India’s Ramsar Sites Reach 103: Sukhna Wetland & Sauj Jheel Added (2026)

 

India’s Ramsar Sites Reach 103: Sukhna Wetland and Sauj Jheel Added to the List

Published: 16 October 2026
Category: Environment and Ecology | Current Affairs | Wetland Conservation
Source: Press Information Bureau (PIB), Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change

Introduction

India has achieved another milestone in environmental conservation as its total number of Ramsar Sites has reached 103 with the addition of Sukhna Wetland in Chandigarh and Sauj Jheel in Uttar Pradesh. The announcement was made by Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav on 15 October 2026.

The new designations highlight the ecological importance of wetlands in protecting biodiversity, supporting migratory birds, improving water security and sustaining local livelihoods.

The development is important for environmental governance and is highly relevant for competitive examinations, including UPSC Civil Services and APSC.

What Are Ramsar Sites?

Ramsar Sites are wetlands recognised as being of international importance under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, an international treaty adopted in Ramsar, Iran, in 1971.

The convention aims to promote wetland conservation and the wise use of wetland resources through national action and international cooperation.

Wetlands provide several ecological benefits:

• Biodiversity conservation: They support birds, fish, reptiles, amphibians and aquatic plants.

• Flood regulation: They store excess water and can reduce flood impacts.

• Water purification: Wetland vegetation and soils help retain sediments and filter certain pollutants.

• Climate regulation: Wetlands store carbon and influence local water cycles.

• Livelihood support: They provide resources and economic opportunities for fishing communities, farmers and nature-based tourism.

1. Sukhna Wetland, Chandigarh

Sukhna Wetland, located at the edge of Chandigarh near the foothills of the Outer Himalayas, has been designated a Ramsar Site. It has been assigned Ramsar Site Number 2602.

Key Features

Location: Chandigarh, Union Territory of India
Ecological setting: Peri-urban reservoir and wetland ecosystem
Important bird corridor: Central Asian Flyway

Sukhna Wetland supports resident and migratory waterbirds and provides feeding, breeding, roosting and wintering habitats. Its landscape includes open water, shoreline vegetation, scrub and forest habitats.

Important Species

• Common Pochard: A globally vulnerable diving duck.

• Pallas’s Fish Eagle: An endangered bird of prey.

• Black Pond Turtle: An endangered freshwater turtle.

Environmental Significance

Sukhna Wetland plays a role in regulating water and sediment flows from its surrounding catchment. It also offers recreational and educational benefits to Chandigarh’s residents.

However, sediment inflow, catchment degradation and invasive plant species pose conservation challenges. Effective management requires catchment protection, water-quality monitoring, habitat restoration and responsible tourism.

2. Sauj Jheel, Uttar Pradesh

Sauj Jheel, located in Uttar Pradesh, has been designated a Ramsar Site with Site Number 2603.

It is a shallow lake surrounded by agricultural land in the floodplain of the Ganga River. It forms part of a wider wetland network and lies close to Saman Bird Sanctuary, another Ramsar Site.

Key Features

Location: Uttar Pradesh
Ecological setting: Shallow floodplain lake
Bird conservation status: Recognised as an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA) by BirdLife International.

Important Biodiversity

Sauj Jheel supports a rich diversity of wetland-associated plants and animals. Important vegetation includes:

• Sacred lotus (Nelumbo nucifera)

• Wild sugarcane (Saccharum spontaneum)

The lake regularly supports more than 30,000 waterbirds, providing feeding, breeding and sheltering habitats.

Notable species include the vulnerable Sarus Crane and the Greater Spotted Eagle.

Conservation Significance

Sauj Jheel contributes to the ecological connectivity of the Ganga floodplain and supports important bird populations.

Conservation measures include regulating fishing activities, restricting harmful fine-mesh fishing nets and managing livestock access to sensitive wetland areas.

Why Is the Addition of These Two Ramsar Sites Important?

The designation of Sukhna Wetland and Sauj Jheel strengthens India’s efforts to conserve ecologically significant wetlands.

1. Biodiversity protection: The new sites provide internationally recognised habitats for threatened species and migratory waterbirds.

2. Water security: Wetlands contribute to hydrological processes, water retention and the maintenance of surrounding ecosystems.

3. Climate resilience: Healthy wetlands can help communities adapt to floods, droughts and changing rainfall patterns.

4. Sustainable livelihoods: Wetland conservation can support fisheries, local economic activities, environmental education and responsible tourism.

5. Stronger environmental governance: Ramsar recognition increases the importance of systematic monitoring, management planning and coordination among government agencies and local communities.

Challenges in Wetland Conservation in India

Despite progress in identifying and protecting wetlands, several challenges remain:

• Encroachment and conversion of wetlands for construction or agriculture.

• Pollution from sewage, plastics, industrial discharge and agricultural runoff.

• Siltation caused by soil erosion and catchment degradation.

• Spread of invasive alien species.

• Overexploitation of fish and other natural resources.

• Weak enforcement of conservation rules and insufficient public awareness.

• Increasing pressure from urbanisation and climate change.

Addressing these challenges requires integrated watershed management, scientific monitoring, community participation and stronger implementation of existing environmental laws and policies.

Government Initiatives for Wetland Conservation

Several initiatives support wetland conservation and restoration in India.

1. National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems (NPCA): Supports the conservation and management of identified wetlands and lakes.

2. Amrit Dharohar: A government initiative focused on promoting the conservation and sustainable use of Ramsar Sites, including biodiversity protection and livelihood opportunities.

3. Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017: Provide a regulatory framework for the conservation and management of notified wetlands.

4. Ramsar Convention: Encourages international cooperation, the wise use of wetlands and the designation of wetlands of international importance.

UPSC and APSC Exam Relevance

This development is relevant to General Studies Paper III — Environment and Ecology, particularly wetland conservation, biodiversity, environmental governance and climate resilience.

Important facts for Prelims

• Latest Ramsar Site tally announced: 103

• Newly added sites: Sukhna Wetland and Sauj Jheel

• Sukhna Wetland: Chandigarh; Ramsar Site No. 2602

• Sauj Jheel: Uttar Pradesh; Ramsar Site No. 2603

• Ramsar Convention adopted: 1971

• Place of adoption: Ramsar, Iran

• Important bird corridor relevant to Sukhna: Central Asian Flyway

• Sauj Jheel is associated with the Ganga floodplain.

Possible Mains Question

“Wetlands play a vital role in biodiversity conservation, climate resilience and sustainable livelihoods. Discuss the major challenges facing wetland conservation in India and suggest suitable measures.”

Suggested approach: Begin with the ecological importance of wetlands, discuss pollution, encroachment, invasive species and governance challenges, and conclude with integrated management, community participation and scientific monitoring.

Conclusion

The addition of Sukhna Wetland and Sauj Jheel has taken India’s Ramsar Site tally to 103, reflecting growing international recognition of the country’s wetland ecosystems.

However, designation alone cannot guarantee ecological protection. Long-term conservation depends on maintaining water quality, protecting catchments, restoring habitats and involving local communities in sustainable management.

Protecting wetlands is essential not only for biodiversity but also for water security, climate resilience and the well-being of future generations.

Source: Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change; The Convention on Wetlands (Ramsar).

Disclaimer: This article is intended for educational and informational purposes. Readers should consult official government and Ramsar publications for updated information.