Adding Sukhna Wetland (Chandigarh) and Sauj Lake (Uttar Pradesh) to the list brings India's Ramsar sites to 103.

The Indian government announced today that the Sukhna Wetland in Chandigarh and the Sauj Lake in Uttar Pradesh have been listed under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. This step reflects the country’s commitment to water conservation and biodiversity protection. According to earlier data, India had 101 Ramsar sites; now, with the addition of two more sites, the total has become 103.

The Sukhna Wetland, located in the northwestern part of Chandigarh, spans an area of more than 2,200 hectares and is also known as an important fishery and wind energy source. The wetland hosts various bird species, aquatic plants, and fish, many of which are protected at national and international levels.

Sauj Lake, situated in the Saini region of Uttar Pradesh, is an ancient craft reservoir that serves as a primary source of water for agricultural irrigation and local communities. The lake also provides habitat for countless waterbirds and aquatic organisms, making it worthy of protection.

Adding these two wetlands to the Ramsar list will not only recognize their ecological importance but also open new opportunities for cooperation between the government and local communities for conservation. Under the Ramsar Convention, special management plans will be implemented for sustainable development and biodiversity conservation at these sites. Moreover, this decision will strengthen India’s partnership with the international community, helping to promote balanced use of water resources and address the impacts of climate change.