[UPDATED 2022] New Ramsar Sites in India. 75th is Best

Celebrating the 75th year of Independence, 11 new ramsar sites in India were added. .These 11 more sites took the number of total number of Ramsar Sites in India from 64 to 75. The newly added 11 Ramsar sites are :

1. Tampara Lake
2. Hirakud Reservoir
3. Ansupa Lake
4. Yashwant Sagar
5. Chitrangudi Bird Sanctuary
6. Suchindram Theroor Wetland Complex.
7. Vaduvur Bird Sanctuary
8. Kanjirankulam Bird Sanctuary
9. Thane Creek
10. Hygam Wetland Conservation Reserve
11. Shallbugh Wetland Conservation Reserve

The 11 newly added ramsar sites included wetlands, Bird sanctuaries and lakes. Of all the newly added ramsar sites in 2022 ,5 sites belong to Tamil Nadu, 3 to Odisha , 2 to Jammu and Kashmir, and 1 each to Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh.

11 New Ramsar Sites in India

On the eve of 75th Independence day 11 new sites were added to the list of ramsar sites , taking the total count to 75. In these 75 sites, Tamil Nadu has the highest number of ramsar sites i,e 14 Ramsar sites . The newly added ramsar sites in 2022 are

Ramsar Sites India 2022

In 2022 total 19 new ramsar sites were included in the list of ramsar sites, taking the total number of ramsar sites in India to 75. In the year 2022 actually total of 28 sites have been declared as Ramsar sites .These 28 sites got the Ramsar certification in 2022. In these 28 sites, 14 sites from 2021 got there ramsar certification this year. While 19 sites for 2022 got ramsar certificate this year. In this total of 75 ramsar sites , Tamil Nadu has maximum ramsar site and 14 for previous year (2021). Tamil Nadu has maximum number of Ramsar sites (14 ). On second number Uttar Pardesh (UP) has 10 number of Ramsar sites . New Ramsar sites include :

Tampara Lake : :

One of the most popular freshwater lakes in the state of Odisha is Tampara Lake has been added to the list of new ramsar sites in India that is located in the Ganjam district. The British called the depression on the ground “Tamp,” and the locals afterwards referred to it as “Tampra.” The depression on the earth eventually filled with rainwater from catchment flow. At least 60 different bird species, 46 different fish species, at least 48 different phytoplankton species, and more than 7 distinct terrestrial plant and macrophyte species can all be found in the marsh.

For delicate species like the river tern, cyprinus carpio, and common pochard (Aythya ferina), the wetland is a crucial habitat (Sterna aurantia). The wetland is a vital source of income for the nearby villages, with an estimated average annual fish production of 12 tonnes. The wetland contains fish as well. This wetland is also a famous tourist attractions and people often visit here for recreation purposes.

Hirakud Reservoir

The largest earthen dam in Odisha, Hirakud Reservoir, began operating in 1957. A variety of plant and animal species, including some with great conservation importance, are supported by the reservoir. Several of the 54 species of fish from the reservoir that are known has been classified as endangered. There are also 21 fish species that are significant economically.

Hirakud reservoir currently provide 7,000 fisher households with their primary source of income and yield an annual catch of about 480 MT of fish. Likewise, this location has records for over 130 bird species, 20 of which are of great conservation importance. The reservoir provides water for irrigation purposes 436,000 ha of cultural command area and generating about 300 MW of hydropower.  The Hirakud Reservoir was added to the list of new ramsar sites in India . This reservoir also attracts a large number of tourists every year.

Ansupa Lake

The largest freshwater lake in Odisha, Ansupa Lake is located in the Cuttack district’s Banki subdistrict and has long been renowned for its scenic beauty, biodiversity, and natural riches. The wetland, which covers 231 acres, is an oxbow lake created by the River Mahanadi. Along with 244 types of macrophytes, the wetland is home to at least 194 bird species, 61 fish species, and 26 animal species.

At least three threatened bird species—Rynchops albicollis (EN), Sterna acuticauda (EN), and Sterna aurantia (VU)—as well as three threatened fish species—Clariias magur (Clariidae) (EN), Cyprinus carpio (Cyprinidae) (VU), and Wallago attu—can all be found safely residing in the marsh (VU). This lake also provides the fresh water to the surrounding areas. It was added to the list of newly added ramsar sites India

Yashwant Sagar

One of the two Important Bird Areas (IBA) in the Indore area and one of the most prominent birding locations in Madhya Pradesh’s Malwa region is Ashwant Sagar. It is in list of 11 new ramsar sites in Inida 2022. Currently, it is mostly used to supply water to the city of Indore and is also employed commercially for fish farming. The Indore City Municipal Corporation has control over the Yashwant Sagar reservoir.

