Overview
- Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav announced the new designations ahead of World Wetlands Day, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated local communities and conservationists.
- Patna Bird Sanctuary in Uttar Pradesh supports 178 bird species and 252 plant species, has been identified as an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area, and hosts over 60,000 birds at winter peak.
- Chhari-Dhand in Kutch is a seasonal saline wetland between the Banni grasslands and Kachchh salt flats, supporting roughly 30,000 common cranes annually along with species such as sociable lapwing and common pochard.
- The Gujarat site becomes the state’s fifth Ramsar wetland and Kutch’s first, with officials highlighting benefits for conservation, regulated eco-tourism, and local livelihoods.
- Authorities note pressures from invasive species and tourism at both sites and outline measures including invasive plant removal, tourism regulation, and bird and avian influenza monitoring in coordination with state agencies and NGOs.