Ramsar Sites in India UPSC (Ramsar Wetland Sites in India UPSC)
Ramsar Sites are wetland areas designated under the Ramsar Convention, an international treaty aimed at conserving and sustainable use of wetlands. India has several Ramsar Sites that are recognized for their ecological significance.
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Table of Contents
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List of Ramsar Sites in India 2024 (Total Ramsar Sites in India 2024)
The Ramsar Sites in India are as follows:
Ramsar Sites in India 1981
1. Chilika Lake (Odisha)
2. Keoladeo National Park (Rajasthan)
Ramsar Sites in India 1990
3. Loktak Lake (Manipur)
4. Wular Lake (Jammu and Kashmir)
5. Harike Lake (Punjab)
6. Sambhar Lake (Rajasthan)
Ramsar Sites in India 2002
7. Kanjali Lake (Punjab)
8. Ropar (Punjab)
9. Kolleru Lake (Andhra Pradesh)
10. Deepor Beel (Assam)
11. Pong Dam Lake (Himachal Pradesh)
12. Tso-Moriri (Laddakh)
13. Ashtamudi Wetland (Kerala)
14. Sasthamkotta Lake (Kerala)
15. Vembanad-Kol Wetland (Kerala)
16. Bhoj Wetland (Madhya Pradesh)
17. Bhitarkanika Mangrove (Odisha)
18. Point Calimere Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary (Tamil Nadu)
19. East Calcutta Wetlands (West Bengal)
Ramsar Sites in India 2005
20. Chandertal Wetland (Himachal Pradesh)
21. Renuka Wetland (Himachal Pradesh)
22. Hokera Wetland (Jammu and Kashmir)
23. Surinsar-Mansar Lakes (Jammu and Kashmir)
24. Rudrasagar Lake (Tripura)
25. Upper Ganges River (Brajghat to Narora stretch) (Uttar Pradesh)
Ramsar Sites in India 2012
26. Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary (Gujarat)
Ramsar Sites in India 2019
27. Sundarvan Delta (West Bengal)
28. Nandur Madhameshwar (Maharashtra)
29. Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary (Uttar Pradesh)
30. Keshopur-Miani Community Reserve (Punjab)
31. Beas Conservation Reserve (Punjab)
32. Nangal Wildlife Sanctuary (Punjab)
33. Sandi Bird Sanctuary (Uttar Pradesh)
34. Samaspur Bird Sanctuary (Uttar Pradesh)
35. Saman Bird Sanctuary (Uttar Pradesh)
36. Parvati Arga Bird Sanctuary (Uttar Pradesh)
37. Sarsai Navar Lake, Etawah (Uttar Pradesh)
Ramsar Sites in India 2020
38. Asan Reserve (Uttarakhand)
39. Kabar Tal (Bihar)
40. Lonar Lake (Maharashtra)
41. Sur Sarovar or Keetham Lake (Uttar Pradesh)
42. Tso Kar Lake (Laddakh)
Ramsar Sites in India 2021
43. Sultanpur National Park (Haryana)
44. Bhindawas Wildlife Sanctuary (Haryana)
45. Thol Lake Wildlife Sanctuary (Gujarat)
46. Wadhwana Wetland (Gujarat)
47. Khijadia Bird Sanctuary (Gujarat)
48. Haiderpur Wetland (Uttar Pradesh)
49. Bakhira Wildlife Sanctuary (Uttar Pradesh)
50. Konthankulam Bird Sanctuary (Tamil Nadu)
51. Satkosia Gorge (Odisha)
Ramsar Sites in India 2022
52. Karikili Bird Sanctuary (Tamil Nadu)
53. Pallikaranai Marsh Reserve Forest (Tamil Nadu)
54. Pichavaram Mangrove (Tamil Nadu)
55. Pala Wetland (Mizoram)
56. Sakhya Sagar (Madhya Pradesh)
57. Nanda Lake (Goa)
