Newly Added Ramsar Wetland Sites in India in 2024

In a significant milestone for wetland conservation, India added 10 new Ramsar sites to its existing tally in 2024. This achievement reflects India’s growing commitment to wetland preservation and sustainable development, guided by the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the efforts of the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC). On the eve of World Wetlands Day 2024 and Independence Day 2024, Union Minister Bhupender Yadav announced the designation of new Ramsar sites, bringing India’s total to 85 wetlands of international importance.

This article provides a detailed overview of the newly added Ramsar sites and their ecological and cultural significance.

What Are Ramsar Sites?

Ramsar sites are wetlands of international importance designated under the Ramsar Convention, an intergovernmental treaty adopted in 1971 in Ramsar, Iran. India became a signatory to this treaty in 1982 and has since been actively adding wetlands to this prestigious list. These sites play a vital role in biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, and supporting human livelihoods.

New Ramsar Sites in 2024

1. Ankasamudra Bird Conservation Reserve (Karnataka)

• Area: 98.76 ha
• Ecological Importance:
  Ankasamudra is a centuries-old human-made irrigation tank located near the Ankasamudra village. It supports over 240 bird species, including vulnerable and near-threatened species like the Painted Stork (Mycteria leucocephala) and Black-headed Ibis (Threskiornis melanocephalus).
  • Key Features:
    • Over 30,000 waterbirds use the site for nesting and roosting.
    • Rich biodiversity includes 210 plant species, 41 fish species, and 27 butterfly species.
    • Recognized for supporting over 1% of the biogeographic population of key waterbird species.

2. Aghanashini Estuary (Karnataka)

• Area: 4,801 ha
• Ecological Importance:
  This brackish water estuary, formed at the confluence of the Aghanashini River with the Arabian Sea, provides critical ecosystem services such as flood mitigation, biodiversity conservation, and livelihood support.
  • Key Features:
    • Supports over 43,000 waterbirds, including the River Tern, Oriental Darter, and Woolly-necked Stork.
    • Crucial for local livelihoods, benefiting 6,000-7,500 families through fishing, agriculture, and aquaculture.
    • The mangroves bordering the estuary protect against coastal erosion and storms.

3. Magadi Kere Conservation Reserve (Karnataka)

• Area: ~50 ha
• Ecological Importance:
  A human-made wetland originally created for irrigation, Magadi Kere is a vital wintering ground for migratory birds like the Bar-headed Goose (Anser indicus).
  • Key Features:
    • Hosts 166 bird species, including vulnerable species like the Common Pochard and River Tern.
    • Recognized as an Important Bird Area (IBA) in Southern India.
    • Critical habitat for migratory species during winter.

4. Karaivetti Bird Sanctuary (Tamil Nadu)

• Area: 453.72 ha
• Ecological Importance:
  One of Tamil Nadu’s largest inland wetlands, this sanctuary is crucial for groundwater recharge and supports extensive agricultural activities.
  • Key Features:
    • Home to 198 bird species, including the Bar-headed Goose and Northern Shoveler.
    • A congregation site for waterbirds in the state.
    • Supports local agriculture and water management.

5. Longwood Shola Reserve Forest (Tamil Nadu)

• Ecological Importance:
  This forested wetland in the Nilgiris is a biodiversity hotspot in the Western Ghats, hosting 14 endemic bird species.
  • Key Features:
    • Habitat for endangered species like the Nilgiri Laughing Thrush and Nilgiri Wood Pigeon.
    • Provides critical ecosystem services like water storage and carbon sequestration.

6. Nanjarayan Bird Sanctuary (Tamil Nadu)

• Area: 125.865 ha
• Ecological Importance:
  This shallow wetland near Tiruppur is a rich habitat for 191 bird species and a crucial water source for agriculture.
  • Key Features:
    • Supports both resident and migratory bird species.
    • Enhances groundwater recharge in the region.
    • Managed sustainably through community participation.

7. Kazhuveli Bird Sanctuary (Tamil Nadu)

• Area: 5,151.6 ha
• Ecological Importance:
  A brackish lake on the Coromandel Coast, Kazhuveli is an important breeding and stopover site for migratory birds.
  • Key Features:
    • Lies in the Central Asian Flyway.
    • Home to diverse biodiversity, including degraded mangrove patches and freshwater reeds.
    • Supports aquifers and groundwater recharge.

8. Tawa Reservoir (Madhya Pradesh)

• Area: 20,050 ha
• Ecological Importance:
  This reservoir, built at the confluence of the Tawa and Denwa rivers, lies within the Satpura Tiger Reserve.
  • Key Features:
    • Supports rare and endangered flora and fauna.
    • Vital for migratory and local birds.
    • Provides irrigation, power generation, and aquaculture.

9. Nagi Bird Sanctuary (Bihar)

• Ecological Importance:
  This human-made wetland is a wintering habitat for migratory birds and supports over 150 species of flora and fauna.
  • Key Features:
    • Highest bird count in the Asiatic Waterbird Census 2023.
    • Key habitat for globally threatened species.

10. Nakti Bird Sanctuary (Bihar)

• Ecological Importance:
  Similar to Nagi, this sanctuary provides a haven for migratory birds and supports biodiversity in the region.
  • Key Features:
    • Critical for ecosystem balance and irrigation.
    • Habitat for endangered Indian elephants and other species.

India’s Ramsar Journey: A Decade of Progress

Over the past decade, India has witnessed remarkable growth in Ramsar site designations, increasing the number from 26 in 2013 to 85 in 2024. Of these, 38 wetlands were added in the last three years alone. Tamil Nadu continues to lead with 18 Ramsar sites, followed by Uttar Pradesh with 10 sites.

Theme of World Wetlands Day 2024: ‘Wetlands and Human Wellbeing’

The 2024 theme underscores the critical role of wetlands in flood protection, clean water, biodiversity, and recreation, all essential for human prosperity. Events like the national celebration at Sirpur Lake in Indore, a Ramsar site since 2022, highlight India’s commitment to wetland conservation.

The addition of 10 new Ramsar sites in 2024 reflects India’s unwavering focus on conserving its wetlands as Amrit Dharohars (eternal treasures). These wetlands are not just ecological hubs but also vital for human wellbeing and sustainable development. As India marches towards its vision of a Viksit Bharat, the emphasis on wetland conservation remains a cornerstone of its environmental strategy.