The capital of Madhya Pradesh and one of the cleanest cities in India, Indore is also commonly referred to as the state’s economic growth hub. This wetland’s catchment area is primarily agricultural. The endangered Sarus Crane is thought to have a stronghold in central India’s Yashwant Sagar. The lake’s backwaters are fully of shallow water areas, providing good breeding ground to the birds and fowls. Being part of ramsar sites india, this site also provides the a breeding ground to many migratory birds in winter.

Chitrangudi Bird Sanctuary

The Ramanathapuram district of Tamil Nadu is home to the Chitrangudi Bird Sanctuary, sometimes referred to as “Chitrangudi Kanmoli” locally. It was added to ramsar sites in India 2022. Taking ramsar sites in Inida total to 75 The wetland has been declared a protected area since 1989 and is governed by the Ramanathapuram division of the Tamil Nadu Forest Department.

Winter migrating birds thrive in the Chitrangudi Bird Sanctuary. A total of 50 birds from 30 different families have been recorded at the location. Three land birds and 47 aquatic birds are present. Spot-billed pelicans, small egrets, grey herons, large egrets, open-billed storks, purple, and pond herons are notable waterbirds that have been seen nearby. Agribusiness fields surround Chitrangudi, where various crops are raised all year long. Several fish, amphibians, molluscs, aquatic insects, and other animals live in the marsh as well.

Suchindram Theroor Wetland Complex

Suchindrum A portion of the Suchindrum-Theroor Manakudi Conservation Reserve is the Theroor Wetland Complex. It is situated at the southernmost point of the migratory bird flyway in Central Asia and has been designated an Important Bird Area. It was built so that birds may build nests there, and thousands of birds visit it every year.

There are around 10,500 people who depend on Theroor for their livelihood, and 75% of them depend on agriculture, which in turn depends on the water discharged from the Theroor tank. This perpetual, man-made tank is located inland. Pasumkulam, Venchikulam, Nedumarthukulam, Perumkulam, Elemchikulam, and Konadunkulam are mentioned in copper plate inscriptions from the ninth century. There are over 250 bird species in the region, of which 53 are migratory, 12 are endemic, and 4 are threatened. With 94.23 hectare area Theroor was among the 11 new ramsar sites in India 2022

Vaduvur Bird Sanctuary

A massive man-made irrigation tank, the 112.638 hectares Vaduvur bird sanctuary is a haven for migrating birds as it offers a perfect habitat for food, shelter, and breeding grounds. Although these irrigation tanks are important in terms of socioeconomics and culture, little is known about their ecological value. There have been no studies done to confirm that these tanks might support healthy populations of resident and wintering water birds.

The majority of the tanks surveyed contained Indian Pond Heron Ardeola grayii. In tanks, there were high densities of wintering waterfowl such Eurasian Wigeon Anas penelope, Northern Pintail Anas acuta, and Garganey Anas querquedula.
It is one among new 4 newly added ramsar sites in Tamil Nadu and 11 new ramsar sites in india 2022.

Kanjirankulam Bird Sanctuary

A protected region called Kanjirankulam Bird Sanctuary is located close to Tamil Nadu’s Mudukulathur Ramanathapuram District. India, as announced in 1989. Several migratory heron species use it as a nesting ground, and they roost in the area’s profusion of babul trees. Between October and February, migratory waterbirds that breed in this area include the painted stork, white ibis, black ibis, tiny egret, and great egret. Due to the breeding activity of the endangered Spot-billed Pelican (Pelecanus philippensis), the area qualifies as an IBA. It is the among 11 new ramsar sites in India 2022.

Thane Creek

Indian state of Maharashtra is home to Thane Creek. The Ulhas River is the greatest of the creek’s several fresh water sources, which also include other drainage channels from various suburban neighborhood’s of Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, and Thane.

Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary has been established there. Mangroves line both banks of Thane Creek and make up about 20% of all Indian mangrove species. The mangrove forest shields the land from storms, tidal surges, seawater invasions, and other natural disasters. It was the single new ramsar site among 11 new ramsar sites in India 2022 from Maharashtra

 Hygam Wetland Conservation Reserve

The Hygam Wetland is a significant flood absorption basin, biodiversity protection site, ecotourism destination, and source of livelihood security for the surrounding populations. It is located inside the River Jhelum basin. The Baramulla district is where the wetland is. Both migratory bird species and many local residents use it as a home. It was recently added to the list of ramsar sites in India.

 Shallbugh Wetland Conservation Reserve

District Srinagar, UT of J&K is home to the Shallabug Wetland Conservation Reserve. Between September and March, a sizable portion of the wetland dries up. There are large reedbeds of Typha angustata and Phragmites communis in the area, as well as dense growths of Nymphaea candida and N. stellata on open water. More than four lakh resident and migratory birds of at least 21 species call it home.

List of Ramsar sites in India

List of all the ramsar sites in India. In August 2022 , 11 new sites were added to the list of ramsar sites, taking the total number of ramsar sites to 75. Below is the list of ramsar sites with the state/UT of its location and the year of its establishment. State-wise list of all the Ramsar sites in India.

