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Important Wetlands| 75 Ramsar Sites In India

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75 Ramsar Sites In India

  • India adds 11 more wetlands to the list of Ramsar sites to make total 75 Ramsar sites covering an area of 13,26,677 ha in the country in the 75th year of Independence.  
  • The 11 new sites include:  Four (4) sites in Tamil Nadu, Three (3) in Odisha, Two (2) in Jammu & Kashmir and One (1) each in Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. Designation of these sites would help in conservation and management of wetlands and wise use of their resources.  
  • India is one of the Contracting Parties to Ramsar Convention, signed in Ramsar, Iran, in 1971. India signed it on 1st Feb 1982. During 1982 to 2013, a total of 26 sites were added to the list of Ramsar sites, however, during 2014 to 2022, the country has added 49 new wetlands to the list of Ramsar sites.  
  • During this year itself (2022) a total of 28 sites have been declared as Ramsar sites. Based on the date of designation mentioned on Ramsar Certificate, the number is 19 for this year (2022) and 14 for previous year (2021). 
  • Tamil Nadu has maximum no. of Ramsar sites (14 nos), followed by UP which has 10 nos. of Ramsar sites.  
  • No other South Asian country has as many sites though this has much to do with India’s geographical breadth and tropical diversity.
  • The United Kingdom (175) and Mexico (142) — smaller countries than India — have the maximum Ramsar sites whereas Bolivia spans the largest area with 148,000 sq km under the Convention protection.
  • The National Wetland Inventory and Assessment compiled by the Indian Space Research Organisation estimates India’s wetlands to span around 1,52,600 square kilometres which is 4.63% of the total geographical area of the country. A little over two-fifths are inland natural wetlands and about a quarter are coastal wetlands. 

Know about Ramsar Sites

  • Wetlands of international importance are known as Ramsar Sites.
  • Ramsar Convention: The Convention on Wetlands is an intergovernmental treaty that provides the framework for national action and international cooperation for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources.
  • It is named after the Iranian city of Ramsar, on the Caspian sea, where the treaty was signed on 2 February 1971.
  • Known officially as ‘the wetlands of International Importance, especially as Waterfowl Habitat’ (or, more recently, just ‘the Convention on Wetlands’), it came into force in 1975.
  • Number of Contracting Parties: 171
  • 75 sites in India are protected by the Ramsar convention.

List of Ramsar Sites in India

S. No.Name of SiteState Location
1Kolleru LakeAndhra Pradesh (1)
2Deepor BeelAssam (1)
3Kabartal WetlandBihar (1)
4Khijadia Wildlife SanctuaryGujarat (4)
5Nalsarovar Bird SanctuaryGujarat
6Thol Lake Wildlife SanctuaryGujarat
7Wadhvana WetlandGujarat
8Nanda LakeGoa (1)
9Bhindawas Wildlife SanctuaryHaryana (2)
10Sultanpur National ParkHaryana
11Chandertal WetlandHimachal Pradesh (3)
12Pong Dam LakeHimachal Pradesh
13Renuka WetlandHimachal Pradesh
14Wular LakeJammu & Kashmir (6)
15Hokera WetlandJammu and Kashmir
16Surinsar-Mansar LakesJammu and Kashmir
17Tsomoriri LakeJammu and Kashmir
18Hygam Wetland Conservation ReserveJammu and Kashmir
19Shallbugh Wetland Conservation ReserveJammu and Kashmir
20Ranganathituu BSKarnataka (1)
21Asthamudi WetlandKerala (3)
22Sasthamkotta LakeKerala
23Vembanad Kol WetlandKerala
24Tso Kar Wetland ComplexLadakh (1)
25Bhoj WetlandsMadhya Pradesh (4)
26Sakhya SagarMadhya Pradesh
27Sirpur wetlandMadhya Pradesh
28Yashwant SagarMadhya Pradesh
29Lonar LakeMaharashtra (3)
30Nandur MadhameshwarMaharashtra
31Thane CreekMaharashtra
32Loktak LakeManipur (1)
33Pala WetlandMizoram (1)
34Bhitarkanika MangrovesOdisha (6)
35Chilka LakeOdisha
36Satkosia GorgeOdisha
37Tampara LakeOdisha
38Hirakud ReservoirOdisha
39Ansupa LakeOdisha
40Beas Conservation ReservePunjab (6)
41Harike LakePunjab
42Kanjli LakePunjab
43Keshopur-Miani Community ReservePunjab
44Nangal Wildlife SanctuaryPunjab
45Ropar LakePunjab
46Keoladeo Ghana NPRajasthan (2)
47Sambhar LakeRajasthan
48Point Calimere Wildlife and Bird SanctuaryTamil Nadu (14)
49Karikili Bird SanctuaryTamil Nadu
50Pallikaranai Marsh Reserve ForestTamil Nadu
51Pichavaram MangroveTamil Nadu
52Koonthankulam Bird SanctuaryTamil Nadu
53Vembannur Wetland ComplexTamil Nadu
54Gulf of Mannar Marine Biosphere ReserveTamil Nadu
55Vellode Bird SanctuaryTamil Nadu
56Vedanthangal Bird SanctuaryTamil Nadu
57Udhayamarthandapuram Bird SanctuaryTamil Nadu
58Chitrangudi Bird SanctuaryTamil Nadu
59Suchindram Theroor Wetland ComplexTamil Nadu
60Vaduvur Bird SanctuaryTamil Nadu
61Kanjirankulam Bird SanctuaryTamil Nadu
62Rudrasagar LakeTripura (1)
63Bakhira Wildlife SanctuaryUttar Pradesh (10)
64Haiderpur WetlandUttar Pradesh
65Nawabganj Bird SanctuaryUttar Pradesh
66Parvati Agra Bird SanctuaryUttar Pradesh
67Saman Bird SanctuaryUttar Pradesh
68Samaspur Bird SanctuaryUttar Pradesh
69Sandi Bird SanctuaryUttar Pradesh
70Sarsai Nawar JheelUttar Pradesh
71Sur SarovarUttar Pradesh
72Upper Ganga River
(Brijghat to Narora Stretch)
Uttar Pradesh
73Asan Conservation ReserveUttarakhand (1)
74East Kolkata WetlandsWest Bengal (2)
75Sunderbans WetlandWest Bengal

