Ramsar Sites in India: Complete List and Conservation Facts (2025 Update)

India's wetlands serve as the lifeblood of its ecosystems, providing essential habitat for migratory birds and maintaining critical water cycles. As a signatory to the international Ramsar Convention, established in 1971 in Ramsar, Iran, India has made significant strides in preserving these aquatic treasures. With the recent expansion in early 2025, India now officially hosts 89 Ramsar Sites, securing its position as the country with the highest number of such wetlands in Asia.

Historical Context and Global Standing

India joined the global conservation effort on February 1, 1982, when the Ramsar Convention officially came into force. Today, India ranks third globally in terms of total sites, trailing only the United Kingdom (175) and Mexico (142). The total area covered by these 89 designated sites spans an impressive 1,332,746.24 hectares. This conservation framework ensures that ecologically fragile zones are protected from pollution and unsustainable development, often using tools like the Montreux Record to monitor wetlands facing severe degradation.

Key Facts about Indian Ramsar Sites

• Tamil Nadu has the highest number of Ramsar Sites (20).
• Jharkhand and Sikkim received first-ever Ramsar designations.
• First wetlands in India: Keoladeo National Park (Rajasthan) and Chilika Lake (Odisha).
• Largest site: Sunderban (West Bengal).
• Smallest site: Renuka (Himachal Pradesh).

New Designations in 2025

The year 2025 marked a milestone for Indian conservation as four new wetlands were added to the list: Sakkarakottai Bird Sanctuary and Therthangal Bird Sanctuary (both in Tamil Nadu), the sacred Khecheopalri Wetland (Sikkim), and Udhwa Lake (Jharkhand).

S.No.	New Ramsar Site	State/UT
1	Sakkarakottai Bird Sanctuary	Tamil Nadu
2	Therthangal Bird Sanctuary	Tamil Nadu
3	Khecheopalri Wetland	Sikkim
4	Udhwa Lake	Jharkhand

Complete List of Ramsar Sites in India

Ramsar Site (State/UT)	Inclusion Year	Key Notes
Chilika Lake (Odisha)	1981	First Ramsar site in India; world's second-largest coastal lagoon.
Keoladeo National Park (Rajasthan)	1981	Famous for Siberian Crane; included in Montreux Record.
Sunderban (West Bengal)	2019	Largest Ramsar site in India.
Renuka (Himachal Pradesh)	2005	Smallest Ramsar site in India.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many Ramsar Sites are there in India?

Following the addition of four new wetlands in early 2025, the total number of recognized Ramsar Sites in India is 89.

What is the Montreux Record?

The Montreux Record is a specific register maintained under the Ramsar Convention to track and monitor the ecological health and changes in status of designated wetlands of international importance.