New Delhi, Jan 31: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday expressed his joy at the recognition of Patna Bird Sanctuary in Uttar Pradesh's Etah district and Chhari-Dhand in Gujarat’s Kutch region as Ramsar sites. These wetlands have been officially designated as areas of "international importance" under the Ramsar Convention, an international treaty aimed at the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands.
In a post on X, PM Modi celebrated the achievement, calling it a major milestone in India’s ongoing efforts to safeguard wetlands and protect biodiversity. "Delighted that the Patna Bird Sanctuary in Etah (Uttar Pradesh) and Chhari-Dhand in Kutch (Gujarat) are Ramsar sites. Congratulations to the local population there as well as all those passionate about wetland conservation," he shared.
The newly designated Ramsar sites play a critical role in supporting biodiversity, providing sanctuary to hundreds of migratory and resident bird species. These wetlands also serve as habitats for a variety of wildlife, including chinkara, wolves, caracals, desert cats, desert foxes, and several endangered species. PM Modi reinforced India’s commitment to preserving such vital ecosystems, emphasizing, "These recognitions reaffirm our commitment to preserving biodiversity and protecting vital ecosystems. May these wetlands continue to thrive as safe habitats for countless migratory and native species."
Earlier, Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav also welcomed the addition of Patna Bird Sanctuary and Chhari-Dhand to India’s Ramsar sites list. He applauded the local communities and conservationists for their efforts to protect these important wetlands. "Congratulations Team Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat and the Wetland community! With World Wetlands Day close by, I am delighted to announce that there are two new additions to India's Ramsar growing network," Yadav wrote on X.
Yadav further highlighted that these wetlands are home to numerous migratory and resident bird species, in addition to hosting endangered wildlife. He also noted the impressive expansion of India's Ramsar network under PM Modi’s leadership, pointing out that the number of Ramsar sites in India has grown by over 276%, from 26 in 2014 to 98 today.
This recognition reflects India’s strong commitment to environmental protection and sustainable management of its wetlands, ensuring that these ecosystems continue to thrive and support a wide range of species for years to come.
