Explore The Updated List Of 89 Ramsar Sites In India 2025. Learn About Their Ecological Importance, Designation Process, And India’s Wetland Conservation Efforts. Let me know if you want variations with a focus on exams, UPSC prep, or SEO keywords like “wetlands in India.”
theIAShub | 14 Apr, 2025 | 2011 | 0
Ramsar Sites in India are designated wetlands of international importance under the Ramsar Convention, a global treaty for wetland conservation. These sites provide critical habitats for biodiversity, support water regulation, and benefit local communities. As of 2025, India has significantly expanded its network of Ramsar Sites, reflecting its commitment to environmental sustainability.
Ramsar Sites are wetlands identified for conservation due to their ecological, biological, and hydrological importance. The designation is based on criteria that include biodiversity, support for threatened species, and role in groundwater recharge. India signed the Ramsar Convention in 1982 and has since added numerous wetlands to the list.
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In India, Ramsar Sites are designated through a collaborative process involving the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), state governments, and scientific organizations. A proposed wetland undergoes ecological assessments and stakeholder consultations before being nominated for Ramsar recognition. Upon approval by the Ramsar Secretariat, the wetland gains international protection and support.
As of 2025, there are 89 Ramsar Sites in India spanning across various ecological zones. These wetlands collectively cover over 1.2 million hectares and contribute significantly to global biodiversity.
Below is the list of all the Ramsar Sites in India as of now along with the states in which they are situated.
| S.No. | Ramsar Site | State | Year |
| 1 | Kolleru Lake | Andhra Pradesh | 2002 |
| 2 | Deepor Beel | Assam | 2002 |
| 3 | Kanwar (Kabar) Taal | Bihar | 2020 |
| 4 | Nanda Lake | Goa | 2022 |
| 5 | Khijadia WLS | Gujarat | 2021 |
| 6 | Nalsarovar BS | Gujarat | 2012 |
| 7 | Thol Lake | Gujarat | 2021 |
| 8 | Wadhvana Wetland | Gujarat | 2021 |
| 9 | Bhindawas WLS | Haryana | 2021 |
| 10 | Sultanpur NP | Haryana | 2021 |
| 11 | Chandra Taal | Himachal Pradesh | 2005 |
| 12 | Pong Dam Lake | Himachal Pradesh | 2002 |
| 13 | Renuka Lake | Himachal Pradesh | 2005 |
| 14 | Ranganathituu BS | Karnataka | 2022 |
| 15 | Magadi Kere Conservation Reserve | Karnataka | 2024 |
| 16 | Ankasamudra Bird Conservation Reserve | Karnataka | 2024 |
| 17 | Aghanashini Estuary | Karnataka | 2024 |
| 18 | Ashtamudi Wetland | Kerala | 2002 |
| 19 | Sasthamkotta Lake | Kerala | 2002 |
| 20 | Vembanad-Kol Wetland (Longest Lake in India) | Kerala | 1905 |
| 21 | Bhoj Wetland | Madhya Pradesh | 2002 |
| 22 | Sakhya Sagar | Madhya Pradesh | 2022 |
| 23 | Sirpur wetland | Madhya Pradesh | 2022 |
| 24 | Yashwant Sagar | Madhya Pradesh | 2022 |
| 25 | Lonar Lake (Impact Crater Lake) | Maharashtra | 2020 |
| 26 | Nandur Madhameshwar | Maharashtra | 2019 |
