sites in India 2024

India currently has 80 Ramsar Sites, designated as wetlands of international importance under the Ramsar Convention. These sites play a vital role in ecological health and biodiversity. The total area covered by Ramsar sites in India is approximately 1.33 million hectares.

Area cover of Ramsar Sites in India has seen increase of over 5,500 hectares from earlier figures. These sites, designated under the Ramsar Convention, are vital habitats for diverse flora and fauna, providing essential ecosystem services to local communities.

From wetlands crowded with migratory birds to lakes supporting aquatic life, each Ramsar Site in India have a unique conservation narrative. India’s dedication to preserving these ecosystems underscores its commitment to sustainable environmental stewardship.

About Wetlands

A wetland is a unique ecosystem that is flooded or saturated by water, either permanently for years or decades or seasonally for shorter periods. Water presence in wetlands leads to oxygen-poor (anoxic) processes, especially in the soils. These unique environments support a specialized assemblage of plants, animals, and microbes that have adapted to tolerate periods of sluggishly moving or standing water

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Types of Wetlands in India

India, with its diverse landscapes, boasts a rich variety of wetland ecosystems. These wetlands can be broadly classified into three main categories:

Inland Wetlands: Primarily inland and fed by freshwater sources.
- Lakes: Natural depressions formed by cut-off river meanders. ; Like Dal Lake in Kashmir (famous for houseboats) and Wular Lake in Jammu & Kashmir (largest freshwater lake in India).
- River Floodplains: Lands along rivers that experience seasonal flooding. For Ex- the Ganges River floodplain (supports rich agriculture and biodiversity), Brahmaputra River floodplain (the largest river island Majuli lies here)
- Marshes & Swamps: Freshwater wetlands with mineral-rich water and decaying plant matter. For E- Hirakud Reservoir in Odisha (largest man-made lake in India)
- Oxbow Lakes: Horseshoe-shaped lakes formed by a cut-off river meander. For example- Deepor Beel in Assam.
Coastal Wetlands: Found at the land-sea interface, influenced by tides.
- Estuaries: Areas where freshwater from rivers mixes with saltwater from the ocean. For Ex- Chilika Lake in Odisha (largest brackish water lagoon in India)
- Mangroves: Salt-tolerant trees and shrubs growing in coastal intertidal zones. For Ex- the Mangroves of the Indian Sundarbans
- Backwaters: Sheltered lagoons formed by blocked river mouths.
- Tidal Flats: Periodically flooded coastal areas with a mix of sand, mud, and salt. For Ex- Gulf of Kutch in Gujarat (known for breeding and wintering grounds of migratory birds)
Human-made Wetlands: Created for specific purposes.
- Aquaculture Ponds: Ponds used for fish and shrimp farming.
- Salt Pans: Areas where seawater is concentrated to produce salt

Current Wetland Status in India

The current status of wetlands in India is a topic of significant environmental importance. As of the latest information available, India has a network of 1301 total wetlands, which includes 80 Ramsar Wetlands and 114 Significant Wetlands. The Ramsar Convention is an international treaty for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands, and having 80 sites under this designation highlights the country’s commitment to wetland conservation.

The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance 1971

The Ramsar Convention was first established in 1971 in Ramsar, Iran, and India became a signatory to it on February 1, 1982. Throughout the long term, the quantity of Ramsar Destinations in India has consistently expanded. From 1982 to 2013, 26 sites were assigned.

Ramsar are defined as the 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 meters. These sites are recognized for their ecological significance and their contributions to biodiversity conservation, water purification, and livelihood support for local communities.

There are more than 2,400 Ramsar Sites globally, spanning over 250 million hectares, the Ramsar Convention highlights the immense value of wetlands and the urgent need for their protection and conservation.

India’s Ratification to the Ramsar Convention

India’s ratification of the Ramsar Convention signifies its commitment to global wetland conservation. By joining this international treaty, India pledges to protect its wetlands and promote their sustainable use.

