There are currently 49 ramasar sites in India, with the number expected to grow in the coming months. The two new ramasar sites in India are the Khijadiya wildlife sanctuary in Gujarat and the Bakhira wildlife sanctuary in Uttar Pradesh.
There are currently over 2400 Ramsar sites around the world. 49 of these sites are in India. Knowing about the 49 Ramsar sites in India is a wise decision. This is because gk questions from the Indian Ramsar Sites list are frequently asked in various examinations such as UPSC, SSC, and others. In this post, we will provide all relevant information and details about the 49 Ramsar sites in India.
As India gears up to ratify the Paris Agreement, protecting its environment becomes even more important. To that end, the country has set a target of protecting 20% of its territory as Ramsar sites by 2022. These sites are designated internationally important wetland areas that are considered to be crucial for the conservation of biodiversity and ecosystem services. Here’s a list of all the Ramsar sites in India as of now.
What is ramsar sites in india
Ramsar sites are those wetland sites that are considered of international importance. These sites are protected under the Ramsar Convention. Ramsar Convention is an international treaty that prevents sites that are important environmentally. This convention came into force in 1975.
Newly added ramsar sites in india
The addition of two new ramasar sites, Khijadiya wildlife sanctuary in Gujarat and Bakhira wildlife sanctuary in Uttar Pradesh, brings the total number of ramasar sites in India to 49.
Facts about 49 Total Indian and world Ramsar sites
- Before we get into the list of 49 Ramsar Sites in India, let’s go over some facts about various Indian and World Ramsar sites around the world.
- Ramsar sites are the most important protected areas in the world, with over 2400 Ramsar sites covering an area of approximately 2.5 million square kilometres.
- In 1974, the Cobourg Peninsula in Australia was designated as the world’s first Ramsar site.
- Every year on February 2nd, International Wetland Day is observed. The Ramsar Convention was signed on this day in 1971.
- The Ramsar Convention Act collaborates with the following organisations.
- Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT)
- International Water Management Institute (IWMI)
- International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
- WWF International
- Birdlife International
- Wetlands International
To research any of the Ramsar sites, visit the Ramsar Sites Information Service (RSIS).
- The Ramsar Convention is one of the world’s oldest inter-governmental treaties signed to protect the ecological character of wetlands.
List of Ramsar sites in India 2022
On February 1, 1982, the Ramsar Convention Act enters into force in India. India currently has 49 Ramsar sites, the most in South Asia. Let’s go over each of India’s 49 Ramsar sites in detail, state by state.
- Ashtamudi Wetland – Kerala Ramsar Site
- Ramsar site designation – August 19, 2002
- Introduction – The Ashtamudi Wetland or Lake is located in the Kollam District of Kerala, India. It is the state’s most visited and popular lake. Aside from its natural beauty, this lake is also well-known for its coconut groves and palm trees.
- Place – Kollam District, Kerala
- Area – 64.2 km2
.Beas Conservation Reserve – Punjab Ramsar Site
- Designated as Ramsar site – September 26th, 2019
- Introduction – The Beas Conservation Reserve is a section of the Beas River in the Indian state of Punjab. This river is notable for its abundance of small islands, sand bars, and braided channels. All of this makes Beas ideal for significant biodiversity. This conservation reserve currently has 500 bird species. Aside from that, there are 90 different types of fish.
- Location – Buh Punjab
- Area – 185 kilometer
2.Beas Conservation Reserve – Punjab Ramsar Site
- Designated as Ramsar site – September 26th, 2019
- Introduction – The Beas Conservation Reserve is a section of the Beas River in the Indian state of Punjab. This river is notable for its abundance of small islands, sand bars, and braided channels. All of this makes Beas ideal for significant biodiversity. This conservation reserve currently has 500 bird species. Aside from that, there are 90 different types of fish.