| 27 | Thane Creek | Maharashtra | 2022 |
| 28 | Loktak Lake | Manipur | 1990 |
| 29 | Pala Wetland | Mizoram | 2021 |
| 30 | Ansupa Lake | Odisha | 2021 |
| 31 | Bhitarkanika Mangroves | Odisha | 2002 |
| 32 | Chilika Lake (Oldest Ramsar Site in India) | Odisha | 1981 |
| 33 | Hirakud Reservoir | Odisha | 2021 |
| 34 | Satkosia Gorge | Odisha | 2021 |
| 35 | Tampara Lake | Odisha | 2021 |
| 36 | Beas CnR | Punjab | 2019 |
| 37 | Harike Wetland | Punjab | 1990 |
| 38 | Kanjli Wetland | Punjab | 2002 |
| 39 | Keshopur-Miani CmR | Punjab | 2019 |
| 40 | Nangal WLS | Punjab | 2019 |
| 41 | Ropar Wetland | Punjab | 2002 |
| 42 | Keoladeo National Park | Rajasthan | 1981 |
| 43 | Sambhar Lake | Rajasthan | 1990 |
| 44 | Chitrangudi BS | Tamil Nadu | 2021 |
| 45 | Gulf of Mannar Marine BR | Tamil Nadu | 2022 |
| 46 | Kanjirankulam BS | Tamil Nadu | 2022 |
| 47 | Karikili BS | Tamil Nadu | 2022 |
| 48 | Koonthankulam BS | Tamil Nadu | 2021 |
| 49 | Pallikaranai Marsh Reserve Forest | Tamil Nadu | 2022 |
| 50 | Pichavaram Mangrove | Tamil Nadu | 2022 |
| 51 | Point Calimere WLS & BS | Tamil Nadu | 2002 |
| 52 | Suchindram Theroor Wetland Complex | Tamil Nadu | 2022 |
| 53 | Udhayamarthandapuram BS | Tamil Nadu | 2022 |
| 54 | Vaduvur BS | Tamil Nadu | 2022 |
| 55 | Vedanthangal BS | Tamil Nadu | 2022 |
| 56 | Vellode BS | Tamil Nadu | 2022 |
| 57 | Vembannur Wetland Complex | Tamil Nadu | 2022 |
| 58 | Karaivetti Bird Sanctuary | Tamil Nadu | 2024 |
| 59 | Longwood Shola Reserve Forest | Tamil Nadu | 2024 |
| 60 | Rudrasagar Lake | Tripura | 2005 |
| 61 | Hokera Wetland | UT of JK | 2005 |
| 62 | Hygam Wetland CnR | UT of JK | 2022 |
| 63 | Shallbugh Wetland CnR | UT of JK | 2022 |
| 64 | Surinsar-Mansar Lakes | UT of JK | 2005 |
| 65 | Wular Lake | UT of JK | 1990 |
| 66 | Tso Kar (High Altitude Ramsar Site) | UT of Ladakh | 2020 |
| 67 | Tsomoriri (High Altitude Ramsar Site) | UT of Ladakh | 2002 |
| 68 | Bakhira WLS | Uttar Pradesh | 2021 |
| 69 | Haiderpur Wetland | Uttar Pradesh | 2021 |
| 70 | Nawabganj BS | Uttar Pradesh | 2019 |
| 71 | Parvati Arga BS | Uttar Pradesh | 2019 |
| 72 | Saman BS | Uttar Pradesh | 2019 |
| 73 | Samaspur BS | Uttar Pradesh | 2019 |
| 74 | Sandi BS | Uttar Pradesh | 2019 |
| 75 | Sarsai Nawar Jheel | Uttar Pradesh | 2019 |
| 76 | Sur Sarovar (Keetham Lake) | Uttar Pradesh | 2020 |
| 77 | Upper Ganga River (Brijghat to Narora) | Uttar Pradesh | 2005 |
| 78 | Asan Barrage | Uttarakhand | 2020 |
| 79 | East Kolkata Wetlands | West Bengal | 2002 |
| 80 | Sundarban Wetland (Largest Ramsar Site in India) | West Bengal | 2019 |
| 81 | Nagi Bird Sanctuary | Bihar | 2009 |
| 82 | Nakti Bird Sanctuary | Bihar | 1984 |
| 83 | Kazhuveli Bird Sanctuary | Tamil Nadu | 2024 |
| 84 | Nanjarayan Bird Sanctuary | Tamil Nadu | 2024 |
| 85 | Tawa Reservoir | Madhya Pradesh | 2024 |
| 86 | Therthangal Bird Sanctuary | Tamil Nadu | 2025 |
| 87 | Sakkarakottai Bird Sanctuary | Tamil Nadu | 2025 |
| 88 | Khecheopalri Wetland | Sikkim | 2025 |
| 89 | Udhwa Lake | Jharkhand | 2025 |
