Ramsar Sites in India 2026 - Check State-wise Ramsar Sites in India , Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (1971), & UPSC PYQs

Ramsar Sites are wetlands of international importance designated under the Ramsar Convention adopted in 1971 in Ramsar, Iran. These ecologically significant ecosystems play a crucial role in biodiversity conservation, water security, climate regulation, and supporting local livelihoods. India, with 100 Ramsar Sites as of 2026, has the highest number of Ramsar Sites in Asia. Understanding Ramsar Sites, their significance, identification criteria, and conservation efforts is important for UPSC preparation and environmental awareness.

Ramsar Sites in India 2026

• Ramsar Sites are wetlands of international importance designated under the Ramsar Convention, an international treaty adopted in 1971 in the city of Ramsar, Iran.

• A Ramsar Site is a wetland recognised for its ecological, botanical, zoological, limnological, or hydrological significance. These areas may include:

• Lakes and rivers, Marshes and swamps, Peatlands, Mangroves, Coral reefs, Estuaries and coastal areas, Human-made wetlands such as reservoirs and rice paddies.

• India currently has the largest number of Ramsar Sites in Asia and stands third in the world, following the United Kingdom with 176 sites and Mexico with 144 sites.

Significance of Ramsar Sites:

Ramsar Sites are internationally recognised wetlands that are crucial for maintaining ecological balance, conserving biodiversity, and supporting human well-being.

• They serve as important habitats for migratory birds and threatened species, helping in wildlife conservation.

• These wetlands support local economies through fishing, agriculture, and eco-tourism activities.

• They function as natural filtration systems, improving water quality and acting as significant carbon storage zones.

• Ramsar wetlands help in reducing flood impacts and recharging groundwater resources.

• They also play a key role in climate stability and the delivery of essential ecosystem services.

Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (1971)

• The Ramsar Convention is an international treaty for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands. 

• It was signed in 1971 in Ramsar, Iran, and came into force in 1975.

• Core principles:

• Wise Use: Maintain ecological character in the context of sustainable development.

• Ramsar List: Designation and effective management of wetlands of international importance.

• International Cooperation: Focus on shared wetlands and transboundary species.

• Annual World Wetlands Day on February 2 promotes awareness of wetlands.

Key Features

The key features of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands are as follows:

• First Ecosystem-Specific Global Treaty: Focuses solely on the protection and wise use of a specific ecosystem, i.e., wetlands.

• Designation of Ramsar Sites: Countries joining the Convention must designate at least one wetland as a Wetland of International Importance.

• Primary Goal: Conservation and wise use of wetlands to maintain their ecological character and services.

• Definition of 'Wise Use': The Convention defines "wise use" as maintaining the ecological character of wetlands through sustainable practices that benefit both biodiversity and human communities.

Criteria for Identification of Ramsar Wetlands

Wetlands are recognised based on the following ecological and biological criteria:

• Unique Wetland Types: Support rare, unique, or representative examples of natural wetlands.

• Endangered Species: Supports populations of threatened, vulnerable, or endangered species.

• Species Diversity: Plays a role in maintaining the biological diversity of an area.

• Critical Life Cycle Support: Provides habitat for plant and/or animal species at critical stages in their life cycles or serves as a refuge during adverse conditions.

• Water Bird Population: Regularly supports 20,000 or more water birds. Regularly supports 1% of the individuals in a population of one species or subspecies of water birds.

• Fish Biodiversity: Supports a significant proportion of indigenous fish species, contributing to biodiversity. Serves as an important source of food for fish, a spawning ground, nursery, and/or migration path.

• Ecosystem Services: Functions as an important source of food and water resources, or provides opportunities for recreation, ecotourism, and other cultural and economic benefits.

India and the Ramsar Convention:

• India ratified the Ramsar Convention in 1982, and as of 2026, 100 Ramsar sites are in different states of India. 

• The first Ramsar site in India was Chilika Lake in Odisha and Keoladeo NP in Rajasthan, recognised in 1981.

• Tamil Nadu has the highest number of wetland sites in India, followed by Uttar Pradesh and Odisha. 

• Area-wise wise West Bengal has the largest area declared under the Ramsar site, followed by Odisha and Tamil Nadu. 

State-wise Ramsar Sites in India (100 Sites as of June 2026)

UPSC Previous Year Questions and Practice Questions

Ramsar Sites in India 2026 PYQs - Prelims

Q1. If a wetland of international importance is brought under the ‘Montreux Record’, what does it imply? (2014) 

1. Changes in ecological character have occurred, are occurring or are likely to occur in the wetland as a result of human interference. 

2. The country in which the wetland is located should enact a law to prohibit any human activity within five kilometres of the edge of the wetland. 

3. The survival of the wetland depends on the cultural practices and traditions of certain communities living in its vicinity, and therefore, the cultural diversity therein should not be destroyed. 

4. It is given the status of ‘World Heritage 

Answer: A

‘Montreux Record’ is a register of wetlands on the List of Wetlands of International Importance where ecological character changes have occurred, are occurring, or are anticipated to occur due to technological advancements, pollution, or other human influence. 

Q2. Consider the following pairs: (2022) 

Wetland/Lake Location 

1. Hokera Wetland Punjab 

2. Renuka Wetland Himachal Pradesh 

3. Rudrasagar Lake Tripura 

4. Sasthamkotta Lake Tamil Nadu 

How many pairs given above are correctly matched? 

1. Only one pair 

2. Only two pairs 

3. Only three pairs 

4. All four pairs 

Answer: B

Ramsar Sites in India 2026 PYQs - Mains

https://pwonlyias.com/pyq/what-is-wetland-explain-the-ramsar-concept-of-wise-use-in-the-context-of-wetland-conservation-cite-two-examples-of-ramsar-site-from-india-150-words-10-marks/

https://pwonlyias.com/upsc-gs-paper-3-q17-comment-on-the-national-wetland-conservation-programme-initiated-by-the-government-of-india-and-name-a-few-indias-wetlands-of-international-importance-included-in-the-ra/