UPSC CSE | GS PAPER III – ENVIRONMENT & ECOLOGY
1. IN NEWS
On 15 October 2026, Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav announced the addition of Sukhna Wetland (Chandigarh) and Sauj Jheel (Uttar Pradesh) to the Ramsar List, increasing India’s total to 103 Ramsar sites.
2. KEY FACTS
- Total Ramsar Sites in India: 103
- New Sites: Sukhna Wetland and Sauj Jheel
- Sukhna Wetland: Chandigarh – Ramsar Site No. 2602
- Sauj Jheel: Uttar Pradesh – Ramsar Site No. 2603
- Convention: Ramsar Convention, 1971
- India joined: 1982
3. ABOUT THE NEW RAMSAR SITES
A. Sukhna Wetland – Chandigarh
- Located at the foothills of the Outer Himalayas.
- Important habitat for migratory birds along the Central Asian Flyway.
- Supports species such as the common pochard and Pallas’s fish eagle.
- Helps regulate water and sediment flows.
B. Sauj Jheel – Uttar Pradesh
- Located in the Ganga floodplain.
- Supports more than 30,000 waterbirds regularly.
- Important habitat for the vulnerable sarus crane.
- Recognised as an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA).
4. IMPORTANCE OF RAMSAR SITES
- Biodiversity: Protect aquatic ecosystems and migratory birds.
- Water Security: Support water storage and groundwater recharge.
- Climate Regulation: Some wetlands store significant amounts of carbon.
- Flood Control: Help regulate water flows and reduce flood impacts.
- Livelihoods: Support fisheries, tourism and local communities.
5. MAJOR CHALLENGES
- Pollution and untreated wastewater.
- Encroachment and urbanisation.
- Invasive species.
- Climate change and changing rainfall patterns.
- Excessive exploitation of wetland resources.
6. PRELIMS QUICK FACTS
- Ramsar Convention: Adopted in 1971 at Ramsar, Iran.
- World Wetlands Day: 2 February.
- India’s Ramsar Sites: 103 (October 2026).
- First Indian Ramsar Sites: Chilika Lake and Keoladeo National Park (1981 designation).
- Montreux Record: Register of Ramsar sites where ecological changes have occurred, are occurring or are likely to occur.
7. UPSC MAINS QUESTION
Q. Discuss the ecological importance of wetlands and the major challenges in their conservation in India. (150 words)
CONCLUSION
The addition of two new Ramsar sites strengthens India’s wetland conservation efforts. Effective protection of wetlands is essential for biodiversity, climate resilience, water security and sustainable livelihoods.
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