Ramsar Sites in India have shown remarkable commitment to wetland conservation under the Ramsar Convention, with 91 Ramsar sites in india officially recognized as of June 2025. These ecologically significant wetland areas support biodiversity, provide livelihood opportunities, and play a vital role in climate regulation, water purification, and flood control.

India, with its diverse landscapes, is home to a remarkable array of wetland areas, many of which are recognized for their global ecological significance. These wetlands are designated as Ramsar Sites in India under the Ramsar Convention, an international treaty that emphasizes the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands. As of 2025, India has 91 Ramsar Sites in india, showcasing the country’s commitment to preserving its unique natural heritage.

What Are Ramsar Sites?

Ramsar Sites in India are wetlands of international importance designated under the Ramsar Convention, an international treaty adopted in the Iranian city of Ramsar in 1971. The convention aims to promote the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands worldwide due to their vital role in supporting biodiversity, maintaining ecological balance, and providing essential ecosystem services.

Importance of Ramsar Sites

• Ecological Value: Ramsar Sites are recognized for their unique ecosystems that support a rich variety of flora and fauna, including many rare, endangered, and migratory species. These wetlands act as breeding, feeding, and resting grounds for numerous aquatic and terrestrial species.
• Hydrological Functions: Wetlands regulate water flow, recharge groundwater, filter pollutants, and mitigate floods and droughts, contributing to the overall health of watersheds.
• Climate Regulation: Wetlands act as carbon sinks, helping to mitigate climate change by storing large amounts of carbon in their soils and vegetation.
• Livelihood Support: Many local communities depend on wetlands for fishing, agriculture, livestock, and traditional livelihoods, making their preservation crucial for socioeconomic well-being.

Ramsar Sites in India Overview

As of June 2025, India has 91 Ramsar Sites in India, marking its strong commitment to the conservation of wetlands. These sites are designated under the Ramsar Convention, an international treaty for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands. 

 

Parameter	Details
Total Number of Ramsar Sites	91 (as of June 2025)
First Ramsar Sites	Chilika Lake (Odisha) & Keoladeo NP (Rajasthan) – designated in 1981
Largest Ramsar Site	Sunderbans Wetland, West Bengal (4,231 sq. km approx.)
Smallest Ramsar Site	Renuka Lake, Himachal Pradesh (0.2 sq. km)
State with Most Ramsar Sites	Tamil Nadu
Total Area Covered	Approx. 13,26,677 hectares
Governing Authority	MoEFCC, Government of India
Recent Additions (2025)	Khichan & Menar (Rajasthan), 4 more added on Feb 2, 2025
India’s Global Rank	3rd highest number of Ramsar Sites globally (after UK and Mexico)

Two New Ramsar Sites in India 2025

Two new Ramsar Sites in India 2025 were added to India’s list—Khichan in Phalodi and Menar in Udaipur, Rajasthan. With these additions, India now has a total of 91 Ramsar Sites, a significant step in wetland conservation. These sites, along with the other 89, contribute to the environmental richness of the country and play a vital role in mitigating climate change.

New Ramsar Sites in India 2025

India continued its wetland conservation momentum in 2025 by adding six new Ramsar Sites, further enriching its ecological heritage and supporting global biodiversity commitments. These wetlands play a crucial role in sustaining wildlife, particularly migratory birds, and contribute to local livelihoods and climate resilience.

Ramsar Sites in India June 2025 Additions

Khichan Wetland (Phalodi), Rajasthan
Known for being a haven for migratory Demoiselle Cranes, Khichan Wetland is globally recognized for community-led bird conservation. It provides a crucial staging and wintering ground for various migratory bird species.

Menar Wetland (Udaipur), Rajasthan
Often referred to as the “Bird Village” of Rajasthan, Menar supports a wide diversity of waterfowl and migratory birds. Its recognition as a Ramsar Site highlights its importance in maintaining ecological balance and promoting avian biodiversity.

Ramsar Sites in India, February 2, 2025 Additions (World Wetlands Day)

Sakkarakottai Bird Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu
Located in the southern region, this sanctuary is rich in wetland flora and fauna, serving as a nesting ground for several resident and migratory bird species.

Therthangal Bird Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu
Another important avian habitat in Tamil Nadu, this sanctuary enhances the state’s Ramsar network. It plays a vital role in preserving wetland-dependent bird species and ecosystem health.

