Source: IT
Subject: Environment
Context: Union Environment Minister announced the addition of two new wetlands—Patna Bird Sanctuary (Uttar Pradesh) and Chhari Dhand Wetland Reserve (Gujarat) to India’s Ramsar List ahead of World Wetlands Day 2026.
- With this inclusion, India’s Ramsar sites have increased to 98, reflecting a 276% expansion since 2014.
About Addition of 2 New Wetlands to India’s Ramsar List:
What is it?
The two newly designated Wetlands of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention (1971) are:
- Patna Bird Sanctuary, Uttar Pradesh
- Chhari Dhand Wetland Reserve, Gujarat
What is the Ramsar Convention?
- An international treaty signed at Ramsar, Iran (1971) for conservation and wise use of wetlands.
- India became a Contracting Party on 1 February 1982.
- Ramsar sites act as model ecosystems for biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, and sustainable livelihoods.
About Patna Bird Sanctuary:
What it is?
A protected bird sanctuary and wetland ecosystem, also known as Patna Vihar Bird Sanctuary, recognised for its high avifaunal diversity.
Located in:
- Etah district, Uttar Pradesh
- Established in 1991
- Area: 108 hectares (wetland ~ 1 km²)
- Smallest bird sanctuary in Uttar Pradesh
Key features:
- Hosts ~3 lakh birds from 300+ species.
- Over 106 migratory and resident bird species
- Dominant aquatic vegetation: Water hyacinth and Potamogeton spp.
- Important species: Lesser Whistling Duck, Graylag Goose, Ruddy Shelduck, Gadwall, Eurasian Wigeon, Northern Pintail.
About Chhari Dhand Wetland Reserve:
What it is?
- A seasonal desert wetland conservation reserve, ecologically unique due to its saline and freshwater interactions.
Located in:
- Kutch district, Gujarat
- Situated between Banni grasslands and the Rann of Kutch
- Local meaning: Chhari = salty, Dhand = shallow wetland
Key features:
- Becomes swampy during monsoon, fed by north-flowing rivers and surrounding hills.
- Major habitat for migratory birds during monsoon and winter.
- Endangered species: Dalmatian Pelican, Oriental Darter, Black-necked Stork, Indian Skimmer.
- Large congregations of flamingos, cranes, painted storks, raptors, spoonbills.
- Also supports chinkara, wolves, caracal, desert cats, desert foxes.
