Wetlands and Ramsar Sites in India 2025: Complete List, Importance & State-Wise Data

Wetlands of India cover about 4.5% of the country’s geographical area, with more than 7 lakh wetlands spread across states and ecosystems. These ecological treasures have earned recognition through the Ramsar Convention over the last several years, highlighting their importance as vital wetland ecosystems.

The country’s steadfast dedication to wetlands conservation shows remarkable progress. The number of Indian Ramsar sites has jumped from 26 in 2014 to 93 sites by September 2025, spanning 13,60,719 hectares. Tamil Nadu stands out with 20 Ramsar sites, while the Sundarbans remains India’s largest wetland. The National Wetland Inventory and Assessment estimates India’s total wetland area at 15.260 MHa, with rivers and streams making up about 10 MHa.

Let’s take a closer look at India’s wetlands, their distribution through detailed maps, and a state-by-state analysis of these vital ecosystems. We’ll explore the growing network of internationally recognized wetlands and the conservation efforts that protect these natural resources.

Total Wetlands in India: An Overview

Wetlands are fascinating ecosystems where flooding or soil saturation creates unique low-oxygen environments. These special places support specialized plants, animals, and microbes. They act as transition zones between land and water ecosystems, making them different from both.

What qualifies as a wetland?

The Ramsar Convention, which governments signed as a treaty in 1971, gives us the most accessible definition of wetlands: “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, including areas of marine water the depth of which at low tide does not exceed six meters”.

A wetland needs at least one of these key features:

• Water presence (all the time or sometimes)
• Special soil conditions different from nearby uplands
• Plants that thrive in wet conditions (hydrophytes)
• Areas without plants that still support wetland processes

We grouped wetlands into several types based on where they form. Marine and coastal wetlands include coral reefs, tidal flats, and mangroves. Inland wetlands include rivers, lakes, marshes, and peatlands. Human-made wetlands like reservoirs, aquaculture ponds, and irrigation systems help us manage water better.

How many wetlands are there in India?

The National Wetland Decadal Change Atlas from 2017, published by Space Applications Center-ISRO, shows India has 2,31,195 wetlands. These cover 15.98 million hectares (not counting paddy fields). This makes up about 4.86% of India’s total area. But different sources give us different numbers. One source says India has 27,403 wetlands – 23,444 inland and 3,959 coastal wetlands.

Recent data points to 1,301 wetlands in total, with 85 Ramsar Sites and 114 Significant Wetlands. The Press Information Bureau tells us India has 1,307 wetlands, and 113 of these are vital wetlands because of their ecological value.

The National Wetland Inventory and Assessment reveals good news. The number and size of wetlands (area ≥ 2.25 ha) grew by 18,810 and 0.64 million hectares between 2006-07 and 2017-18. This shows our conservation efforts are working.

Difference between natural and man-made wetlands

Indian wetlands fall into two main groups: natural wetlands and man-made wetlands. Nature creates natural wetlands through geological and biological processes over time. People build man-made wetlands to store water, raise fish, or treat water.

By 2017-18, 66.6% of India’s wetlands were natural – 43.9% inland and 22.7% coastal. The rest are human-made wetlands like reservoirs, irrigation ponds, and rice fields. Natural wetlands keep shrinking while man-made ones increase across the country.

Natural wetlands support more diverse life and provide better ecosystem services than artificial ones. Marshes, swamps, bogs, and fens have evolved over centuries into complex ecological communities. People build artificial wetlands like dams, barrages, salt pans, and aquaculture ponds for specific uses.

Both types are vital for cleaning water, controlling floods, refilling groundwater, and giving homes to many plants and animals. The Wetlands Rules of 2017 protect both natural and man-made wetlands through management plans and regular checks on their health.

Understanding Ramsar Sites in India

The Ramsar Convention has become the life-blood of global wetland protection. India now plays a crucial role in this international conservation framework. Our country ranks first in South Asia and third globally in Ramsar site numbers, which shows our steadfast dedication to preserve these vital ecosystems.

What is the Ramsar Convention?

The Ramsar Convention, formally known as the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance Especially as Waterfowl Habitat, represents the first modern treaty between nations that focuses on natural resource conservation. This 54-year old convention, named after the small Iranian city of Ramsar, officially began its work on December 21, 1975.

The convention started a mission to “ensure the conservation and wise use of all wetlands through local and national actions and international cooperation, as a contribution towards achieving sustainable development throughout the world”. The framework guides contracting parties through “three pillars”:

• Working toward the wise use of all wetlands
• Designating suitable wetlands for the List of Wetlands of International Importance
• Cooperating internationally on transboundary wetlands and shared species

The Ramsar List now has 2,544 sites globally that form the world’s largest network of protected areas. These wetlands must meet at least one of nine specific criteria, from supporting vulnerable species to hosting substantial waterbird populations.

