India added two more wetland into Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance

India has added two new wetlands, Khichan Wetland in Phalodi and Menar Wetland Complex in Udaipur, to the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance. This brings the total number of Ramsar sites in India to 91. These wetlands support diverse biodiversity and community-led conservation efforts.

Why in News?

Two more sites from India have been added to the list of wetlands of international importance on world environment day 2025, taking the number of such sites in the country to 91.

The latest to join the list of Ramsar sites in India are Khichan in Phalodi and Menar in Udaipur, both in Rajasthan.

World Environment Day is celebrated annually on 5th June (Since 1973) led by the UN Environment Programme.

The theme for 2025 is Beat Plastic Pollution.

Ramsar Convention on Wetlands:

• Genesis: The Convention was adopted in the Iranian city of Ramsar in 1971 and came into force in 1975.
• About: :It is the intergovernmental treaty that provides the framework for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources.

• Almost 90% of UN member states have acceded About New Ramsar Sites to become “Contracting Parties”.

• India became a party to the Ramsar Convention on February 1, 1982.
• To be designated a "wetland of international importance," a wetland must meet at least one of nine criteria established by the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands.

About New Ramsar Sites:

• Location: Northern Thar Desert, Phalodi District (Rajasthan)
• It comprises two water bodies, Ratri nadi (river) and Vijaysagar talab (pond), riparian habitat and scrub land.

• The site hosts large wintering flocks of migratory demoiselle cranes (Anthropoides virgo).

• Location: Menar and Kheroda villages, Udaipur District (Rajasthan).
• It is a freshwater monsoon wetland complex formed by three ponds (Braham talab, Dhand talab, Kheroda talab).

• Notable bird species are critically endangered white-rumped vulture (Gyps bengalensis) and long-billed vulture (Gypes indicus).

Source: The Hindu