Khecheopalri Wetland, Sikkim
Local communities revere a sacred and ecologically sensitive lake in the Eastern Himalayas, Khecheopalri and supports unique high-altitude wetland biodiversity. It holds cultural as well as ecological significance.

Udhwa Lake Bird Sanctuary, Jharkhand
Situated near the Ganga river basin, Udhwa Lake is Jharkhand’s first Ramsar Site. It supports a diverse range of birds and aquatic species, acting as a critical habitat in eastern India.

 

List of Ramsar Sites in India List 2025 

Here is the list of total Ramsar sites in India according to their areas and states in which they are located.

S.No.	Ramsar Site	State	Year	Area (km2)
1	Kolleru Lake	Andhra Pradesh	2002	901
2	Deepor Beel	Assam	2002	40
3	Kanwar (Kabar) Taal	Bihar	2020	26.2
4	Nanda Lake	Goa	2022	0.42
5	Khijadia WLS	Gujarat	2021	6
6	Nalsarovar BS	Gujarat	2012	123
7	Thol Lake	Gujarat	2021	6.99
8	Wadhvana Wetland	Gujarat	2021	10.38
9	Bhindawas WLS	Haryana	2021	4.11
10	Sultanpur NP	Haryana	2021	142.5
11	Chandra Taal	Himachal Pradesh	2005	0.49
12	Pong Dam Lake	Himachal Pradesh	2002	156.62
13	Renuka Lake	Himachal Pradesh	2005	0.2
14	Ranganathituu BS	Karnataka	2022	5.18
15	Magadi Kere Conservation Reserve	Karnataka	2024	0.5
16	Ankasamudra Bird Conservation Reserve	Karnataka	2024	0.98
17	Aghanashini Estuary	Karnataka	2024	4.8
18	Ashtamudi Wetland	Kerala	2002	614
19	Sasthamkotta Lake	Kerala	2002	3.73
20	Vembanad-Kol Wetland (Longest Lake in India)	Kerala	1905	1512.5
21	Bhoj Wetland	Madhya Pradesh	2002	32
22	Sakhya Sagar	Madhya Pradesh	2022	2.48
23	Sirpur wetland	Madhya Pradesh	2022	1.61
24	Yashwant Sagar	Madhya Pradesh	2022	8.22
25	Lonar Lake (Impact Crater Lake)	Maharashtra	2020	4.27
26	Nandur Madhameshwar	Maharashtra	2019	14
27	Thane Creek	Maharashtra	2022	65.21
28	Loktak Lake	Manipur	1990	266
29	Pala Wetland	Mizoram	2021	18.5
30	Ansupa Lake	Odisha	2021	2.31
31	Bhitarkanika Mangroves	Odisha	2002	650
32	Chilika Lake (Oldest Ramsar Site in India)	Odisha	1981	1165
33	Hirakud Reservoir	Odisha	2021	654
34	Satkosia Gorge	Odisha	2021	981.97
35	Tampara Lake	Odisha	2021	3
36	Beas CnR	Punjab	2019	64
37	Harike Wetland	Punjab	1990	41
38	Kanjli Wetland	Punjab	2002	1.83
39	Keshopur-Miani CmR	Punjab	2019	34
40	Nangal WLS	Punjab	2019	1
41	Ropar Wetland	Punjab	2002	13.65
42	Keoladeo National Park	Rajasthan	1981	28.73
43	Sambhar Lake	Rajasthan	1990	240
44	Chitrangudi BS	Tamil Nadu	2021	2.6
45	Gulf of Mannar Marine BR	Tamil Nadu	2022	526.72
46	Kanjirankulam BS	Tamil Nadu	2022	0.96
47	Karikili BS	Tamil Nadu	2022	0.584
48	Koonthankulam BS	Tamil Nadu	2021	0.72
49	Pallikaranai Marsh Reserve Forest	Tamil Nadu	2022	12.475
50	Pichavaram Mangrove	Tamil Nadu	2022	14.786
51	Point Calimere WLS & BS	Tamil Nadu	2002	385
52	Suchindram Theroor Wetland Complex	Tamil Nadu	2022	0.94
53	Udhayamarthandapuram BS	Tamil Nadu	2022	0.44
54	Vaduvur BS	Tamil Nadu	2022	1.12
55	Vedanthangal BS	Tamil Nadu	2022	0.4
56	Vellode BS	Tamil Nadu	2022	0.77
57	Vembannur Wetland Complex	Tamil Nadu	2022	0.2
58	Karaivetti Bird Sanctuary	Tamil Nadu	2024	4.5
59	Longwood Shola Reserve Forest	Tamil Nadu	2024	1.16
60	Rudrasagar Lake	Tripura	2005	2.4
61	Hokera Wetland	UT of JK	2005	13.75
62	Hygam Wetland CnR	UT of JK	2022	8.02
63	Shallbugh Wetland CnR	UT of JK	2022	16.75
64	Surinsar-Mansar Lakes	UT of JK	2005	3.5
65	Wular Lake	UT of JK	1990	189
66	Tso Kar (High Altitude Ramsar Site)	UT of Ladakh	2020	95.77
67	Tsomoriri (High Altitude Ramsar Site)	UT of Ladakh	2002	120
68	Bakhira WLS	Uttar Pradesh	2021	28.94
69	Haiderpur Wetland	Uttar Pradesh	2021	69
70	Nawabganj BS	Uttar Pradesh	2019	2
71	Parvati Arga BS	Uttar Pradesh	2019	7
72	Saman BS	Uttar Pradesh	2019	5
73	Samaspur BS	Uttar Pradesh	2019	8
74	Sandi BS	Uttar Pradesh	2019	3
75	Sarsai Nawar Jheel	Uttar Pradesh	2019	2
76	Sur Sarovar (Keetham Lake)	Uttar Pradesh	2020	4.31
77	Upper Ganga River (Brijghat to Narora)	Uttar Pradesh	2005	265.9
78	Asan Barrage	Uttarakhand	2020	4.44
79	East Kolkata Wetlands	West Bengal	2002	125
80	Sundarban Wetland (Largest Ramsar Site in India)	West Bengal	2019	4230
81	Nagi Bird Sanctuary	Bihar	2009	791
82	Nakti Bird Sanctuary	Bihar	1984	3.33
83	Kazhuveli Bird Sanctuary	Tamil Nadu	2024	51.516
84	Nanjarayan Bird Sanctuary	Tamil Nadu	2024	1.25865
85	Tawa Reservoir	Madhya Pradesh	2024	200.50
86	Therthangal Bird Sanctuary	Tamil Nadu	2025	29.29
87	Sakkarakottai Bird Sanctuary	Tamil Nadu	2025	–
88	Khecheopalri Wetland	Sikkim	2025	–
89	Udhwa Lake	Jharkhand	2025	–
90	Khichan	Rajasthan	2025	–
91	Menar	Rajasthan	2025	–