India’s commitment to wetland conservation

India became part of the Ramsar Convention on February 1, 1982. Over the last several years, our nation has shown a reliable commitment to wetlands conservation through constitutional mandates, legal instruments, and detailed policy frameworks.

Our country’s wetland conservation efforts blend into broader national plans. They are the foundations of the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan among the National Wildlife Action Plan. On top of that, the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules of 2017 provide a structured approach to protect both natural and artificial wetlands.

India’s wetland conservation strategy now goes beyond site designation. We focus more on management effectiveness, community involvement, and scientific research. Our government sees wetlands as vital for climate resilience, water regulation, and ecological health.

Growth of Ramsar sites since 1981

India’s experience with Ramsar site designations started in 1981 with our first two sites. The growth pattern shows two distinct phases in India’s commitment to the convention.

From 1982 to 2013, 26 wetlands received the prestigious Ramsar designation. The most impressive growth happened later – between 2014 and September 2025, India added 67 new Ramsar sites, growing the network by 250%.

Recent years have seen remarkable progress. To name just one example, 2022 brought 28 new sites to the list. By August 2024, India had 85 Ramsar sites, and as of September 2025, this number reached 93 sites covering 13,60,719 hectares.

Tamil Nadu leads all states with 20 Ramsar designations, while Uttar Pradesh follows with 10 sites. Even Jharkhand and Sikkim received their first Ramsar designations in recent updates, showing nationwide progress in wetland conservation.

This growth shows more than just numbers. It represents India’s growing awareness of wetlands’ ecological importance. Each designation attracts international attention, resources, and protection frameworks to these vital ecosystems that support biodiversity, livelihoods, and environmental resilience across our nation.

State-wise Wetland Distribution with Map Insights

India’s wetlands show remarkable diversity in every state, each reflecting its own geographical features and conservation needs. Let’s take a closer look at how these wetlands are spread across our nation and what we’ve learned about protecting them.

States with the highest number of Ramsar sites

Tamil Nadu leads the way with 20 Ramsar sites as of September 2025, making it the state with the most internationally recognized wetlands in India. Uttar Pradesh comes in second with 10 Ramsar sites that span about 395 hectares.

These states also have significant numbers of Ramsar sites:

• Odisha with 6 sites
• Punjab with 6 sites
• Madhya Pradesh with 5 sites
• Jammu and Kashmir with 5 sites

Some states added their first Ramsar sites in 2025. Jharkhand and Sikkim joined the list with Udhwa Lake and Khecheopalri Wetland. Rajasthan added two new sites – Khichan (Phalodi) and Menar (Udaipur) – bringing its total to 4 Ramsar sites.

States with the largest wetland area

Gujarat stands out with an impressive 3,499,429 hectares of wetlands, which makes up 21.9% of India’s total wetland area. People often call Gujarat the “Land of Wetlands”. This vast area includes large stretches of intertidal mud flats (2,142,215 ha) and coastal salt marshes (136,397 ha).

The top five states by wetland area are:

Each state has its own unique wetland features. West Bengal’s Sundarbans ecosystem boasts extensive mangrove coverage (221,410 ha). The high-altitude wetlands exist mainly in Ladakh (112,113 ha) and Sikkim (2,991 ha), representing delicate mountain ecosystems.

The southern states have made their mark with substantial artificial wetlands. Andhra Pradesh (321,647 ha), Tamil Nadu (277,065 ha), and Karnataka (304,625 ha) showcase many tanks and ponds that tell the story of human influence on wetland growth.

Interactive wetlands in India map overview

Digital maps have changed how we see and understand India’s wetland distribution. The National Wetland Inventory and Assessment shows that between 2006-07 and 2017-18, wetlands grew by 18,810, adding 0.64 million hectares.

The Indian Wetlands portal’s interactive map shows:

• Wetland locations across states and union territories
• Details about Ramsar sites and major wetlands
• Types of wetlands (natural vs. man-made)
• Ecological features and conservation status

This digital tool covers about 15,260,572 hectares according to the National Wetlands Atlas. Users can explore wetland patterns, find conservation hotspots, and understand regional differences in wetland types.

These mapping tools help manage, research, and plan wetland conservation effectively. They make it easy to visualize India’s 2,31,195 wetlands (≥2.25 ha), helping researchers, policymakers, and conservation experts understand complex ecological data better.

Largest, Smallest, and Oldest Wetlands in India

93 Ramsar sites spread across India showcase remarkable features. These wetlands range from vast mangrove forests to small lake ecosystems that represent India’s diverse aquatic landscapes.

