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

By BYJU'S Exam Prep

Updated on: November 14th, 2023

Ramsar Sites in India are wetlands or similar sites of international significance to conserve and ensure sustainable use of its resources. The Wetlands in India are called Ramsar Sites after they are listed under the Ramsar Convention. The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands has tight criteria in place to safeguard these wetlands.

Wetlands in India are locations where water plays a major role in regulating the environment and the plant and animal life it supports. They are found where the water table is at or near the land’s surface or where it’s submerged. Ramsar Sites in India 2023 now include 75 wetlands across the country covering an area of 13,26,677 ha. There are a total of 75 Ramsar sites in India as of January 2023.

Ramsar Sites in India

Ramsar Sites or Wetlands in India are sites voted to be of worldwide significance under the Ramsar Convention, also known as the Convention on Wetlands. A Ramsar Site is any wetland area recognized by the Ramsar Convention as having the potential to benefit from conservation and sustainable use of its natural resources. After the newly added ones, there are 75 Total Ramsar Sites in India.

Ramsar Sites in India UPSC Notes

An intergovernmental environmental treaty is related to conserving wetlands in India and the prudent sustainable use of the resources. This treaty was signed at Ramsar, a city in Iran. All this is done through local and national actions and international cooperation worldwide. The different countries and NGOs started the negotiations in the 1960s, signed in 1971 and finally came into force in 1975.
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What are Ramsar Sites?

Ramsar Sites in India are wetlands that are designated as such under the Ramsar Convention. It is an intergovernmental environmental treaty related to conserving wetlands and prudent sustainable use of the resources. This treaty was signed at Ramsar, a city in Iran.

The Convention for Wetlands in India works on three pillars that define the purpose of the Ramsar sites:

  • To properly utilize the various types of wetlands in India;
  • Allocate worthy Ramsar sites to the Wetlands of Global Importance list and assure their adequate surveillance;
  • Internationally integrate with cross-border wetlands, shared species and Ramsar site systems.

Latest Ramsar Sites in India

In the 75th year of Independence, in August 2022, 11 New Ramsar Sites in India were added to the list. Of the 11 Latest Ramsar Sites in India, 4 are in Tamil Nadu, and 3 in Odisha. 2 Newly Added Ramsar Sites in India are located in Jammu & Kashmir and 1 each in MP and Maharashtra.

The recently added Ramsar Sites in India would help conserve and manage these wetlands and enable sustainable and wise use of their resources.

New Ramsar Sites in India

The Latest Ramsar Sites in India added are as follows

  • Tampara Lake, Odisha
  • Hirakud Reservoir, Odisha
  • Ansupa Lake, Odisha
  • Yashwant Sagar, Odisha
  • Chitrangudi Bird Sanctuary, Madhya Pradesh
  • Suchindram Theroor Wetland Complex, Tamil Nadu
  • Vaduvur Bird Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu
  • Kanjirankulam Bird Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu
  • Thane Creek, Maharashtra
  • Hygam Wetland Conservation Reserve, Jammu and Kashmir
  • Shallbugh Wetland Conservation Reserve, Jammu and Kashmir

Total Ramsar Sites in India

Presently, there are around 2400 Ramsar sites in the world. After the latest addition of the Ramsar sites in India, there are a total of 75 Wetlands in India. State-wise distribution of the total Ramsar sites is mentioned below.

State Total Ramsar Sites in India 2023
Andhra Pradesh 1
Assam 1
Bihar 1
Goa 1
Gujarat 4
Haryana 2
Himachal Pradesh 3
Jammu and Kashmir 5
Karnataka 1
Kerala 3
Ladakh 2
Madhya Pradesh 4
Maharashtra 3
Manipur 1
Mizoram 1
Odisha 6
Punjab 6
Rajasthan 2
Tamil Nadu 14
Tripura 1
Uttar Pradesh 10
Uttarakhand 1
West Bengal 2
Total Wetlands in India 75

List of Ramsar Sites in India

Ramsar Sites in India are declared under the Ramsar Convention, established by UNESCO in 1971. The Ramsar Convention was signed with the aim of making wise use of the wetlands with national, international, and also local corporations for sustainable development of the overall world. Below mentioned is the list of the total Ramsar Sites in India.

