2 more wetlands get Ramsar tag, tally rises to 91

On the eve of the World Environment Day, two more wetlands in Rajasthan have been declared as Ramsar sites. With this, the total number of Ramsar sites in India has reached 91.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi applauded the development. “Great news! India’s strides in environmental conservation are happening with great vigour and are powered by public participation,” he posted on X.

Union Minister Bhupender Yadav said, “India has two new entrants to the list of Wetlands of International Importance. The latest to join the list of Ramsar sites are: Khichan in Phalodi, Rajasthan, and Menar in Udaipur, Rajasthan. This addition takes our tally to 91.”

India is a signatory to the Ramsar Convention, 1971. A Ramsar site is a wetland designated as being of international importance under the convention. These wetlands are recognised for their ecological significance, biodiversity and contribution to the world’s water cycle.

Ramsar sites encompass a variety of wetland types, including lakes, marshes, swamps, mangroves and coastal areas.