🌏 India Adds 4 New Ramsar Sites: A Big Win for Wetland Conservation

India continues to cement its place as a global leader in wetland conservation with the recent addition of four new Ramsar sites, taking the country’s total to 89 wetlands recognized under the Ramsar Convention. These sites are not just ecological spaces—they are living landscapes that support biodiversity, livelihoods, culture, and climate resilience.

This latest development is especially significant as Tamil Nadu now tops the list with 20 Ramsar sites, while Sikkim and Jharkhand proudly celebrate the inclusion of their first Ramsar sites ever.

Let’s explore what makes each of these wetlands special—and why they matter more than ever in today’s climate-stressed world.

🐦 1. Therthangal Bird Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu

• Declared on: December 15, 2010

• Ramsar Status: 2025

• Area: 29.29 hectares

Nestled in Tamil Nadu, Therthangal Bird Sanctuary may be small in size, but it plays a mighty role in avian conservation. Every year, between October and March, the sanctuary becomes a magnet for migratory birds.

The wetland hosts diverse flora like Aponogeton nutans, Hydrilla verticillata, and Tamarindus indica, which not only support aquatic life but also attract birds. This bird sanctuary exemplifies how even small ecosystems can significantly contribute to local biodiversity and eco-tourism.

🦜 2. Sakkarakottai Bird Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu

• Declared on: April 17, 2012

• Area: 230.49 hectares

A relatively larger and more diverse sanctuary, Sakkarakottai Bird Sanctuary boasts a mix of wetland and terrestrial ecosystems. The area is filled with native flora like Neem, Palmyra Palm, and Gloriosa superba, creating rich nesting grounds.

The sanctuary is home to a wide array of fauna, including Lion-tailed Macaques, Giant Squirrels, and migratory birds. Its Ramsar recognition acknowledges Tamil Nadu’s continued leadership in wetland management and wildlife protection.

🏞️ 3. Khecheopalri Wetland, Sikkim – Nature Meets Spirituality

• Local Name: Sho Dzo Sho ("Oh Lady, Sit Here")

• Ecological and Cultural Significance: Very High

Khecheopalri is not just a wetland—it’s a spiritually revered lake considered sacred by both Buddhists and Hindus. Nestled in the Demazong Valley, this wetland is part of Sikkim's Buddhist pilgrimage circuit and a prominent stop for both spiritual and ecological tourism.

What sets it apart is a unique phenomenon: Birds are believed to prevent any leaves from floating on the water surface, keeping the lake clean. Home to house swifts, fishing eagles, and Brahminy kites, the site blends mythology with conservation and is a powerful example of people-nature harmony.

🌊 4. Udhwa Lake, Jharkhand – A Hidden Gem Now Recognized

• Constituents: Pataura Jheel (155 ha) + Brahma Jamalpur Jheel (410 ha)

• Declared Bird Sanctuary: 1991

Udhwa Lake, in the lesser-highlighted region of Jharkhand, is a vast wetland complex that serves as a critical stopover site for migratory birds. Its proximity to a stream of the Ganga River enhances its ecological value, turning it into a biodiverse habitat for nesting, roosting, and breeding.

Declared a bird sanctuary decades ago, its inclusion as a Ramsar site brings national and international focus to the Eastern states’ often-overlooked conservation efforts.

🌍 Why Ramsar Sites Matter in India

Wetlands are among the planet's most productive ecosystems. They:

• Filter water, acting like natural kidneys

• Mitigate floods by absorbing excess rainfall

• Store carbon, helping fight climate change

• Support biodiversity, including fish, birds, insects, and mammals

• Sustain livelihoods, especially in rural and tribal communities

India’s growing Ramsar list is not just about meeting international targets; it's about building resilience against environmental degradation, preserving indigenous cultures, and securing future food and water needs.

⚖️ Conservation, Policy, and Local Involvement

With climate change intensifying, wetlands are under immense pressure due to urbanization, pollution, and encroachment. Inclusion in the Ramsar list brings with it:

• Better funding opportunities

• Stronger legal protections

• Greater scientific attention

• Tourism potential for local communities

But true conservation success will depend on:

• Empowering local communities as stewards of wetlands

• Ensuring eco-sensitive tourism

• Regular monitoring of water quality and biodiversity

• Avoiding over-dependence on government agencies and bringing in NGOs, scientists, and local youth.

📚 MCQs for UPSC Prelims & Competitive Exams

Q1. Which Indian state currently has the highest number of Ramsar sites?
A) Kerala
B) Gujarat
C) Tamil Nadu
D) West Bengal
✅ Answer: C) Tamil Nadu

Q2. Which of the following Ramsar sites is located in Sikkim and considered a sacred lake?
A) Loktak Lake
B) Khecheopalri Wetland
C) Nalsarovar Lake
D) Bhitarkanika
✅ Answer: B) Khecheopalri Wetland

Q3. Udhwa Lake in Jharkhand is formed by which two major water bodies?
A) Ganga and Yamuna
B) Pataura Jheel and Brahma Jamalpur Jheel
C) Chilika and Satkosia
D) Harike and Sutlej
✅ Answer: B) Pataura Jheel and Brahma Jamalpur Jheel

Q4. Which flora is common in Therthangal Bird Sanctuary?
A) Mangroves and Casuarina
B) Tamarindus indica and Hydrilla
C) Teak and Bamboo
D) Sagwan and Acacia
✅ Answer: B) Tamarindus indica and Hydrilla

📝 UPSC Mains Practice Questions (GS Paper III & Essay)

1. "Wetlands are the kidneys of the Earth." Examine the ecological significance of wetlands in India. What are the key policy and implementation challenges in conserving Ramsar sites?

2. The cultural, ecological, and spiritual values of wetlands often intersect. Discuss this intersection with reference to the Khecheopalri Wetland in Sikkim.

3. Critically evaluate India’s strategy for the conservation and management of wetlands in light of the rising number of Ramsar sites.

4. What role do community-led initiatives and eco-tourism play in the sustainable conservation of wetlands? Illustrate with recent examples.

🕊️ Conclusion: Wetlands Are More Than Just Water

The addition of these four Ramsar sites is a celebration of India's ecological and cultural diversity. But the recognition is just the beginning. The real challenge lies in managing these sites sustainably, balancing conservation with community needs, and ensuring that wetlands continue to thrive in an era of unprecedented environmental stress.

India's wetlands are not just water bodies—they are stories of coexistence, resilience, and hope. And protecting them is no longer an option. It’s a responsibility.