58. Gulf of Mannar Marine Biosphere Reserve (Tamil Nadu)
59. Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary (Karnataka)
60. Vembannur Wetland Complex (Tamil Nadu)
61. Velode Bird Sanctuary (Tamil Nadu)
62. Sirpur Wetland (Madhya Pradesh)
63. Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary (Tamil Nadu)
64. Udayamarthandapuram Bird Sanctuary (Tamil Nadu)
65. Tampara Lake (Odisha)
66. Hirakund Reservoir (Odisha)
67. Anshupa Lake (Odisha)
68. Yashwant Sagar (Madhya Pradesh)
69. Chitrangudi Bird Sanctuary (Tamil Nadu)
70. Suchindram Theroor Wetland Complex (Tamil Nadu)
71. Vaduvur Bird Sanctuary (Tamil Nadu)
72. Kanjirkulam Bird Sanctuary (Tamil Nadu)
73. Thane Creek (Maharashtra)
74. Higham Wetland Conservation Reserve (Jammu and Kashmir)
75. Shalbugh Wetland Conservation Reserve (Jammu and Kashmir)
Ramsar Sites in India 2024
76. Ankasamudra Bird Conservation Reserve (Karnataka)
77. Aghanashini Estuary (Karnataka)
78. Magadi Kere Conservation Reserve (Karnataka)
79. Karaivetti Bird Sanctuary (Tamil Nadu)
80. Longwood Shola Reserve Forest (Tamil Nadu)
State wise Ramsar Sites in India 2024
Here is a list of Ramsar Sites in India organized by state:
|
State |
Ramsar
Site |
|
Odisha |
1.
Chilika Lake |
|
Rajasthan |
1.
Keoladeo National Park |
|
Manipur |
1.
Lokatak lake |
|
Jammu
and |
1.
Wular Lake |
|
Punjab |
1.
Harike Lake |
|
Andhra
Pradesh |
1.
Kolleru Lake |
|
Assam |
1.
Deepor Beel |
|
Himachal
Pradesh |
1. Pong
Dam Lake |
|
Ladakh |
1.
Tso-Mori |
|
Kerala |
1.
Ashtamudi Wetland |
|
Madhya
Pradesh |
1. Bhoj
Wetland |
|
Tamil
Nadu |
1.
Point Calimare Wildlife & Bird Sanctuary 15. Karaivetti Bird Sanctuary 16. Longwood Shola Reserve Forest |
|
West
Bengal |
1. East
Calcutta Wetlands |
|
Tripura |
1.
Rudrasagar Lake |
|
Uttar
Pradesh |
1.
Upper Ganges River |
|
Gujarat |
1.
Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary |
|
Maharashtra |
1.
Nandoor Madameshwar Sanctuary |
|
Uttarakhand |
1. Asan
Barrage |
|
Bihar |
1.
Kabar Taal |
|
Haryana |
1.
Sultanpur National Park |
|
Mizoram |
1. Pala
Wetland |
|
Goa |
1.
Nanda Lake |
|
Karnataka |
1.
Ranganathitu Bird Sanctuary 2. Ankasamudra Bird Conservation Reserve 3. Aghanashini Estuary 4. Magadi Kere Conservation Reserve |
First Ramsar Sites in India
Chilika Lake in Odisha and Keoladeo National Park in Rajasthan were the first two Ramsar Sites in India, recognized together on August 19, 1981.
1. Chilika Lake:
It was declared a Ramsar site in 1981. It was the first Indian lake to be declared a Ramsar site. It is India's largest brackish lagoon and world's second largest brackish lagoon.
This lake is spread over an area of 1165 square kilometers in the eastern coast of Odisha state of India. The lake is bounded on the north-east by the cultivated plains of the Daya and Bhargavi valleys, on the north-west and west by the forests of the Eastern Ghats in Puri and Ganjam districts, and on the south and south-east by It is surrounded by the Bay of Bengal.
