LEAD NEWS : PRIME MINISTER WELCOMES ADDITION OF  NEW RAMSAR SITES AT PATNA BIRD SANCTUARY  IN ETAH UTTAR PRADESH AND CHHARI-DHAND IN KUTCH GUJARAT

LEAD NEWS : PRIME MINISTER WELCOMES ADDITION OF  NEW RAMSAR SITES AT PATNA BIRD SANCTUARY  IN ETAH UTTAR PRADESH AND CHHARI-DHAND IN KUTCH GUJARAT

TTT NEWS NETWORK

NEW DELHI | 31 JANUARY 2026

Prime Minister, Mr. Narendra Modi has welcomed addition of the Patna Bird Sanctuary in Etah (Uttar Pradesh) and Chhari-Dhand in Kutch (Gujarat) as Ramsar sites. Congratulating the local population and all those passionate about wetland conservation, Mr. Modi stated that these recognitions reaffirm our commitment to preserving biodiversity and protecting vital ecosystems.

Responding to a post by Union Minister, Mr. Bhupender Yadav, Prime Minister posted on X: “Delighted that the Patna Bird Sanctuary in Etah (Uttar Pradesh) and Chhari-Dhand in Kutch (Gujarat) are Ramsar sites. Congratulations to the local population there as well as all those passionate about wetland conservation. These recognitions reaffirm our commitment to preserving biodiversity and protecting vital ecosystems. May these wetlands continue to thrive as safe habitats for countless migratory and native species.”

Earlier on the day ,Union Environment Minister Mr. Bhupender Yadav announces Addition of 2 New Wetlands to India’s Ramsar List, ahead of World Wetlands Day 2026.

Patna Bird Sanctuary In Uttar Pradesh And Chhari-Dhand In Gujarat get International Recognition:

Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Mr. Bhupender Yadav has announced the addition of two new wetlands to India’s Ramsar network, ahead of World Wetlands Day on 02.02.2026.

The Minister stated in a post on social media platform ‘X’ that Patna Bird Sanctuary in Etah district of Uttar Pradesh and Chhari-Dhand in Kutch district of Gujarat have been included in the Ramsar sites list.

Mr. Yadav highlighted that under the leadership of Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi, India’s Ramsar network has expanded by over 276%, from 26 sites in 2014 to 98 sites at present. He stated that the international recognition reflects India’s strong commitment to protecting the environment and conserving its wetlands.

The Minister informed that the two wetlands provide habitat to hundreds of migratory and resident bird species. The areas are also home to wildlife such as chinkara, wolves, caracal, desert cats and desert foxes, besides endangered birds.

India is one of the Contracting Parties to the ‘Convention on Wetlands’, known as the Ramsar Convention, signed in Ramsar, Iran, in 1971. India became a signatory to the convention on 1st February 1982.

Wetlands of particular conservation value can be designated as Wetlands of International Importance. These sites are significant as they can serve as model examples of the nation’s commitment to conservation and management under internationally accepted frameworks.