India’s Ramsar Sites Reach 103 with Chandigarh’s Sukhna Wetland, UP’s Sauj Jheel

India’s network of internationally recognised wetlands has expanded to 103 Ramsar sites, with Sukhna Wetland in Chandigarh and Sauj Jheel in Uttar Pradesh receiving international recognition for their ecological significance. Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav announced the additions on October 15, highlighting the role of wetlands in conserving biodiversity, strengthening water and climate security, and sustaining local livelihoods.

The Ramsar Convention, adopted in 1971 in Iran, provides an international framework for conserving wetlands of ecological importance. India joined the convention in 1982. The latest additions highlight the importance of protecting freshwater ecosystems against habitat degradation, pollution and other environmental pressures.

Sukhna Wetland, designated Ramsar Site No. 2602, was created in 1958 by damming the seasonal Sukhna Choe stream at the foothills of the Shivalik hills. The reservoir supports resident and migratory birds travelling along the Central Asian Flyway, alongside threatened species such as the vulnerable common pochard, endangered Pallas’s fish eagle and endangered black pond turtle. Beyond biodiversity, the lake is an important recreational and environmental resource for Chandigarh.

The designation follows years of conservation efforts. Chandigarh’s State Wetland Authority cleared the proposal in September 2025, followed by central government approvals and submission to the Ramsar Secretariat in 2026. The nomination recognised the lake’s biodiversity and ecological importance. However, siltation remains a major challenge: the Chandigarh Administration reported that the lake had lost 66% of its original water-holding capacity by 1988. Erosion control, catchment management, water-quality monitoring and invasive-species control remain essential.

Sauj Jheel, designated Ramsar Site No. 2603, lies within Uttar Pradesh’s Ganga floodplain, surrounded by agricultural land and near Saman Bird Sanctuary. Its vegetation, including sacred lotus and wild sugarcane, supports wildlife habitats. The wetland regularly hosts more than 30,000 waterbirds and supports species such as the vulnerable sarus crane and greater spotted eagle. Conservation measures include seasonal fishing restrictions, limits on fine-mesh nets and controls on cattle access.

Ramsar recognition promotes the wise use of wetlands, balancing conservation with sustainable livelihoods. It does not automatically guarantee additional funding or prohibit all human activity. With India’s tally reaching 103, the priority now is effective management, scientific monitoring and community participation to ensure lasting ecological benefits.