Patna Bird Sanctuary & Chhari-Dhand Get The Coveted Ramsar Tag; Here’s Why It Matters

Good news! Ahead of World Wetlands Day, Patna Bird Sanctuary in Uttar Pradesh and Chhari-Dhand in Gujarat have officially entered the coveted Ramsar Sites list. This international recognition reflects India’s strong commitment to the environment and showcases the country’s efforts to conserve its rich wetlands. Here’s why this matters.

Two New Additions To Ramsar Sites List 

Delighted that the Patna Bird Sanctuary in Etah (Uttar Pradesh) and Chhari-Dhand in Kutch (Gujarat) are Ramsar sites. Congratulations to the local population there as well as all those passionate about wetland conservation. These recognitions reaffirm our commitment to preserving… https://t.co/0O3R5TBqbJ

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 31, 2026

Before we get into the details, let us tell you what Ramsar sites are. These are wetlands of international importance. They are designated under the Ramsar Convention of 1971 for their role in biodiversity conservation. These sites include marshes, lakes, and mangroves. They are also crucial habitats for migratory birds and endangered species.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi made this announcement recently on X. He shared a post originally made by Bhupender Yadav, Lok Sabha MP. PM Modi wrote, “Delighted that the Patna Bird Sanctuary in Etah (Uttar Pradesh) and Chhari-Dhand in Kutch (Gujarat) are Ramsar sites. May these wetlands continue to thrive as safe habitats for countless migratory and native species.”

He also congratulated the local population and people working passionately for wetland conservation. You should also know that this announcement came just ahead of World Wetlands Day on February 2.

Also Read: Buffer Zones Of 9 Tiger Reserves In MP To Be Developed With Wildlife Health Care & Fencing

These wetlands Are Home To Rare Birds & Wildlife

Hundreds of migratory and resident bird species live in these two wetlands. These sites are also known habitats for chinkara, wolves, caracal, desert cats, desert foxes, and several endangered birds. Bhupender Yadav, who is a Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, also wrote, “Under the visionary leadership of PM Shri @narendramodi ji, the Indian Ramsar network has seen an expansion of over 276% – climbing from 26 in 2014 to 98 now.”

According to The Indian Express, Patna Bird Sanctuary in Etah district, Uttar Pradesh, has freshwater marshes, woodlands, and grasslands. It supports high biodiversity, including 178 bird species and 252 plant species.

On the other hand, Chhari-Dhand in Kutch district, Gujarat, is a seasonal saline wetland. It lies between the famous Banni grasslands and the salt flats of Kutch. This wetland is an important wintering site for waterfowl. It supports species such as the critically endangered sociable lapwing, common pochard, and around 30,000 common cranes.

Also Read: From Rare Black Panther To Leopards: 5 Animals To Spot In Kabini Wildlife Sanctuary, Karnataka

This is definitely good news for India and for environmentalists, right? These wetlands are safe habitats for many migratory birds and native species, which is why Ramsar status is considered very important.

Cover Image Courtesy: @byadavbjp/X