List of Total Ramsar Sites in India 2022
June 4, 2022 by abhikzite
There are currently 49 ramasar sites in India, with the number expected to grow in the coming months. The two new ramasar sites in India are the Khijadiya wildlife sanctuary in Gujarat and the Bakhira wildlife sanctuary in Uttar Pradesh.
There are currently over 2400 Ramsar sites around the world. 49 of these sites are in India. Knowing about the 49 Ramsar sites in India is a wise decision. This is because gk questions from the Indian Ramsar Sites list are frequently asked in various examinations such as UPSC, SSC, and others. In this post, we will provide all relevant information and details about the 49 Ramsar sites in India.
As India gears up to ratify the Paris Agreement, protecting its environment becomes even more important. To that end, the country has set a target of protecting 20% of its territory as Ramsar sites by 2022. These sites are designated internationally important wetland
areas that are considered to be crucial for the conservation of biodiversity and ecosystem services. Here’s a list of all the Ramsar sites in India as of now.
What is ramsar sites in india
Ramsar sites are those wetland sites that are considered of international importance. These sites are protected under the Ramsar Convention. Ramsar Convention is an international treaty that prevents sites that are important environmentally. This convention came into force in 1975.
Newly added ramsar sites in india
The addition of two new ramasar sites, Khijadiya wildlife sanctuary in Gujarat and Bakhira wildlife sanctuary in Uttar Pradesh, brings the total number of ramasar sites in India to 49.
Facts about 49 Total Indian and world Ramsar sites
Before we get into the list of 49 Ramsar Sites in India, let’s go over some facts about various Indian and World Ramsar sites around the world.
Ramsar sites are the most important protected areas in the world, with over 2400 Ramsar sites covering an area of approximately 2.5 million square kilometres.
In 1974, the Cobourg Peninsula in Australia was designated as the world’s first Ramsar site.
Every year on February 2nd, International Wetland Day is observed. The Ramsar Convention was signed on this day in 1971.
The Ramsar Convention Act collaborates with the following organisations.
Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT)
International Water Management Institute (IWMI)
International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
WWF International
Birdlife International
Wetlands International
To research any of the Ramsar sites, visit the Ramsar Sites Information Service (RSIS).
The Ramsar Convention is one of the world’s oldest intergovernmental treaties signed to protect the ecological character of wetlands.
List of Ramsar sites in India 2022
On February 1, 1982, the Ramsar Convention Act enters into force in India. India currently has 49 Ramsar sites, the most in South Asia. Let’s go over each of India’s 49 Ramsar sites in detail, state by state.
1. Ashtamudi Wetland – Kerala Ramsar Site
Ramsar site designation – August 19, 2002
Introduction – The Ashtamudi Wetland or Lake is located in the Kollam District of Kerala, India. It is the state’s most visited and popular lake. Aside from its natural beauty, this lake is also well-known for its coconut groves and palm trees.
Place – Kollam District, Kerala
Area – 64.2 km2
.Beas Conservation Reserve – Punjab Ramsar Site
Designated as Ramsar site – September 26th, 2019
Introduction – The Beas Conservation Reserve is a section of the Beas River in the Indian state of Punjab. This river is notable for its abundance of small islands, sand bars, and braided channels. All of this makes Beas ideal for significant biodiversity. This conservation reserve currently has 500 bird species. Aside from that, there are 90 different types of fish.
Location – Buh Punjab
Area – 185 kilometer
2.Beas Conservation Reserve – Punjab Ramsar Site
Designated as Ramsar site – September 26th, 2019
Introduction – The Beas Conservation Reserve is a section of the Beas River in the Indian state of Punjab. This river is notable for its abundance of small islands, sand bars, and braided channels. All of this makes Beas ideal for significant biodiversity. This conservation reserve currently has 500 bird species. Aside from that, there are 90 different types of fish.
Location – Buh Punjab
Area – 185 kilometer
3.Bhitarkanika Mangroves – Odisha Ramsar Site
Ramsar site designation – August 19, 2002
Introduction – Bhitarkanika is a mangrove wetland in the Indian state of Odisha. It was previously known as Zamindari Forests. This location is famous for its flora and fauna. Reptiles such as saltwater crocodiles, king cobras, Indian pythons, and water monitors can be found here. There are 263 bird species in addition to these.
Location – Odisha, India
Area – 650 square kilometer
4.Bhoj Wetlands – Madhya Pradesh Ramsar Site
Location – Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh
Area – 31 square kilometer
Ramsar site designation –
Introduction – This wetland consists of two lakes near Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. Bhojtal (upper lake) and lower lake are the two lakes. Nawab Chhote Khan, Minister of Nawab Hayath Mohammad Khan, built the lower lake in 1794 to beautify the city. The site is well-known for its numerous water bird species. That is why it has been designated as a Ramsar site.
5.Chandra Taal – Himachal Pradesh Ramsar Site
Location – Lahul, Himachal Pradesh
Area – 1.5 km
Ramsar site Designation – 8th November 2005
Introduction – Charndra Taal is also known as Tso Chikgma or Chandra Tal. This lake is located in the Himachal Pradesh district of Lahul and Spiti. This lake is one of India’s highestaltitude wetlands. Snow Leopard, Snow Cock, Chukor, Black Ring Stilt, Kestrel, Golden Eagle, Chough, Red Fox, Himalayan Ibex, and Blue Sheep call Chandra Taal home.
6.Chilika Lake – Odisha
Location – Puri, Khurda and Ganjam districts of Odisha
Area – 1,165 km²
Ramsar site Designation – 1st October 1981
Introduction – Chilika Lake is a wetland that spans several Odisha districts, including Puri, Khurda, and Ganjam. This lake holds the distinction of being the first Indian wetland designated as of international significance under the Ramsar Convention. During the peak migratory season, Chilika is home to over 160 bird species. Aside from that, many rare fish and reptile species can be found here.
7.Deepor Beel – Assam Ramsar Site
Location – Guwahati, Kamrup district, Assam
Area – 40.14 Kilometre square
Ramsar site Designation – 19th August 2002
Overview – Deepor Beel is a permanent freshwater lake in India’s Assam state. The lake is home to some extremely rare flora and fauna. It has the highest concentration of rare aquatic birds, especially in the winter. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Assam.
8.East Kolkata Wetlands – West Bengal Ramsar Site
Location – East Kolkata (Calcutta)
Area – 125 km square
Ramsar site Designation – 19th August 2002
Overview – East Kolkata (Calcutta) Wetlands are a complex mix of natural and man-made wetlands in Kolkata, West Bengal. These wetlands contain a mix of sewage treatment plants, agricultural fields, salt marshes, and settling ponds. These wetlands are home to over 100 plant species,
according to records. There are also marsh mongooses and small Indian mongooses in the area.
9.Harike Wetlands – Punjab
Location – Harike, Punjab
Area – 4,100 hectares
Ramsar site Designation – 23rd March 1990
Overview – Harike Wetland is also known as “Hari-KePattan.” It is one of the largest wetlands in northern India, bordering the districts of Tarn Taran and Ferozepur in the Indian state of Punjab. This wetland is home to a variety of birds, turtles, snakes, amphibians, fishes, and invertebrates
10.Hokera Wetland – Jammu & Kashmir Ramsar Site
Location – Zainakote, Jammu and Kashmir
Area – 13 Kilometre square
Ramsar site Designation – 8th November 2005
Overview – The Hokersar Wetland Conservation Area is located in Kashmir’s northwest Himalayan biogeographic province. It is the only location with Kashmir’s remaining reedbeds. This wetland is also a designated bird sanctuary for migratory shorebirds, geese,