- Location – Buh Punjab
- Area – 185 kilometer
3.Bhitarkanika Mangroves – Odisha Ramsar Site
- Ramsar site designation – August 19, 2002
- Introduction – Bhitarkanika is a mangrove wetland in the Indian state of Odisha. It was previously known as Zamindari Forests. This location is famous for its flora and fauna. Reptiles such as saltwater crocodiles, king cobras, Indian pythons, and water monitors can be found here. There are 263 bird species in addition to these.
- Location – Odisha, India
- Area – 650 square kilometer
4.Bhoj Wetlands – Madhya Pradesh Ramsar Site
- Location – Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh
- Area – 31 square kilometer
- Ramsar site designation –
- Introduction – This wetland consists of two lakes near Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. Bhojtal (upper lake) and lower lake are the two lakes. Nawab Chhote Khan, Minister of Nawab Hayath Mohammad Khan, built the lower lake in 1794 to beautify the city. The site is well-known for its numerous water bird species. That is why it has been designated as a Ramsar site.
5.Chandra Taal – Himachal Pradesh Ramsar Site
- Location – Lahul, Himachal Pradesh
- Area – 1.5 km
- Ramsar site Designation – 8th November 2005
- Introduction – Charndra Taal is also known as Tso Chikgma or Chandra Tal. This lake is located in the Himachal Pradesh district of Lahul and Spiti. This lake is one of India’s highest-altitude wetlands. Snow Leopard, Snow Cock, Chukor, Black Ring Stilt, Kestrel, Golden Eagle, Chough, Red Fox, Himalayan Ibex, and Blue Sheep call Chandra Taal home.
6.Chilika Lake – Odisha
- Location – Puri, Khurda and Ganjam districts of Odisha
- Area – 1,165 km²
- Ramsar site Designation – 1st October 1981
- Introduction – Chilika Lake is a wetland that spans several Odisha districts, including Puri, Khurda, and Ganjam. This lake holds the distinction of being the first Indian wetland designated as of international significance under the Ramsar Convention. During the peak migratory season, Chilika is home to over 160 bird species. Aside from that, many rare fish and reptile species can be found here.
7.Deepor Beel – Assam Ramsar Site
- Location – Guwahati, Kamrup district, Assam
- Area – 40.14 Kilometre square
- Ramsar site Designation – 19th August 2002
- Overview – Deepor Beel is a permanent freshwater lake in India’s Assam state. The lake is home to some extremely rare flora and fauna. It has the highest concentration of rare aquatic birds, especially in the winter. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Assam.
8.East Kolkata Wetlands – West Bengal Ramsar Site
- Location – East Kolkata (Calcutta)
- Area – 125 km square
- Ramsar site Designation – 19th August 2002
- Overview – East Kolkata (Calcutta) Wetlands are a complex mix of natural and man-made wetlands in Kolkata, West Bengal. These wetlands contain a mix of sewage treatment plants, agricultural fields, salt marshes, and settling ponds. These wetlands are home to over 100 plant species, according to records. There are also marsh mongooses and small Indian mongooses in the area.
9.Harike Wetlands – Punjab
- Location – Harike, Punjab
- Area – 4,100 hectares
- Ramsar site Designation – 23rd March 1990
- Overview – Harike Wetland is also known as “Hari-Ke-Pattan.” It is one of the largest wetlands in northern India, bordering the districts of Tarn Taran and Ferozepur in the Indian state of Punjab. This wetland is home to a variety of birds, turtles, snakes, amphibians, fishes, and invertebrates
10.Hokera Wetland – Jammu & Kashmir Ramsar Site
- Location – Zainakote, Jammu and Kashmir
- Area – 13 Kilometre square
- Ramsar site Designation – 8th November 2005
- Overview – The Hokersar Wetland Conservation Area is located in Kashmir’s northwest Himalayan biogeographic province. It is the only location with Kashmir’s remaining reedbeds. This wetland is also a designated bird sanctuary for migratory shorebirds, geese, cranes, ducks, and other species that breed in Siberia and Central Asia’s northern latitudes.
