Both wetlands are vital habitats for migratory and native species.
India’s Ramsar network expanded from 26 (2014) to 98 (2026), an increase of over 276%.
India has the highest number of Ramsar sites among Asian countries.
Patna Bird Sanctuary – Habitat – A wetland bird sanctuary with a lake ecosystem.
During summers, the lake is covered with macrophytic vegetation such as water hyacinth and Potamogeton species.
Biodiversity – Supports migratoryand resident birds, including Pied mynas, herons, cormorants, ducks and geese;
Important aquatic birds include Lesser Whistling Duck, Graylag Goose, Comb Duck, Ruddy Shelduck, Gadwall, Eurasian Wigeon, Indian Spot-billed Duck, Northern Shoveler and Northern Pintail.
Significance – It is the smallest bird sanctuary in Uttar Pradesh.
Chhari-Dhand – Population – Attracts numerous migratory birds every year during the monsoon and winter seasons.
Habitat – Seasonal desert wetland located between the arid Banni grasslands and marshy salt flats of the Rann of Kutch.
It becomes swampy during the monsoon and is fed by north-flowing rivers and surrounding hills.
Biodiversity – Endangered species such as Dalmatian Pelican, Oriental Darter, Black-necked Stork and Indian Skimmer.
It also supports chinkara, wolves, caracal, desert cats and desert foxes.
Significance - Located at the interface of grasslands and salt flats.
Rich biodiversity makes it a major bird-watching destination.
Ramsar Convention on Wetlands
Ramsar site is a wetland of International Importance mentioned under the Ramsar Convention.
It is an intergovernmental treaty that provides the framework for national action and international cooperation for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources.
Adoption – In 1971 (Ramsar, Iran) and enforced in 1975. It is the only global environmental treaty that deals with a particular ecosystem.
Definition – Wetlands are areas of marsh, fen, peatland or water, whether natural or artificial, permanent or temporary, with water that is static or flowing, fresh, brackish or salt.
It also includes areas of marine water, the depth of which at low tide does not exceed 6 meters.
India’s position – India became a contracting party in 1981.
The Indian government’s definition as per the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017 excludes river channels, paddy fields and other areas where commercial activity takes place.
Ramsar Convention is not affiliated with the United Nations system of Multilateral Environmental Agreements.
Every year, 2nd February is celebrated as World Wetlands Day.