1st of February, 1982.: India ratified the Ramsar Convention on the 1st of February, 1982.
Contracting Parties: The Convention has 172 Contracting Parties withover 2466 wetland habitats spread across approximately 255,897,679 ha.
International cooperation: It designates the suitable wetlands as ‘Wetlands of International Importance’ and ensures international cooperation between the members on transboundary wetlands, shared wetland systems, and shared species.
Wise usage of wetlands: The Convention also ensures wise usage of wetlands and their resources in terms of conservation of wetlands and sustainable use of wetlands, and all the services they provide, for the benefit of people and nature.

Ramsar sites in India 2024

India boasts a total of 80 Ramsar Sites, each acknowledged under the Ramsar Convention for their status as wetlands of international significance, crucial for preserving biodiversity and maintaining ecological balance. These sites collectively span approximately 1,083,322 hectares across the country. Notably, Tamil Nadu leads the nation with the highest number of Ramsar Sites, tallying up to 11.

Recent additions to India’s Ramsar Site added a few more Ramsar Sites which include Karaivetti Bird Sanctuary, Longwood Shola Reserve Forest, Magadi Kere Conservation Reserve, Ankasamudra Bird Conservation Reserve, and Aghanashini Estuary, all situated within the states of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.

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List of Ramsar Sites in India 2024 (Updated List)

Here is the list of total Ramsar sites in India according to their areas and states in which they are located.

S.No.	Ramsar Site	State	Year	Area (km2)
1	Kolleru Lake	Andhra Pradesh	2002	901
2	Deepor Beel	Assam	2002	40
3	Kanwar (Kabar) Taal	Bihar	2020	26.2
4	Nanda Lake	Goa	2022	0.42
5	Khijadia WLS	Gujarat	2021	6
6	Nalsarovar BS	Gujarat	2012	123
7	Thol Lake	Gujarat	2021	6.99
8	Wadhvana Wetland	Gujarat	2021	10.38
9	Bhindawas WLS	Haryana	2021	4.11
10	Sultanpur NP	Haryana	2021	142.5
11	Chandra Taal	Himachal Pradesh	2005	0.49
12	Pong Dam Lake	Himachal Pradesh	2002	156.62
13	Renuka Lake	Himachal Pradesh	2005	0.2
14	Ranganathituu BS	Karnataka	2022	5.18
15	Magadi Kere Conservation Reserve	Karnataka	2024	0.5
16	Ankasamudra Bird Conservation Reserve	Karnataka	2024	0.98
17	Aghanashini Estuary	Karnataka	2024	4.8
18	Ashtamudi Wetland	Kerala	2002	614
19	Sasthamkotta Lake	Kerala	2002	3.73
20	Vembanad-Kol Wetland (Longest Lake in India)	Kerala	1905	1512.5
21	Bhoj Wetland	Madhya Pradesh	2002	32
22	Sakhya Sagar	Madhya Pradesh	2022	2.48
23	Sirpur wetland	Madhya Pradesh	2022	1.61
24	Yashwant Sagar	Madhya Pradesh	2022	8.22
25	Lonar Lake (Impact Crater Lake)	Maharashtra	2020	4.27
26	Nandur Madhameshwar	Maharashtra	2019	14
27	Thane Creek	Maharashtra	2022	65.21
28	Loktak Lake	Manipur	1990	266
29	Pala Wetland	Mizoram	2021	18.5
30	Ansupa Lake	Odisha	2021	2.31
31	Bhitarkanika Mangroves	Odisha	2002	650
32	Chilika Lake (Oldest Ramsar Site in India)	Odisha	1981	1165
33	Hirakud Reservoir	Odisha	2021	654
34	Satkosia Gorge	Odisha	2021	981.97
35	Tampara Lake	Odisha	2021	3
36	Beas CnR	Punjab	2019	64
37	Harike Wetland	Punjab	1990	41
38	Kanjli Wetland	Punjab	2002	1.83
39	Keshopur-Miani CmR	Punjab	2019	34
40	Nangal WLS	Punjab	2019	1
41	Ropar Wetland	Punjab	2002	13.65
42	Keoladeo National Park	Rajasthan	1981	28.73
43	Sambhar Lake	Rajasthan	1990	240
44	Chitrangudi BS	Tamil Nadu	2021	2.6
45	Gulf of Mannar Marine BR	Tamil Nadu	2022	526.72
46	Kanjirankulam BS	Tamil Nadu	2022	0.96
47	Karikili BS	Tamil Nadu	2022	0.584
48	Koonthankulam BS	Tamil Nadu	2021	0.72
49	Pallikaranai Marsh Reserve Forest	Tamil Nadu	2022	12.475
50	Pichavaram Mangrove	Tamil Nadu	2022	14.786
51	Point Calimere WLS & BS	Tamil Nadu	2002	385
52	Suchindram Theroor Wetland Complex	Tamil Nadu	2022	0.94
53	Udhayamarthandapuram BS	Tamil Nadu	2022	0.44
54	Vaduvur BS	Tamil Nadu	2022	1.12
55	Vedanthangal BS	Tamil Nadu	2022	0.4
56	Vellode BS	Tamil Nadu	2022	0.77
57	Vembannur Wetland Complex	Tamil Nadu	2022	0.2
58	Karaivetti Bird Sanctuary	Tamil Nadu	2024	4.5
59	Longwood Shola Reserve Forest	Tamil Nadu	2024	1.16
60	Rudrasagar Lake	Tripura	2005	2.4
61	Hokera Wetland	UT of JK	2005	13.75
62	Hygam Wetland CnR	UT of JK	2022	8.02
63	Shallbugh Wetland CnR	UT of JK	2022	16.75
64	Surinsar-Mansar Lakes	UT of JK	2005	3.5
65	Wular Lake	UT of JK	1990	189
66	Tso Kar (High Altitude Ramsar Site)	UT of Ladakh	2020	95.77
67	Tsomoriri (High Altitude Ramsar Site)	UT of Ladakh	2002	120
68	Bakhira WLS	Uttar Pradesh	2021	28.94
69	Haiderpur Wetland	Uttar Pradesh	2021	69
70	Nawabganj BS	Uttar Pradesh	2019	2
71	Parvati Arga BS	Uttar Pradesh	2019	7
72	Saman BS	Uttar Pradesh	2019	5
73	Samaspur BS	Uttar Pradesh	2019	8
74	Sandi BS	Uttar Pradesh	2019	3
75	Sarsai Nawar Jheel	Uttar Pradesh	2019	2
76	Sur Sarovar (Keetham Lake)	Uttar Pradesh	2020	4.31
77	Upper Ganga River (Brijghat to Narora)	Uttar Pradesh	2005	265.9
78	Asan Barrage	Uttarakhand	2020	4.44
79	East Kolkata Wetlands	West Bengal	2002	125
80	Sundarban Wetland (Largest Ramsar Site in India)	West Bengal	2019	4230