11.Kanjli Wetland – Punjab
- Location – Kapurthala Punjab
- Area – 1200 acres
- Ramsar site designation – 22 January 2002
- Overview – Kanjli Wetland, located in the Kapurthala district of Punjab, is one of three wetlands in the state of Punjab. You should be aware that it is a man-made wetland. This wetland contains twelve tree species, 11 species of aqua flora, and 34 species of zooplankton.
12.Keoladeo National Park – Rajasthan Ramsar Site
- Location – Bharatpur, Rajasthan
- Area – 7100 acres
- Designated as a Ramsar site – 1st October 1981
- Overview – Keoladeo National Park, formerly known as Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, is one of the world’s most famous avifauna sanctuaries. It is home to thousands of birds, especially during the winter. This National Park is home to over 350 different bird species. In addition, there are 379 floral species, 50 fish species, 13 snake species, 5 lizard species, 7 amphibian species, 7 turtle species, and a large number of invertebrates
13.Kolleru lake – Andhra Pradesh Ramsar Site
- Location – Andhra Pradesh
- Area – 222,600 acres
- Ramsar site designation – August 19, 2002
- Overview – Kolleru is one of the largest freshwater lakes in India, not just in Andhra Pradesh. Around 20 million residents and migratory birds rely on the lake for survival. This is a large lake that straddles two districts, Krishna and West Godavari. The lake is fed by the Budameru and Tammileru streams.
14.Loktak lake – Manipur Ramsar Site
- Location –
- Area – 287 Kilometre square
- Designated as a Ramsar site –
- Overview – Loktak Lake is northeast India’s largest freshwater lake. With a surface area of more than 287 kilometres square, this lake is also India’s largest natural freshwater lake. Phumdis are known to float in the lake’s water. Keibul Lamjao National Park, the world’s only floating national park, is located on this lake.
15.Nalsarovar Bird sanctuary – Gujarat Ramsar site
- Location – Near Ahmedabad, Gujarat
- Area – 120.82 square-kilometre
- Ramsar site designation – September 24, 2012
Introduction-Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary is located in Sanand Village, about 65 kilometres from Ahmedabad in the Indian state of Gujarat. This bird sanctuary is home to over 210 different bird species. There are also various types of plants and animals to be found.
.No. | Name of the Ramsar Site | Location | Formation Date |
1 | Ashtamudi Wetland | Kollam district, Kerala | 19 August 2002 |
2 | Beas Conservation Reserve | Harike Punjab | 26 September 2019 |
3 | Bhitarkanika Mangroves | Odisha India | 19 August 2002 |
4 | Bhoj Wetland | Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh | 19 August 2002 |
5 | Chandra Taal | Lahul, Himachal Pradesh | 8 November 2005 |
6 | Chilika Lake | Odisha | 1 October 1981 |
7 | Deepor Beel | Guwahati, Assam | 19 August 2002 |
8 | East Kolkata Wetlands | Kolkata West Bengal | 19 August 2002 |
9 | Harike Wetland | Harike, Punjab | 23 March 1990 |
10 | Hokera Wetland | Zainakote, Jammu and Kashmir | 8 November 2005 |
11 | Kanjli Wetland | Kapurthala Punjab | 22 January 2002 |
12 | Keoladeo National Park | Bharatpur Rajasthan | 1 October 1981 |
13 | Keshopur-Miani Community Reserve | Punjab | 26 September 2019 |
14 | Kolleru Lake | Andhra Pradesh | 19 August 2002 |
15 | Loktak Lake | Bishnupur, Manipur | 23 March 1990 |