Ramsar Sites in India List 2025 State-Wise

Here is a list of Ramsar Sites in India state-wise from the north states of Jammu Kashmir to the southern tip of Kerala. Let’s see each Ramsar site and its number.

State/UT	No. of Sites	Names of Ramsar Sites
Andhra Pradesh	1	Kolleru Lake
Assam	1	Deepor Beel
Bihar	3	Kanwar Lake Nagi Bird Sanctuary Nakti Bird Sanctuary
Goa	1	Nanda Lake
Gujarat	4	Khijadiya Nalsarovar Thol Lake  Wadhvana Wetland
Haryana	2	Sultanpur National Park,  Bhindawas Wildlife Sanctuary
Himachal Pradesh	3	Chandra Taal Pong Dam Lake,  Renuka Lake
Jammu and Kashmir	5	Hokersar Wetland,  Hygam Wetland Conservation Reserve, Shallbugh Wetland Conservation Reserve,  Surinsar-Mansar Lakes,  Wular Lake
Karnataka	4	Aghanashini Estuary Magadi Kere Conservation Reserve Ranganathittu BS Ankasamudra Bird Conservation Reserve
Kerala	3	Ashtamudi Wetland,  Sasthamkotta Lake,  Vembanad-Kol Wetland
Ladakh	2	Tso Kar,  Tsomoriri Lake
Madhya Pradesh	5	Bhoj Wetland,  Sakhya Sagar,  Sirpur Lake,  Yashwant Sagar Tawa River
Maharashtra	3	Lonar Lake,  Nandur Madhameshwar,  Thane Creek
Manipur	1	Loktak Lake
Mizoram	1	Pala Wetland
Odisha	6	Ansupa Lake, Bhitarkanika Mangroves,  Chilika Lake,  Hirakud Reservoir,  Satkosia Gorge,  Tampara Lake
Punjab	6	Beas Conservation Reserve,  Harike Wetland,  Kanjli Wetland,  Keshopur-Miani Community Reserve,  Nangal Wildlife Sanctuary,  Ropar Wetland
Rajasthan	4	Keoladeo National Park, Sambhar Lake Khichan (Phalodi), Rajasthan Menar (Udaipur), Rajasthan
Tamil Nadu	20	Vellode Bird Sanctuary Kanjirankulam Bird Sanctuary Longwood Shola Reserve Forest, Karaivetti Bird Sanctuary Vaduvur Bird Sanctuary Suchindram Theroor Wetland Complex Chitrangudi Bird Sanctuary Udayamarthandapuram Bird Sanctuary Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary Vembanur Wetland Complex Koonthankulam Bird Sanctuary Karikili Bird Sanctuary Pichavaram Mangrove Gulf of Mannar Marine Biosphere Reserve Pallikaranai Marsh Reserve Forest Point Calimere Wildlife Bird Sanctuary Kazhuveli Sanctuary Nanjarayan Bird Sanctuary Sakkarakottai Bird Sanctuary Therthangal Bird Sanctuary
Tripura	1	Rudrasagar Lake
Uttar Pradesh	10	Bakhira Sanctuary,  Haiderpur Wetland,  Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary,  Parvati Arga Bird Sanctuary,  Saman Bird Sanctuary,  Samaspur Bird Sanctuary,  Sandi Bird Sanctuary,  Sarsai Nawar Jheel,  Sur Sarovar,  Upper Ganga River
Uttarakhand	1	Asan Barrage
West Bengal	2	East Kolkata Wetlands,  Sundarban Wetland
Sikkim	1	Khecheopalri Wetland
Jharkhand	1	Udhwa Lake