India’s Ramsar Sites are distributed across different states, contributing to regional ecological balance. Here are some notable examples:
| S.No. | State/UT | No. of Sites | Ramsar Sites |
| 1. | Andhra Pradesh | 1 | Kolleru Lake |
| 2. | Assam | 1 | Deepor Beel |
| 3. | Bihar | 3 | Kanwar Lake
Nagi Bird Sanctuary Nakti Bird Sanctuary |
| 4. | Goa | 1 | Nanda Lake |
| 5. | Gujarat | 4 | Khijadiya
Nalsarovar Thol Lake Wadhvana Wetland |
| 6. | Haryana | 2 | Sultanpur National Park,
Bhindawas Wildlife Sanctuary |
| 7. | Himachal Pradesh | 3 | Chandra Taal
Pong Dam Lake, Renuka Lake |
| 8. | Jammu and Kashmir | 5 | Hokersar Wetland,
Hygam Wetland Conservation Reserve, Shallbugh Wetland Conservation Reserve, Surinsar-Mansar Lakes, Wular Lake |
| 9. | Karnataka | 4 | Aghanashini Estuary
Magadi Kere Conservation Reserve Ranganathittu BS Ankasamudra Bird Conservation Reserve |
| 10. | Kerala | 3 | Ashtamudi Wetland,
Sasthamkotta Lake, Vembanad-Kol Wetland |
| 11. | Ladakh | 2 | Tso Kar,
Tsomoriri Lake |
| 12. | Madhya Pradesh | 5 | Bhoj Wetland,
Sakhya Sagar, Sirpur Lake, Yashwant Sagar Tawa River |
| 13. | Maharashtra | 3 | Lonar Lake,
Nandur Madhameshwar, Thane Creek |
| 14. | Manipur | 1 | Loktak Lake |
| 15. | Mizoram | 1 | Pala Wetland |
| 16. | Odisha | 6 | Ansupa Lake,
Bhitarkanika Mangroves, Chilika Lake, Hirakud Reservoir, Satkosia Gorge, Tampara Lake |
| 17. | Punjab | 6 | Beas Conservation Reserve,
Harike Wetland, Kanjli Wetland, Keshopur-Miani Community Reserve, Nangal Wildlife Sanctuary, Ropar Wetland |
| 18. | Rajasthan | 2 | Keoladeo National Park,
Sambhar Lake |
| 19. | Tamil Nadu | 20 | Vellode Bird Sanctuary
Kanjirankulam Bird Sanctuary Longwood Shola Reserve Forest, Karaivetti Bird Sanctuary Vaduvur Bird Sanctuary Suchindram Theroor Wetland Complex Chitrangudi Bird Sanctuary Udayamarthandapuram Bird Sanctuary Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary Vembanur Wetland Complex Koonthankulam Bird Sanctuary Karikili Bird Sanctuary Pichavaram Mangrove Gulf of Mannar Marine Biosphere Reserve Pallikaranai Marsh Reserve Forest Point Calimere Wildlife Bird Sanctuary Kazhuveli Sanctuary Nanjarayan Bird Sanctuary Sakkarakottai Bird Sanctuary Therthangal Bird Sanctuary |
| 20. | Tripura | 1 | Rudrasagar Lake |
| 21. | Uttar Pradesh | 10 | Bakhira Sanctuary,
Haiderpur Wetland, Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary, Parvati Arga Bird Sanctuary, Saman Bird Sanctuary, Samaspur Bird Sanctuary, Sandi Bird Sanctuary, Sarsai Nawar Jheel, Sur Sarovar, Upper Ganga River |
| 22. | Uttarakhand | 1 | Asan Barrage |
| 23. | West Bengal | 2 | East Kolkata Wetlands,
Sundarban Wetland |
| 24. | Sikkim | 1 | Khecheopalri Wetland |
| 25. | Jharkhand | 1 | Udhwa Lake |
India’s first Ramsar Sites were designated in 1982. The Chilika Lake in Odisha and Keoladeo National Park in Rajasthan were the initial sites, recognized for their ecological significance and role as bird habitats.
To categorize the diverse Ramsar Sites in India, distinctions are drawn based on geographical origin, nutrient status, vegetation types, and thermal characteristics.
