On 15 October 2026, Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav announced the addition of Sukhna Wetland in Chandigarh and Sauj Jheel in Uttar Pradesh, taking India’s total Ramsar sites to 103.
Important Points
- New Ramsar Sites: Sukhna Wetland (Chandigarh) and Sauj Jheel (Uttar Pradesh).
- Sukhna Wetland: Located at the foothills of the Shivalik Hills, it supports resident and migratory waterbirds, including the vulnerable common pochard.
- Sauj Jheel: Located in the Ganga floodplain near Saman Bird Sanctuary, it regularly supports over 30,000 waterbirds, including the vulnerable sarus crane.
- International Framework: The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands was signed in 1971. India became a party in 1982.
- Policy Initiative: The Amrit Dharohar Scheme, announced in the Union Budget 2023–24, promotes wetland conservation and sustainable use.
- Significance: The additions strengthen biodiversity conservation, migratory bird habitats, water security, climate resilience and community livelihoods.
