Patna Bird Sanctuary & Chhari-Dhand Get Ramsar Tag Ahead of World Wetlands Day

• Patna Bird Sanctuary in Etah (Uttar Pradesh) and Chhari-Dhand in Kutch (Gujarat) have been designated as Ramsar Sites (wetlands of international importance).
• This announcement comes ahead of World Wetlands Day, observed on February 2.
• With these additions, India now has 98 Ramsar Sites.
• The recognition highlights India’s commitment to environmental protection and wetland conservation.
• Both sites support rich biodiversity, including endangered birds and important waterbird populations.

Key Facts About the Ramsar Designation

• Convention: Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, 1971 (signed in Ramsar, Iran).
• India as Signatory: Since 1982.
• Purpose: To identify and conserve wetlands of international importance based on ecological and biodiversity criteria.
• New Total for India: 98 Ramsar Sites after inclusion of Patna Bird Sanctuary and Chhari-Dhand.
• Significance: Brings global attention, better conservation measures, and potential for improved management and funding.

Patna Bird Sanctuary, Etah (Uttar Pradesh)

Location & Landscape

• Situated in Etah district, Uttar Pradesh.
• Comprises a mix of:
  • Freshwater marshes
  • Woodlands
  • Grasslands
• Surrounded by agricultural landscapes, creating a mosaic of habitats.

Biodiversity Highlights

• Supports high biodiversity due to varied habitats.
• Bird species recorded: 178
• Plant species recorded: 252
• Particularly important for waterbird populations.

Conservation Status & Importance

• Designated as an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA) by BirdLife International.
• Now recognised as a Ramsar Site, bringing international conservation focus.
• Helps in long-term protection of migratory and resident waterbirds.

Chhari-Dhand, Kutch (Gujarat)

Location & Habitat Type

• Located in Kutch district, Gujarat.
• Type: Seasonal saline wetland.
• Situated between:
  • The Banni grasslands
  • The salt flats of Kutch

Avifaunal Importance

• Important wintering site for waterfowl.
• Supports several threatened bird species, including:
  • Critically endangered: Sociable lapwing
  • Vulnerable: Common pochard
• Hosts approximately 30,000 common cranes (Grus grus) annually.

Other Wildlife

• Home to a variety of desert and grassland fauna, including:
  • Chinkara
  • Wolves
  • Caracal
  • Desert cats
  • Desert foxes
• Provides crucial habitat in an otherwise arid landscape.

Significance for India

Growing Ramsar Network

• With these additions, India now has 98 Ramsar Sites.
• Reflects the country’s expanding network of protected wetlands.

Government’s Position

• Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav highlighted the designations on X (Twitter).
• He emphasised that the recognition reflects India’s strong commitment to:
  • Protecting the environment
  • Conserving wetlands and their biodiversity

About the Ramsar Convention

• Established: 1971, in Ramsar, Iran.
• Objective: Conservation and wise use of wetlands through local, national, and international cooperation.
• Criteria for Ramsar Sites:
  • Ecological significance
  • High biodiversity
  • Support for threatened species
  • Importance for waterbirds and fish
• India’s Role:
  • Signatory since 1982.
  • Actively expanding its list of Ramsar Sites to strengthen wetland protection.

Why These New Ramsar Tags Matter

• Enhances international recognition and oversight of these wetlands.
• Can improve conservation planning and resource allocation.
• Protects critical habitats for migratory birds and threatened species.
• Supports ecological balance in surrounding landscapes (grasslands, agriculture, arid zones).