| Wetland Category | Ramsar Sites |
| Glaciatic Wetlands |
|
| Tectonic Wetlands |
|
| Oxbow Wetlands |
|
| Lagoons |
|
| Crater Wetlands |
|
| Urban Wetlands |
|
| Reservoirs |
|
| Mangroves |
|
Ramsar Sites in India exhibit a diverse range of features, reflecting the country’s rich ecological and geographical diversity. These features are instrumental in supporting biodiversity, water resources, and the overall well-being of the environment. Given below are some essential features of:
| 1. | Biodiversity Hotspots | Ramsar Sites in India harbor diverse plant and animal species, providing critical habitat for resident and migratory birds, mammals, reptiles, and aquatic life. |
| 2. | Wetland Types | India’s Ramsar Sites encompass various wetland types, including lakes, rivers, estuaries, mangrove forests, marshes, swamps, and coastal lagoons, each supporting unique ecosystems. |
| 3. | Mangrove Forests | Coastal Ramsar Sites in India feature extensive mangrove forests, offering breeding grounds for fish, acting as coastal erosion buffers, and storing large amounts of carbon. |
| 4. | Aquatic Vegetation | Ramsar Sites often showcase lush aquatic vegetation such as water lilies, lotus, reeds, and submerged plants, crucial for maintaining water quality and providing food and shelter. |
| 5. | Migratory Bird Habitats | India’s Ramsar Sites serve as critical stopover points for migratory birds along the Central Asian Flyway, providing food and rest for millions of birds during their journeys. |
| 6. | Endangered Species | Some Ramsar Sites house endangered or threatened species, like Keoladeo National Park, a crucial habitat for the endangered Siberian crane. |
| 7. | Cultural Significance | Ramsar Sites often hold cultural and historical significance for local communities, integrated into traditional practices and beliefs. |
| 8. | Tourism and Recreation | Several Ramsar Sites attract tourists and nature enthusiasts, offering opportunities for birdwatching, boating, fishing, and eco-tourism, contributing to local economies. |
| 9. | Water Supply | Ramsar Sites serve as a source of freshwater for nearby communities, necessitating proper management for sustainable clean water supply. |
| 10. | Research and Education | Many Ramsar Sites support research and educational activities, serving as living laboratories for studying wetland ecosystems, biodiversity, and conservation strategies. |
| 11. | Climate Resilience | Wetlands, including Ramsar Sites, play a vital role in climate resilience by absorbing and storing excess water during heavy rainfall and releasing it slowly during dry periods. |
| 12. | Traditional Practices | Some Ramsar Sites are managed using traditional and sustainable practices passed down through generations, contributing to the ecological balance of the wetlands. |
Ramsar Sites provide multiple benefits, including:
Wetlands play a vital role in filtering water, preventing floods, and supporting diverse life forms. They act as carbon sinks, helping to address climate change. They also contribute to the economy through fishing, farming, and tourism. But wetlands are under threat due to pollution and expanding urban areas. Their protection is key to maintaining both environmental balance and economic value. Below are some of the major conservation efforts at different levels:
Montreux Record (1990) – This is a list under the Ramsar Convention highlighting wetlands where ecological changes have occurred or are likely due to human activities, pollution, or technological development. It helps identify priority sites for conservation action.
World Wetlands Day – Observed on February 2nd each year, it commemorates the signing of the Ramsar Convention in 1971. The day focuses on spreading awareness of wetlands’ importance and encouraging steps to prevent their degradation.
Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017 – These rules set up a structured framework to protect India’s wetlands. They call for the creation of State Wetland Authorities and involve communities in conservation. They also restrict harmful activities that could damage these ecosystems.
National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems (NPCA), 2015 – This integrated plan merged earlier schemes for wetlands and lakes. It aims to protect aquatic ecosystems using a holistic approach, including research, capacity building, and local participation.
Amrit Dharohar Capacity Building Scheme, 2023 – This program trains and equips people involved in wetland conservation—government staff, local groups, and practitioners. It supports sustainable practices and emphasizes traditional knowledge in managing wetlands.
National Wetland Conservation Programme (NWCP), 1987 – This long-running initiative provides financial aid to states to develop and implement wetland management plans. It seeks to stop wetland degradation, restore damaged ecosystems, and increase public and policymaker awareness.
India’s Ramsar Sites demonstrate the country’s dedication to wetland conservation. With 85 Ramsar Sites in 2025, these wetlands not only safeguard biodiversity but also provide essential ecological services. Responsible tourism and community involvement can further enhance their conservation. Visit the official MoEFCC website for the updated Ramsar Sites in India List 2025.
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Chilika Lake in Odisha and Keoladeo National Park in Rajasthan were the first Ramsar Sites in India, designated in 1982.
The Sundarbans Wetland in West Bengal is the largest Ramsar Site, covering around 423,000 hectares.
Renuka Wetland in Himachal Pradesh is the smallest Ramsar Site, spanning just 20 hectares.
Ramsar Sites are designated through ecological assessments and government nominations, followed by approval from the Ramsar Secretariat.
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