On June 4, a day before World Environment Day, the Union Environment Ministry announced the designation of two new Ramsar sites in India—Khichan in Phalodi and Menar in Udaipur, Rajasthan. This brings the total number of Ramsar sites in the country to 91, highlighting their importance for biodiversity, water purification, and ecological balance, especially for migratory birds. This recognition marks a significant milestone in India's environmental conservation efforts.
Announcing the news on social media platform X, Union Minister for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav, stated, "As we mark #EnvironmentDay today, let’s reaffirm our commitment to protecting our planet and ensuring sustainability for all living beings. Always remember: nature protects when we protect it."
Menar is a freshwater monsoon wetland area located in the village of Menar in Rajasthan. It consists of three ponds: Brahma Talab, Dhand Talab, and Kheroda Talab, along with agricultural land that connects the latter two ponds. The Menar Wetland Complex is recognised as a crucial site in the Central Asian Flyway, a migration corridor that spans from Siberia to the Indian subcontinent.
According to the official website for World Wetlands Day, the Menar wetlands exemplify community awareness and commitment to protecting local water bodies vital for sustaining essential ecosystems and livelihoods. The village community has prohibited agricultural activities within the wetlands' catchment area and has implemented measures to safeguard the natural habitat. This has enabled these water bodies to attract many resident and migratory birds from around the globe.
Additionally, the Menar wetlands have been designated as one of the Important Bird Areas (IBAs) in India, and efforts are underway to have them recognised as a Ramsar wetland.
Khichan is located in the northern Thar Desert and features two water bodies, the Ratri Nadi (river) and the Vijaysagar Talab (pond), along with riparian habitats and scrubland. According to the Ramsar Sites Information Service, this desert ecosystem supports drought-resistant plant species that provide habitat for over 150 bird species.
The site is particularly noted for hosting large wintering flocks of migratory demoiselle cranes (Anthropoides virgo). The residents of the nearby village work to mitigate threats to the cranes’ survival by reducing mortality rates from power line collisions and stray dog attacks. Khichan attracts birdwatchers, tourists, students, and scientists, who come primarily to witness the large seasonal gatherings of the cranes.
In February of this year, India welcomed four new wetlands into its list of Ramsar Convention sites: the Sakkarakottai Bird Sanctuary, and the Therthangal Bird Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu; the Khecheopalri Wetland in Sikkim; and Udhwa Lake in Jharkhand. Read more about it here.
