India's Ramsar Site Tally Reaches 103 with New Additions
India's Ramsar site tally reaches 103 with new wetland additions Sukhna Lake in Chandigarh and Sauj Jheel in Uttar Pradesh. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change announced the milestone on October 15, 2026, strengthening the nation's commitment to wetland conservation and biodiversity.
Effective date: 2026-10-15
Table of Contents
New Ramsar Designations Announced
On 15 October 2026, the Union Ministry for Environment, Forest and Climate Change announced the addition of two new wetlands to the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance. Sukhna Lake in Chandigarh and Sauj Jheel in Uttar Pradesh were formally included, raising India's total count to 103 sites. The notification was issued by the Press Information Bureau at 8:41 PM the same day.
- ✓Sukhna Lake (Chandigarh) and Sauj Jheel (Uttar Pradesh) were added as the latest Ramsar Sites.
- ✓India's Ramsar site tally reached 103 following this addition.
- ✓The date of entry/notification for the addition of these sites is 15 October 2026.
Ministerial Statement
Union Minister Bhupender Yadav congratulated the governments of Uttar Pradesh and Chandigarh on the inclusion of their respective wetlands. He described the designations as a reflection of the country's growing commitment to wetland conservation. The Minister also invited travelers to visit Sukhna and Sauj to experience their natural beauty, noting that these sites contribute to the nation's ecological heritage.
- ✓Minister Bhupender Yadav congratulated Uttar Pradesh and Chandigarh.
- ✓The Minister invited travelers to visit Sukhna and Sauj to see their natural beauty.
- ✓The Minister highlighted the government's commitment to wetland conservation under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership.
Benefits of Wetland Conservation
The Minister outlined several benefits associated with wetland conservation, including biodiversity conservation, enhancement of water security, and climate security. He also noted that healthy wetlands sustain local livelihoods. These points were part of a broader statement on the value of preserving India's wetland ecosystems.
- ✓Benefits include biodiversity conservation.
- ✓Benefits include enhancing water and climate security.
- ✓Benefits include sustaining local livelihoods.
AmritDharohar Initiative
The Minister referenced the #AmritDharohar initiative during the announcement. This initiative supports the sustainable management and conservation of wetlands across India. Its mention in the release indicates that the new designations align with ongoing efforts to promote wetland stewardship at scale.
- ✓Minister mentioned the #AmritDharohar initiative.
- ✓The initiative supports sustainable management and conservation of wetlands.
Context of India's Ramsar Network
With the addition of Sukhna Lake and Sauj Jheel, India now hosts 103 Ramsar sites, reflecting a steady expansion of the country's wetland protection network. The Press Information Bureau release confirmed that the total count reached 103 following these two designations, marking a significant milestone in India's Ramsar site journey.
- ✓India now hosts 103 Ramsar sites after the addition.
- ✓The expansion reflects a steady growth in India's wetland protection network.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Sukhna Lake and Sauj Jheel, and why were they added as Ramsar Sites?
Sukhna Lake in Chandigarh and Sauj Jheel in Uttar Pradesh were added as the latest Ramsar Sites on 15 October 2026. Their inclusion recognises their importance as wetlands of international significance under the Ramsar Convention, contributing to India's commitment to wetland conservation.
How many Ramsar sites does India have now, and what was the count before the latest additions?
India's Ramsar site tally reached 103 following the addition of Sukhna Lake and Sauj Jheel. The Press Information Bureau release stated that the total count became 103 with the inclusion of these two wetlands. The exact count prior to this addition is not specified in the source material, but the new total stands at 103.
What benefits did the Minister highlight for wetland conservation generally?
The Minister highlighted benefits such as biodiversity conservation, enhanced water and climate security, and the sustenance of local livelihoods. These general benefits of wetland conservation were part of his statement on the value of the new designations.
What is the #AmritDharohar initiative, and how does it relate to the new sites?
The #AmritDharohar initiative was mentioned by the Minister as part of the announcement. It supports the sustainable management and conservation of wetlands across India, and its reference indicates that the new Ramsar designations align with this broader conservation framework.
Who announced the addition of Sukhna Lake and Sauj Jheel as Ramsar Sites?
Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav, announced the addition of Sukhna Lake in Chandigarh and Sauj Jheel in Uttar Pradesh as the latest Ramsar Sites on 15 October 2026.
On what date were Sukhna Lake and Sauj Jheel officially notified as Ramsar Sites?
The date of entry/notification for the addition of Sukhna Lake and Sauj Jheel as Ramsar Sites is 15 October 2026, as stated in the Press Information Bureau release dated that day.
Did the Minister invite the public to visit the newly designated sites?
Yes, the Minister invited travelers to visit Sukhna and Sauj to see their natural beauty, as part of his statement accompanying the Ramsar designations announcement.
Official sources
Check these primary sources for the latest wording, eligibility rules, dates and exceptions.
- सुखना आर्द्रभूमि (चंडीगढ़) और सौज झील (उत्तर प्रदेश) को सूची में जोड़े जाने के साथ भारत के रामसर स्थलों की संख्या 103 हुई
Press Information Bureau, Government of India
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Last reviewed: 16 October 2026