Largest wetland in India by area

The Sundarbans Wetland in West Bengal stands as India’s largest wetland. This massive ecosystem spans 4,230 square kilometers (423,000 hectares). The site earned its Ramsar designation in 2019 and belongs to the world’s largest mangrove forest.

The Sundarbans features hundreds of islands connected by an intricate network of rivers and creeks. These waterways lie in the delta where the Ganges and Brahmaputra rivers meet the Bay of Bengal. This unique landscape provides a home to 453 wildlife species:

• 290 bird species
• 120 fish species
• 42 mammal species
• 35 reptile species
• 8 amphibian species

Bengal tigers with unique water hunting abilities make this region famous. The area also shelters many endangered species like the critically endangered northern river terrapin and the endangered Irrawaddy dolphin.

These substantial wetlands follow the Sundarbans in size:

1. Vembanad Kol Wetland (Kerala) – 1,512.5 km²
2. Chilika Lake (Odisha) – 1,165 km²
3. Kolleru Lake (Andhra Pradesh) – 901 km²
4. Bhitarkanika Mangroves (Odisha) – 650 km²

Smallest Ramsar site in India

Renuka Lake in Himachal Pradesh stands as India’s smallest Ramsar site. This tiny wetland covers just 0.2 square kilometers (20 hectares). The site’s ecological value earned it Ramsar status on October 15, 2012.

Here are other small Ramsar sites in India:

Goa has the smallest total area under Ramsar Sites at 0.42 km². These small wetlands serve as vital biodiversity hotspots that attract migratory birds and endemic species.

Oldest Ramsar sites and their significance

Chilika Lake (Odisha) and Keoladeo National Park (Rajasthan) share honors as India’s first Ramsar sites. Both sites received their designation in 1981. India joined the Ramsar Convention shortly after, on February 1, 1982.

Chilika Lake is Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon. A long sandy ridge separates it from the Bay of Bengal. This thriving ecosystem supports:

• 118 fish species
• 33 waterbird species that breed, winter and stage here
• India’s only known population of Irrawaddy dolphins

Keoladeo National Park, once known as Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, ranks among India’s prime bird habitats. These two sites laid the groundwork for India’s wetland conservation efforts. Today, the country boasts 93 Ramsar wetlands.

Before 1981, India had no internationally recognized wetlands. These historic sites continue to protect biodiversity and set standards for wetland management across the country.

Newly Added Ramsar Sites (2024–2025)

India’s wetland conservation efforts reached new heights in 2024-2025. The country added several new sites to the prestigious Ramsar list and emerged as a global leader in wetland preservation.

Overview of 2025 additions

India now has 93 Ramsar sites spread across 13,60,719 hectares. The country leads Asia and ranks third worldwide after the United Kingdom (176) and Mexico (144). The conservation momentum continued through 2025 as India added four new sites to its Ramsar inventory.

February 2025 saw four wetlands join the Ramsar list:

• Sakkarakottai Bird Sanctuary (Tamil Nadu)
• Therthangal Bird Sanctuary (Tamil Nadu)
• Khecheopalri Wetland (Sikkim)
• Udhwa Lake (Jharkhand)

Khichan (Phalodi) and Menar (Udaipur) wetlands in Rajasthan earned their designations in June 2025, bringing the total to 91. Two wetlands from Bihar—Gokul Jalashay and Udaipur Jheel—received Ramsar status in September 2025, taking the final count to 93.

Highlights from Bihar and Rajasthan

Bihar’s newest additions showcase unique ecological features:

Gokul Jalashay (Buxar district):

• An oxbow lake on the Ganges River’s southern edge A natural flood buffer spanning 448 hectares
• A haven for over 50 bird species that provides vital fishing and irrigation resources

Udaipur Jheel (West Champaran district):

• A 319-hectare oxbow lake next to Udaipur Wildlife Sanctuary
• A biodiversity hotspot with over 280 plant species, including the endemic Alysicarpus roxburghianus
• A winter home to about 35 migratory bird species, including the vulnerable common pochard Rajasthan’s new sites stand out:

Khichan (Phalodi):

• A sanctuary for thousands of migratory Demoiselle cranes
• A protected area of 292 hectares

Menar (Udaipur):

• The “Bird Village”
• Two main lakes—Brahma Talab and Dhand Talab
• A vast expanse of 2,828 hectares

Rajasthan’s Ramsar site count now stands at 4, with Sambhar Lake and Keoladeo Ghana National Park.

Community-led conservation efforts

Local communities play a vital role in preserving India’s newest Ramsar sites. The villagers of Gokul Jalashay celebrate an annual festival where they clean the catchment area and remove weeds. Their traditional knowledge enriches wetland management practices.

Menar’s bird conservation initiatives showcase the power of local stewardship. This success story reflects a national trend highlighted at the 15th Conference of the Parties to the Ramsar Convention. India’s community participation model helped revive over 68,827 small wetlands in just one year.

