Why in news
- Sukhna Wetland in Chandigarh and Sauj Jheel in Uttar Pradesh have been officially designated as Ramsar sites.
- With these two new additions, India's total number of Ramsar sites under the Ramsar Convention reached 103.
Key terms
Ramsar Site
A wetland designated to be of international importance under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of 1971.
Wise Use
The maintenance of wetland ecological character achieved through sustainable development approaches.
Amrit Dharohar
A government scheme aiming to conserve wetlands and enhance local livelihoods through community involvement.
Montreux Record
A register of Ramsar sites where changes in ecological character have occurred, are occurring, or are likely to occur.
What are the new additions?
- Sukhna Wetland (Chandigarh): Human-made lake created in 1958 at the foothills of the Shivalik range, serving as a critical refuge for migratory birds.
- Sauj Jheel (Uttar Pradesh): Natural freshwater wetland ecosystem crucial for local biodiversity, water security, and supporting Sarus crane habitats.
Ecological and Policy Significance
- Designation under the Ramsar Convention obligates the state to maintain the ecological character of the wetlands through 'wise use'.
- Aligns with the Amrit Dharohar initiative aimed at promoting conservation values, eco-tourism, and sustainable carbon sinks across Indian wetlands.
Prelims facts
- Sukhna Lake lies at the Shivalik foothills in Chandigarh.
- India holds the highest number of Ramsar sites in South Asia.
Source: PIB
Same topic · past papers
UPSC has asked this before
These previous-year questions sit on the same topic. Open one to practise the earlier ask.
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2019 · Q40 · General Studies · 2 marks
Consider the following statements: 1. Under Ramsar Convention, it is mandatory on the part of the Government of India to protect and conserve all the wetlands in the territory of India. 2. The Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2010 were framed by the Government of India based on the recommendation of Ramsar Convention. 3. The Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2010 also encompass the drainage area or catchment regions of the wetlands as determined by the authority. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? -
2026 · Q32 · General Studies · 2 marks
With reference to Madhav National Park, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. It was declared a Tiger Reserve in India in 2025. 2. Sakhya Sagar, which is designated as a Ramsar Site, is situated within this National Park. 3. Its area is shared between Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. Select the answer using the code given below: -
2018 · Q7 · GS III · 10 marks
What is wetland? Explain the Ramsar concept of 'wise use' in the context of wetland conservation. Cite two examples of Ramsar sites from India. (150 Words, 10 Marks). -
2023 · Q17 · GS III · 15 marks
Comment on the National Wetland Conservation Programme initiated by the Government of India and name a few India's wetlands of international importance included in the Ramsar Sites. -
2022 · Q30 · General Studies · 2 marks
Consider the following pairs: Wetland/Lake - Location 1. Hokera Wetland - Punjab 2. Renuka Wetland - Himachal Pradesh 3. Rudrasagar Lake - Tripura 4. Sasthamkotta Lake - Tamil Nadu How many pairs given above are correctly matched?