**Executive Summary**
Union Environment Minister Shri Bhupender Yadav announced the addition of two new wetlands, Patna Bird Sanctuary in Uttar Pradesh and Chhari-Dhand in Gujarat, to India's Ramsar list. This announcement, made on January 31, 2026, precedes World Wetlands Day on February 2, 2026. The addition signifies India's commitment to protecting and conserving wetlands.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **New Ramsar Site Additions:**
* Patna Bird Sanctuary (Uttar Pradesh) and Chhari-Dhand (Gujarat) are now included in India's Ramsar sites list.
* **India's Commitment to Wetlands:**
* India's Ramsar network has expanded by over 276% under Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's leadership, increasing from 26 sites in 2014 to 98 sites at present.
* The international recognition demonstrates India's commitment to protecting the environment and conserving its wetlands.
* **Ecological Significance:**
* The two wetlands provide habitat to hundreds of migratory and resident bird species.
* The areas are also home to wildlife, including chinkara, wolves, caracal, desert cats, desert foxes, and endangered birds.
* **Ramsar Convention:**
* India is a Contracting Party to the Ramsar Convention, signed in 1971, and became a signatory on February 1, 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.
**Impact Analysis**
**Team Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat and the Wetland community!**
* **Impact**
* Recognized for conservation efforts and the ecological importance of their respective wetlands.
* **Action Required**
* Continue to manage and conserve the wetlands effectively.
**Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change**
* **Impact**
* Demonstrated its commitment to expanding and protecting India's wetlands network.
* **Action Required**
* Ensure that the newly designated Ramsar sites are effectively managed and monitored to maintain their ecological integrity.
**Migratory and Resident Bird Species, Wildlife**
* **Impact**
* The expanded Ramsar network provides increased protection for their habitats.
* **Action Required**
* None.
Key Entities Referenced
Ramsar Convention: An international treaty for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands.
Patna Bird Sanctuary: A bird sanctuary located in Uttar Pradesh, added to India's Ramsar list.
Chhari-Dhand: A wetland located in Gujarat, added to India's Ramsar list.
Uttar Pradesh: Indian state where Patna Bird Sanctuary is located.
Gujarat: Indian state where Chhari-Dhand is located.
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
Union Environment Minister Shri Bhupender
Yadav announces Addition of 2 New Wetlands to
India's Ramsar List, ahead of World Wetlands
Day 2026
Patna Bird Sanctuary In Uttar Pradesh And Chhari-Dhand In
Gujarat get International Recognition
प्रव तथ: 31 JAN 2026 10:11AM by PIB Delhi
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.
Congratulations Team Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat and the Wetland community!
With World Wetlands Day close by, I am delighted to announce that there are two
new additions to India’s Ramsar growing network.
Patna Bird Sanctuary in Etah, Uttar Pradesh, and Chhari-Dhand in Kutch,… pic.t
witter.com/VK8lVeGe07
— Bhupender Yadav (@byadavbjp) January 30, 2026
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.
*****
VM/GS/SK
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