Number of Ramsar Sites in India Name of the Ramsar Site Location Designation Date
1 Chilika Lake Odisha 1 October 1981
2 Keoladeo National Park Bharatpur Rajasthan 1 October 1981
3 Harike Wetland Harike, Punjab 23 March 1990
4 Loktak Lake Bishnupur, Manipur 23 March 1990
5 Sambhar Lake Rajasthan 23 March 1990
6 Wular Lake Jammu and Kashmir 23 March 1990
7 Kanjli Wetland Kapurthala Punjab 22 January 2002
8 Ropar Wetland Ropar, Punjab 22 January 2002
9 Ashtamudi Wetland Kollam district, Kerala 19 August 2002
10 Bhitarkanika Mangroves Odisha India 19 August 2002
11 Bhoj Wetland Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh 19 August 2002
12 Deepor Beel Guwahati, Assam 19 August 2002
13 East Kolkata Wetlands Kolkata West Bengal 19 August 2002
14 Kolleru Lake Andhra Pradesh 19 August 2002
15 Point Calimere Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary Tamil Nadu 19 August 2002
16 Pong Dam Lake Kangra, Himachal Pradesh 19 August 2002
17 Sasthamkotta Lake Kollam, Kerala 19 August 2002
18 Tsomoriri Ladakh 19 August 2002
19 Vembanad-Kol Wetland Kerala 19 August 2002
20 Chandra Taal Lahul, Himachal Pradesh 8 November 2005
21 Hokera Wetland Zainakote, Jammu and Kashmir 8 November 2005
22 Renuka Lake Simaur, Himachal Pradesh 8 November 2005
23 Rudrasagar Lake Melaghar, Tripura, India 8 November 2005
24 Surinsar-Mansar Lakes Jammu and Kashmir 8 November 2005
25 Upper Ganga River (Brijghat to Narora Stretch) Uttar Pradesh 8 November 2005
26 Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary Ahmedabad, Gujarat 24 September 2012
27 Sundarban Wetland West Bengal 1 February 2019
28 Nandur Madhameshwar Nashik, Maharashtra 21 June 2019
29 Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary Unnao, Uttar Pradesh 19 September 2019
30 Sarsai Nawar Jheel Etawah, Uttar Pradesh 19 September 2019
31 Beas Conservation Reserve Harike Punjab 26 September 2019
32 Keshopur-Miani Community Reserve Punjab 26 September 2019
33 Nangal Wildlife Sanctuary Nangal, Punjab 26 September 2019
34 Sandi Bird Sanctuary Hardoi, Uttar Pradesh 26 September 2019
35 Samaspur Bird Sanctuary Uttar Pradesh 3 October 2019
36 Parvati Aranga Bird Sanctuary Gonda, Uttar Pradesh 2 December 2019
37 Saman Bird Sanctuary Mainpuri, Uttar Pradesh 2 December 2019
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
50 Pallikaranai Marsh Reserve Forest Tamil Nadu 26 July 2022
51 Kaikill Bird Sanctuary Tamil Nadu 26 July 2022
52 Pichavaram Mangrove Tamil Nadu 26 July 2022
53 Pala wetland Mizoram 26 July 2022
54 Sakhya Sagar Madhya Pradesh 26 July 2022
55 Tampara Lake Odisha 13 August 2022
56 Hirakud Reservoir Odisha 13 August 2022
57 Ansupa Lake Odisha 13 August 2022
58 Yashwant Sagar Madhya Pradesh 13 August 2022
59 Chitrangudi Bird Sanctuary Tamil Nadu 13 August 2022
60 Suchindram Theroor Wetland Complex Tamil Nadu 13 August 2022
61 Vaduvur Bird Sanctuary Tamil Nadu 13 August 2022
62 Kanjirankulam Bird Sanctuary Tamil Nadu 13 August 2022
63 Thane Creek Maharashtra 13 August 2022
64 Hygam Wetland Conservation Reserve Jammu and Kashmir 13 August 2022
65 Shallbugh Wetland Conservation Reserve Jammu and Kashmir 13 August 2022
66 Koonthankulam Bird Sanctuary Tamil Nadu 4 August 2022
67 Udhayamarthandapuram Bird Sanctuary Tamil Nadu 4 August 2022
68 Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary Tamil Nadu 4 August 2022
69 Vellode Bird Sanctuary Tamil Nadu 4 August 2022
70 Vembannur Wetland Complex Tamil Nadu 4 August 2022
71 Gulf of Mannar Marine Biosphere Reserve Tamil Nadu 4 August 2022
72 Sirpur wetland Madhya Pradesh 4 August 2022
73 Ranganathituu BS Karnataka 4 August 2022
74 Nanda Lake Goa 4 August 2022
75 Satkosia Gorge Odisha 4 August 2022

How are Wetlands Formed?