16 | Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary | Ahmedabad, Gujarat | 24 September 2012 |
17 | Nandur Madhameshwar | Nashik, Maharashtra | 21 June 2019 |
18 | Nangal Wildlife Sanctuary | Nangal, Punjab | 26 September 2019 |
19 | Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary | Unnao, Uttar Pradesh | 19 September 2019 |
20 | Parvati Aranga Bird Sanctuary | Gonda, Uttar Pradesh | 2 December 2019 |
21 | Point Calimere Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary | Tamil Nadu | 19 August 2002 |
22 | Pong Dam Lake | Kangra, Himachal Pradesh | 19 August 2002 |
23 | Renuka Lake | Simaur, Himachal Pradesh | 8 November 2005 |
24 | Ropar Wetland | Ropar, Punjab | 22 January 2002 |
25 | Rudrasagar Lake | Melaghar, Tripura, India | 8 November 2005 |
26 | Saman Bird Sanctuary | Mainpuri, Uttar Pradesh | 2 December 2019 |
27 | Samaspur Bird Sanctuary | Uttar Pradesh | 3 October 2019 |
28 | Sambhar Lake | Rajasthan | 23 March 1990 |
29 | Sandi Bird Sanctuary | Hardoi, Uttar Pradesh | 26 September 2019 |
30 | Sarsai Nawar Jheel | Etawah, Uttar Pradesh | 19 September 2019 |
31 | Sasthamkotta Lake | Kollam, Kerala | 19 August 2002 |
32 | Sundarban Wetland | West Bengal | 1 February 2019 |
33 | Surinsar-Mansar Lakes | Jammu and Kashmir | 8 November 2005 |
34 | Tsomoriri | Ladakh | 19 August 2002 |
35 | Upper Ganga River (Brijghat to Narora Stretch) | Uttar Pradesh | 8 November 2005 |
36 | Vembanad-Kol Wetland | Kerala | 19 August 2002 |
37 | Wular Lake | Jammu and Kashmir | 23 March 1990 |
38 | Asan Barrage | Uttarakhand | 21 July 2020 |
39 | Kanwar Taal or Kabar Taal Lake | Begusarai, Bihar | 21 July 2020 |
40 | Sur Sarovar | Agra, Uttar Pradesh | 13 November 2020 |
41 | Lonar Lake | Buldhana, Maharashtra | 13 November 2020 |
42 | Tso Kar | Leh, Ladakh | 17 November 2020 |
43 | Bhindawas Wildlife Sanctuary | Haryana | 14 August 2021 |
44 | Sultanpur National Park | Haryana | 14 August 2021 |
45 | Thol Lake Wildlife Sanctuary | Gujarat | 14 August 2021 |
46 | Wadhvana Wetland | Gujarat | 14 August 2021 |
47 | Haiderpur Wetland | Uttar Pradesh | 9 December 2021 |
48 | Khijadiya wildlife sanctuary | Gujarat | 2 February 2022 |
49 | Bakhira wildlife sanctuary | Uttar Pradesh | 2 February 2022 |
Top Questions:
1.How many Ramsar Sites are in India & world?
-There are currently over 2400 Ramsar sites around the world, with 49 in India.
2.What is 42nd Ramsar Site in India?
-Tso Kar in Leh
3.What are the 4 new Ramsar Sites in India?
1 | Wadhvana Wetland | Gujarat | 14 August 2021 |
2 | Haiderpur Wetland | Uttar Pradesh | 9 December 2021 |
3 | Khijadiya wildlife sanctuary | Gujarat | 2 February 2022 |
4 | Bakhira wildlife sanctuary | Uttar Pradesh | 2 February 2022 |
4.Which Indian state has the greatest number of Ramsar sites?
The state of Uttar Pradesh has the most Ramsar sites in India, ten in total.
As India gears up to ratify the Paris Agreement, protecting its environment becomes even more important. To that end, the country has set a target of protecting 20% of its territory as Ramsar sites by 2022. These sites are designated internationally important wetland areas that are considered to be crucial for the conservation of biodiversity and ecosystem services. Here’s a list of all the Ramsar sites in India as of now.
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