India Adds 4 New Ramsar Sites, Raising Total to 89

In a significant boost to wetland conservation, India has added four new Ramsar sites, bringing the total to 89. Ahead of World Wetlands Day, the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change announced the inclusion of:

Sakkarakottai Bird Sanctuary (Tamil Nadu)
Therthangal Bird Sanctuary (Tamil Nadu)
Khecheopalri Wetland (Sikkim)
Udhwa Lake (Jharkhand)

With this, Tamil Nadu now has the highest number of Ramsar sites (20), while Sikkim and Jharkhand celebrate their first-ever Ramsar designations.

Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav highlighted that India remains the country with the highest number of Ramsar sites in Asia and ranks third globally.

🏞️ Newly Added Ramsar Sites: A Closer Look

1️⃣ Sakkarakottai Bird Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu

📍 Location: Ramanathapuram district
🌿 Why it’s important:

A vital freshwater wetland supporting migratory and resident birds.
Enhances groundwater recharge and flood control.
Home to species like herons, egrets, and storks, making it a birdwatcher’s paradise.

2️⃣ Therthangal Bird Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu

📍 Location: Sivaganga district
🌿 Why it’s important:

A critical habitat for migratory birds during winter.
Supports rare and endangered bird species.
Helps maintain the local microclimate and acts as a natural water reservoir.

3️⃣ Khecheopalri Wetland, Sikkim

📍 Location: West Sikkim district
🌿 Why it’s important:

A sacred lake revered by Buddhists and Hindus.
Rich in medicinal plants and Himalayan flora.
Supports high-altitude biodiversity, including otters and migratory birds.
A major eco-tourism and spiritual tourism site.

4️⃣ Udhwa Lake, Jharkhand

📍 Location: Sahibganj district
🌿 Why it’s important:

Jharkhand’s first-ever Ramsar site and the only freshwater oxbow lake in the state.
A critical stopover for migratory birds like bar-headed geese, northern pintails, and ruddy shelducks.
Supports local fishing communities and helps with flood control.

India’s Growing Commitment to Wetland Conservation

This achievement underscores India’s dedication to preserving vital ecosystems, promoting biodiversity, and ensuring climate resilience. As wetlands play a crucial role in water security, carbon sequestration, and sustainable development, this milestone reinforces India’s global leadership in conservation. 🌏🌱