Wetlands are among the most productive ecosystems on Earth — they provide water, support wildlife, and help control floods. To protect such valuable ecosystems, the Ramsar Convention was established in 1971, encouraging countries to conserve wetlands of global importance.
India, known for its rich biodiversity, is one of the leading countries actively working to preserve wetlands. If you’re wondering, “How many Ramsar sites are there in India?”, the answer is — India has 91 Ramsar sites as of 2025, covering a total area of around 4.3 million hectares.
Let’s understand what Ramsar sites are, why they matter, and where these sites are located across India.
What Are Ramsar Sites?
Ramsar sites are wetlands that are recognized internationally under the Ramsar Convention, an intergovernmental treaty signed in Ramsar, Iran, in 1971.
The main goal of this treaty is to promote the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands and ensure that their ecological character is maintained.
In simple terms, a Ramsar site is a wetland of international importance that supports:
Rare or endangered species of plants and animals
Migratory birds and fish
Flood control and groundwater recharge
Livelihoods for local communities
India joined the Ramsar Convention on 1 February 1982, and since then, it has continued to expand its list of protected wetlands.
Total Number of Ramsar Sites in India (2025)
As of 2025, India has 91 Ramsar Sites, spread across 18 states and two union territories, covering about 4.3 million hectares of area.
This makes India one of the top five countries in the world with the largest number of Ramsar sites.
Growth of Ramsar Sites in India
When India joined the Ramsar Convention in 1982, it had only 6 wetlands recognized as Ramsar sites. Over time, more wetlands were added to the list as India ramped up conservation efforts.
Here’s how the numbers grew over the years:
| Year | Number of Ramsar Sites |
| 1982 | 6 |
| 2014 | 26 |
| 2019 | 37 |
| 2022 | 75 |
| 2023 | 80 |
| 2025 | 91 |
This rapid increase highlights India’s strong commitment to protecting its wetlands and biodiversity.
Distribution of Ramsar Sites in India
Ramsar sites are spread across almost all regions of the country — from the cold deserts of Ladakh to the mangroves of the Sundarbans and the lakes of Tamil Nadu.
Top States with the Most Ramsar Sites:
| State/UT | Number of Ramsar Sites |
| Tamil Nadu | 16 |
| Uttar Pradesh | 10 |
| Madhya Pradesh | 8 |
| Maharashtra | 6 |
| Gujarat | 6 |
| Punjab | 6 |
| Odisha | 5 |
| Jammu & Kashmir | 5 |
| Kerala | 4 |
| Himachal Pradesh | 3 |
| Rajasthan | 2 |
| West Bengal | 2 |
| Assam | 2 |
| Others (Ladakh, Manipur, Tripura, Meghalaya, Andhra Pradesh, UTs) | Remaining 14 |
This shows that Tamil Nadu has the highest number of Ramsar sites in India.
Some Famous Ramsar Sites in India
Here are some of the most well-known Ramsar sites you should know about:
1. Chilika Lake (Odisha)
2. Keoladeo National Park (Rajasthan)
3. Loktak Lake (Manipur)
4. Sundarbans Wetland (West Bengal)
5. Wular Lake (Jammu & Kashmir)
6. Ropar Wetland (Punjab)
7. Vembanad-Kol Wetland (Kerala)
8. Point Calimere Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary (Tamil Nadu)
- A coastal wetland famous for flamingos and blackbucks.
9. Deepor Beel (Assam)
10. Tsomoriri Lake (Ladakh)
Importance of Ramsar Sites in India
Ramsar sites play a vital role in India’s environment and economy.
1. Biodiversity Conservation
They protect rare species like the Sarus crane, Gangetic dolphin, and Siberian crane.
2. Climate Regulation
Wetlands act as carbon sinks, absorbing greenhouse gases and reducing climate impacts.
3. Flood and Drought Control
Wetlands store excess rainwater and recharge groundwater during dry seasons.
4. Livelihoods and Tourism
Many wetlands support local fishing, farming, and eco-tourism.
5. Water Purification
They naturally filter pollutants, improving water quality for nearby communities.
India’s Global Contribution
India’s inclusion of 91 Ramsar sites shows its strong commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially:
SDG 13: Climate Action
SDG 14: Life Below Water
SDG 15: Life on Land
Through national programs like the National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems (NPCA) and the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017, India continues to strengthen its wetland management system.
Challenges in Wetland Conservation
Despite progress, wetlands in India face several threats:
Urbanization and encroachment
Pollution from industries and agriculture
Siltation and invasive species
Unregulated tourism and sand mining
Climate change and rising temperatures
These factors make it vital to enforce stricter conservation laws and promote community-based wetland management.
Recent Additions to India’s Ramsar List
India continues to expand its Ramsar network. Some of the recent additions (2023–2025) include:
Yashwant Sagar (Madhya Pradesh)
Chitrangudi Bird Sanctuary (Tamil Nadu)
Suchindram-Theroor Wetland (Tamil Nadu)
Satkosia Gorge (Odisha)
Sirpur Lake (Madhya Pradesh)
Each of these sites adds to India’s growing list of internationally recognized wetlands.
Conclusion
To sum up, as of 2025, India has 91 Ramsar sites spread across 18 states and 2 union territories, covering about 4.3 million hectares. From the Chilika Lagoon in the east to the Vembanad Wetlands in the south, these sites are vital for biodiversity, climate balance, and human livelihood.
India’s growing number of Ramsar sites reflects its commitment to sustainable development and ecological preservation, making it one of the global leaders in wetland conservation.
FAQs
How many Ramsar sites are there in India in 2025?
There are 91 Ramsar sites in India as of 2025, covering around 4.3 million hectares.
Which state has the highest number of Ramsar sites?
Tamil Nadu has the highest number of Ramsar sites, with a total of 16.
Which was the first Ramsar site in India?
The Chilika Lake (Odisha) and Keoladeo National Park (Rajasthan) were the first two Ramsar sites designated in 1981.
What is the largest Ramsar site in India?
The Sundarbans Wetland (West Bengal) is the largest Ramsar site in India, covering about 423,000 hectares.
What is the Ramsar Convention?
The Ramsar Convention is an international treaty signed in 1971 in Ramsar, Iran, aimed at conserving and wisely using wetlands worldwide.
