Wildlife & Environment 17 October 2026
India's Ramsar Sites Reach 103 with Inclusion of Sukhna Wetland and Sauj Jheel
Why in the News?
Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav, announced that two new wetlands—**Sukhna Wetland (Chandigarh)** and **Sauj Jheel (Uttar Pradesh)**—have been designated as Ramsar sites of international importance, taking India's total tally to **103**.
Key Features / Major Points:
- Announcement Details: Announced on October 15, 2026, highlighting India's growing commitment to wetland conservation and biodiversity preservation.
- Sukhna Wetland (Chandigarh):
- Type & Location: A man-made reservoir at the foothills of the Shivalik range in Chandigarh.
- Ramsar Designation Number: Designated as Ramsar Site No. **2602**.
- Ecological Importance: Critical stopover point along the Central Asian Flyway for migratory birds and home to endangered species like Pallas's fish eagle.
- Sauj Jheel (Uttar Pradesh):
- Type & Location: A shallow floodplain lake located in the Mainpuri district of Uttar Pradesh.
- Ramsar Designation Number: Designated as Ramsar Site No. **2603**.
- Ecological Importance: Supports over 30,000 waterbirds and serves as a vital breeding ground for the vulnerable Saras Crane.
- State Rankings: **Tamil Nadu** leads India with the maximum number of Ramsar sites (**20**), followed by **Uttar Pradesh** (**14**).
Static GK Facts:
- The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands:
- Adopted: **February 2, 1971**, in Ramsar, Iran.
- World Wetlands Day: Celebrated globally on **February 2**.
- Entry into Force for India: **February 1, 1982**.
- India's First Ramsar Sites: Chilika Lake (Odisha) and Keoladeo National Park (Rajasthan), designated in 1981.
- World's First Ramsar Site: Cobourg Peninsula, Australia (1974).
One-Liner Quiz (All Competitive Exams):
Q: What is the total number of Ramsar Sites in India after the addition of Sukhna Wetland and Sauj Jheel?
A: 103
Q: Sukhna Wetland, recently designated as Ramsar Site No. 2602, is located in which Union Territory/State?
A: Chandigarh
Q: Sauj Jheel, designated as India's 2603rd Ramsar Site, is situated in which district of Uttar Pradesh?
A: Mainpuri district
Q: Which Indian state currently holds the highest number of Ramsar Sites (20)?
A: Tamil Nadu
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