When the saturated or flooded conditions exist for a long period in a growing season to cause oxygen-depleted regions in the topmost part of the soil, wetlands are formed. Some wetlands are generated over a long time while others are formed very quickly.

  • The factors responsible for the formation of wetlands include glaciers, river floodplains, flooding of coastal lowlands, beavers, and other forces of nature;
  • Many wetlands are re-created artificially by humans. Wetlands are formed for the restoration process and its development;
  • The frequent flooding and consistent high water tables result in the formation of wetlands.

Types of Ramsar Sites in India

India contains nearly 27,000 Ramsar Sites out of which there are 23000 inland Ramsar Sites and around 4000 coastal Ramsar Sites. It is estimated that wetlands cover 18.4% of the country’s area, out of which 70% of areas are under paddy cultivation. Moreover, there are 1.5 m ha of natural Ramsar Sites, and nearly 2.6 m ha are human-made. This signifies that most of the wetlands present in India are human-made.

The coastal wetlands cover nearly 6,750 sq. km and are majorly occupied by mangrove vegetation. Ramsar Sites in India are categorized into different geographical regions based on origin, nutrient status, vegetation, and thermal features. The types of Ramsar Sites in India, along with their examples, are enlisted below:

  • Glaciatic Wetlands/Ramsar Sites: Tsomoriri (Ladakh), Chandertal (Himachal Pradesh)
  • Tectonic Wetlands/Ramsar Sites: Nilnag (Jammu and Kashmir), Khajjiar (Himachal Pradesh), Nainital and Bhimtal (Uttarakhand).
  • Oxbow Wetlands/Ramsar Sites: Dal Lake (Wular Lake in Jammu & Kashmir), Loktak Lake (Manipur), Deepor Beel (Assam), Kabar (Bihar), Surahtal (Uttar Pradesh)
  • Lagoons/Ramsar Sites: Chilika (Odisha)
  • Crater Wetlands/Ramsar Sites: Lonar lake (Maharashtra), Salt Water Wetlands (Pangong Tso in Jammu and Kashmir), Sambhar (Rajasthan)
  • Urban Wetlands/Ramsar Sites: Dal Lake (Jammu and Kashmir), Nainital (Uttarakhand), Bhoj (Madhya Pradesh), Ponds/Tanks, Man-made Wetlands, Harike (Punjab), Pong Dam (Himachal Pradesh).
  • Reservoirs/Ramsar Sites: Dams in India (Idukki, Hirakud, Bhakra-Nangal)
  • Mangroves/Ramsar Sites: Bhitarkanika (Odisha), Coral reefs, creeks, and estuaries.

It is estimated that 100 identified wetlands are present under the National Wetland Conservation & Management Programme (NWCMP).

Features of Ramsar Sites in India

The Ramsar Convention believes in putting a stop to the universal loss of wetlands and preserving them through judicious use and administration of those that remain. International cooperation, policy-making, capacity building, and technology transfer are behind all this.

  • The insertion of a Ramsar Site in the List symbolizes the government’s assurance to take the steps required to sustain its environmental temperament;
  • There are nine criteria for identifying wetlands of international importance, especially those providing waterfowl habitat.

Oldest, Smallest, and Largest Ramsar Sites in India

Wetlands or Ramsar sites have basic ecological functions and possess cultural, financial, scientific, and recreational importance. The table below demonstrates details about the oldest, largest, and smallest Ramsar sites in India.