The community-based approach thrives through:

• Local ownership by Gram Panchayats and Urban Local Bodies
• Women-led self-help groups maintaining ecosystems
• Communities helping define wetland boundaries through mapping

These grassroots efforts show how local wisdom and community action drive India’s expanding wetland conservation strategy.

Threats and Conservation Efforts

Indian wetlands face mounting pressures that threaten their existence and functionality, despite their ecological value. A clear understanding of these challenges will help implement better conservation strategies.

Major threats to Indian wetlands

Expanding cities pose one of the biggest threats to wetlands. Major cities have lost substantial wetland areas – Mumbai lost 71%, Chennai 85%, and Kolkata 36%. The Chatra Wetland in eastern India has lost about 60% of its area over 28 years due to suburban growth.

Water pollution has become another serious issue. Untreated sewage and industrial waste continue to contaminate wetland ecosystems. Scientists found 6,730 microplastic pieces per kilogram of dry sediment in Mumbai’s mangroves. Agricultural runoff adds nitrogen and phosphorus that affect the health and reproduction of various species.

The impact of climate change makes these problems worse. Changes in rainfall patterns and more frequent droughts affect wetlands severely. Southern, central, and eastern Indian wetlands face recurring droughts that used to happen every 4-5 years.

Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017

India introduced the Wetlands Rules in 2017 to protect these delicate ecosystems. The regulations give states more control to identify and notify wetlands in their areas.

These rules ban several activities in protected wetlands:

• Converting wetlands for other uses
• Building new industries or expanding existing ones
• Dumping solid waste
• Releasing untreated waste and effluents
• Building within fifty meters of the mean high flood level

States must set up Wetland Authorities led by their Environment Minister. These authorities include experts in wetland ecology, hydrology, and socioeconomics.

Role of local communities and NGOs

Local communities play a vital role in wetland conservation. Uttar Pradesh has 86 “wetland mitras” – dedicated volunteers from different groups who help protect these areas. While more volunteers are needed, this approach shows promise.

NGOs contribute significantly to wetland protection. WWF-India helps rejuvenate wetlands across Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka by working with government agencies and local communities. They provide tools and expertise to check water quality, as shown by their work with Coimbatore organizations to monitor Noyyal wetlands.

Traditional practices often lead to successful conservation. Villagers in Bihar’s Gokul Jalashay celebrate annual festivals where they clean weeds and catchment areas together. This shows how local knowledge helps maintain healthy wetlands.

Conclusion

India’s wetlands are ecological treasures that substantially contribute to biodiversity, water security, and climate resilience. These wetland ecosystems cover about 4.5% of our national territory. More than 7 lakh wetlands exist in states of all sizes. Tamil Nadu stands out with 20 Ramsar sites, while Gujarat has the largest wetland area at 3,499,429 hectares.

Our nation’s commitment to wetlands conservation shows in the growth of Indian Ramsar sites. The number jumped from 26 in 2014 to 93 sites by September 2025. Recent additions in 2024-2025 include wetlands in Bihar, Rajasthan, Sikkim, and Jharkhand. This expansion has improved the protection of wetlands across different regions.

Challenges exist in spite of that. These fragile ecosystems face threats from urban expansion, pollution, and climate change. The Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules of 2017 offer a vital framework for environmental protection. The success of these rules depends on how states and local bodies implement them.

Local community involvement has become the brightest spot in India’s wetland conservation story. Traditional practices at Gokul Jalashay in Bihar and community projects in Rajasthan’s Menar show the power of local knowledge. These grassroots efforts work alongside government policies and NGO support to protect these ecosystems.

The future of India’s wetlands hangs in balance between growing awareness and environmental threats. Their preservation needs steadfast dedication, research, community care, and strong policies. These wetlands clean water, control floods, and support biodiversity. They also serve as important bird areas, breeding grounds, and wintering grounds for various species along the Central Asian Flyway. Additionally, wetlands play a crucial role in water storage and groundwater recharge.

As we move forward, it’s essential to recognize the potential for ecotourism in these areas, which can provide economic incentives for conservation. However, we must also be vigilant about the spread of invasive species and the impact on native freshwater fish and other aquatic life.

From freshwater wetlands to perennial and monsoon wetlands, each type plays a unique role in India’s ecological tapestry. The floating vegetation in many of these wetlands not only adds to their beauty but also provides crucial habitats for various species.

In conclusion, the protection of India’s wetlands isn’t just an environmental issue – it’s a national priority for responsible development. By continuing to designate conservation reserves, manage natural wetlands, and support community-led initiatives, India can ensure that these vital ecosystems continue to thrive for generations to come.

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