Context:

Wetlands are not merely natural resources; they constitute the foundational base of national interests related to peace, security, livelihoods, water, and food security. Recently, on 2 February 2026 (World Wetlands Day), Patna Bird Sanctuary (Uttar Pradesh) and Chhari-Dhand (Gujarat) were designated as wetlands of international importance under the Ramsar Convention, bringing the total number of Ramsar sites in India to 98. This recognition reflects India’s environmental commitment and its strategic approach toward conservation.

Wetlands:

• • • Wetlands include marshes, lakes, large riverine ponds, coastal mangroves, and deep as well as shallow water bodies. They are not merely static water reservoirs but complex ecosystems that provide integrated services such as biodiversity conservation, regulation of the water cycle, soil structure maintenance, water storage, and natural disaster mitigation (flood control).
    • According to the Ramsar Convention, wetlands are defined as “areas of marsh, fen, peatland or water, whether natural or artificial, permanent or temporary, with water that is static or flowing, fresh, brackish or salt, including areas of marine water the depth of which at low tide does not exceed six meters.”

Types of Wetlands

1.       Freshwater wetlands – Lakes, ponds, and riverine zones

2.      Marshlands and swamps

3.      Coastal wetlands – Mangroves, lagoons

4.     Artificial wetlands – Reservoirs, irrigation tanks, aquaculture areas

The concept of wetlands is broad and encompasses both natural and human-made systems.

Importance of Wetlands

1. Ecological Importance

(a) Biodiversity Conservation
Wetlands provide habitat for numerous migratory birds, fish, amphibians, and wildlife species. For instance, Chilika Lake, one of Asia’s largest brackish water lagoons is a major refuge for migratory birds.

(b) Contribution to the Water Cycle
Wetlands store rainwater and facilitate groundwater recharge.

(c) Water Purification
They function as natural filters, absorbing pollutants from water.

2. Economic Importance

• • Income generation through fisheries
  • Tourism and bird watching
  • Water availability for agriculture
  • Reduced costs from disaster mitigation

Healthy wetlands provide stability to local economies.

3. Social and Cultural Importance

• • Foundation of livelihoods for local communities
  • Integration with traditional knowledge and lifestyles
  • Religious and cultural significance

Many lakes and water bodies are associated with religious ceremonies and cultural traditions.

4. Role in Disaster Management

• • Flood control
  • Cyclone protection (especially coastal mangroves)
  • Water storage during drought conditions

Thus, wetlands function as natural disaster regulation systems.

5. Contribution to Climate Change Mitigation

• • Carbon sequestration
  • Temperature regulation
  • Ecological stability

Wetlands play a crucial role in reducing the impacts of climate change.

Ramsar Site Designation in India:

• • India signed the Ramsar Convention on 1 February 1982. To ensure wetland conservation, the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules have been implemented. Under these rules, state-level authorities are established to identify, conserve, and manage wetlands.
  • The process of Ramsar designation begins with proposals from state governments to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC). Proposals are examined under nine criteria, and approved submissions are forwarded to the international Ramsar Secretariat through the Ramsar Sites Information Service (RSIS).

Key Stages in the Nomination Process:

• • Local Identification: State Wetland Authorities or relevant institutions identify wetlands meeting ecological or biodiversity criteria.
  • Proposal Preparation: The state government prepares a Ramsar Information Sheet (RIS).
  • Central Approval: The proposal is examined by an expert committee under MoEFCC.
  • International Nomination: Upon approval, the proposal is sent to the Ramsar Secretariat in Switzerland.
  • Inclusion in the List: After verification, the site is added to the international Ramsar list.

Important Criteria for Selection:

• • Presence of rare or unique ecosystems
  • Support for endangered species or high biodiversity
  • Hosting significant populations of waterfowl

Initially, India had very few Ramsar sites. However, between 2014 and 2026, the number increased from 26 to 98, indicating a substantial expansion of conservation efforts.

Newly Added Sites:

·        Patna Bird Sanctuary (Uttar Pradesh): A medium-sized pond covering approximately 108 hectares that becomes a habitat for hundreds of migratory and resident birds each winter.

·        Chhari-Dhand (Gujarat): A seasonal marshland situated in the arid landscape of Kutch, serving as a vibrant center of biodiversity with numerous migratory birds and wildlife.

The inclusion of these sites demonstrates that wetlands are not limited to large or permanent water bodies; small, seasonal, and socio-ecologically significant systems also merit global recognition.

India’s Wetland Conservation Policies:

• • Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017: Mandate state-level authorities and community participation in conservation.
  • National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems (NPCA), 2015: Integrates the National Wetland Conservation Programme (NWCP) and the National Lake Conservation Plan (NLCP).
  • Amrit Dharohar Capacity Building Scheme, 2023: Enhances wetland management through sustainable practices and traditional knowledge by training officials and communities.
  • National Wetland Conservation Programme (NWCP), 1987: Provides financial assistance for state-level conservation and restoration.

Challenges:

Despite the rise in Ramsar designations, wetlands in India face serious challenges:

1. Rapid Decline of Wetlands

• • • Nearly 40% of India’s natural wetlands have been lost over the past three decades.
    • About half of the remaining wetlands show ecological degradation due to pollution, improper land use, and climate change.

2. Pollution and Untreated Discharge

Untreated sewage, agricultural runoff, and industrial effluents severely affect water quality and biodiversity.

3. Developmental Pressures and Land Conversion

Urban expansion, encroachments, and infrastructure projects such as roads, dams, and flood-control structures disrupt natural water flows and ecological functions.

Ramsar designation alone is a formal recognition and not sufficient for sustainable conservation. Effective implementation of regulation, monitoring, and community participation is essential.

Way Forward:

1.       Clear Mapping and Public Data
Wetland boundaries must be clearly demarcated and made publicly accessible to prevent illegal land-use change.

2.      Community Participation and Traditional Knowledge
Local communities, farmers, and fishers must be integrated into conservation strategies to ensure monitoring, innovation, and long-term sustainability.

3.      Science-Based Management and Research
Regular monitoring of biodiversity, water quality, and hydrological parameters is necessary for objective ecosystem assessment.

Conclusion:

The expansion of Ramsar designations in India is a significant achievement. Protecting wetlands is not merely an environmental obligation but a foundation for water security, social stability, and economic development. It reflects India’s global commitment and ecological consciousness. However, conservation cannot remain confined to designation alone. It requires a visionary, scientific, coordinated, and community-centered policy framework in which wetlands are redefined and managed as national public assets essential for sustainable development.