The lagoon can be divided into four ecological zones based mainly on salinity and depth – the southern zone, the central zone, the northern zone and the outer channel.
Many endangered, rare, threatened and vulnerable species are found here, such as Irrawaddy dolphin, Dugong, Green sea turtle, Spoonbill, blackbuck and fishing cat.
2. Keoladeo National Park:
Keoladeo National Park is a bird sanctuary located in Rajasthan, India. It is situated at the confluence of Ghambhir and Banganga rivers in Bharatpur district of Rajasthan. The site is spread over an area of 28.73 square kilometres, and is located about 50 kilometers west of Agra city.
Keoladeo Ghana National Park is a man-made and human-managed wetland and one of the national parks of India. It was declared a Ramsar site in 1981. This national park has also been added to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list in the year 1985.
The Siberian crane, an endangered species, regularly migrates from Siberia to winter only in Keoladeo National Park in India.
Largest Ramsar Sites in India (Biggest Ramsar Sites in India)
The Sundarban Wetland is the largest Ramsar site in India. The Sundarban Wetland is spread over an area of 4230 square kilometers in two administrative districts - 24 Parganas (South) and 24 Parganas (North) in West Bengal.
It was declared a Ramsar site in 2019. It is bounded by the Hooghly River in the west, Ichamati-Kalindi-Raimangal in the east, Dampier-Hodges line in the north and the Bay of Bengal in the south. Is surrounded.
The Sundarban wetlands lie within the world's largest mangrove forest. The Sundarbans constitute more than 60% of the total mangrove forest area in the entire country and contain 90% of the total Indian mangrove species.
The Sundarban Tiger Reserve is located within the Sundarban Wetland and is declared as "critical tiger habitat". It is also a "Tiger Conservation Landscape" of global importance. The Sundarbans are the only mangrove habitat where a significant population of tigers is found.
Smallest Ramsar Sites in India
Renuka Wetland is the smallest Ramsar Sites in India. It is spread over an area of only 0.2 square kilometers. It was declared a Ramsar site in 2005.
Renuka Wetland is located in Sirmaur district of Himachal Pradesh, India. It is a natural wetland, which is fed by a small stream originating from the Giri River.
This lake has more religious importance. It is named after the mother of Hindu sage Parashurama (Goddess Renuka) and is visited by thousands of pilgrims and tourists considering it sacred.
Ramsar Convention UPSC
What is Ramsar Convention?
The Ramsar Convention, officially known as the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance, is an international treaty that was adopted on February 2, 1971, in the Iranian city of Ramsar. The Convention is named after this city where the treaty was signed. It came into force on December 21, 1975.
The primary goal of the Ramsar Convention is the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands worldwide. Wetlands are areas where water is the primary factor controlling the environment and the associated plant and animal life. These areas include marshes, swamps, bogs, and various types of water bodies like lakes, rivers, and coastal areas.
Key features and objectives of the Ramsar Convention include:
1. Listing and Protection: Countries that are parties to the Convention designate specific wetland areas within their territories as "Ramsar Sites." These sites are recognized for their ecological importance, and parties commit to protecting and preserving them.
2. Sustainable Use: The Convention encourages the sustainable use of wetlands. Parties are expected to balance conservation with human use of wetlands, ensuring that they remain productive and beneficial for both people and wildlife.
3. International Cooperation: The Convention promotes international cooperation and information exchange among member countries and organizations to share knowledge and best practices for wetland conservation.
4. Education and Awareness: It encourages public awareness and education about the value of wetlands and the need for their conservation.
5. Research and Monitoring: Parties are expected to conduct research and monitoring to assess the health and ecological significance of Ramsar Sites.
6. Support for Migratory Species: Many Ramsar Sites are crucial habitats for migratory birds, and the Convention supports the conservation of these species.