SR. NO	RAMSAR SITES	STATE/UT	YEAR
1.	Point Calimere Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary	Tamil Nadu	2002
2.	Udhayamarthandapuram Bird Sanctuary	Tamil Nadu	2022
3.	Vellode Bird Sanctuary	Tamil Nadu	2022
4.	Vembannur Wetland Complex	Tamil Nadu	2022
5.	Gulf of Mannar Marine Biosphere Reserve	Tamil Nadu	2022
6.	Koonthankulam Bird Sanctuary	Tamil Nadu	2022
7.	Pichavaram Mangrove	Tamil Nadu	2022
8.	Pallikaranai Marsh Reserve Forest	Tamil Nadu	2022
9.	Karikili Bird Sanctuary	Tamil Nadu	2022
10.	Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary	Tamil Nadu	2022
11.	Chitrangudi Bird Sanctuary	Tamil Nadu	2022
12.	Suchindram Theroor Wetland Complex	Tamil Nadu	2022
13.	Vaduvur Bird Sanctuary	Tamil Nadu	2022
14.	Kanjirankulam Bird Sanctuary	Tamil Nadu	2022
15.	Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary	Uttar Pradesh	2019
16.	Parvati Agra Bird Sanctuary	Uttar Pradesh	2019
17.	Saman Bird Sanctuary	Uttar Pradesh	2019
18.	Samaspur Bird Sanctuary	Uttar Pradesh	2019
19.	Sandi Bird Sanctuary	Uttar Pradesh	2019
20.	Sarsai Nawar Jheel	Uttar Pradesh	2019
21.	Sur Sarovar	Uttar Pradesh	2020
22.	Upper Ganga River	Uttar Pradesh	2005
23.	Haiderpur Wetland	Uttar Pradesh	2021
24.	Bakhira Wildlife Sanctuary	Uttar Pradesh	2021
25.	Bhoj Wetlands	Madhya Pradesh	2002
26.	Sakhya Sagar	Madhya Pradesh	2022
27.	Sirpur wetland	Madhya Pradesh	2022
28.	Yashwant Sagar	Madhya Pradesh	2022
29.	Bhitarkanika Mangroves	Odisha	2002
30.	Chilka Lake	Odisha	1981
31.	Satkosia Gorge	Odisha	2022
32.	Tampara Lake	Odisha	2022
33.	Hirakud Reservoir	Odisha	2022
34.	Ansupa Lake	Odisha	2022
35.	Hokera Wetland	Jammu and Kashmir	2005
36.	Surinsar-Mansar Lakes	Jammu and Kashmir	2005
37.	Wular Lake	Jammu and Kashmir	1990
38.	Hygam Wetland Conservation Reserve	Jammu and Kashmir	2022
39.	Shallbugh Wetland Conservation Reserve	Jammu and Kashmir	2022
40.	Beas Conservation Reserve	Punjab	2019
41.	Harike Lake	Punjab	1990
42.	Nangal Wildlife Sanctuary	Punjab	2019
43.	Keshopur-Miani Community Reserve	Punjab	2019
44.	Ropar Lake	Punjab	2002
45.	Kanjli Lake	Punjab	2002
46.	Ranganathituu BS	Karnataka	2022
47.	Lonar Lake	Maharashtra	2020
48.	Nandur Madhameshwar	Maharashtra	2019
49.	Thane Creek	Maharashtra	2022
50.	Keoladeo Ghana NP	Rajasthan	1981
51.	Sambhar Lake	Rajasthan	1990
52.	Deepor Beel	Assam	2002
53.	Chandertal Wetland	Himachal Pradesh	2005
54.	Pong Dam Lake	Himachal Pradesh	2002
55.	Renuka Wetland	Himachal Pradesh	2005
56.	East Kolkata Wetlands	West Bengal	2002
57.	Sundarbans Wetland	West Bengal	2019
58.	Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary	Gujarat	2012
59.	Thol Lake Wildlife Sanctuary	Gujarat	2021
60.	Vadhvana Wetland	Gujarat	2021
61.	Khijadia Wildlife Sanctuary	Gujarat	2021
62.	Ashtamudi Wetland	Kerala	2002
63.	Sasthamkotta Lake	Kerala	2002
64.	Vembanad Wetland	Kerala	2002
65.	Tso Kar Wetland	Ladakh	2020
66.	Tsomoriri Lake	Ladakh	2002
67.	Asan Conservation Reserve	Uttarakhand	2020
68.	Kabartal Wetland	Bihar	2020
69.	Loktak Lake	Manipur	1990
70.	Kolleru  Lake	Andhra Pradesh	2002
71.	Sultanpur National Park	Haryana	2021
72.	Bhindawas Wildlife Sanctuary	Haryana	2021
73.	Rudrasagar Lake	Tripura	2005
74.	Pala wetland	Mizoram	2022
75.	Nanda Lake	Goa	2022
	TOTAL RAMSAR SITES IN INDIA= 75