List of Ramsar Sites in India 2026 for UPSC

Ramsar Sites are wetlands of international importance designated under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands for their ecological, biodiversity, and conservation value. Ramsar Sites are one of the most important topics for the UPSC Environment & Ecology syllabus.

With India continuously adding new wetlands, this topic has become highly dynamic and significant, especially for the upcoming UPSC Prelims 2026 examination. Here you will find a complete and updated list of Ramsar Sites in India for 2026 for UPSCy.

Ramsar Sites are wetlands of international importance designated under the Ramsar Convention, an intergovernmental treaty signed in 1971 in the Iranian city of Ramsar. The primary aim of this convention is to conserve and sustainably use wetlands, recognising their critical role in supporting biodiversity, maintaining water cycles, and providing essential ecosystem services such as flood control, water purification, and carbon storage.

Wetlands classified as Ramsar Sites are recognised for their ecological significance on a global scale. These can include lakes, rivers, marshes, mangroves, peatlands, coral reefs, and even man-made sites such as reservoirs and rice paddies.

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Under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, a wetland is designated as a Ramsar Site based on specific scientific and ecological criteria. A wetland can qualify as a Ramsar Site if it meets any one of the following key criteria:

1. Representative or Unique Wetland Type

• Contains a representative, rare, or unique example of a natural or near-natural wetland type within a biogeographic region.

2. Biodiversity Conservation

• Supports vulnerable, endangered, or critically endangered species or threatened ecological communities. 

3. Support to Species at Critical Life Stages

• Supports plant and/or animal species at a critical stage in their life cycles or provides refuge during adverse conditions.

4. Maintain Biological Diversity 

• Supports populations of plant and/or animal species important for maintaining the biological diversity of a particular biogeographic region. 

5. Waterbird Population Criteria (Quantitative)

• Regularly supports 20,000 or more waterbirds, or
• Supports 1% of the individuals of a population of a particular waterbird species.

6. Fish Diversity and Ecological Value

• Supports a significant proportion of indigenous fish species, their life stages, and ecological interactions, contributing to global biodiversity.

7. Ecological Functions

• Supports a significant proportion of indigenous fish species, their life stages, and ecological interactions, contributing to global biodiversity

8. Support to Other Species (Non-Avian)

• Regularly supports 1% of the individuals in a population of one species or subspecies of wetland-dependent non-avian animal species.

India became a party to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands on 1st February 1982 and has since designated 98 Ramsar Sites, covering a vast wetland area across the country. India currently ranks 1st in South Asia and 3rd in Asia in terms of the number of Ramsar Sites. Below is a state-wise list of Ramsar Sites in India (2026):

Also read: National Parks in India for UPSC: Complete List and Key Facts

India continues to strengthen its position under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands by expanding its network of protected wetlands. In 2025 and 2026, 13 new Ramsar Sites were added, highlighting India’s growing focus on wetland conservation, biodiversity protection, and sustainable ecosystem management.

These additions are highly important for the UPSC Prelims where recent updates are frequently asked.

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Largest, smallest, and oldest Ramsar Sites in India are highly important for Prelims. These are frequently asked in match-the-following and factual questions.

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The Montreux Record is a special register maintained under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. It includes those Ramsar Sites where ecological changes have occurred, are occurring, or are likely to occur due to human activities, pollution, or natural factors.

Ramsar Sites from India in the Montreux Record

Inclusion in the Montreux Record is not negative—it signals priority attention for restoration and better management. In India, there are two sites which are mentioned under the Montreux Record: 

Also read: Climate Change UPSC Notes: Meaning, Types, Causes & Key Initiatives

Ramsar Sites in India remain a crucial and scoring area for the UPSC Prelims under Environment and Ecology. With 98 sites, recent additions, and important facts like largest, smallest, and oldest wetlands, this topic requires regular revision and smart memorisation.

Focus on state-wise mapping, latest updates, and key factual pointers to strengthen your Prelims preparation. Revise consistently, practice MCQs, and integrate these concepts into your Mains answers.