Important facts on Ramsar sites in India :

  • Largest Ramsar sites in India: Sundarban
  • Area wise : ( Sundarban > Vembanad > Chilka >….>Renuka)
  • Smallest Ramsar Sites in India: Renuka Wetland
  • Oldest Ramsar sites in India: Chilka Lake(1981), Keoladeo Ghana NP(1981).
  • Total number of Ramsar sites in India: 75.
  • Which Indian state has the most number of Ramsar Sites? Answer: Tamilnadu (14) followed by Uttar Pradesh (9).
  • Number of wetlands under Montreux Record: 2.

Montreux Record

Montreux Record under the Convention is a register of wetland sites on the 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 is maintained as part of the Ramsar List.
  • The Montreux Record was established by Recommendation of the Conference of the Contracting Parties (1990).
  • Sites may be added to and removed from the Record only with the approval of the Contracting Parties in which they lie.
  • Currently, two wetlands of India are in Montreux record: Keoladeo National Park (Rajasthan) and Loktak Lake (Manipur).
  • Chilka lake (Odisha) was placed in the record but was later removed from it.

Definition of Wetlands

Wetlands are land areas that are saturated or flooded with water either permanently or seasonally.

The Ramsar Convention definition for wetlands includes marshes, floodplains, rivers and lakes, mangroves, coral reefs and other marine areas no deeper than 6 metres at low tide, as well as human-made wetlands such as waste-water treatment ponds and reservoirs.

Wetlands, according to the Environment Ministry, are an “area 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 metres, but does not include river channels, paddy fields, human-made water bodies/ tanks specifically constructed for drinking water purposes and structures specifically constructed for aquaculture, salt production, recreation and irrigation purposes.”

  • Wetlands are regulated under the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017.
  • The 2010 version of the Rules provided for a Central Wetland Regulatory Authority; the 2017 Rules replace it with state-level bodies and created a National Wetland Committee, which functions in an advisory role.
  • The newer regulations removed some items from the definition of “wetlands” including backwaters, lagoons, creeks, and estuaries.
  • India has 19 types of wetlands whereas Gujarat has the maximum area followed by Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal.

Wetland Day

  • Wetland day: on February 2 each year
    • To raise global awareness about the vital role of wetlands for people and our planet
    •  To mark the day of the convention on wetlands was adopted in the Iranian city of Ramsar in 1971.
  • India is a party to the convention since 1981.
  • The theme for 2022: Wetland’s action for people and nature.
  • It emphasizes the importance of wetlands as a “source of freshwater and encourages action to restore them and stop their loss”.
  • The latest estimate shows that wetlands are disappearing three times faster than forests.
Wetlands

