India’s Ramsar Site Tally Reaches 103 With Addition of Sukhna Wetland (Chandigarh) and Sauj Jheel (UP)

Key Highlights:

• India's Ramsar Site tally has reached 103 with two new additions.
• The newly designated sites are Sukhna Wetland in Chandigarh and Sauj Jheel in Uttar Pradesh.
• The announcement was made by Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Bhupender Yadav.
• The designation occurred on October 15, 2026.

Detailed Insights:

• The increase in Ramsar Sites underscores India's strengthening commitment to wetland conservation.
• Wetlands are crucial for conserving biodiversity, enhancing water and climate security, and sustaining local livelihoods.
• The government, under Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, emphasizes the importance of wetlands for ecological and livelihood benefits.
• These additions reaffirm India's ongoing efforts to conserve its rich wetland ecosystems, aligning with initiatives like Amrit Dharohar.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Ramsar Sites: Wetlands of international importance designated under the Ramsar Convention for their ecological significance.
• Wetland Conservation: The protection and sustainable management of wetlands to preserve their ecological functions and biodiversity.
• Amrit Dharohar: A government initiative aimed at promoting the unique conservation values of Ramsar Sites across India.