Ramsar sites in India State-Wise

Here is a list of Ramsar Sites in India state-wise from the north states of Jammu Kashmir to the southern tip of Kerala. Let’s us see each Ramsar site and its number.

State/UT	No. of Sites	Names of Ramsar Sites
Andhra Pradesh	1	Kolleru Lake
Assam	1	Deepor Beel
Bihar	1	Kanwar Lake
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 and Kashmir	5	Hokersar Wetland, Hygam Wetland Conservation Reserve, Shallbugh Wetland Conservation Reserve, Surinsar-Mansar Lakes, Wular Lake
Karnataka	1	Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary
Kerala	3	Ashtamudi Wetland, Sasthamkotta Lake, Vembanad-Kol Wetland
Ladakh	2	Tso Kar, Tsomoriri Lake
Madhya Pradesh	4	Bhoj Wetland, Sakhya Sagar, Sirpur Lake, Yashwant Sagar
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
Tamil Nadu	14	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
Tripura	1	Rudrasagar Lake
Uttar Pradesh	10	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

Designating a wetland as a Ramsar site helps increase its publicity and prestige, increasing its conservation and adequate use. It also provides access to expert advice on national and site-related problems of wetland conservation and management and encourages international cooperation on wetland issues, and brings the possibility of support for wetland projects, either through the Convention’s small grants assistance programs or through the Convention’s contacts with multilateral and bilateral external support agencies.

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Ramsar Sites in India According to Geographical Features

To categorize the diverse Ramsar Sites in India, distinctions are drawn based on geographical origin, nutrient status, vegetation types, and thermal characteristics.