India Joined Ramsar Convention (Ramsar Convention Came into Force in India)
India is a signatory to the Ramsar Convention. India became a party to the Ramsar Convention on October 1, 1981, when it designated the Chilika Lake in Odisha and Keoladeo National Park in Rajasthan as its first Ramsar Sites.
The Ramsar Convention plays an important role in the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands in India and around the world. Since then, India has designated numerous other Ramsar Sites to help protect and preserve its important wetland ecosystems.
Montreux Record UPSC
What is Montreux Record?
The Montreux Record is a register of wetland sites on the List of Wetlands of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention. Sites listed in the Montreux Record are those wetlands that have been recognized as facing particular issues, such as ecological changes or threats that could have negative impacts on their ecological character. The Montreux Record was established to monitor and help protect these wetlands.
Key points about the Montreux Record:
1. Monitoring and Recognition: Sites in the Montreux Record have been recognized as needing attention and monitoring due to factors like habitat loss, degradation, or changes in ecological character.
2. Early Warning System: The Montreux Record serves as an "early warning system" to alert the international community about wetlands facing significant issues.
3. Commitment to Conservation: When a site is included in the Montreux Record, it signals a commitment to addressing the identified problems and working to improve the wetland's condition.
4. Recovery and Conservation Plans: Countries with sites in the Montreux Record are encouraged to develop and implement recovery and conservation plans to address the identified issues and threats.
5. Removal from the Record: The goal of the Montreux Record is to facilitate the recovery and conservation of wetlands. If improvements are made and the issues are resolved, the site can be removed from the Montreux Record.
It's important to note that while the Montreux Record highlights areas of concern, it is not a designation meant to stigmatize wetlands but rather to promote their recovery and conservation. Wetlands in the Montreux Record receive international attention and support to address their specific challenges and protect their ecological value.
Montreux Record Sites in India
Currently, 2 Indian sites are listed under Montreux Record: Keoladeo National Park (Rajasthan) and Loktak Lake (Manipur).
1. Keoladeo National Park Montreux Record:
This Ramsar site, known for its importance as a bird sanctuary, was listed in the Montreux Record in 1990 due to concerns about the ecological character of the wetland being adversely affected by water scarcity, encroachment, and other threats.
2. Loktak Lake Montreux Record:
Loktak Lake in Manipur, India, was placed in the Montreux Record in 1993 due to concerns about its deteriorating ecosystem and the threats it faced from technological developments, pollution, and human interference.
3. Chilika Lake Montreux Record:
Chilka Lake was listed in the Montreux records in 1993 due to siltation problems, but later in 2002, chilika lake was removed from montreux record.
World Wetlands Day
World Wetlands Day is celebrated annually on February 2nd. World Wetlands Day was first celebrated on February 2, 1997. This date marks the anniversary of the adoption of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance, which took place on February 2, 1971, in the city of Ramsar, Iran.
The primary purpose of World Wetlands Day is to raise awareness about the importance of wetlands and their vital role in supporting biodiversity, water resources, and overall ecosystem health. It's an opportunity to promote the value of wetlands and the need for their conservation and sustainable management.
Each year, World Wetlands Day has a specific theme to focus on various aspects of wetland conservation and related issues. Governments, organizations, and communities around the world use this day to organize activities, events, workshops, and educational programs to engage the public and promote the understanding of wetland ecosystems.
World Wetlands Day encourages people to reflect on the significance of wetlands, take action to protect them, and support initiatives to conserve these critical habitats. It serves as a reminder of the global commitment to safeguarding these valuable ecosystems for the benefit of both the environment and society.
World Wetlands Day Theme
The theme for World Wetlands Day changes each year to focus on various aspects of wetland conservation and management. The themes are chosen to raise awareness about specific challenges, opportunities, and issues related to wetlands. The themes are decided by the Ramsar Convention Secretariat in collaboration with governments and organizations involved in wetland conservation.
