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Patna Bird Sanctuary, Chhari-Dhand Earn Prestigious Ramsar Site Status

Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the designation of Patna Bird Sanctuary in Uttar Pradesh and Chhari-Dhand in Gujarat as wetlands of international importance under the Ramsar Convention. The sites provide critical habitat for hundreds of bird species and endangered animals like chinkara and desert foxes. Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav announced the additions, noting India's Ramsar network has expanded from 26 to 98 sites since 2014. The recognition is seen as a milestone in India's efforts to protect vital ecosystems and biodiversity.

Key Points: Patna & Chhari-Dhand Wetlands Designated as Ramsar Sites

  • Two new Indian wetlands gain Ramsar status
  • Sites are havens for migratory birds & endangered species
  • Recognition highlights commitment to biodiversity
  • India's Ramsar network has grown 276% since 2014
2 min read

PM Modi congratulates locals as Patna Bird Sanctuary, Chhari-Dhand become Ramsar Sites

PM Modi congratulates locals as Patna Bird Sanctuary in UP and Chhari-Dhand in Gujarat are declared Ramsar sites, boosting India's wetland conservation.

"Delighted that the Patna Bird Sanctuary... and Chhari-Dhand... are Ramsar sites. - PM Narendra Modi"

New Delhi, January 31

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday welcomed the inclusion of Patna Bird Sanctuary in Uttar Pradesh's Etah and Chhari-Dhand in Gujarat as Ramsar sites. These are wetlands deemed to be of "international importance" under the Ramsar Convention. Ramsar Convention on Wetlands is an international treaty for the conservation and sustainable use of Ramsar sites

PM Modi hailed the recognition as a milestone in India's efforts to protect wetlands and safeguard biodiversity.

Patna Bird Sanctuary in Etah, Uttar Pradesh, and Chhari-Dhand in Kutch, Gujarat, have been added to the Ramsar sites list. These wetlands provide a sanctuary for hundreds of migratory and resident bird species, and are also home to chinkara, wolves, caracal, desert cats, desert foxes, and several endangered species.

In a post on X, PM Modi wrote, "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."

"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," the post read.

Earlier on Friday, Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav announced that Patna Bird Sanctuary in Uttar Pradesh and Chhari-Dhand in Gujarat have been added to India's Ramsar sites and congratulated the local communities and conservationists for their role in protecting these vital 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. Patna Bird Sanctuary in Etah, Uttar Pradesh, and Chhari-Dhand in Kutch, Gujarat are the new entrants to the coveted Ramsar sites list. This international recognition reflects India's strong commitment to protect our environment and conserve our rich wetlands," Yadav wrote in a post on X.

"Hundreds of migratory and resident avian species find their home in the two wetlands, apart from being the habitat of chinkara, wolves, caracal, desert cats and desert foxes besides endangered birds. Under the visionary leadership of PM Shri @narendramodiji, Indian Ramsar network has seen an expansion of over 276% - climbing from 26 in 2014 to 98 now," the post read.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Wonderful step! But recognition is just the first step. The real challenge is on-ground protection from pollution, encroachment, and climate change. Hope the government follows through with strict enforcement and community-led management plans for these sites.
V
Vikram M
As someone from Gujarat, I'm thrilled for Chhari-Dhand in Kutch! It's a unique desert wetland ecosystem. This should boost eco-tourism in the region if done sustainably. Kudos to all the conservationists and locals working silently for years.
S
Sarah B
Great to see India taking such proactive steps for conservation. The 276% increase in Ramsar sites since 2014 is an impressive statistic. International cooperation on environmental issues gives me hope.
R
Rohit P
Bahut accha! 🦜 Now please ensure these places don't become just another tick on a list. We need continuous monitoring and involving local youth in conservation. The real congratulations should go to the forest department staff and village volunteers.
M
Michael C
Protecting habitats for species like the caracal and desert fox is vital. These are often overlooked. Hope this leads to more scientific research and protection for all the fauna mentioned, not just the birds.
K
Kavya N
A timely announcement before World Wetlands Day. It's heartening

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