Prime Minister Narendra Modi has warmly welcomed the international recognition granted to two Indian wetlands, calling it a proud moment for biodiversity conservation. The Patna Bird Sanctuary in Etawah, Uttar Pradesh, and Chhari-Dhand wetland in Gujarat’s Kutch district are now official Ramsar sites, bolstering India’s environmental portfolio.
In his X post, PM Modi expressed, ‘Thrilled that these areas have become Ramsar sites. Congratulations to locals and wetland guardians. They affirm our resolve to protect biodiversity and ecosystems.’ He hoped these wetlands would continue thriving as secure homes for diverse birdlife.
The announcement was made by Environment Minister Bhupendra Yadav, just ahead of the global observance of World Wetlands Day on February 2. Yadav detailed the explosive growth of the network: from a modest 26 sites in 2014 to 98 today, a testament to the government’s proactive policies.
These wetlands are biodiversity hotspots. Patna Bird Sanctuary teems with bird species, while Chhari-Dhand hosts an array of wildlife, from endangered birds to chinkara, wolves, caracals, desert cats, and foxes. Their Ramsar status ensures enhanced protection and international cooperation for conservation.
This achievement underscores India’s leadership in global environmental initiatives. It promotes awareness about wetland importance—acting as kidneys of the landscape, filtering water, mitigating floods, and supporting millions of migratory birds annually. With community involvement, these sites promise sustainable development and ecological resilience for generations.