World Wetlands Day 2016 Theme: "Wetlands for our Future - Sustainable Livelihoods"
World Wetlands Day 2018 Theme: 'Wetlands for a sustainable urban future'
World Wetlands Day Theme 2019: 'Wetlands and Climate Change'
World Wetlands Day Theme 2020: “Wetlands and Biodiversity”
World Wetlands Day Theme 2021: "Wetlands and Water"
World Wetlands Day Theme 2022: "Wetlands Action for People and Nature"
World Wetlands Day Theme 2023: "Wetland Restoration"
World Wetlands Day Theme 2024: "Wetlands and Human Wellbeing"
What is Wetland?
A wetland is a distinct type of ecosystem characterized by the presence of water, which either covers the soil or is present near the surface for at least part of the year. Wetlands are transitional areas between terrestrial (land) and aquatic (water) environments, and they can take various forms, including swamps, marshes, bogs, ponds, lakeshores, and riverbanks.
Key features of wetlands include:
(i) Hydric Soils: Wetlands often have soils that are saturated with water for extended periods or have a water table very close to the surface.
(ii) Hydrophytic Vegetation: Wetlands support vegetation that is adapted to waterlogged conditions. Common wetland plants include cattails, bulrushes, and various types of water-loving trees and shrubs.
(iii) Water: Wetlands are defined by the presence of water. This can be in the form of standing water, slow-moving water, or waterlogged soils.
Importance of Wetland:
Wetlands provide a wide range of ecological, economic, and social benefits, including:
1. Biodiversity: They are vital habitats for numerous plant and animal species, including migratory birds, amphibians, and aquatic life.
2. Water Purification: Wetlands help filter and purify water by removing pollutants and excess nutrients.
3. Flood Control: They can absorb and store excess water, reducing the risk of flooding in downstream areas.
4. Carbon Storage: Wetlands store significant amounts of carbon, helping mitigate climate change.
5. Recreation and Tourism: Wetlands offer opportunities for boating, birdwatching, fishing, and other recreational activities.
6. Sustainable Resource Use: They support activities like fishing, rice cultivation, and traditional uses of wetland resources.
Conserving and protecting wetlands is essential for maintaining these benefits and the health of the environment. Many wetlands are threatened by factors such as habitat loss, pollution, and climate change, making their preservation and wise management a global conservation priority.
Ramsar Sites UPSC Question
Q. How many Ramsar Sites in India?/How many Ramsar Sites have been declared so far in India?
A. As of January 2024, India has designated 75 Ramsar Sites.
Q. Which state has highest Ramsar Sites in India?
A. Tamil Nadu has the most Ramsar Sites in India, with 14 designated sites, followed by Uttar Pradesh with 10 sites.
Q. Ramsar Convention Year?
A. The Ramsar Convention was adopted on February 2, 1971, in the city of Ramsar, Iran.
Q. Ramsar Convention Headquarters?
A. The headquarters of the Ramsar Convention is located in Gland, Switzerland. The Ramsar Convention Secretariat is based at this location and is responsible for coordinating and supporting the implementation of the convention's objectives worldwide.
Q. Ramsar Convention was held in?
A. The Ramsar Convention was adopted in the city of Ramsar, Iran, on February 2, 1971. The convention was named after the city where it was signed. It came into force on December 21, 1975, and has since been a key international treaty for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands.
Q. Ramsar Convention deals with?
A.The Ramsar Convention, formally known as the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance, deals with the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands.
Q. Ramsar Convention is related to?
A. The Ramsar Convention is related to wetlands and their conservation. Specifically, it is an international treaty that focuses on the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands, recognizing their ecological importance.
Q. The Ramsar Convention is associated with the conservation of?
A. The Ramsar Convention is associated with the conservation of wetlands. Its primary focus is on the protection and sustainable use of wetlands around the world. Wetlands encompass a variety of ecosystems, including lakes, rivers, marshes, swamps, bogs, and coastal areas.
