What is a Ramsar Site?
A Ramsar Site is a wetland recognized under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, an international treaty signed
on 2 February 1971 in Ramsar, Iran.
The convention promotes the conservation and wise use of wetlands.
India joined the convention in 1982.
India has 100 Ramsar Sites, making it one of the countries with the highest number of internationally important wetlands in Asia.
Importance of Ramsar Sites
- Protect biodiversity and wildlife.
- Support migratory birds.
- Prevent floods and droughts.
- Recharge groundwater.
- Improve climate resilience.
- Support fisheries and local livelihoods.
- Important for UPSC, SSC, Railway, BPSC, State PCS and other exams.
Latest 20 Ramsar Sites in India
| No. | Ramsar Site | State/UT |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nagi Bird Sanctuary | Bihar |
| 2 | Nakti Bird Sanctuary | Bihar |
| 3 | Nanjarayan Bird Sanctuary | Tamil Nadu |
| 4 | Kazhuveli Bird Sanctuary | Tamil Nadu |
| 5 | Longwood Shola Reserve Forest | Tamil Nadu |
| 6 | Karaivetti Bird Sanctuary | Tamil Nadu |
| 7 | Chitrangudi Bird Sanctuary | Tamil Nadu |
| 8 | Suchindram Theroor Wetland | Tamil Nadu |
| 9 | Vaduvur Bird Sanctuary | Tamil Nadu |
| 10 | Udhwa Lake | Jharkhand |
| 11 | Satkosia Gorge | Odisha |
| 12 | Ankasamudra Bird Conservation Reserve | Karnataka |
| 13 | Aghanashini Estuary | Karnataka |
| 14 | Magadi Kere Conservation Reserve | Karnataka |
| 15 | Khecheopalri Wetland | Sikkim |
| 16 | Sakkarakottai Bird Sanctuary | Tamil Nadu |
| 17 | Therthangal Bird Sanctuary | Tamil Nadu |
| 18 | Pala Wetland | Mizoram |
| 19 | Tampara Lake | Odisha |
| 20 | Hirakud Reservoir | Odisha |
Largest Ramsar Site in India
Sundarbans Wetland (West Bengal) is India’s largest Ramsar Site.
It is famous for the Royal Bengal Tiger and mangrove forests.
Smallest Ramsar Site
Renuka Wetland (Himachal Pradesh) is one of the smallest Ramsar Sites in India.
Interesting Facts Complete Ramsar Sites in India (2026)
- World Wetlands Day is celebrated every year on 2 February.
- The first Ramsar Sites in India were designated in 1981.
- Tamil Nadu has the highest number of Ramsar Sites among Indian states.
- Bihar currently has two Ramsar Sites: Nagi and Nakti Bird Sanctuaries.
- Wetlands are called the “Kidneys of the Earth” because they naturally filter water.
Competitive Exam GK
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Ramsar Convention signed in? | 1971 |
| Place of signing? | Ramsar, Iran |
| India joined? | 1982 |
| World Wetlands Day? | 2 February |
| Total Ramsar Sites in India (2026) | 91 |
| Largest Ramsar Site | Sundarbans |
| State with highest Ramsar Sites | Tamil Nadu |
Conclusion
Ramsar Sites play an essential role in conserving biodiversity, protecting water resources, and maintaining ecological balance. Their importance continues to grow as climate change and habitat loss threaten wetlands worldwide. For students preparing for UPSC, SSC, BPSC, Railway, Banking, Defence, and State PCS examinations, Ramsar Sites remain one of the most important Environment and Ecology topic