India and the Ramsar Convention

The Ramsar Convention is an international treaty established in Ramsar, Iran, in 1971, aimed at the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands worldwide.

India became a part of this important global initiative by joining the convention on 1st February 1982. Since then, India has actively participated in protecting its valuable wetland ecosystems through designation and management of Ramsar Sites.

Globally, the Ramsar Convention covers over 2,466 designated Ramsar Sites, collectively spanning more than 250 million hectares of critical wetland habitats. These sites are recognized for their ecological importance, biodiversity, and role in supporting human livelihoods.

The core goals of the Ramsar Convention include:

• Conservation of wetlands to maintain their ecological character.
• Sustainable use of wetland resources to balance human needs with nature.
• International cooperation among countries to protect shared wetland ecosystems and migratory species.

Types of Wetlands in India

Ramsar Sites in India represent a diverse range of wetland ecosystems, reflecting the country’s varied geography and climate. These wetlands serve critical ecological functions—such as water purification, flood control, carbon storage, and providing habitats for countless plant and animal species.

Inland Wetlands

These are landlocked freshwater wetlands found across river basins, valleys, and plains.

• Lakes – e.g., Dal Lake (Jammu & Kashmir): A scenic high-altitude freshwater lake supporting tourism and biodiversity.
• River Floodplains – e.g., Ganga Basin Wetlands: Seasonal wetlands formed by river overflow, rich in nutrients and biodiversity.
• Swamps and Marshes – These are forested or non-forested wetlands that remain waterlogged and support amphibians, birds, and aquatic vegetation.
• Oxbow Lakes – Curved lakes formed from meandering rivers, important for birdlife and fisheries.

Coastal Wetlands

These are found along India’s long coastline, influenced by tides and salinity.

• Estuaries – e.g., Chilika Lake (Odisha): A brackish water lagoon that supports migratory birds and fish breeding.
• Mangroves – e.g., Sundarbans Wetland (West Bengal): The world’s largest mangrove forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to the Royal Bengal Tiger.
• Tidal Flats – Flat coastal areas exposed during low tide, serving as feeding grounds for shorebirds.

Human-made Wetlands

Constructed or managed wetlands that play significant roles in water conservation, agriculture, and biodiversity.

• Reservoirs – Large water bodies created for irrigation, power generation, and flood control.
• Salt Pans – e.g., Sambhar Lake (Rajasthan): Shallow wetlands used for salt extraction that also support bird populations.
• Aquaculture Ponds – Man-made ponds used for fish and shrimp farming, often attracting wetland bird species.

Conclusion

Ramsar Sites in India are a testament to the country’s ecological richness and conservation efforts. From the mangroves of the Sundarbans to the wetlands of Rajasthan, each site adds to India’s environmental heritage. The addition of new Ramsar Sites in 2025 signals India’s unwavering commitment to sustainable development and wetland protection.

Ramsar Sites in India FAQs