Oldest Ramsar Sites in India

Ramsar Sites in India Designation Year
Keoladeo Ghana NP 1981
Chilka Lake 1981

Largest Ramsar Sites in India

Ramsar Sites Area (km2) Indian State
Sundarban Wetland 4230 West Bengal
Vembanad-Kol Wetland 1512.5 Kerala
Chilika Lake 1165 Odisha
Satkosia Gorge 981.97 Odisha
Kolleru Lake 901 Andhra Pradesh

Smallest Ramsar Sites in India

Ramsar Sites Area (km2) Indian State
Vembannur Wetland Complex 0.2 Tamil Nadu
Renuka Lake 0.2 Himachal Pradesh
Vedanthangal BS 0.4 Tamil Nadu
Nanda Lake 0.42 Goa
Udhayamarthandapuram BS 0.44 Tamil Nadu

Significance of Ramsar Sites in India

The Ramsar Convention is unique in that it remains the only global convention, the objective of which is to protect and conserve a particular type of ecosystem including plant and animal life (in particular waterfowl), all needing support in the wetland.

  • The mission of the Ramsar Convention is the conservation and wise use of all wetlands through local, regional, and national actions and international cooperation to achieve sustainable development worldwide;
  • Ramsar Convention via Ramsar Sites in India has two-fold objectives, viz. Preservation and sustainable use of wetlands bring to a standstill the intrusion and loss of wetlands. It is not a legally binding treaty and is not a part of UN & UNESCO conventions.

Ramsar Sites in India 2023 Highlights

Ramsar sites in India are the major safeguarded sites in the country. International Wetland Day is marked every year on 2 February. Ramsar Convention operates in partnership with agencies like Birdlife International, International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Wetlands International, International Water Management Institute (IWMI), WWF International, and Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT).

Highlights of the Ramsar Sites in India

Ramsar Sites Highlights Details
Total Wetlands in India 2023 There are 75 wetlands in India as Ramsar sites
Largest Ramsar Site in India Sunderbans Wetland in West Bengal with areas of 4230 ha
Smallest Ramsar Sites in India Vembannur Wetland Complex in Tamil Nadu, which is 0.2 ha
1st Ramsar site of India Keoladeo National Park, Rajasthan
State with highest Ramsar Sites in India Tamil Nadu has 14 Ramsar sites in India, making it the state with the highest wetlands

Ramsar Sites in India UPSC

Ramsar Sites in India is an important topic from Environment and Ecology that helps answer questions on environmental concerns, actions, issues, etc. The knowledge about the same, along with the methods to conserve these sites by the government, can be learned by referring to the Geography Books for UPSC as well as NCERT.

One can download these books to study for the exams and make their mark. Students memorizing the topic must go through the complete Ramsar Sites in India UPSC notes and keep the material handy for future reference.

Ramsar Sites MCQs

Candidates should read the relevant facts and the list about the Ramsar sites and the Ramsar convention for UPSC Exam preparation. Objective-type questions based on the Ramsar Sites can be included in the UPSC Prelims Question Paper.

UPSC Prelims 2019 Question 1: Consider the following statements: (1) Under Ramsar Convention, it is mandatory on the part of the Government of India to protect and conserve all the wetlands in the Indian territory, (2) The Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2010 were framed by the Government of India based on the recommendation of the Ramsar Convention, (3) The Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2010 also encompass the drainage area or catchment regions of the wetlands as determined by the authority.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (1) 1 and 2 only, (2) 2 and 3 only, (3) 3 only, (4) 1,2 and 3

Answer: 3 only

UPSC Prelims Sample Question 2: Choose the correct option.

If a wetland of international importance is mentioned under the Montreux Record’, what does it signify? (1) Changes in ecological character have taken place and are most likely to develop in the wetland as a result of human interference, (2) It is called the World Heritage Site, (3) The survival of the wetland depends on the cultural practices and traditions of specific communities prevailing in its vicinity and therefore the cultural diversity therein should not be destroyed, (4) The country in which the wetland is situated should impose a law to restrict any human activity within the reach of five kilometres from the side of the wetland

Answer: Changes in ecological character have taken place and are most likely to develop in the wetland as a result of human interference

UPSC Notes
Environmental Movements in India Article 21 of Indian Constitution
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Ryotwari System Directive Principles of State Policy
Article 12 of Indian Constitution Salient Features of Indian Constitution
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Important Articles of Indian Constitution National Human Rights Commission
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