Q. When did India join Ramsar Convention?/India signed Ramsar Convention in which year?
A. India became a party to the Ramsar Convention on October 1, 1981. This means that India officially joined the Ramsar Convention on that date and committed to the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands within its territory.
Q. When did the Ramsar Convention treaty came into force in India?
A. The Ramsar Convention came into force in India on October 1, 1981.
Q. How many countries in Ramsar Convention?
A. The Ramsar Convention had 172 countries as contracting parties. These countries, often referred to as "parties" to the convention, are signatories to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance. These parties commit to implementing the provisions of the convention and designating and protecting Ramsar Sites (wetlands of international importance) within their territories.
Q. When did the Ramsar Convention treaty came into force?
A. The Ramsar Convention came into force on December 21, 1975. This was when the treaty officially became effective and legally binding for the countries that had ratified it.
Q. How many Montreux Record sites in India?/Which ramsar sites in Montreux Record?/Which wetlands of India are registered under Montreux Record?
A. The following Ramsar Sites in India were listed in the Montreux Record:
1. Keoladeo National Park: Keoladeo National Park was listed in the Montreux Record due to concerns about the deterioration of its ecological character.
2. Loktak Lake: Loktak Lake was included in the Montreux Record because of concerns about the alteration of its hydrology, particularly due to the construction of the Ithai Barrage.
Q. When the World Wetlands Day was celebrated for the first time?/Which day is celebrated as World Wetlands Day?/World Wetlands Day started in which year?
A. World Wetlands Day was first celebrated on February 2, 1997.
Q. Why do we celebrate World Wetlands Day?
A. World Wetlands Day is celebrated to achieve several important objectives and to raise awareness about the value and significance of wetlands. Here are the main reasons why we celebrate World Wetlands Day:
1. Raise Awareness: One of the primary purposes of World Wetlands Day is to increase public awareness about the importance of wetlands. Many people may not fully understand the ecological, economic, and social benefits that wetlands provide.
2. Promote Conservation: The celebration aims to promote the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands. Wetlands are important for biodiversity, water purification, flood control, and many other ecosystem services, and their conservation is vital.
3. Education: World Wetlands Day provides an opportunity for educational activities and programs to inform people, especially students and young people, about wetlands and their role in the environment.
4. Highlight Threats: It draws attention to the threats and challenges that wetlands face, such as habitat loss, pollution, and climate change. By recognizing these threats, we can work to address them.
5. Advocate for Policy and Action: The day encourages governments and organizations to take action and establish policies and programs that protect and conserve wetlands.
6. Community Engagement: It promotes community involvement in wetland conservation efforts. Local communities often play a crucial role in the stewardship of wetlands.
7. International Cooperation: World Wetlands Day is an opportunity for countries to work together and share best practices for wetland conservation. The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands is central to this global cooperation.
8. Celebrate Successes: It is a time to celebrate and showcase successful wetland conservation and restoration projects.
Q. What is the theme of World Wetlands Day 2016?
A. The theme of World Wetlands Day 2016 was "Wetlands for Our Future." This theme aimed to highlight the importance of wetlands as crucial ecosystems for maintaining ecological balance, providing biodiversity, and supporting human well-being. It emphasized the need to protect and conserve wetlands for current and future generations.
Q. What is the theme of World Wetlands Day 2022?
A. The theme for World Wetlands Day 2022. "Wetlands Action for People and Nature" underscores the significance of taking action to conserve and sustainably use wetlands, recognizing their critical role in supporting both people and the environment. It's an essential theme that encourages initiatives to protect and preserve these vital ecosystems.
Q. What is the theme of World Wetlands Day 2023?
A. The theme for World Wetlands Day 2023, which is "Wetland Restoration." This theme underscores the critical importance of focusing on and prioritizing wetland restoration efforts. Wetland restoration is essential for reclaiming and reviving the ecological and societal benefits provided by wetlands, and it is a key element in global conservation and sustainability efforts.
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