Wetland Category	Ramsar Sites
Glaciatic Wetlands	Tsomoriri (Ladakh), Chandra Tal (Himachal Pradesh)
Tectonic Wetlands	Nilnag (Jammu and Kashmir), Khajjiar (Himachal Pradesh), Nainital (Uttarakhand), Bhimtal (Uttarakhand)
Oxbow Wetlands	Dal Lake (Jammu & Kashmir), Loktak Lake (Manipur), Deepor Beel (Assam), Kabar (Bihar), Surahtal (Uttar Pradesh)
Lagoons	Chilika (Odisha)
Crater Wetlands	Lonar Lake (Maharashtra), Pangong Tso (Jammu and Kashmir), Sambhar (Rajasthan)
Urban Wetlands	Dal Lake (Jammu and Kashmir), Nainital (Uttarakhand), Bhoj (Madhya Pradesh), Harike (Punjab), Pong Dam (Himachal Pradesh)
Reservoirs	Idukki (Kerala), Hirakud (Odisha), Bhakra-Nangal (Himachal Pradesh)
Mangroves	Bhitarkanika (Odisha)

Features of Ramsar Sites in India

Ramsar Sites in India exhibit a diverse range of features, reflecting the country’s rich ecological and geographical diversity. These features are instrumental in supporting biodiversity, water resources, and the overall well-being of the environment. Given below are some essential features of:

Biodiversity Hotspots	Ramsar Sites in India harbor diverse plant and animal species, providing critical habitat for resident and migratory birds, mammals, reptiles, and aquatic life.
Wetland Types	India’s Ramsar Sites encompass various wetland types, including lakes, rivers, estuaries, mangrove forests, marshes, swamps, and coastal lagoons, each supporting unique ecosystems.
Mangrove Forests	Coastal Ramsar Sites in India feature extensive mangrove forests, offering breeding grounds for fish, acting as coastal erosion buffers, and storing large amounts of carbon.
Aquatic Vegetation	Ramsar Sites often showcase lush aquatic vegetation such as water lilies, lotus, reeds, and submerged plants, crucial for maintaining water quality and providing food and shelter.
Migratory Bird Habitats	India’s Ramsar Sites serve as critical stopover points for migratory birds along the Central Asian Flyway, providing food and rest for millions of birds during their journeys.
Endangered Species	Some Ramsar Sites house endangered or threatened species, like Keoladeo National Park, a crucial habitat for the endangered Siberian crane.
Cultural Significance	Ramsar Sites often hold cultural and historical significance for local communities, integrated into traditional practices and beliefs.
Tourism and Recreation	Several Ramsar Sites attract tourists and nature enthusiasts, offering opportunities for birdwatching, boating, fishing, and eco-tourism, contributing to local economies.
Water Supply	Ramsar Sites serve as a source of freshwater for nearby communities, necessitating proper management for sustainable clean water supply.
Research and Education	Many Ramsar Sites support research and educational activities, serving as living laboratories for studying wetland ecosystems, biodiversity, and conservation strategies.
Climate Resilience	Wetlands, including Ramsar Sites, play a vital role in climate resilience by absorbing and storing excess water during heavy rainfall and releasing it slowly during dry periods.
Traditional Practices	Some Ramsar Sites are managed using traditional and sustainable practices passed down through generations, contributing to the ecological balance of the wetlands.

Initiative Taken for Conservation of Wetlands

Wetlands are crucial for filtering water, controlling floods, and supporting biodiversity. They provide habitats for many species and help mitigate climate change by storing carbon. Economically, wetlands benefit fisheries, agriculture, and tourism. However, they are threatened by urbanization and pollution. Conserving wetlands is essential to sustain their ecological and economic benefits. Let us see various efforts and steps to conserve wetlands at various levels:

At Global Level

Montreux Record- The Montreux Record, established in 1990, is a register of wetland sites on the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance, where changes in ecological character have occurred, are occurring, or are likely to occur as a result of technological developments, pollution, or other human interference.
- It serves as a mechanism to bring attention to these sites and facilitate priority conservation measures.
World Wetlands Day- World Wetlands Day is celebrated every year on February 2nd to mark the adoption of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands in 1971. It aims to raise global awareness about the vital role of wetlands for people and our planet and to promote actions to reverse their degradation and loss.

