New Ramsar Sites in India 2025, Check Total State Wise Ramsar Sites

New Ramsar Sites in India: On 4 June 2025, the eve of World Environment Day 2025, two new wetlands of Rajasthan, Khichan in Phalodi and Menar in Udaipur, were officially designated as Ramsar Sites, bringing India’s total count of Ramsar Sites in India to 91. This recognition brings India’s total count to 91 Ramsar Sites, the highest number in Asia. 

Ramsar sites play a key role in protecting biodiversity and maintaining ecological balance. Find out more about new Ramsar Sites in India and the complete state-wise list.

New Ramsar Sites in India 2025

Recently, two new Ramsar Sites in Rajasthan were designated in June 2025. India continues to strengthen its commitment to wetland conservation with the addition of these new Ramsar Sites, Khichan and Menar. With this, the total number of Ramsar-recognized wetlands in India has reached 91, making it one of the leading nations in protecting ecologically significant water bodies.

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Of these, Rajasthan now has four Ramsar Sites (including the previously recognized Sambhar Salt Lake and Keoladeo Ghana National Park). The Ramsar Convention, signed in 1971 in Iran, recognises wetlands of global importance. Wetlands under this tag receive international attention, funding opportunities, and better protection. 

Ramsar Site Khichan

Khichan, a small village in Phalodi district, is now globally recognised for its role in bird conservation. It has earned fame as a winter home for over 30,000 Demoiselle cranes, which migrate every year from Central Asia.

What makes Khichan unique is its community-based conservation approach. Local villagers have built feeding zones called chugga ghars, where they feed these cranes every morning during winter. This regular practice has made Khichan a haven for bird watchers and nature lovers.

The area around Khichan has also been declared a "Kurja Conservation Reserve", named after the local name of the Demoiselle crane. The reserve spreads across nearly 3 sq km, protecting both birds and their habitat.

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Ramsar Site Menar

Menar, located in the Udaipur district, is popularly known as the "Bird Village" of India. The area hosts two key lakes, Brahma Talab and Dhand Talab, which attract over 180 bird species during the migratory season.

Menar is a perfect example of how local efforts can help in environmental protection. The villagers have banned hunting, created bird-watching zones, and even organise an annual bird festival to promote conservation and eco-tourism.

Birds such as Bar-headed Geese, Flamingos, Painted Storks, and many others find safe shelter here. Due to such biodiversity and public participation, Menar has now been officially included in the Ramsar list.

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Current Ramsar Sites in India

According to the Wetlands of India Portal, 91 Ramsar Sites have been designated. A Ramsar Site is a wetland area designated as being of international importance under the Ramsar Convention, an international treaty signed in 1971 in the city of Ramsar, Iran. These wetlands are protected due to their environmental importance and contribution to the local economy. India’s Ramsar Sites cover more than 1.3 million hectares across various landscapes, from high-altitude lakes to coastal lagoons and mangroves. These sites help in flood control, water purification, groundwater recharge, and support rich flora and fauna. Among all states, Tamil Nadu leads with the highest number of Ramsar Sites, currently having 20 sites. The addition of new Ramsar sites highlights India’s geographical diversity and firm policy in wetland protection.

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Total Ramsar Sites in India List

Following the announcement of new Ramsar Sites in India, here is the updated list arranged by state:

To sum up, the declaration of Khichan and Menar as Ramsar Sites is a proud moment for India. These wetlands showcase the power of community participation, sustainable tourism, and wildlife protection. 

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