Recently Declared Ramsar sites

Ramsar sites declared in 2022

  • Tampara Lake (Odisha) is among the most prominent freshwater lakes in the State of Odisha. It is called ‘Tampara’ as the depression on the ground gradually filled with rainwater from catchment flow and was called “Tamp” by the British and subsequently termed “Tampra” by the locals.
  • Hirakud Reservoir (Odisha), the largest earthen dam in Odisha started operating in 1957. The reservoir is important for livelihoods of fishermen, tourism, irrigation and production of hydro-energy.
  • Ansupa Lake is the largest freshwater lake in Odisha situated in the Cuttack district. The wetland is an oxbow lake formed by River Mahanadi.
  • Yashwant Sagar (Indore, Madhya Pradesh) is considered to be a stronghold of the vulnerable Sarus Crane in central India. Due to its vast shallow reed beds, the wetland is considered heaven to a large number of winter migratory birds. Presently it is mainly used for water supply to the city of Indore and is also being used for fish culture on a commercial scale.
  • Chitrangudi Bird Sanctuary ( Ramanathapuram, Tamil Nadu): The wetland is a protected area since 1989 and declared a Bird Sanctuary. It is an ideal habitat for winter migratory birds.
  • Suchindram Theroor Wetland Complex (Kanya Kumari, Tamil Nadu): It is declared an Important Bird Area and lies at the southern tip of the Central Asian flyway of migratory birds. This is a man-made, inland Tank and is perennial. Copper plate inscriptions from the 9th century mention Pasumkulam, Venchikulam, Nedumarthukulam, Perumkulam, Elemchikulam and Konadunkulam.
  • Vaduvur Bird Sanctuary (Tamil Nadu): It is a large human-made irrigation tank and shelter for migratory birds as it provides a suitable environment for food, shelter, and breeding ground.
  • Kanjirankulam Bird Sanctuary (Ramanathapuram, Tamil Nadu): It is notable as a nesting site for several migratory heron species that roost in the prominent growth of babul trees there.
  • Thane Creek (Maharastra): Ulhas River is the largest source of water for the creek, followed by many drainage channels from various suburban areas of Mumbai, Navi Mumbai & Thane. Creek is a narrow, sheltered waterway, especially an inlet in a shoreline or channel in a marsh. It has been declared as Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary. Thane creek is fringed by mangroves on both banks & comprises around 20% of the total Indian mangrove species. The area is an important part of the wetland complex of the Central Asian Flyway of the birds and has been categorized as an Important Bird Area (IBA).
  • Hygam Wetland Conservation Reserve (Baramulla district, J&K): Hygam Wetland falls within the River Jhelum basin and plays a significant role as a flood absorption basin, biodiversity conservation site, eco-tourism site, and livelihood security for the local communities.
  • Shallbugh Wetland Conservation Reserve (Sri Nagar, J&K): It serves as an abode to more than four lakh resident and migratory birds of at least 21 species.
  • Koonthankulam Bird Sanctuary– It is a man-made wetland, located in Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu. It is the largest reserve for migratory water birds and breeding resident in south India. Paddy is also irrigated in the sanctuary, on 190 acres area.
  • Nanda Lake– Nanda Lake is the freshwater marshes, located adjacent to one of rivulets of Zuari river in Goa. It helps the locals to store water in off-monsoon season. Stored water is used to cultivate paddy downstream of this lake. It is home to Black-headed ibis, Wire-tailed swallow, Common kingfisher, Brahminy kite and Bronze-winged jacana.
  • Satkosia gorge– It expands along Mahanadi River in Odisha. It was set up in 1976 as a wildlife sanctuary. The Deccan Peninsula and the Eastern Ghats meet at Satkosia. Satkosia gorge wetland is known for marshes and evergreen forests.
  • Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve (GoMBR)– It is located in south-eastern coastline and is famous for rich marine environment. The reserve is home to various globally important and highly threatened species like whale shark, Dugong, green sea turtle, seahorses, balanoglossus, dolphins, hawksbill turtle, sacred chanks, etc.
  • Vembannur Wetland Complex, Tamil Nadu
  • Vellode Bird Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu
  • Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu and
  • Udhayamarthandapuram Bird Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu
  • Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, Karnataka and
  • Sirpur Wetland, Madhya Pradesh.
  • Khijadia Wildlife Sanctuary in Gujarat and Bakhira Wildlife Sanctuary in Uttar Pradesh.
  • Karikili Bird Sanctuary, Pallikaranai Marsh Reserve Forest and Pichavaram Mangrove in Tamil Nadu, the Sakhya Sagar in Madhya Pradesh and Pala Wetland in Mizoram.

Ramsar sites declared in 2021

  • Haiderpur in Uttar Pradesh
  • Thol and Wadhwana from Gujarat
  • Sultanpur and Bhindawas from Haryana.

Ramsar sites declared in 2020

  • Nandur Madhameshwar, a first for Maharashtra.
  • Keshopur-Miani, Beas Conservation Reserve and Nangal in Punjab.
  • Nawabganj, Parvati Agra, Saman, Samaspur, Sandi and Sarsai Nawar in Uttar Pradesh.
  • Kabartal Lake or Kanwar Lake, a first for Bihar.
  • Asan Conservation Reserve, a first for Uttarakhand.
  • Sur sarovar in Uttar Pradesh.
  • Lonar Lake in Maharashtra.
  • Tso Kar lake in Ladakh.

Year-wise designation of 75 Ramsar sites

S. No.Year of DesignationNo of site designated (As per date of designation)
119812
219904
3200213
420056
520121
6201911
720205
8202114
9202219
 Total75
  • Don’t confuse with the numbers mentioned in the above table, because these numbers are mentioned as per date of designation.

Also, refer :

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