National Level

Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules 2017- It provide a framework for the conservation and management of wetlands in India. It emphasizes the need to protect and maintain the ecological integrity of wetlands, stipulates the formation of State Wetland Authorities, and outlines the processes for identifying and notifying wetlands for protection.
- The rules also call for the involvement of local communities in conservation efforts and restrict activities that can damage the ecological health of wetlands.
National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems (NPCA) 2015– It is an integrated scheme aimed at the conservation and management of wetlands and lakes in India. It was formulated by merging the National Wetland Conservation Programme (NWCP) and the National Lake Conservation Plan (NLCP). It focuses on the implementation of a holistic approach to conserving aquatic ecosystems through capacity building, research, and community involvement.
Amrit Dharohar Capacity Building Scheme 2023- It is an initiative aimed at enhancing the skills and capacities of stakeholders involved in wetland management and conservation. It provides training and resources to government officials, local communities, and conservation practitioners to effectively manage and protect wetland ecosystems.
- It promotes sustainable practices and the use of traditional knowledge in wetland conservation efforts.
National Wetland Conservation Programme (NWCP) 1987- It promotes the conservation and wise use of wetlands. The program provides financial assistance to state governments for the preparation and implementation of management action plans for identified wetlands. Its objective is to prevent the degradation of wetlands, promote their restoration, and raise awareness about their importance among the public and policymakers.

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List of Total Ramsar Sites in India 2023 Ramsar Sites in India upsc

Ramsar Sites in India FAQs

Ramsar Sites in India are designated wetlands of global importance, covering an expansive area of 13,26,677 hectares. They play a crucial role in preserving biodiversity, supporting water resources, and contributing to the overall health of ecosystems.

India became a signatory to the Ramsar Convention in 1982. Between 1982 and 2013, 26 sites were designated, and a notable surge occurred from 2014 to 2022, adding an additional 49 sites. In 2022 alone, India added 28 new Ramsar Sites.

To be designated as a Ramsar Site, a wetland must meet specific criteria related to its ecological, botanical, zoological, limnological, or hydrological features. The primary goal is to promote the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands.

Ramsar Sites, also known as Wetlands of International Importance, are designated areas under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. These sites are recognized globally for their ecological significance, providing valuable ecosystem services.

Tamil Nadu leads among Indian states with 14 Ramsar Sites, followed closely by Uttar Pradesh with 10. This distribution reflects India's commitment to preserving its wetlands and maintaining ecological balance across various regions.

There are 80 Ramsar sites in India.

The first Ramsar sites in India were Chilika Lake in Odisha and Keoladeo National Park in Rajasthan.

The largest Ramsar site in India is Sundarbans Wetland in West Bengal.

The smallest Ramsar site in India is Renuka Wetland in Himachal Pradesh, with an area of 0.2 sq. km.

Tamil Nadu has the maximum number of Ramsar sites in India, with a total of 16 sites.

The floating Ramsar site in India is Loktak Lake in Manipur, which is home to the world’s only floating national park, Keibul Lamjao National Park.

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Ramsar sites in India 2024, State-Wise List, Location, Map, Features

An Overview of Ramsar sites in India 2024

About Wetlands

Types of Wetlands in India

Current Wetland Status in India

The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance 1971

India’s Ratification to the Ramsar Convention

Ramsar sites in India 2024

List of Ramsar Sites in India 2024 (Updated List)

Ramsar sites in India State-Wise

Ramsar Sites in India According to Geographical Features

Features of Ramsar Sites in India

Initiative Taken for Conservation of Wetlands

At Global Level

National Level

Ramsar Sites in India FAQs

What is the significance of Ramsar Sites in India?

How has the number of Ramsar Sites in India evolved over the years?

What criteria must a wetland meet to be designated as a Ramsar Site?

Why are Ramsar Sites referred to as Wetlands of International Importance?

Which Indian states lead in the number of Ramsar Sites?

How many Ramsar sites are there in India?

Which is the first Ramsar Site in India

Which is the largest Ramsar Site in India

Which is the smallest Ramsar Site in India

Which state has the maximum Ramsar sites in India?

Which is the floating Ramsar site in India?

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